RV Rentals at Kentucky Bourbon Festival
Bardstown, Kentucky, is considered the Bourbon Capital of the World. At the beginning of September, the public can enjoy the Kentucky Bourbon Festival, which helps promote and educate the community about the history of the liquor. This festival also supports local organizations in the surrounding areas. You can celebrate the art of this American spirit with a week of festivities. Since its inception in 1992, the festival has grown from a bourbon tasting and dinner to a weeklong celebration.
Visitors from all over the country come to enjoy the festival in this small Kentucky town. In fact, it is considered the biggest festival in the commonwealth of Kentucky. However, the festival is more than a celebration of bourbon. It also showcases the community that has supported the spirit industry for many generations. You can enjoy everything from tasting events to educational opportunities. The festival also offers family-friendly activities, including arts, crafts and games for kids. Many music artists will perform at the festival, so you will not want to miss your chance to relax and enjoy some tunes on the lawn. If you are ready to experience some Kentucky hospitality, make sure to visit Bardstown in September. The Kentucky Bourbon Festival offers something for everyone.
ACTIVITIES & ENTERTAINMENT
Serious Fun for 21 and Older:
KBF 2024 has been reimagined for bourbon fans ages 21 and older. The purchase of a three-day general admission ticket will provide attendees a Glencairn sampling glass, a limited-edition 30th Anniversary challenge coin and access to multiple activities and events.
Sampling and Sales:
For attendees of all levels eager to sip their favorite and hard-to-find and bourbons, special wristbands can be purchased for use at nearly two dozen distillery booths. Are cocktails more your speed? Get signature mixed drinks prepared by pro mixologists at the new bar on the Great Lawn!
World Championship Bourbon Barrel Relay:
Watch distillery warehouse teams race against the clock to roll and position multiple full, 500-pound barrels perfectly into a rick. This exciting and family friendly event is free to the public.
Single Barrel:
Choose from 20 single barrel offerings from the “Distillers’ Row Series” – available on-site throughout the weekend at the KBF Bottle Shop. In partnership with Justins’ House of Bourbon!
ON-SITE AMENITIES
There are plenty of amenities to enjoy at the Kentucky Bourbon Festival. You can find merchandise, ATMs, information booths, food tents and entertainment options throughout the downtown area.
LOCATION
For over 29 years, the Kentucky Bourbon Festival has been held in the small community of Bardstown. The main festivities are located in the heart of downtown Bardstown.
114 N. Fifth St.
Bardstown, KY 40004
LINEUP
The Kentucky Bourbon Festival always features some amazing acts, including JD Shelburne. You can even catch local performers, such as Kaleb Cecil. The lineup has not been determined for the 2024 festival. However, you can always check back on the Kentucky Bourbon Festival website by clicking on the "Events" tab. Performers will be added to the website as they are announced.
RVING AT THE EVENT
Bardstown is located in central Kentucky, which is the heart of the state's bourbon distilling country. This location is great for RV campers as it sits at the intersection of U.S. Highways, 62, 31 and 150, and it is an ideal drive for even the largest rigs. While the Kentucky Bourbon Festival does not offer dedicated RV parking, there are a few places to park for the weeklong celebration. When you travel in an RV, you can enjoy all the festivities during the day and then return to a comfortable bed at the end of the night. Rent an RV with RVshare to enjoy all the amenities and convenience of RV camping without having to commit to owning a large rig. Here are some spots to park your RV for the week-long celebration.
My Old Kentucky Home State Park
According to legend, the mansion here was the inspiration for the song "My Old Kentucky Home." The 1850s-era Georgian mansion is now a state park with facilities for RVs. It includes 39 sites in the campground, which is open from March to November. Every site is equipped with electrical and water hookups, and the campground offers a dump station and bathhouse. If you need some extra provisions, you can stock up at the grocery store across from the park. For some extra fun, you can even visit the public 18-hole golf course.
501 E. Stephen Foster Ave.
Bardstown, KY 40004-0323
(502) 348-3502
Holt's Campground and Fishing Lake
Holt's Campground offers 33 RV sites with concrete pads on a spacious property with trees surrounding the area. All sites feature electrical 20- to 50-amp hookups and water hookups. There are even a few spots that offer sewage hookups, too. The campground has a dump station for RVs for those without sewage service. Guests can also enjoy other amenities, including a camp store, a horseshoe pit and showers. One of the main features of Holt's Campground is the 6.5-acre fishing pond. If you left your fishing gear at home, the camp store does carry some fishing supplies. The use of the private pond is free for all guests.
2351 Templin Ave.
Bardstown, KY 40004
(502) 348-6717
White Acres Campground
White Acres is a campground with a mix of grassy and gravel campsites. You can book one of the 88 sites or choose to stay in a rental cabin. Some of the features include free Wi-Fi access, an antique shop, bathrooms and a 5,800-square-foot pavilion. White Acres even has accommodations for those traveling with a horse and trailer.
3022 Boston Road
Bardstown, KY 40004
(502) 348-9677
WHERE TO STAY
You can find plenty of spots to camp with your RV rental. With some of the campgrounds offering free shuttle stops, you can enjoy the bourbon tasting without worrying about getting home. An RV rental will allow you to enjoy the Kentucky Bourbon Festival as you settle in for a relaxing night at the end of the day.
For hotels, there are several places to stay in Bardstown. You can enjoy the Bourbon Manor Bed and Breakfast near the Bardstown Civil War Museum. The Jailer's Inn offers a walkable distance to the festival. Some major chains are also available in the town, including the SureStay Hotel Best Western and the Hampton Inn Bardstown. If you choose to book a room, you will want to make an advance reservation. The Kentucky Bourbon Festival is popular, and the rooms fill up fast throughout the surrounding area.
HOW TO GET THERE
The Kentucky Bourbon Festival wants you to enjoy the celebration without any worries. For your convenience and safety, the town offers the Safe Ride Home shuttle. These passenger vans make several convenient stops, including the Old Kentucky Home State Park and White Acres Campground. The vans leave every 20 minutes during the festival's hours. However, if you do decide to travel to the festival, please follow these directions.
From Louisville and the Louisville International Airport
You will need to head south on Interstate 65 and drive 35 miles to Exit 112 for Clermont-Bardstown. Once you have reached the exit, turn left at the ramp onto Highway 245. Follow the highway for 15 minutes into Bardstown. When you have reached the fourth traffic light, you want to turn right onto U.S. 31E. Make sure to stay on 31E until you reach the downtown area and Flaget Street. You need to turn right onto West Flaget Street. At the second stop sign, you can turn right onto North Fifth Street. Spalding Hall will be located on your left.
From Lexington
You will want to head west on the Bluegrass Parkway. Make sure to stay on the parkway for 64 miles until you see Exit 21 for Bardstown. Once you reach the exit, turn right on the ramp to U.S. 31E, and you will stay on the road for 1.7 miles. When you reach W. Stephen Foster, make a right. You will need to take that road until you reach N. Fifth Street. At the light, turn left onto Fifth Street. Spalding Hall will be on your left.
From Nashville
If you are traveling from Nashville, you need to head north on I-65 and continue for 100 miles into Kentucky. You want to take Exit 93 onto the Bluegrass Parkway East toward Bardstown-Lexington. Take the exit at 21 and make a left turn onto U.S. 31E. For the next two miles, continue driving until you reach W. Stephen Foster. You will need to turn right on the road. When you reach N. Fifth Street, make a left at the light. You will see Spalding Hall on your left.
PARKING
Bardstown is a small town, and parking can be a challenge. Many visitors park throughout the town and take advantage of the free shuttles. If you are planning on driving to the festival, you will want to arrive early. You can find a few parking spots throughout the town, including free spaces at the Nelson County Public Library.
TICKETS & PRICING
You can buy your tickets for the Kentucky Bourbon Festival online. At the festival website, you can purchase your tickets and merchandise for the event.
WRAP UP
RVshare is ready to help you explore the great outdoors and visit exciting events around the country. Create memories that will last a lifetime. With RV rentals from RVshare, you can have a stress-free visit to the popular Kentucky Bourbon Festival. Whether you choose to rent an RV from RVshare or book a hotel, make sure to send in your pictures. You can send your photos to [email protected]. Another way to share your vacation is by tagging RVshare on social media. You might even see your story featured on the site's social media or blog!
Make sure to check out @kybourbonfest on Instagram and Facebook for festival updates.
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 .
Do you manage this event?
Work with RVshare to provide housing for staff, vendors, artists and executives. Earn additional revenue by creating unique VIP/GA turn-key packages for your attendees.
Interested in becoming one of our Corporate and Festival Partners? Fill out the form here.