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
A proud Louisville staple dishing out authentic Thai street food like pad thai and loaded curries. Expect massive flavor and a perfect spicy kick!
Louisville locals famous for massive, over-the-top stuffed cookies and sweets. The ultimate sugar rush to keep the party going!
Hailing straight from NYC and famous for thick, spicy pepperoni squares. Grab a slice of true New York pizza culture!
Bringing the upscale vibe of the local Louisville brick-and-mortar restaurant straight to the festival grounds. Expect premium, gourmet steakhouse bites on the go!
A legendary Southern staple (with a local Louisville spot!) serving up perfect, spicy Memphis-style fried chicken. No frills, just incredible comfort food!
Baking legit New York-style bagels that are perfectly crisp on the outside and chewy inside. A top-tier breakfast or lunch grab!
A true Louisville institution, churning out premium ice cream since 1867. Grab a scoop or a fresh acai bowl to cool off between sets.
A spin-off of Louisville’s Alchemy Restaurant, serving up perfectly golden, stuffed empanadas. The absolute perfect handheld snack while walking around.
A beloved Louisville cafe serving up signature gourmet empanadas. A great mix of savory comfort and easy festival snacking!
A local Louisville favorite slinging mouth-watering sliders and decadent loaded fries. A solid choice for elevated bar food!
Providing a Louisville local fresh reset with handcrafted juices and smoothies for a healthy energy boost.
Comfort food at its peak with creamy, loaded mac and cheese topped with savory chicken. Heavy, cheesy, and totally worth it!
Bringing the heat with crazy crispy Korean fried chicken. Savory, spicy, and exactly what hits the spot after a few drinks.
Serving up authentic Southern cooking that tastes just like a home-cooked meal. Get ready for some serious soul food!
A Kentucky original serving up premium, slow-cooked BBQ provisions. Straight-up, no-nonsense pitmaster food.
Hailing from Nashville since 2015, serving up crazy gourmet hot dogs loaded with wild toppings. Don’t skip out on the loaded tater tots!
Straight from the farm, bringing rustic, smoky BBQ, brisket mac, and killer ribs. True country cooking done right.
A Louisville favorite for over 10 years, serving up slow-smoked BBQ and heavy-hitting comfort food. Grab a plate for some serious local flavor.
A festival legend tossing up soba noodles right in front of the crowd in massive woks. Perfect for a quick, fresh bite!
Serving up vibrant, healthy bowls and wraps for a fresh, lighter, wholesome meal.
A local Louisville crew known for fully loaded fries and crispy chicken tenders. Exactly the kind of late-night festival food that hits the spot!
Dishing out buttery, decadent lobster rolls and rich soups to bring a taste of the coast right to the festival!
A local BBQ joint smoking up all the classic meats with down-home Kentucky love. Pure comfort food that smells amazing from a mile away!
A cool Louisville spot blending traditional Mexican flavors with smoky BBQ. Bold, edgy food that packs a massive punch!
Local to Louisville since 2017, slinging killer wood-fired Neapolitan and NY-style slices. Old-school pizza that always hits the spot!
A Louisville go-to for authentic street tacos and the famous “Big A$$ Nachos”. Perfect for splitting with the crew while hanging by the stage!
Serving up hearty, flavor-packed comfort classics that definitely live up to the name. Really good, unpretentious food to keep the energy high!
Featuring renowned Chef Eric Greenspan’s famous “New School” gourmet grilled cheeses and Smashy’s burgers. Seriously elevated diner food.
A wildly trendy Southern California phenomenon famous for the legendary “Milky Bun”—a warm, glazed donut stuffed with handcrafted ice cream. Breaking the mold of the traditional scoop shop with crazy, colorful flavors and a highly Instagrammable aesthetic!
A 2025 James Beard Nominated Mediterranean spot in Louisville’s Nulu District run by Chef Noam serving up vibrant Mediterranean dishes. Expect bold spices, fresh herbs, and an incredibly warm, playful dining experience rooted in deep culinary history!