Kentucky Bourbon Festival 2026 Is Going To Be Epic

BARDSTOWN, Ky. (March 5, 2026) – The Kentucky Bourbon Festival (KBF) is gearing up for a historic milestone as it prepares to celebrate its 35th anniversary this September. As the premier destination for whiskey enthusiasts worldwide, the festival has announced its renewed partnership lineup and named New Riff Distilling as the 2026 Featured Distillery.

Held in the “Bourbon Capital of the World” during National Bourbon Heritage Month, the festival has seen unparalleled growth over the last five years, consistently selling out as it showcases more than 60 top-tier bourbon brands.

A Landmark Partnership: New Riff Distilling

This year’s spotlight shines on New Riff Distilling, the fiercely independent Northern Kentucky powerhouse. Fresh off being named “World’s Best Bourbon” at the 2026 World Whiskies Awards for its flagship Bottled-in-Bond expression, New Riff brings its “new riff on old traditions” to the heart of Bardstown.

New Riff President Mollie Lewis shares:

“The Kentucky Bourbon Festival is one of our cornerstone events each year. We love having that face-to-face time to meet fans of the distillery — and make new ones! — in a setting unlike any other. We’re thrilled to be the featured distillery this year and can’t wait to celebrate KBF’s milestone anniversary with everyone in September.”

Renewed Support from Industry Leaders

The KBF continues its successful collaboration with several key sponsors who provide the essential infrastructure and luxury experiences that define the event:

The Koetter Group: Returning as the long-term Presenting Sponsor, specializing in the K-Rax premium spirits barrel storage systems.
Joseph & Joseph Architects: Presenting partner of the exclusive VIP Penthouse.
KPFF Consulting Engineers: Presenting partner of the Great Tent.
Oris: The official timepiece of the KBF and sponsor of the Oris President’s Club.

Randy Prasse, President and COO of the festival, notes:

“The success of the festival in the past five years is thanks to the dedication of all the staff, board, distilleries, sponsors and volunteers who have worked diligently to create what is now widely considered the preeminent whiskey event in the world.”

Save the Dates: Sept. 10–13, 2026

The 35th Annual Kentucky Bourbon Festival will take place in Bardstown, Ky. While an on-sale date for 2026 tickets has not yet been released, fans are encouraged to subscribe to the KBF e-newsletter for advance notice and exclusive access.

For more information and updates, visit www.kybourbonfestival.com.

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