"Bourbon & Belonging": Kentucky's Queer Bourbon Week Launches in October

LOUISVILLE, KY – Queer Kentucky, a diverse LGBTQ+ run non-profit, is proud to introduce "Bourbon & Belonging,” Kentucky’s Queer Bourbon Week, a state-wide LGBTQ+ inclusive event, set to take place October 2-6, 2024.

Bourbon & Belonging is launching with the support of eight Kentucky-based Destination Marketing Organizations, which have joined together to showcase the state’s rich Bourbon and hospitality cultures to LGBTQ+ visitors. The inaugural Bourbon & Belonging will feature events in Louisville, along with additional sponsor destinations: Bardstown, Bullitt County, Frankfort, Lexington, Northern Kentucky, Paducah and Winchester.

Louisville continues to be championed as a welcoming and inclusive place while receiving high-profile accolades, including Travel + Leisure’s ’50 Best Places to Travel to in 2024’ and one of the ‘South’s Best Cities,’ by Southern Living.

Bourbon City has also earned a perfect score on the Human Rights Campaign’s Municipal Equality Index every year since 2015.

“Bourbon & Belonging will showcase Louisville’s immense diversity, Bourbon culture, and the southern hospitality that brings it all together,” said Cleo Battle, President & CEO of Louisville Tourism. “As the Commonwealth’s largest city, we want to lead the way in championing Kentucky's dedication to inclusion. Participating in events like Bourbon & Belonging reinforces that we are a welcoming and inclusive destination.”

This event features a growing superstar lineup of Bourbon partners that represent the state of Kentucky: Angel’s Envy, Bardstown Bourbon Company, Barrel House Distilling Co., Bourbon Capital Alliance, Bulleit Bourbon, Evan Williams, James B. Beam Distilling Company, James E. Pepper, Lawrenceburg Bourbon Company, Lux Row Distillers, Maker’s Mark, New Riff Distilling, Old Forester, Ponyboy Slings, Second Sight and Wenzel Whiskey. A variety of host hotels have also committed to partnering with the event, including 21c Museum Hotels, Common Bond Hotel Collection and Hotel Covington.

This week-long event was inspired by “Gay Wine Weekend” in Sonoma and “QueerBeer Fest'' in Washington DC. Participants will be offered a range of activities, tastings, and gatherings designed to foster safety, belonging, and togetherness while raising vital funds for Queer Kentucky and other Kentucky-based LGBTQ+ community service organizations.

If you’re interested in attending or learning more about Bourbon & Belonging, visit www.bourbonandbelonging.com and sign up to receive email communications to be the first to know about ticket releases and upcoming events.

A schedule of events will be announced this summer. Queer Kentucky will be working with Kentucky tourism partners and local non-profits to create and host events during the week. To become a partner or sponsor of "Bourbon & Belonging,” please contact info@bourbonandbelonging.com.