Festival Info

Bourbon & Beyond is an outdoor event.

Lineup, schedule and set times are subject to change.

Download our official festival app on Android or iPhone! – updated app available in late August 2025!

Festival Map

Map subject to change

Festival FAQs

What's the best way to get to the festival?

Bourbon & Beyond takes place at the Highland Festival Grounds at the Kentucky Expo Center. The Highland Festival Grounds at The Kentucky Expo Center is conveniently located at the junction of I-65 and I-264 in Louisville and has multiple entrances to paved parking lots. The grounds are located adjacent to the 1-65 and the Louisville International Airport. Please visit our Parking Info to learn all the ways to get to Bourbon & Beyond.

What about the weather?

Bourbon & Beyond is a rain or shine event, however, there are several instances in which the festival may be paused, evacuated, or canceled due to inclement weather, including (but not limited to): severe thunderstorms, lightning in our festival radius, excessive wind, hail, flooding, or as directed by local emergency personnel. We recommend fans review our Health & Safety page, so you can be best prepared to get to safety in the event of inclement weather.

What ages are allowed?

This is an all ages event. All attendees are required to purchase a full price ticket, regardless of age. We strongly encourage parents to bring hearing protection for their children.

Will re-entry be allowed at the festival?

Re-entry into the festival is not permitted unless you are camping on-site and have a camping wristband or purchased a Hotel + Admission package, through JamPack. Once you have entered the venue each day, you will not be allowed to leave and come back in. Please plan accordingly. If there is an emergency and you must leave, please speak to a supervisor at the gate.

My friend is terminally ill and wants to attend the show. Can you do something special for them?

We work with Living The Dream Foundation, a great company that will do their best to accommodate these special fans when possible. They will screen all requests and reach out if there is an opportunity! Find out more and to contact LTD Foundation HERE.

Where can I go to pick up lost items during & after the event is over?

Lost & Found is located at the Info Booth - near the entrance. In addition to visiting the Info Booth on-site, there will be a link available on our website and festival mobile app during show days to search our found items database to see if your lost item has been turned in or submit a claim for your lost item. Post-show Lost & Found location will be shared on our social media during the show weekend.

Which stage and what time will bands be playing?

A full schedule with set times will be posted about two weeks before the show via our socials and mobile app.

What time do gates open daily?

Gate times are TBD and will be announced closer to the event. Usually gates open between 11am-Noon, however, this is subject to change.

Will alcohol be sold?

Yes. Beer, wine and mixed drinks will be sold to those 21 or older with a valid government issued photo ID.

Will there be a sober living program?

Yes! Sober & Beyond is a supportive and inclusive initiative designed for attendees who choose to enjoy the festival without the use of alcohol or drugs. The program offers a safe and welcoming environment with various activities, resources, and support to ensure everyone can have a fun and memorable festival experience. This program will also host (3) recovery-style meetings each day.

Will there be lockers?

Lockers will be available in the General Admission, Mint VIP, and Beyond VIP areas. You can reserve a locker in advance HERE or on-site at the festival, subject to availability. Each locker measures 8”H x 12”W x 18”D and comes with a universal phone charger. Lockers can be reserved for a single day or all 4 days, and if you book for all 4 days, you can leave your items securely stored overnight!

How can I submit my band?

We are not currently accepting fan or band submissions for signed or unsigned artists. All lineup decisions are being managed through direct invitations. Please keep an eye on our official channels for updates regarding future submission opportunities for upcoming festivals.

How can I apply to be a vendor?

If you are interested in becoming a food vendor at Bourbon & Beyond, please apply HERE. Please note the application is available from a desktop computer only and not phone. We recommend filling out using the Chrome internet browser. We are not currently accepting marketplace vendor applications at this time.

What are my options for breastfeeding or pumping?

Anyone needing a space to breastfeed or pump can visit the Info Booth/Access Center near the main entrance of the festival. Please note that this area is not private, so consider bringing any coverings or items you need for comfort. You are welcome to bring necessary supplies, such as a pump, small soft-sided cooler, ice packs, and a cover, into the venue. However, please be aware that we are not responsible for any lost or damaged items. If you have any questions feel free to reach out to [email protected].

Volunteer Opportunities

Clean Vibes

We are excited to have Clean Vibes return to Bourbon & Beyond this year to help keep the Highland Festival Grounds clean. Clean Vibes is now accepting volunteers to help with the cleanup and recycling effort in exchange for admission to the festival – a refundable deposit is required. Submit your volunteer application today, HERE.

Fan-To-Fan Services:

We're on the lookout for friendly, enthusiastic individuals ready to make a difference at our Information Booths and Accessibility Centers. If you're ready to help create an inclusive, unforgettable experience for music lovers, we’d love to have you on board! Submit your Fan-To-Fan Volunteer application today, HERE!

Allowed / Not Allowed Items

Please be advised that there will be elevated security measures in place for Bourbon & Beyond. Please carefully check the list of prohibited items and arrive very early to allow extra time for screening. All entrances will have metal detectors; please plan accordingly.

*** We do not provide on-site storage for prohibited items. ***

What is allowed in?

Cellphones & small portable chargers
Sunscreen (non-aerosol)
One factory-sealed bottle of water (20 oz. Max size) or one empty plastic refillable water bottle (no hydroflasks or yetis)
Binoculars
Towels 30”x58” max - towels prohibited from standing only marked areas
Small, point-and-shoot digital camera
Hats and sunglasses
Earplugs
Sealed packs of cigarettes & cigars
Vape pens & e-cigarettes
We strongly encourage you to not bring bags of any sort. If you must bring a bag, please abide by our bag policy below:

What is not allowed in?

No outside chairs of any kind - unless with a chair pass.
No large bags, backpacks, or duffle bags – see bag policy in allowed items
No blankets - towels will be allowed in non-standing only areas (blankets prohibited)
No metal containers (ex. Yetis or hydroflasks)
No aerosol cans
No camelbaks or other refillable hydration packs
No strollers
No coolers or picnic baskets
No outside food or beverages - exception: one factory-sealed bottle of water (20 oz. Max size)
No glass containers
No umbrellas
No inflatable lounger air sofas
No video cameras or gopros
No audio recording devices
No laptops or tablets
No professional cameras or cameras with removable lenses
No selfie sticks
No lasers or laser pointers
No drones
No hula hoops or totems
No balloons or beach balls
No confetti or glow sticks
No whistles or air horns
No fireworks or explosives
No musical instruments of any kind
No weapons of any kind
No drugs or drug paraphernalia
No pets (with exception of service animals) See policy HERE
No colors or patches
No chains, chain wallets, or spikes
No unauthorized vending or advertising
No walkie talkies/two way radios

Your safety is our number one concern, so these items are also subject to change at any time and at the discretion of the security staff.

Can I bring a prescription medication or medically necessary food items into the festival?

Outside food and drink are not allowed inside the festival, but if you have a special medical dietary restriction, enough food for the one person for the day will be allowed. Fans are allowed to bring their medically necessary materials and medications into the festival, provided that all medicine has a prescription label with the fan’s name. Medicines needing to be inhaled, vaporized, or smoked are prohibited unless in a prescribed inhaler. Please note: Drugs of any kind (incl. cannabis, cannabis products) are prohibited. Staff at the entry gates will verify the contents of any medically necessary materials. Out of concern for the festival staff who handle the trash, please dispose of your medical waste and syringes in the proper disposal, which is located at the medical tent. Please do not dispose of these items in other trash bins at the festival. Please direct any further questions to [email protected].

Will there be water bottle refill stations?

Yes, make sure to bring a reusable plastic water bottle and fill up with the the freshest H20 provided by Louisville Water Company!

Chair Pass FAQs

Can I bring my lawn chair to Bourbon & Beyond?

Yes! Lawn chairs will be allowed to be brought into the festival in designated General Admission areas. Due to capacity limitations, you must purchase a Lawn Chair Pass in advance, in order to bring in your personal lawn chair. Note - lawn chairs will not be allowed within the Mint VIP or Beyond VIP areas with or without a Lawn Chair Pass.

Where will I be able to set up my lawn chair?

You will only be able to set your chair in the areas on the map that are not labeled ‘Standing Viewing Only”. Chairs within the “Standing Viewing Only” areas, will not be permitted. There will be signs at the festival that will reflect areas where chairs may not be placed.

Note: Chairs are also not permitted within the Mint VIP or Beyond VIP areas, with or without a Lawn Chair Pass.

I purchased a Beyond VIP pass, can I bring my lawn chair?

Yes, you can bring your lawn chair, if accompanied by a Lawn Chair Pass, however it must be in the General Admission area. Due to limited space, lawn chairs can not be set within the Mint VIP or Beyond VIP area. You may set your chairs in any of the other designated seating areas within GA.

Why are you charging a fee?

All proceeds from the Bourbon & Beyond Lawn Chair Pass will be donated to local charities through the DWP Foundation. In order for us to provide the safest, and most accommodating experience for our fans, we have to control the capacity within the designated “chair seating areas,” and the only way to accomplish that is to know how many are expected. Additionally, we will provide designated entry lanes for chairs, to make the entrance to the festival smooth for all patrons.

What kind of chairs are allowed?

Single, collapsible chairs are permitted, with a Lawn Chair Pass. Large chairs with rockers, footrests, side tables, etc will be not be permitted. Please note, if your chair comes with a bag, the chair must be removed from the bag prior to security check.

I bought a lawn chair pass, how will I enter the festival with my chair?

All attendees who have purchased a Lawn Chair Pass in advance, must enter through the designated Lawn Chair Pass Security Lane, which will be at camping, General Admission and VIP entrances.

I am camping, can I bring my lawn chair back to my campsite with me throughout the day?

Of course! Note, each time you enter the festival, you will need to enter through the designated Lawn Chair Pass Security Lane, at the camping entrance. Your Lawn Chair Pass PDF will be scanned each time you enter the festival.

Can I leave my lawn chair in the seating area if I want to get food, drinks, or see another set at a different stage?

No. You will be responsible for the chair all day. You will be required to take your chair with you throughout festival, as we cannot guarantee that your chair will still be in the same place that you left it. Bourbon & Beyond are not responsible for any chairs or belongings left unattended.

Cashless FAQs

What payment types are included under 'cashless'?

Credit/Debit cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Android Pay, Tap to Pay, and registered RFID wristband are all forms of accepted ‘Cashless’ payment types.

Can I still pay with a Credit/Debit card?

Yes, you can still use your credit or debit card at any point of sale terminal.

What forms of payment will be accepted?

Credit and debit Card payments will be accepted in addition to RFID wristband, Tap to Pay, Apple Pay and Google Pay.

Will all vendors accept RFID bands?

Both card payments and RFID wristbands will be accepted by all food and beverage vendors, and merchandise tents.

Will there be reverse ATMs?

Yes! We will have reverse ATMs on site, for you to exchange your cash into a prepaid Mastercard. There is a $5 minimum and $500 maximum transaction, with a $4.95 fee per card.

Will cash still be accepted in parking?

While cash is not accepted inside the venue, cash will still be accepted in day of show parking lots.

Will cash still be accepted in camping (general store, RV pump out, box office)?

Our General Stores in camping and the Box Office will be cashless. We will have reverse ATMs nearby for your use! If you are needing your RV pumped out, they will only accept cash.

What happens if I don’t use all of my money loaded onto my Pre paid card, issued by reverse ATM?

When using a reverse ATM, you will be issued a card which works as a Mastercard Gift Card, which can be used anywhere Mastercard is accepted.