Experiences
2026 Bourbon & Beyond Experiences
Experience the perfect blend of bourbon, culinary excellence, and music at Bourbon & Beyond! From bourbon tastings to culinary presentations by top celebrity chefs and live music from iconic artists, Bourbon & Beyond is the ultimate festival for bourbon lovers, foodies, and music fans alike.
Check out the Bourbon & Beyond 2026 experiences, new festival site layout, and activations below!
Kentucky Kingdom
We’re delivering a one-of-a-kind experience by integrating a theme park into the heart of the World's Largest Bourbon, Food & Music Festival. The beloved Kentucky Kingdom is now officially part of Bourbon & Beyond. Not open to the public. Exclusive to attendees ONLY.
Your pass now includes:
• FREE access to 18 amusement rides inside Kentucky Kingdom, including the Giant Wheel (ferris wheel), Lightning Run (rollercoaster), Scream Extreme, Skycatcher, and more fan favorites
•Select concessions, shopping & air-conditioned indoor dining.
• Ride hours run daily from 2PM to 9PM — with the Giant Wheel staying open until 10PM for late-night spins. Please note: Hurricane Bay waterpark will not be in operation during the event for festival goers or the public.
Your pass now includes:
• FREE access to 18 amusement rides inside Kentucky Kingdom, including the Giant Wheel (ferris wheel), Lightning Run (rollercoaster), Scream Extreme, Skycatcher, and more fan favorites
•Select concessions, shopping & air-conditioned indoor dining.
• Ride hours run daily from 2PM to 9PM — with the Giant Wheel staying open until 10PM for late-night spins. Please note: Hurricane Bay waterpark will not be in operation during the event for festival goers or the public.
KROGER BIG BOURBON BAR
No time to explore the bourbon trail? It’s coming straight to Bourbon & Beyond, where you can enjoy a sip of Kentucky’s finest. Bourbon expert Chris Blandford has expertly curated an extensive lineup of bourbons and designed specialty cocktails for fans, friends and family. Choose from a wide selection of spirit-forward and refreshing cocktails served up on demand by hometown mixologists.
The Hunter's Club
The Hunter’s Club is the ideal onsite destination for every bourbon aficionado. Rare, vintage and experimental expressions will be available for those who are looking for something more… Wander in, take a seat, and indulge in some liquid history. Our impressive bourbon collection features pioneers including but not limited to Blanton’s, Booker’s, Bourbon Royal, Chapin & Gore, Eagle Rare, George T. Stagg, Hill and Hill, Kentucky Owl, Old Grandad, Weller and a special taste of our very own Pappyland that you’d be remiss to pass by.
Take Me Home
Rock Out for Animal Rescue with Take Me Home! Grab exclusive merch and signed items from your favorite bands—all to help save lives!
The Music Experience presented by American Musical Supply.
The Music Experience presented by American Musical Supply is your all-access pass to try the most exciting and iconic musical instruments. No pressure, just play.
Ever wondered what it feels like to hold a real guitar, sit behind a drum kit, or turn the knobs on a synth… This is your moment. We believe that life gets louder, brighter, and more meaningful when you play music. TME is where your journey can begin. Step into an immersive, inspiration-fueled space where you don’t just watch the show, you become part of it.
Fork & Flask Curated by Kroger
Join us at Bourbon & Beyond for a weekend of amazing culinary experiences including intoxicating celebrity and Kentucky chef demos along with great eats from local restaurants plus a few surprises along the way.
The Bourbon Experience
The Bourbon Experience: Get up close and personal with bourbon experts, celebrities and your favorite distillers as we discover the heritage, explore the traditions and raise a glass to the fine Art of Bourbon. Our carefully curated Bourbon Experience will feature panel discussions, hands-on workshops and product demos that will fill your cup and keep you coming back for more.
Jack's House & Jack's Sports Bar
Ready to be a rockstar? Step into our interactive karaoke experience at Jack’s House! Take the mic in the Jack Daniel’s Karaoke trailer, sing your heart out, and snap fun photos to capture the moment. After your performance, cool off next door with a Jack Daniel’s Frozen Slushee or catch every play at the sports bar—never miss a game while you unwind.
Tiki Barrel Bar
Say “aloha” to the day when you stop by the Tiki Barrel Bar. With bourbon and rum-based specialty island cocktails, shade and seating areas, the Tiki Barrel Bar is sure to be the oasis you need to make your festival vacation complete.
ANGEL'S ENVY Beyond VIP
Experience Bourbon and Beyond like never before in the Angel’s Envy Beyond VIP area! Elevate your festival adventure with stunning views, lavish amenities, and an unforgettable atmosphere, all while indulging in the perfect harmony of music and luxury.
White Claw Shore Club
Stop by the White Claw Shore Club where you can enjoy custom branded giveaway items, a cool space to hang, and of course, White Claw!
Monster Energy Experience
At Bourbon & Beyond the Monster Energy Experience is the ultimate festival pit stop, with ice-cold full can sampling, meet & greets with the iconic Monster Energy Girls, and non-stop fan interaction. The Monster Energy Line Dancing Team keeps the crowd moving with high energy performances that pull fans right into the action. From interactive games to photo worthy moments, every stop at the booth delivers a shot of excitement. It's where fans refuel, recharge, and rep their favorite energy brand
2025 Food Vendors
Dave’s Hot Chicken featuring juicy, spicy, hot chicken that will “Blow Your Mind.”
Creating artisanal bagel sandwiches using time-honored New York techniques, blending crispy edges with soft, airy centers.
Forget tortilla chips, crispy tater tot nachos are the ultimate go to – loaded with all the good stuff and delicious toppings.
Pizza Lupo’s Sourdough Neapolitan woodfired pizza is a must-try – its signature thin, soft center and puffy crust is pure perfection.
Fresh off the grill BBQ chicken and smoked turkey legs, the Vaquero way.
Funnel cakes, corn in a cup, and fried goodies for that sweet fix.
Southern roots blend with Latin spice in Merle’s tacos, nachos, and cheesy pupusas.
Discover the rich flavors of Thailand through their authentic Pad Thai and delicious spring rolls crafted with traditional techniques.
Louisville’s most deliciously stuffed, and decadent cookies, rich brown butter brownies, and exceptional pastries.
Serving legendary Sicilian “SoHo” Squares and original Neapolitan pizzas with a New York City twist.
Indulge in Venezuelan cuisine Latin-infused steakhouse’s mouth-watering picana steak and grilled chicken.
This Southern Kitchen is dishing out cheesy Sliders, Loaded Fries, and legendary Fried Pickles.
Locally sourced smoked BBQ baby back ribs, and crispy jumbo smoked chicken wings.
World Famous southern spicy fried chicken.
Directly from the dock Wild-caught Maine lobster makes the perfect buttery lobster rolls.
Locally roasted coffee paired with soft-baked cookies, crispy edges and gooey centers.
Spicing up your day with mouthwatering Afro- Caribbean cuisine.
Not your classic Chicago style loaded hot dogs.
We all love Spicy Pie! Where every pizza bite combines saucy goodness with cheesy perfection.
Savor the nostalgia with Ehlers’s classic & creamy ice cream, a beloved Louisville tradition since 1867.
Birria Michi’s birria ramen is a flavorful blend of rich, tender, and flavorful Mexican birria with chewy Japanese ramen noodles.
Experience the New School way with indulgent American Cheese grilled cheeses that are premium, creamy, and perfectly melty.
Smash-burgers with a crusty exterior, perfectly melted cheese, and a juicy center, courtesy of Eric Greenspan.