More than a Dozen Bourbon Events & Festivals in Louisville in 2025
Louisville boasts 11 Bourbon distilleries around the city, a culinary and cocktail adventure coined the Urban Bourbon Trail®, Bourbon-infused culinary foodways at area restaurants and a spirited calendar bursting with various Bourbon-themed events all year long. If you are planning a trip to Bourbon City, you might want to center your visit around one of these high-proof events.
January 25: Pig & Swig – Choose from more than 100 bourbons samples and mouthwatering food pairings at 4th Street Live! this January. Combining the flavors of Kentucky, the event will feature smoked meats, savory dishes, and often-times rare and exclusive bourbon pours.
February 20 and March 12: The Legend Series
Held at the Kentucky Derby Museum, The Legends Series is where bourbon and horse racing come together for an evening of bourbon tasting as titans of the industry share insights that will enhance your knowledge and appreciation for the state’s most savored spirit. Each Legends event includes a welcome cocktail to kick off the night, dinner, expert-led bourbon tastings, and an engaging panel discussion. February's event will feature Heaven Hill products with March featuring Angel's Envy. The series is hosted by American wine and spirits writer Fred Minnick.
February 19-22: Bourbon Classic – The holy trinity for experiencing the very best in the culinary, cocktail and Bourbon arts through a collection of rare, interactive events.
April 17: BourbonVille – Hosted by the Kentucky Derby Festival and Republic Bank at the Ice House, guests will taste signature Bourbon drinks from some of Kentucky’s top distilleries, enjoy Bourbon-inspired cuisine and meet Master Distillers.
June 1-14: Old Fashioned Fortnight – Every year, Louisville celebrates the libation during Old Fashioned Fortnight by shining a spotlight on the spirited Bourbon concoction with special exhibits, events, cocktail classes, dinners and more.
August 14-17: Bourbon SIPosium – The only consumer-based, female-focused whiskey conference in the US. Part industry conference, part girls’ weekend, and part family reunion, SIPosium demonstrates the magic of 400+ bourbon-loving women in the room together.
August 16: American Whiskey Festival - Hosted by Watch Hill Proper, known for having one of the world's largest collections of American whiskies, this annual event will take place at the Norton Common's North Village Square with access to live music and food trucks, and whiskey samples from participating distilleries.
August 23: Bourbon Mixer—Hosted by the Whisky Chicks and Bourbon Brotherhood, the annual Bourbon Mixer is a must-attend event for both Bourbon novices and connoisseurs. The 12th annual event will be held at The Olmsted and feature 20+ Bourbon distilleries from across Kentucky, dancing, and an online auction.
September 5-7: Kentucky Bourbon Festival – Though hosted in Bardstown, the Bourbon Capital of the World ®, you can make Louisville your base and catch a complimentary shuttle to the event grounds.
September 11-14: Bourbon and Beyond – Known as the World’s Largest Bourbon & Music Festival, this four-day party brings together the perfect blend of bourbon, food, and music to celebrate what makes Louisville such a beloved festival destination. 2024 headliners included Zach Bryan, Dave Matthews Band, Tyler Childers, and Sting.
October: Bourbon & Belonging - Considered the first LGBTQ+ inclusive Bourbon festival in the country, this Queer Bourbon Week event will take place across Kentucky in 8 different cities and regions including Northern Kentucky, Louisville, Lexington, Frankfort, Winchester, Paducah, Bullitt County, and Bardstown.
October 18: Urban Bourbon Half Marathon - Come for the race, and stay for the Bourbon party afterwards! This 13.1 mile races takes you through Louisville's neighborhoods filled with Italianate, Victoria and Shotgun-style homes and along the tree-lined road through beautiful Cherokee Park, before heading back downtown. After crossing the finish line, head to the Bourbon Bash at Fourth Street Live to enjoy live music, food, and bourbon samples from several Kentucky Bourbon Trail® distilleries.
November: Louisville Chocolate, Wine, & Whiskey Festival - Indulge in a trifecta of taste at the Louisville Chocolate, Wine & Whiskey Festival! Savor local and international chocolates, sip on rich wines, and enjoy bold whiskey pairings—all in one unforgettable celebration. Perfect for foodies and connoisseurs alike, this festival is a treat for the senses
Learn more about Louisville's distilleries, Urban Bourbon Trail, and Bourbon-infused events here.
