Danny Wimmer’s big music extravaganza Bourbon & Beyond sets up its stages in Louisville this weekend (Sept. 11 – 14) at the Highland Festival Grounds (1016 Phillips Lane). The festival will feature an expanded venue. The new expansion includes (from the release):
Enhanced space and comfort
DWP is rolling out sitewide enhancements to make festivalgoers’ weekends smoother, more comfortable, and easier to keep cool.
● An immersive merch experience inside the climate-controlled Kentucky Expo Center, featuring festival gear, additional activations, and lounge seating
● More tree-shaded areas throughout the grounds to beat the heat
● Expanded turf zones at the main stages and GA areas
● A more spacious layout designed to let fans stretch out, sway easy, and savor every moment between sets
● An added main entrance to help ease the flow and get fans in the gates quicker
● Bourbon & Beyond will be more than doubling its GA Lawn Chair Pass capacity.
All festival passes now include:
● FREE access to amusement rides inside Kentucky Kingdom from 2:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. daily (closed to the public during the festivals)
● Attractions include the Giant Wheel (ferris wheel, with extended hours), Lightning Run roller coaster, Scream Extreme, and Skycatcher, for a total of 18 fan-favorites
● Extra shaded areas, picnic spots & restrooms
● Select concessions, shopping & air-conditioned indoor dining
● The Kentucky Kingdom Water Park will not be open/accessible to festival patrons or the public during this time.
Upgraded VIP Experience
● MINT VIP is now 35% larger than ever before, with an expanded layout designed for extra comfort. Brand-new 3-story shaded viewing platform offering an elevated view of both main stages (replacing the former outdoor patio)
● Added large shade structure for additional coverage throughout VIP area
Transportation & Festival Entry Improvements
● Festival site will be able to better utilize the infrastructure in place on the festival grounds, including roadways and parking, as they were originally designed
● A second festival entrance will be added this year
● Dedicated rideshare/taxi area
● Shuttles will be vastly improved
● More details on the specific traffic and parking plan will be provided in the coming weeks
In addition to the expansion of the festival, the team and the city are hosting numerous extra parties and events to celebrate.
BOURBON & BEYOND PRE and POST PARTIES
- 9/13 Mayorthon Bourbon & Beyond 5k: Kentucky Exposition Center
- 8 a.m.
- Lace up those running shoes, Louisville! We’re partnering with Mayor Craig Greenberg to bring the Bourbon & Beyond 5K to the Kentucky Expo Center, as part of the Planet Fitness Mayorthon Race Series. TICKETS AVAILABLE HERE.
- 9/10 Showbarn Sessions Bourbon & Beyond Kickoff at Ashbourne Farms:
- You’re invited to a one-night-only kickoff celebration as Showbarn Sessions, presented by PNC Bank, teams up with Bourbon & Beyond—featuring rising star Redferrin from Warner Music Nashville. With a bold mix of country roots and hip-hop swagger, Redferrin brings a sound as unforgettable as Old No. 7. Tickets available at https://www.exploretock.com/ashbourne-farms-la-grange/event/566551/showbarn-sessions-bourbon-beyond-kickoff-featuring-redferrin
- 9/10 Bourbon & Beyond Kickoff Dinner at Beam Distilling Co: The Kitchen Table
- 6 PM Exclusive Bourbon & Beyond kickoff dinner with the latest releases from James B. Beam Distilling Co. Dinner includes Beam-inspired fare, unique cocktails, and an opportunity to purchase the hardest to find bourbons! More details can be found HERE.
- 9/12 & 9/13 Official Bourbon & Beyond After Party: Main Ballroom, Crowne Plaza
- 10 p.m. – 2 a.m.
- Keep the party going at THE Official Afterparty! Just steps away from the festival grounds at The Crowne Plaza, dance into the early morning with Louisville’s hottest DJ, K-Dogg, enjoy drinks & bites for purchase, photo ops, and more! Sponsored by Jim Beam, Maker’s Mark, Tito’s, in partnership with Joey Wagner Group. Must be 21 + up. TICKETS AVAILABLE HERE.
- 9/13 FREE EVENT: Mayor’s Bourbon Brunch and Bluegrass: Nulu (800 E Market Street)
- 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
- Enjoy live bluegrass, Bourbon & Beyond-themed food & drink, contests, giveaways, and shopping, all wrapped up in Louisville’s charm.
Visit: BourbonandBeyond.com for more information
