Save the Date: Kentucky Bourbon Festival Returns Sept. 16-19, 2027

LOUISVILLE, KY (September 22, 2026) — The Kentucky Bourbon Festival will return to Bardstown, Kentucky, Sept. 16-19, 2027, offering bourbon enthusiasts another opportunity to experience one of the world's premier whiskey events in the heart of Bourbon Country.

Held each September during National Bourbon Heritage Month, the festival draws visitors from across the United States and around the globe to the Bourbon Capital of the World for four days of bourbon tastings, educational experiences, distillery engagement, culinary events, and immersive experiences celebrating Kentucky's signature spirit.

The announcement comes after the 2026 festival sold out for the fifth consecutive year, underscoring the event's growing popularity among bourbon travelers and whiskey aficionados. Approximately 85% of ticketed guests travel from outside Kentucky, highlighting the festival's role as a major tourism draw for Bardstown and the surrounding Bourbon Country region.

For many festival visitors, Louisville is the natural beginning and end of the journey. As the closest major city and home to Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport, Louisville offers the most convenient gateway to Bardstown and Bourbon Country, making it an ideal place to arrive, depart and add an extra night or two to your itinerary. Spend the night exploring Bourbon City’s vibrant neighborhoods filled with bourbon bars, chef-driven restaurants and live bluegrass music before relaxing in one of the city's bourbon-themed hotels.

Since its reimagining in 2021, the Kentucky Bourbon Festival has expanded opportunities for guests to connect with some of the industry's most sought-after brands while gaining a deeper appreciation for bourbon's history, craftsmanship, and culture.

Visitors interested in attending the 2027 festival are encouraged to mark their calendars now and begin planning their Bourbon Country getaway. Details regarding ticket sales will be announced soon. Subscribers to the Kentucky Bourbon Festival newsletter receive advance notice of ticket releases, special events, and festival updates.

For more information and future ticket announcements, visit kybourbonfestival.com.

While planning a Louisville stop, guests can download a copy of Louisville Tourism’s annual Visitor Guide to see the city’s top attractions and bourbon distilleries. Visitors also can get additional city attractions, lodging and dining assistance at gotolouisville.com.