Bourbon & Beyond Wins 2025 Pollstar Music Festival Of The Year
LOUISVILLE, KY (April 18, 2025) – Bourbon & Beyond, one of Louisville’s signature festivals, has been named Pollstar’s Global Music Festival of the Year (for events with over 30,000 in attendance). This prestigious international recognition from the 36th annual Pollstar Awards puts Louisville in the company of world-renowned festivals like Coachella, Lollapalooza, Stagecoach, and Austin City Limits.
This award celebrates more than music—it reflects the creativity, hospitality, and cultural richness that Louisville offers on a global stage. Each September, Bourbon & Beyond blends the city’s bourbon heritage, culinary excellence, and live music into an unforgettable experience for visitors from around the world.
“Year after year, Bourbon & Beyond continues to amaze us with its innovation, growth, and popularity, so it’s no surprise it was named the Pollstar Music Festival of the Year,” said Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg. “This is a well-deserved recognition, and as the festival continues to grow, we look forward to welcoming even more first-time visitors to Louisville.”
In 2024 alone, Bourbon & Beyond—along with its sister festival, Louder Than Life—generated more than $33 million in economic impact, according to Louisville Tourism. That impact touched nearly every corner of the local hospitality industry, from hotels and restaurants to transportation and attractions. What began in 2014 with just 36,000 attendees has grown into a nationally celebrated festival series that attracted nearly 400,000 people over eight days in 2024, with over 70% of attendees traveling from outside Louisville, representing all 50 states and 27 countries.
“Bourbon & Beyond is more than just a music festival — it’s a celebration of everything that makes Kentucky special,” said Kentucky Agriculture Commissioner Jonathan Shell. “From our world-class bourbon to the incredible local food and craftsmanship, this event shines a national spotlight on our culture and community.”
Recently, a 10-year agreement between Kentucky Venues and festival producer Danny Wimmer Presents ensures both Bourbon & Beyond and Louder Than Life will continue to call the Highland Festival Grounds at the Kentucky Exposition Center home through 2035—solidifying Louisville’s place as a premier destination for live music and cultural tourism.
“My Morning Jacket drummer and Louisville native Patrick Hallahan**, who performed at Bourbon & Beyond, shared: “Danny and his team put on a world-class festival. From an artist’s perspective, I can feel the love and intention they put into every step of the process. It is zero surprise to me that they won Festival of the Year.”
Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear added: “Congratulations to Bourbon & Beyond for being named Pollstar Music Festival of the Year. We’re so grateful you’ve made Kentucky your home and look forward to the next 10 years together.”
Plan Your Visit:
While planning your trip to experience Bourbon & Beyond or any of Louisville’s world-class events, download Louisville Tourism’s free Visitor Guide for information on local attractions, bourbon experiences, lodging, and dining.
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