Music & Festivals | Louisville Tourism

Bourbon and Beyond

September 19-22

Known as the World’s Largest Bourbon & Music Festival, this four-day party brings together the perfect blend of bourbon, food, and music to celebrate what makes Louisville such a beloved festival destination.

This year's headliners include Zach Bryan, Dave Matthews Band, Tyler Childers, Beck, and Sting. Additionally, the iconic festival will welcome over 90 performers across five stages, showcasing a diverse range of genres from rock, roots, bluegrass, to folk music.

Beyond the music, Bourbon & Beyond offers a unique culinary experience like no other. Enjoy immersive workshops, demonstrations and tastings hosted by top chefs and bourbon experts, highlighting Kentucky's rich bourbon heritage and culinary excellence. The festival also includes numerous bourbon-related events, emphasising its role in promoting Louisville as a premier destination for both music and bourbon enthusiasts.

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Louder Than Life

September 26 - 29

No sooner than the lights fall on Bourbon & Beyond, we’re cranking up the volume to rocking once again to the sounds of Louder Than Life festival. Continually hailed as the United States’s largest rock festival, this year will mark its 10th anniversary in Louisville. The festival welcomes a powerhouse line-up including Mötley Crüe, Slipknot, Slayer, and Korn, plus nearly 150 performances from renowned artists such as Judas Priest, Evanescence, and The Offspring. Add in LTL accolade

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Bourbon & Belonging

October 2 - 6

A new week-long festival that celebrates the intersection of bourbon culture and LGBTQ+ inclusivity. Considered the first inclusive Bourbon festival of its kind in the U.S, the event will take place across Kentucky with 8 different cities and regions participating. Louisville, known for its vibrant bourbon scene and welcoming atmosphere, will be the main hub for the event and is joined in celebration by Northern Kentucky, Lexington, Frankfort, Winchester, Paducah, Bullitt County, and Bardstown.

Featuring a variety of activities, including tastings, culinary experiences, and cultural events that highlight both the rich bourbon heritage of Kentucky and the diverse LGBTQ+ community, festival goers will have the opportunity to explore bourbon distilleries, meet master distillers, and enjoy bourbon-inspired cuisine. Notable bourbon brands participating in the event include Angel’s Envy, Maker’s Mark, and Old Forester, among others.

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LouGrass

April – October

LouGrass, Louisville’s own evolution with the music genre, honours Kentucky's deep roots in bluegrass music. A genre that originated in the Appalachian hills and was significantly shaped by Kentucky native Bill Monroe, known as the Father of Bluegrass Music, is showcased through diverse musical styles including Americana, alt-country, and jazz.

This series of free, live performances runs seasonally from April to October across various bars, hotels and restaurants throughout the city. Expect incredible live music, where at least two venues each weekend will feature frequent performances from local icons, including Grammy award-winner Michael Cleveland, Hickory Vaught, the Bibelhauser Brothers and others who are often seen jammin’ around Bourbon City.

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