Louisville, KY, September 11, 2025
News Summary
The Bourbon & Beyond music and bourbon festival will take place at the Highland Festival Grounds in Louisville, featuring an expanded venue and an impressive lineup of over 110 bands. Highlights include renowned headliners and numerous upgrades for a better experience, such as two new entrances and enhanced security measures. Attendees can enjoy culinary delights, bourbon tastings, and various interactive bourbon experiences throughout the event. With thousands expected, this festival promises unforgettable days of music, food, and fun.
Bourbon & Beyond 2025 Music Festival Kicks Off in Louisville with Expanded Grounds and Star-Studded Lineup
Louisville, KY — The Bourbon & Beyond music and bourbon festival is set to take place at the Highland Festival Grounds, Kentucky Exposition Center, from September 11 to September 14, 2025. This year’s festival has expanded by 35%, covering 2.4 million square feet and granting attendees access to Kentucky Kingdom.
Festivalgoers can look forward to an impressive lineup featuring over 110 bands, including renowned headliners such as Phish, Sturgill Simpson, Noah Kahan, The Lumineers, and Jack White. With festival organizers securing a 10-year contract to host Bourbon & Beyond and the Louder Than Life festival in Louisville through 2035, fans can anticipate annual gatherings of this magnitude for years to come.
Event Logistics and Enhancements
To improve the festival experience, organizers have made several upgrades, including the addition of two entrances—the Highland Entrance and Cardinal Entrance—for easier access. Festivalgoers will enjoy larger video screens on the Barrel and Oak stages, as well as an air-conditioned merchandise hall within the Expo Center. Additionally, attendees will have unlimited access to 17 rides at Kentucky Kingdom, including night rides on the Big Wheel.
Security measures are a top priority, with over 1,000 security guards on-site, continuous medical staff available, and advanced crowd mapping technology implemented to ensure a safe environment for all attendees. With an expected turnout of thousands of fans, previous festivals have seen record attendance, with over 200,000 attendees in 2024 alone.
Culinary Options and Ticket Information
The festival will feature food options at Fork & Flask, highlighting local culinary talent along with bourbon tastings from popular brands such as Old Forester and Angel’s Envy. Parking will be available for $40 per day, with a designated rideshare area to facilitate transportation to and from the venue.
General admission tickets start at just under $500 for a four-day pass, while multiple VIP options are also available. The Angel’s Envy Beyond VIP area is already sold out, priced at $2,241 per person, although interested parties can join a waitlist for $10.
Bourbon Experiences and Special Events
The festival aims to educate attendees about bourbon through various “experiences,” featuring 13 interactive offerings tied to the spirit. Participating distilleries include well-known names like Woodford Reserve, Buffalo Trace, and Angel’s Envy. A highlight of the festival is the special event, the “World’s Biggest Toast,” scheduled for Sunday, September 14. This event will be streamed live by the Kentucky Bourbon Trail.
As preparations ramp up for this monumental festival, attendees can anticipate a memorable four days of music, food, rides, and bourbon in the heart of Kentucky. The combination of a star-studded lineup and expansive grounds promises to create a one-of-a-kind experience for bourbon and music lovers alike.
Key Features of Bourbon & Beyond 2025
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Festival Dates | September 11 – September 14, 2025 |
| Venue | Highland Festival Grounds, Kentucky Exposition Center |
| Ground Size | 2.4 million square feet |
| Headliners | Phish, Sturgill Simpson, Noah Kahan, The Lumineers, Jack White |
| Attendee Count (2024) | Over 200,000 |
| Security Staff | More than 1,000 security guards |
| Food & Drink | Local culinary talent, bourbon tastings |
| Parking Cost | $40 per day |
| VIP Ticket Price | $2,241 for sold-out area |
FAQ
What dates will the Bourbon & Beyond Festival take place?
The Bourbon & Beyond Festival will take place from September 11 to September 14, 2025.
Where is the festival being held?
The festival will be held at the Highland Festival Grounds, Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville, Kentucky.
Who are some of the headlining performers?
Headliners include Phish, Sturgill Simpson, Noah Kahan, The Lumineers, and Jack White.
What are the parking fees for the event?
Parking will cost $40 per day during the festival.
Are there ticket options available?
General admission tickets start at just under $500 for a four-day pass, with various VIP options available.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Additional Resources
- WLKY: Bourbon and Beyond 2025 Layout Map
- Wikipedia: Bourbon
- Kentucky.com: Bourbon & Beyond Festival
- Google Search: Bourbon Beyond 2025
- WDRB: What to Know Before You Go
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Music Festival
- WHAS11: Road Closures for Bourbon & Beyond
- Google News: Bourbon Beyond Festival Louisville



