Bourbon & Beyond returned to Louisville for its seventh year in 2025, and this four-day celebration of music, bourbon, and culinary artistry proved to be the festival’s most ambitious edition yet. Held at the Highland Festival Grounds at the Kentucky Exposition Center, the event welcomed tens of thousands of fans with an expanded footprint—double the size of last year’s layout—and a lineup that brought together legendary icons, rising stars, and world-class tastemakers.
Photo Credits: Danny Wimmer Presents
Bigger Grounds, Bigger Experience
The new layout transformed the Kentucky Exposition Center into a playground for festivalgoers. Alongside five stages of continuous music, the grounds offered access to over a dozen rides at Kentucky Kingdom, a first for the event. The expansion also introduced new activations and an official merchandise store inside the air-conditioned West Wing, providing a welcome break from the September heat while giving attendees more to explore.
Beyond the Music
The festival wasn’t only about stages and spirits—it was about experiences. Fans could stop by the 1 Million Strong tent for craft mocktails and a welcoming, alcohol-free community. Bourbon enthusiasts flocked to various taste testing sessions, while the Bluegrass tent celebrated Kentucky’s musical roots with intimate performances. Between sets, festivalgoers captured memories at the many art walls and installations, or took a spin on Kentucky Kingdom rides, blending the thrill of amusement park fun with the live soundtrack of the weekend.
A Lineup of Legends
More than 120 artists across five stages kept the energy flowing all weekend. I found myself bouncing between soulful singalongs, classic rock nostalgia, and jam sessions that seemed to go on forever. Highlights included:
The Lumineers, bringing their signature folk-rock warmth that had the crowd swaying together under the Kentucky night sky.
Alabama Shakes, whose powerhouse vocals shook the festival grounds.
Pat Benatar & Neil Giraldo, reminding everyone what rock legends really sound like.
Ringo Starr, a Beatle gracing the Bourbon & Beyond stage—an absolute bucket-list moment.
Phish, spinning out sprawling sets that had fans mesmerized.
Jack White, unleashing pure electricity.
Sturgill “Johnny Blue Skies” Simpson, a homegrown Kentucky star with grit and soul in every note.
Benson Boone, who had the crowd singing along to every heartfelt lyric, proving his star power with a younger generation of fans.
TV on the Radio, delivering their genre-bending, art-rock energy that pulsed through the crowd.
Miles Miller, blending country roots with Americana charm in a set that felt both raw and refined.
Sullvn, offering a fresh, modern edge that stood out as one of the weekend’s breakout discoveries.
Noah Kahan, whose storytelling lyrics and folky anthems turned the field into one massive singalong.
Every set felt like its own celebration, but together they created a soundtrack for the whole weekend—diverse, powerful, and unforgettable.
Bourbon, Cuisine & Culture
True to its name, Bourbon & Beyond elevated Kentucky’s signature spirit to a starring role. Dozens of distilleries showcased tastings and specialty pours, while bourbon education sessions gave fans a chance to learn from the master’s themselves. The culinary stage brought another dimension of artistry, with celebrity chefs Damaris Phillips, Chris Santos, and Amanda Freitag captivating crowds with live demos that paired perfectly with the weekend’s flavors. Adding a twist of humor to the festivities, comedian Jim Gaffigan shared his newest venture into bourbon, blending laughs with Kentucky tradition.
A Festival That Defines Kentucky
What sets Bourbon & Beyond apart is its ability to capture the essence of Kentucky: music that moves you, bourbon that warms you, and hospitality that welcomes you. This year’s expanded footprint not only improved the flow of the festival but elevated the experience into something grander, more immersive, and ultimately unforgettable.
After four days of music, tastings, and camaraderie, Bourbon & Beyond 2025 left its mark as the premier celebration of Kentucky’s cultural heritage. It’s not just a festival—it’s a tradition that continues to grow, evolve, and remind us why Louisville is the perfect stage for music and bourbon to meet.
Stay tune for future Bourbon & Beyond 2026 announcements.
The founder of Happy Hippie Creative, Courtney Bell, was born and raised in Western Kentucky, where she developed an early interest in art and photography. She graduated from the University of Kentucky with a degree in Arts Administration and moved to the Cincinnati area in 2019. She has worked with various clients and organizations, such as local businesses, nonprofits, and festivals, to showcase their stories and products through her images.
Courtney Bell is not only a photographer, but also an avid art, music and live performance lover. She loves supporting her local communities and attending events that celebrate the diversity and culture of Cincinnati, OH. She loves using her time and skills to document and promote the work of local artists, musicians, and performers. She believes that art and photography can bring people together and inspire positive change in the world.
