Kentucky Bourbon Festival Announces 2026 Ticket On-Sale Dates for 35th Anniversary Celebration

BARDSTOWN, Ky. — The countdown to one of bourbon’s most iconic gatherings is officially on. The Kentucky Bourbon Festival (KBF) has announced that tickets for its 2026 event will go on sale April 14, with early access available to “Bourbon Insiders” on April 13. Marking its 35th anniversary, this year’s festival is set to take place September 10–13 in Bardstown, Kentucky — widely known as the Bourbon Capital of the World.

For more than three decades, KBF has brought together bourbon enthusiasts from across the globe to celebrate the craftsmanship, heritage, and culture of America’s native spirit during National Bourbon Heritage Month. And if early buzz is any indication, 2026 is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated years yet.

“Reaching the milestone 35th anniversary is a testament to the continued support of our distillery partners and the growing passion of bourbon enthusiasts worldwide,” said Randy Prasse, president and COO of the festival. “The ability to sample and purchase limited releases and other hard-to-find bourbons directly from the distilleries is what has established KBF as the must-attend whiskey experience each year.”

That experience continues to evolve. This year’s festival will feature six ticket options designed to meet attendees wherever they are in their bourbon journey — from first-time tasters to seasoned collectors.

Options range from the single-day Sunday Sampler to the Bourbon Taster general admission weekend pass, all the way up to highly exclusive VIP experiences like the Decanter Club and the coveted Oris President’s Club.

All ticket holders will enjoy:

• Unlimited re-entry to festival grounds

• Sampling from more than 60 Kentucky distilleries

• Access to exclusive single-barrel selections

• Educational programming with master distillers and industry experts

• Expanded culinary and cocktail experiences

Pricing begins at $225 for a three-day Bourbon Taster pass, while premium VIP packages climb to $1,495 for the Decanter Club and $6,995 for the ultra-exclusive Oris President’s Club, limited to just 30 guests.

One of the biggest draws of the Kentucky Bourbon Festival remains the opportunity to purchase rare and limited-release bottles directly from distilleries. This includes the highly sought-after “Distillers’ Row Series” — exclusive single-barrel selections curated specifically for the event.

To make the experience seamless, attendees can take advantage of on-site lockers, allowing them to store their prized bottles while continuing to explore everything the festival has to offer.

The 2026 festival will once again host 17 premium events inside The Great Tent, where guests can hear directly from master distillers about mash bills, finishing techniques, and the stories behind their brands. Attendees can also participate in 13 Bourbon:30 sessions throughout the weekend, offering quick-hit educational experiences and tastings.

Beyond the glass, KBF leans into the full bourbon lifestyle. The Bourbon Marketplace will return, featuring a curated collection of vendors offering everything from timepieces and leather goods to handcrafted barware. Brands like Oris, Jacob Bromwell, Clayton & Crume, and Retro 51 will be part of the experience, giving attendees the chance to sip, shop, and immerse themselves in bourbon culture.

If you’re aiming for the top-tier experience, you’ll want to move quickly. VIP packages sold out in just three minutes in 2025 — and 2026 is expected to follow suit.

VIP perks include:

• Daily early entry

• Crystal Glencairn glassware

• Bottle signings with master distillers

• Access to the VIP Lodge with premium pours and catering

• Entry to exclusive events like Bourbon in the Air

For those seeking the ultimate experience, the Oris President’s Club goes beyond the festival itself. Members receive year-round perks, including a luxury stay at The Trail Hotel, private transportation, exclusive events, and even a limited-edition Oris watch.

This year’s featured distillery is New Riff Distilling, bringing its award-winning portfolio into the spotlight. Major sponsors include The Koetter Group, Joseph & Joseph Architects, KPFF Engineers, and Oris — all contributing to the elevated experience KBF is known for.

Bourbon Insiders will get first access on April 13, including a discounted $205 rate for weekend general admission passes. Public ticket sales begin April 14, and if history repeats itself, premium experiences won’t last long.

Whether you’re there for the rare pours, the education, the community, or the culture, the Kentucky Bourbon Festival continues to set the standard for what a bourbon experience should be.

For more information and to secure your tickets, visit the official Kentucky Bourbon Festival website.

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