BARDSTOWN, Ky. — Bourbon fans can start making plans for next year.
The Kentucky Bourbon Festival has announced that its 2027 celebration will take place Sept. 16-19 in Bardstown, continuing one of the bourbon industry’s signature annual events during National Bourbon Heritage Month.
The announcement comes as the 2026 Kentucky Bourbon Festival celebrates its fifth consecutive sellout, underscoring the continued demand for the four-day gathering in the self-proclaimed Bourbon Capital of the World.
“We’re excited to welcome bourbon lovers from around the world back to Bardstown for another unforgettable Kentucky Bourbon Festival,” said Randy Prasse, president and chief operating officer of the festival. “The momentum we’ve built since revamping the event in 2021 continues to grow, and we’re looking forward to delivering an even bigger and more exciting festival experience in 2027.”
The Kentucky Bourbon Festival brings together distilleries, bourbon brands and whiskey enthusiasts for tastings, educational programs, special releases and immersive experiences centered on Kentucky’s signature spirit.
Festival organizers said all tickets for the 2026 event sold out, marking the fifth consecutive year the festival has reached capacity.
The event also has a significant impact beyond the bourbon industry. According to festival organizers, approximately 85% of ticketed guests travel to Bardstown from outside Kentucky, bringing visitors — and tourism spending — to Nelson County and the surrounding region.
“The continued success of the Kentucky Bourbon Festival is a testament to the dedication of our amazing distillery partners, dedicated staff and board members, and of course our sponsors and volunteers, all of whom share our passion and have worked diligently to build what is now widely regarded as a premier whiskey event,” Prasse said.
The festival is presented by longtime sponsor The Koetter Group, a third-generation family-owned business specializing in construction, real estate, building services and K-Rax premium spirits barrel storage systems.
An on-sale date for 2027 Kentucky Bourbon Festival tickets has not yet been announced. Festival e-newsletter subscribers will receive advance notice about ticket sales, special events and other festival news.
The 2027 Kentucky Bourbon Festival is scheduled for Sept. 16-19 in Bardstown.
About the Kentucky Bourbon Festival (Bardstown, Ky.):
The Kentucky Bourbon Festival (Sept. 16-19, 2027) is a celebration of Kentucky Bourbon and the Bourbon Capital of the World, Bardstown, Kentucky. What began as a Bourbon tasting dinner has grown into a truly authentic experience that brings together bourbon enthusiasts from all over the world. The Kentucky Bourbon Festival is one of the Commonwealth’s leading cultural festivals. For more information, visit kybourbonfestival.com.
