Kentucky Bourbon Festival In Bardstown: Best Festival In Kentucky

Kentucky produces 95 percent of the world’s bourbon, and to say this is a big point of pride for the Bluegrass State would be an understatement. Here in Kentucky, we eat, sleep, breathe (and drink!) bourbon, and it’s not simply a spirit or business; it’s an inextricable part of our culture. Each year, bourbon fans from all over come together for the Kentucky Bourbon Festival in Bardstown, a spirited event that’s a true celebration of the Bluegrass State. If you ask us, it’s one of the best festivals in Kentucky, and chances are, you’ll love it too.

Here in the Bluegrass, our love for bourbon runs deep. The art of aging and distilling this liquid gold in Kentucky oak barrels is a time-honored craft we appreciate and revere.

Since 1991, the Kentucky Bourbon Festival has been a way to celebrate and honor the craft that's put the Bluegrass on the map in the biggest, most spirited way.

And there's no better place for such festivities than Bardstown, Kentucky, the Bourbon Capital of the World! Each summer, folks gather from all across the state and country to celebrate all things Bluegrass and bourbon.

What started as a small bourbon tasting and dinner has grown into one of the Commonwealth’s leading community festivals.

Here, guests not only get to taste the bounty of the Bluegrass, but also sample the innovative, cutting-edge cuisine for which Kentucky has earned a great reputation over the last several years.

This festival is not only a celebration of bourbon, but also the people and community that have supported the industry for generations.

And it's certainly a story worth telling. Over 200 years ago, as pioneers began settling the wilds of Kentucky, they found that our state provided the ideal climate and conditions for distilling bourbon. And the rest, as they say, is history.

Of course, you don't have to imbibe to enjoy the fun and festivities of this cultural event. Mocktails and caffeinated drinks offer a wonderful alternative so non-drinkers can still explore the event with a drink in hand.

Have you been to this world-famous festival before? This is one Kentucky festival you simply must experience! The 2024 Bourbon Festival happens September 13-15 in beautiful Bardstown, Kentucky. Visit the Bourbon Festival website for more information.

Bardstown, Kentucky Is Being Called One Of The Best Small Town Vacations In America

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Melanie J. | April 16, 2024

What are some more festivals in Kentucky that you recommend?

Festival season in KY is a great time of year, and here are some of the best festivals in Kentucky that belong on your list:

WorldFest, Louisville
Mountain Mushroom Festival, Irvine
Wild Lights Festival, Louisville
Kentucky Mountain Laurel Festival, Pineville
Kentucky Highland Renaissance Festival, Eminence
International Barbecue Festival, Owensboro
Kentucky Beer Cheese Festival, Winchester
Garvin Gate Blues Festival, Louisville
World Chicken Festival, London
The Kentucky Derby Festival, Louisville
Bluegrass, Brew and BBQ Fest, Grand Rivers

Be sure to check out this article featuring more of the best festivals in Kentucky.

Are there a lot of bourbon distilleries in Kentucky?

Absolutely, as of writing this, there are almost 100 bourbon distilleries in Kentucky and here are a few of the most known ones:

Old Forester Distilling Co., Louisville
Heaven Hill Bourbon, Bardstown
Maker's Mark Distillery, Loretto
James E. Pepper Distillery, Lexington
Castle & Key Distillery, Frankfort
Buffalo Trace Distillery, Frankfort
Woodford Reserve Distillery, Versailles
James B. Beam Distilling Co., Clermont

Check out this article that takes you on a road trip that features some of these bourbon distilleries in Kentucky.

Aside from festivals and distilleries, what are some more attractions in Kentucky?

From unique caves to scenic mountains to horse parks, and more, here are some of the best attractions in Kentucky that you should explore.

Kentucky's Appalachian Mountains
Cumberland Falls, Corbin
Jurassic Quest, Louisville
Newport Aquarium, Newport
Shaker Village, Harrodsburg
Kentucky Horse Park, Lexington
Land Between the Lakes, Golden Pond
Diamond Caverns, Park City
Mammoth Cave National Park, Brownsville
Red River Gorge, Wolfe County

We recommend that you read our previous article to learn more about these attractions in Kentucky.

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Bardstown, KY 40004, USA

This Bourbon Festival In Kentucky Is About The Most Spirited Event You Can Experience

Sarah McCosham

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