Get Ready for the Biggest Bourbon & Beyond Yet!
Bourbon & Beyond, the World’s Largest Bourbon, Food, and Music Festival, is back for its 8th year with an unprecedented lineup featuring over 100 artists on five stages. Scheduled for September 24-27, 2026, at the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville, this year’s festival promises an unforgettable experience for music lovers, foodies, and bourbon enthusiasts alike.
A Star-Studded Lineup
This year’s lineup is nothing short of spectacular, headlined by some of the biggest names in music. The festival kicks off with:
- Thursday, September 24: Foo Fighters, Queens of the Stone Age, Goose
- Friday, September 25: Mumford & Sons, Kacey Musgraves, Foster the People
- Saturday, September 26: Chris Stapleton, The Red Clay Strays, Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit
- Sunday, September 27: Dave Matthews Band, Hootie & the Blowfish, Counting Crows
With performances spanning various genres, Bourbon & Beyond is set to create a vibrant atmosphere that celebrates both music and the rich culture of Kentucky.
What’s New This Year?
Bourbon & Beyond 2026 introduces the revitalized Fork & Flask curated by Kroger experience, focusing on innovative culinary offerings and bold spirit pairings that reflect Louisville’s dynamic food scene. This immersive dining experience will include local favorites and rising culinary stars, making it a must-visit for festival-goers.
In addition to the Fork & Flask, the Kroger Big Bourbon Bar will feature the best bluegrass bands and line dancing, adding a unique flavor to the festival.
More Than Just Music
This festival is designed to be an escape from reality, allowing attendees to indulge in not just music but also culinary delights and premium spirits. It’s a weekend where you can ride roller coasters at Kentucky Kingdom, enjoy great food, and sip on world-class bourbon.
As Danny Wimmer, the festival’s producer, says, “It’s an escape with soul — a place where you can unplug from real life, let loose, be a kid again, and really live in the moment.”
Tickets and Pass Options
Tickets for Bourbon & Beyond are on sale now, with various pass types available:
- 4-Day and Single Day General Admission
- 4-Day and Single Day Mint VIP
- 4-Day and Single Day Angel’s Envy Beyond VIP
- New for 2026: Bourbon & Beyond Group Reward Offer
For those looking for luxury amenities, the Angel’s Envy Beyond VIP passes offer exclusive access to unique experiences. Additionally, the Exacta Pass provides GA entry to both Bourbon & Beyond and Louder Than Life festivals, offering fans a back-to-back music experience.
Community Impact and Partnerships
Bourbon & Beyond not only brings an incredible lineup of artists but also supports local communities. In 2025, the festival generated over $43 million in local economic impact, significantly benefiting Louisville’s restaurants, hotels, and bourbon distilleries.
The festival is also committed to giving back, with the DWP Foundation supporting local nonprofits like Dare to Care and the Preston Area Business Alliance.
Join the Celebration!
Bourbon & Beyond captures the spirit of Kentucky like no other music festival, blending music, food, and bourbon into a unique experience. With its growing popularity and remarkable lineup, it’s no surprise that Bourbon & Beyond was named Pollstar’s Global 2025 Festival of the Year.
Don’t miss your chance to be part of this incredible festival. Tickets are available now, and fans are encouraged to secure their passes early to enjoy everything Bourbon & Beyond has to offer.
For more information and to purchase tickets, visit BourbonAndBeyond.com.
What are you most excited about for this year’s Bourbon & Beyond? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
Written by Michael Politz, Author of Guide to Restaurant Success: The Proven Process for Starting Any Restaurant Business From Scratch to Success (ISBN: 978-1-119-66896-1), Founder of Food & Beverage Magazine, the leading online magazine and resource in the industry. Designer of the Bluetooth logo and recognized in Entrepreneur Magazine’s “Top 40 Under 40” for founding American Wholesale Floral, Politz is also the Co-founder of the Proof Awards and the CPG Awards and a partner in numerous consumer brands across the food and beverage sector.
