The world’s largest bourbon and music festival returns to Louisville this September with an expanded culinary program featuring Food Network stars and premium bourbon tastings. Bourbon & Beyond 2025 takes place September 11-14 at Highland Festival Grounds, combining four days of live music with elevated food and spirits experiences.
The festival has grown to five music stages and over 120 artists following its record-breaking 2024 attendance of more than 210,000 fans. Pollstar named Bourbon & Beyond the Global 2025 Festival of the Year, cementing its position as America’s premier destination festival.
Four-day and single-day general admission and VIP passes remain available at BourbonAndBeyond.com. The festival generated over $33 million in economic impact in 2024, supporting Louisville’s position as a premier cultural destination.
Celebrity Chef Demonstrations and Premium Bourbon Tastings
Food Network personalities Chef Chris Santos from Chopped, and Chef Edward Lee from The Mind of a Chef, will host culinary demonstrations at the Fork & Flask stage. The celebrity chef lineup includes Top Chef Season 15’s Claudette Zepeda, Food Network’s Esther Choi, and local Louisville favorite Anthony Lamas.
Premium bourbon brands will showcase their finest offerings throughout the weekend. Old Rip Van Winkle, Angel’s Envy, Woodford Reserve, Old Forester, and Buffalo Trace will feature in expert-led tastings and demonstrations. The programming highlights Kentucky Proud products, celebrating locally sourced ingredients from Kentucky farmers and producers.
“Bourbon & Beyond is where the heart of music meets the soul of bourbon country, and is hands down one of the most exhilarating festivals in the nation,” said Chris Santos, celebrity chef and judge on Food Network’s Chopped. “I’m excited to crank up the heat on the stage, with chefs rocking out their best dishes with some of your favorite performers.”
Special programming includes a Firkin Podcast taping and “Family Cookin” with NFL legend Terry Bradshaw and his son-in-law Chef Noah Hester. New panels “New School of American Whiskey” and “Buzzed About Bourbon” will explore how podcasts and social media shape bourbon culture.
Music Headliners and Bourbon & Beyond Festival Enhancements
The music lineup features diverse headliners across four days. Thursday opens with The Lumineers, Benson Boone, and Alabama Shakes reunion. Friday showcases Phish playing two sets in their only 2025 festival appearance and first Louisville show in three decades. Saturday features Sturgill “Johnny Blue Skies” Simpson and Jack White, while Sunday closes with Noah Kahan and Goo Goo Dolls.
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Additional must-see performances include Cage The Elephant, TV On The Radio, Ringo Starr & His All-Starr Band, and Foreigner on their farewell tour. The festival has expanded its MINT VIP experience with a three-story elevated structure offering more space and amenities.
New additions for 2025 include RV camping at the University of Louisville and dedicated towel and chair zones. The festival grounds feature improved stage layout to reduce sound bleed and enhanced rideshare pickup areas.
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