Kentucky Bourbon Festival
The 35th annual Kentucky Bourbon Festival is a three-day, adults-only (21+/no children allowed) celebration in the Bourbon Capital of the World. What began in 1992 as an intimate local tasting has grown to become a destination event for bourbon lovers everywhere. The festival’s post-Labor Day schedule is perfect for RV travelers who want to enjoy bourbon against a backdrop of historic sites and gorgeous horse farms. Guests can sample libations from over 60 distilleries, buy rare bottles onsite, or join in the Master Distillers' Bottle Auction. Attendees can also learn about bourbon making and enjoy live music on the grounds of Spalding Hall, just a short walk from downtown.
ACTIVITIES & ENTERTAINMENT
At the Kentucky Bourbon Festival, spirits are the stars. Kick things off with high-end bites and signature cocktails at Bourbon in the Air. Next, sample bourbons at the heritage and craft distillery tents. Watch the World Championship Bourbon Barrel Relay, where distillery teams race to roll 500-pound barrels into a rack. You’ll also get chances to meet master distillers, attend workshops and seminars, and purchase special bottles on Distillers' Row. The Bourbon Marketplace offers themed T-shirts, glassware, and other memorabilia. Vendors also sell classic Kentucky foods and bourbon-infused specialties.
ON-SITE AMENITIES
General admission amenities at the Kentucky Bourbon Festival include: • Free water refill stations • Comfortable seating areas for relaxing • Free Restrooms VIP amenities include: • Access to private, climate-controlled indoor VIP lounges or tents • Exclusive small bites and specialty cocktails • Access to luxury restroom trailers and private VIP bars. • Complimentary bourbon lockers with phone charging stations
LOCATION
The Kentucky Bourbon Festival is hosted by the small community of Bardstown. The main festivities take place downtown at 114 N Fifth St., Bardstown, KY 40004.
FAQs About RVing to Kentucky Bourbon Festival
Can you bring an RV to the Kentucky Bourbon Festival?
You can drive your RV to the Kentucky Bourbon Festival. The best parking and camping opportunities will be at a nearby state park or RV park.
Are there RV amenities at the Kentucky Bourbon Festival?
The Kentucky Bourbon Festival does not provide RV-specific amenities. Restrooms, seating, food, and water are available on-site.
What gear should I bring for the Kentucky Bourbon Festival?
The weather at the Kentucky Bourbon Festival can be hot. Bring sunglasses, sunscreen, comfortable walking shoes, and a sun hat to maximize your enjoyment.
Is the Kentucky Bourbon Festival a family-friendly event?
The Kentucky Bourbon Festival is strictly a 21-and-over event. No children are allowed. You’ll need a valid photo ID to enter the grounds.
RVING AT THE EVENT
When you’re RVing to the Kentucky Bourbon Festival, you can enjoy the festival at your leisure and take a break at your home base. While there is no on-site camping, you can set up camp at a nearby state park or private campground. You may be able to find free day parking at a shopping center or the Nelson County Public Library. People also pay to park in neighborhood yards. Paid local travel services provide reliable transportation; rideshare access is available but may be limited with long wait times.
Where to Camp Near the Kentucky Bourbon Festival
Although the Kentucky Bourbon Festival does not offer RV camping, you’ll find plenty of campsites near Bardstown, including: • My Old Kentucky Home State Park is set on a 235-acre estate featuring the historic 1850s-era Georgian Federal Hill manor and an 18-hole golf course. It offers 39 RV sites, some with full hookups and others with electric/water only. The campground has shower facilities and a dump station. • White Acres Campground is a family-owned RV park with 80 scenic grassy or gravel campsites with full electric, water, and sewer hookups. Leashed pets are welcome. Amenities include complimentary Wi-Fi access, bathhouses, picnic tables, and an event pavilion. • Little Patch of Heaven Campground is a pet-friendly stop with 39 RV sites, including a few with full hookups. Guests can enjoy a walking trail, a catch-and-release fishing pond, and a communal fire pit. Amenities include restrooms and showers, laundry facilities, free Wi-Fi, and a dump station. • Grandma's RV Camping is a small family-owned RV park in Shepherdsville that's great for larger Class A and towed travel trailers. They have 30 pull-through sites for rigs up to 70 feet long and 35 back-in sites for rigs up to 45 feet. All sites have full hookups. Other amenities include free Wi-Fi, restrooms, showers, laundry services, and pet-friendly areas.
RV Rental Tips for the Kentucky Bourbon Festival
Traveling in an RV is a wonderful way to experience the Kentucky Bourbon Festival. You can rent an RV in Bardstown, but be sure to book early. As you’re planning your trip, check out our Ultimate Guide to RV Camping in Kentucky. Also, if you’re staying for a few days, our guide to the ten best RV trips to take in Kentucky can help you discover some beautiful natural destinations. Class A or Class C RVs and larger travel trailers are great for couples, families, or groups of friends. A smaller Class B camper van may be better for solo travelers. Here are a few camping tips for the Kentucky Bourbon Festival: • Area RV campgrounds fill up quickly in the summer, so book your campsite early. • Getting from your RV to the festival and back again can take a while, so plan ahead to avoid long waits. If a local shuttle won’t stop by your campground, book a ride with a rideshare service or a local transportation provider. • If you plan to visit famous distilleries during your trip, book your tours weeks or months in advance. • Bring a reusable water bottle to sip from during the day. You can refill your bottle for free at a water station on the grounds.
WHERE TO STAY
If you’d like to book a room during the Kentucky Bourbon Festival, you can find recommendations at the Kentucky Bourbon Festival's accommodations page. • Tempo by Hilton Downtown Louisville NuLu: This is the official Kentucky Bourbon Festival partner and offers shuttle transportation to and from the festival for $30 per day. It offers 130 modern, pet-friendly rooms and suites that are within walking distance of NuLu's shops and attractions. Amenities include king- or queen-sized beds, 65-inch flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, ADA accommodations, restaurants, and a fitness center. • The Bourbon Manor Bed and Breakfast Inn: This inn is a restored pre-Civil War property that offers ten spacious guest rooms with antique furnishings. Amenities include a bar, breakfast, and a spa; plus, Bardstown’s restaurants, attractions, and shops are within walking distance. • Bardstown Motor Lodge: This pet-friendly motel offers 35 mid-century-inspired rooms and suites with modern boutique comforts. All units feature 55-inch smart TVs, free Wi-Fi, mini-fridges, and plush king- or queen-sized beds. Enjoy a poolside cocktail at The Bardstown Swim Club, or relax in the outdoor courtyard. You’ll also find a rec room, dining opportunities, and more.
HOW TO GET THERE
To get to the Kentucky Bourbon Festival, you can fly into the Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport (SDF), about 40 miles northwest of Bardstown. You can also drive to the festival using these routes: From Lexington: Take the Bluegrass Parkway west for 64 miles to Exit 21 for Bardstown. Turn right onto U.S. 31E and continue for 1.7 miles. Turn right on W. Stephen Foster, then left at the light onto N. Fifth Street. Spalding Hall will be on your left. From Nashville: Take I-65 north for 100 miles into Kentucky and exit at 93 onto the Bluegrass Parkway East toward Bardstown-Lexington. Take Exit 21 and turn left onto U.S. 31E. Drive two miles, then turn right onto W. Stephen Foster. At N. Fifth Street, turn left at the light. Spalding Hall will be on your left. From Louisville and the Louisville International Airport: Take I-65 south for 35 miles to Exit 112 (Clermont-Bardstown). Turn left onto Highway 245 and follow it for 15 minutes into Bardstown. At the fourth light, turn right onto U.S. 31E. Continue to W. Flaget Street and turn right. Turn right onto N. Fifth Street at the second stop sign, and Spalding Hall will be on your left. From Cincinnati: Head toward Louisville on I-71 S and bypass Louisville on I-265 E, which smoothly merges into I-65 S. Continue south on I-65 toward Elizabethtown and take Exit 93 onto the Bluegrass Parkway East toward Bardstown-Lexington. Finally, take Exit 21 for KY-150 and follow the signs to the festival.
PARKING
The Kentucky Bourbon Festival does not have designated RV parking. Most people park off-site and use shuttles or ride-sharing to get around town.
TICKETS & PRICING
Tickets for the Kentucky Bourbon Festival are available online and tend to sell out quickly. Prices start at $115 for a one-day, general admission “Sunday Sampler” pass. Multi-day passes and VIP experiences range from $795 to $6,995.
WRAP UP
RVers who love bourbon culture won’t want to miss the Kentucky Bourbon Festival in Bardstown, the heart of bourbon country. With beautiful RV parks nearby, you’ll be able to enjoy everything the event offers at your own pace. While you’re in the area, you can explore historic sites, distilleries, and parks nearby.
5-Day RV Itinerary for Kentucky Bourbon Festival
Day 1: Arrival and Festival Kickoff Drive to Bardstown and park at your campsite. Once you’re settled, you can check out downtown Bardstown or head directly to the festival grounds for opening ceremonies and initial tastings. For a small-batch experience, take a side quest to the Willett Distilling Company. Days 2 and 3: Enjoy Bourbon in Bardstown Immerse yourself in festival events like the World Championship Bourbon Barrel Relay, sample local spirits, and grab some barbecue. If you’re feeling lucky, head to the Master Distillers' Bottle Auction to snag a rare bottle. Get dinner at Bardstown Bourbon Company's five-star restaurant, then head back to your RV for some shut-eye. When you wake up, visit My Old Kentucky Home State Park or head back to the festival. Day 4: Explore Louisville and Depart Book a day trip with BourbonTown Tours or Sip Kentucky and head 45 minutes north to Louisville's "Whiskey Row." If possible, check out the Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory. Once you get back to Bardstown, you can relax at your RV, pack up, and head home.
Please note, this is not the official source of the event information. While we try to be as comprehensive as possible, some details may have changed since the time this article was written. Please confirm final details with the official event page.
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