FRANKFORT, Ky. — BJ’s Wholesale Club is expanding its commitment to the Frankfort community through a new partnership with Bourbon on the Banks, becoming the festival’s newest Co-Title Sponsor as the company prepares to open its Frankfort location.
The partnership extends well beyond the festival itself. Throughout Bourbon on the Banks weekend, BJ’s will engage with residents and visitors through a variety of festival and community experiences, helping create memorable moments for the Frankfort community ahead of its new opening.
“We are thrilled to welcome BJ’s Wholesale Club to the Bourbon on the Banks family,” said Diane Strong, Executive Director of Bourbon on the Banks. “From our very first conversations, it was clear that BJ’s wanted to do more than simply sponsor an event—they wanted to become part of the Frankfort community. Their investment will help us continue growing Bourbon on the Banks while expanding the impact we have on our local nonprofits and our community.”
As part of the partnership, BJ’s will create branded experiences throughout the festival weekend, providing opportunities for attendees to engage with the company while learning more about its new Frankfort location and membership offerings.
Since its founding in 2019, Bourbon on the Banks has grown into one of Kentucky’s premier bourbon festivals, attracting visitors from across the country while generating significant economic impact for Franklin County. A 2024 independent economic impact study commissioned by the festival found that the event generates more than $1.66 million in annual economic impact, more than 4,200 overnight hotel stays, and over $1 million in annual visitor spending throughout the community. The festival has also donated more than $248,000 to local nonprofit organizations, with nearly $500,000 raised for charitable causes through festival proceeds and its annual VIP Bourbon Auction.
The 7th Annual Bourbon on the Banks Festival will take place October 3, 2026, at River View Park in downtown Frankfort, with the first of the bourbon, food, music, education, and community events beginning October 1.
For more information about Bourbon on the Banks, visit www.bourbononthebanks.org.
About Bourbon on the Banks
Bourbon on the Banks is a nonprofit bourbon festival held annually in Frankfort, Kentucky. Guided by the tagline “Sip Bourbon, Savor History,” the festival celebrates Kentucky bourbon while generating tourism, supporting local businesses, and raising funds for nonprofit organizations that strengthen the Franklin County community.
