10+ Bourbon events and festivals to attend in 2026

February 12, 2026 | Jordan Skora and Katie Molck

It’s not called Bourbon City for nothing.

Louisville is home to nearly 20 distilleries and tasting rooms and is the pioneer of the Urban Bourbon Trail®. If you are planning a trip to the heartland of America's only native spirit, you might want to center your visit around one of these high-proof events.

Kentucky Bourbon Country Auction & Celebration | Friday, Feb.13-Sunday, Feb. 15
This will be the inaugural year for this multifaceted Bourbon event designed to highlight the heritage, craftsmanship, and market for rare Bourbons.

  • Features: World’s largest bourbon auction, tours and tastings, culinary pairings, chef-led events
  • Tickets: $150-$7,000
  • Locations: Frazier History Museum, Watch Hill Proper, Omni Louisville

Legends Series | Thursday, Feb. 19 & Thursday, March 12
Bourbon meets horse racing during this two-event series where the titans of the industry share insights that will enhance your knowledge and appreciation for Kentucky’s spirit. This year's featured distilleries are Four Roses and Buffalo Trace.

  • Features: Bourbon tastings, curated appetizers and food pairings, complimentary bar
  • Tickets: $100-$175
  • Location: Kentucky Derby Museum

Bourbon Classic | Wednesday, Feb. 25-Saturday, Feb. 28
Launched in 2013, the Bourbon Classic has become a signature Bourbon festival and has earned national acclaim, including a spot on Travel + Leisure’s “7 Best Cocktail Festivals in the U.S.”

  • Features: Cocktail and culinary challenges, hands-on educational sessions, a tasting event with dozens of Bourbons, master distillers, and food from celebrated restaurants
  • Tickets: $150-$565
  • Locations: 21c Museum Hotel, The Kitchen Table, Angel’s Envy Distillery, Kentucky International Convention Center

BourbonVille® | Thursday, April 2
Part of the annual Kentucky Derby Festival, BourbonVille® is a tasting event with Kentucky’s top distilleries.

  • Features: Tastings, Bourbon-inspired food, commemorative glass and pin
  • Tickets: $75-$125
  • Location: Ice House

Pig & Swig | Saturday, April 11
Combining the flavors of Kentucky, this tasting event will feature smoked meats, savory dishes, and oftentimes rare and exclusive Bourbon pours.

  • Features: 100+ Bourbon samples, food pairings, live bands
  • Tickets: $25-$60
  • Location: Fourth Street Live!

Old Fashioned Fortnight | Monday, June 1-Sunday, June 14
Every year, Louisville celebrates the Bourbon cocktail of all Bourbon cocktails during Old Fashioned Fortnight by shining a spotlight on the drink invented right here in Bourbon City.

  • Features: Special exhibits, cocktail classes, Bourbon dinners
  • Tickets: FREE, price of purchase
  • Location: Multiple venues and bars around the city

Kentucky Bourbon Festival | Thursday, Sept. 10-Sunday, Sept. 13
Hosted in Bardstown, KY — aka the Bourbon Capital of the World ® — this iconic Bourbon festival started in 1992. Make Louisville your home base and catch one of many complimentary shuttles to this event.

  • Features: Over 60 distilleries, access to direct bottle purchases, workshops, panel discussions, vendor marketplace
  • Tickets: $190-$6,995
  • Location: Spalding Hall in Bardstown, KY

Bourbon & Beyond | Thursday, Sept. 24-Sunday, Sept. 27
Known as the "World’s Largest Bourbon & Music Festival," this four-day party is the perfect blend of Bourbon, music, and food.

  • Features: Bourbon and culinary celebs, numerous brand and themed bars, workshops, a rare Bourbon lounge
  • Tickets: $391-$2,249
  • Location: Kentucky Expo Center

Urban Bourbon Half Marathon | Saturday, Oct. 17
Come for the race, stay for the Bourbon party. This race will take you through Louisville neighborhoods filled with Italianate, Victorian, and shotgun-style homes, as well as down the tree-lined road of beautiful Cherokee Park. After crossing the finish line, head to the Bourbon Bash at Fourth Street Live!

  • Features: Bourbon-themed medal, Urban Bourbon Bash with live music, Bourbon samples, and pizza
  • Tickets: $35-$75
  • Locations: Downtown Louisville, Fourth Street Live!

Bourbon & Belonging | October
Considered the first LGBTQ+ inclusive Bourbon festival in the country, this Queer Bourbon Week event will take place across Kentucky in eight different cities and regions, including Northern Kentucky, Louisville, Lexington, Frankfort, Winchester, Paducah, Bullitt County, and Bardstown.

  • Features: Tasting and tours, classes, panels
  • Tickets: FREE, price of purchase
  • Locations: Downtown Louisville, Fourth Street Live!