2025 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 2025 experiences, new festival site layout, and activations below!
New Festival Site Layout
More Comfort. More Space.
We’re rolling out sitewide enhancements to make your weekend smoother, more comfortable, and easier to keep cool.
• An immersive merch experience inside the air-conditioned Kentucky Expo Center, featuring festival gear, additional activations, and lounge seating
• More tree-shaded areas throughout the grounds
• New turf zones at the main stages and GA areas
• A more spacious layout designed to let you stretch out, sway easy, and savor every moment between sets.
• A second main entrance to help ease the flow and get you in the gates quicker.
MINT VIP Just Got Leveled Up:
The new MINT VIP experience is on another level…literally.
• MINT VIP is now 35% larger than ever before, with an expanded layout designed to give you extra comfort.
• Brand-new 3-story shaded viewing platform offering an elevated view of both main stages (replacing former outdoor patio).
• Added 70x70 shade structure for additional coverage throughout VIP area.
We’re rolling out sitewide enhancements to make your weekend smoother, more comfortable, and easier to keep cool.
• An immersive merch experience inside the air-conditioned Kentucky Expo Center, featuring festival gear, additional activations, and lounge seating
• More tree-shaded areas throughout the grounds
• New turf zones at the main stages and GA areas
• A more spacious layout designed to let you stretch out, sway easy, and savor every moment between sets.
• A second main entrance to help ease the flow and get you in the gates quicker.
MINT VIP Just Got Leveled Up:
The new MINT VIP experience is on another level…literally.
• MINT VIP is now 35% larger than ever before, with an expanded layout designed to give you extra comfort.
• Brand-new 3-story shaded viewing platform offering an elevated view of both main stages (replacing former outdoor patio).
• Added 70x70 shade structure for additional coverage throughout VIP area.
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.
The Bud Light Backyard
The party’s rolling into The Kentucky State Fairgrounds! Stop by the Bud Light Backyard for ice-cold refreshment and good vibes. While you’re here, ask how to enter for a chance to win a custom JBL Partybox Speaker-perfect for keeping the festival beats going long after the last encore. At Bourbon & Beyond, it’s Easy to Rock and Easy to enjoy!
The Cutwater Cocktail Bar
Stop by the Cutwater Cocktail Bar to try our award-winning cocktails that are great for on the go. Made with our own Cutwater Spirits, Cutwater Canned Cocktail's offer a variety of favorites that are great for any occasion. From our Zesty Lime Margarita to our Island-Inspired Mai Thai, we've got you covered. Cutwater: Real Cocktails. Perfectly Mixed.
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
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!
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. Hosted by Celebrity Chefs Chris Santos and Ed Lee.
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. Hosted by Bourbon Expert Chris Blandford and Celebrity Chef Amanda Freitag.
Jack's House & Jack's Sports Bar
Ready to be a rockstar? Hit the mic at our interactive karaoke experience at Jack’s House. Sing your heart out in our Jack Daniel’s Karaoke trailer and capture the moment with fun photo opportunities. After your performance, cool down next door at the Jack Daniel’s Frozen Slushee Trailer or tune into the sports bar and never miss a game. Mix and match your favorite Jack Daniel’s flavors with Coke or Lemonade, and be sure to try the NEW Tennessee Blackberry with frozen Lemonade.
Jim Beam Black Tiki Barrel Bar
Say “aloha” to the day when you stop by the Jim Beam Tiki Barrel Bar. With bourbon and rum-based specialty island cocktails, shade and seating areas, the Jim Beam 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.
Aviator Nation!
Aviator Nation is coming to Bourbon and Beyond! Find our capsule collection and booth pop-ups in both GA and VIP to grab your RAD Aviator Nation hoodies, hats & more at exclusive festival pricing!
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!
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. "
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.