35th Anniversary Celebration Set for September in Bardstown
Bardstown, Kentucky — March 18, 2026 — The Kentucky Bourbon Festival (KBF) has announced that tickets for its 2026 event will go on sale April 14, with early access available to “Bourbon Insiders” on April 13.
Celebrating its 35th anniversary, the festival returns September 10–13 in Bardstown (widely known as the Bourbon Capital of the World) bringing together distilleries and enthusiasts from across the globe during National Bourbon Heritage Month.
This year’s festival will feature six ticket tiers, ranging from single-day passes to premium VIP experiences. All attendees can expect access to pours from more than 60 Kentucky distilleries, exclusive single-barrel selections, educational programming, and expanded food offerings.
“Reaching the 35th anniversary is a testament to the continued support of our distillery partners and the growing passion of bourbon enthusiasts worldwide. The ability to sample and purchase limited releases directly from distilleries is what continues to make this a must-attend experience.”
– Randy Prasse, president and COO of KBF.
What to Expect in 2026
The Kentucky Bourbon Festival continues to lean into both access and experience:
- Direct-from-distillery bottle purchases, including exclusive “Distillers’ Row Series” single barrels available only on-site
- 17 premium events hosted in The Great Tent, featuring master distillers, chefs, and mixologists
- 13 “Bourbon:30” sessions included with admission
- The Bourbon Marketplace, offering curated lifestyle goods and bourbon-adjacent brands
- Secure bottle lockers, making it easier to collect without carrying throughout the day
VIP experiences remain a cornerstone of the festival and a fast sellout. In 2025, VIP packages sold out in under three minutes.
Top-tier offerings include the Oris President’s Club, a limited 30-person experience that extends beyond the festival weekend with private events, luxury accommodations, and exclusive access throughout the year (April 7th, 2026 Update: Oris President’s Club is Sold Out)
Featured Distillery & Pricing
The 2026 featured distillery is New Riff Distilling.
Ticket pricing begins at $225 for three-day general admission Bourbon Taster passes, with VIP tiers ranging up to $6,995 for the Oris President’s Club experience. Bourbon Insider subscribers will have access to discounted early pricing ($205) for general admission passes on April 13.
Public sales begin April 14, with VIP packages expected to sell out quickly.
More information and tickets are available at kybourbonfestival.com.
Why This Matters
KBF isn’t just another whiskey festival. It’s one of the few places where access still feels direct.
You’re not tasting a brand’s portfolio filtered through a distributor or retailer. You’re often tasting it poured by the people who made it. That distinction matters, especially as bourbon continues to scale and drift further from its source. Community is everything.
The ability to purchase distillery-only releases on-site, particularly single barrels selected specifically for the festival, keeps KBF relevant in a landscape where “limited” has become increasingly diluted.
There’s also a broader shift happening: festivals are no longer just about volume tasting. KBF’s continued investment in programming, education, and curated experiences signals where things are heading — toward more intentional, story-driven engagement.
In short: it’s still one of the cleanest lines between enthusiast and producer.
Personal Note
I’ll be attending this year’s Kentucky Bourbon Festival and spending time both on the grounds and with distilleries throughout the weekend.
If you’re planning to go, let me know. I’m always interested in connecting in person, sharing a pour, and seeing what stands out in real time.
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