Weeklong Celebration of Bourbon is Planned for June 14-21, 2026 in Bardstown.
Bardstown, Kentucky — the Bourbon Capital of the World® — will once again host National Bourbon Week™ from June 14-21, 2026, marking the third annual installment of the event. Timed to begin on National Bourbon Day, the celebration will unite bourbon fans for a week of curated experiences, tastings, limited releases, and the town’s signature Southern hospitality.
Community-Led Collaboration Across Bardstown
The festival is organized by a coalition of local stakeholders including distilleries, downtown businesses, and hospitality partners. The week’s schedule will include a variety of distillery-hosted dinners, rare bottle releases, educational sessions, and the 23rd Annual Bourbon City Street Concert.
“National Bourbon Week is more than a celebration of Kentucky’s signature spirit,” said Sam Lacy, executive director of the Bourbon Capital Alliance. “It’s a showcase of the deep-rooted craftsmanship, community, and hospitality that make Bardstown unlike anywhere else in the world. We’re proud to welcome visitors back for what’s sure to be our biggest and best year yet.”
Building on 2025’s Success
The 2025 celebration featured 38 events, special releases, and community fundraising initiatives. National Bourbon Week 2026 aims to build on that momentum with a wider array of offerings, including behind-the-scenes tours, master distiller panels, and curated pairing dinners, catering to bourbon fans at every level.
Bardstown Welcomes the Bourbon World
“We’re thrilled to welcome visitors from around the globe to Bardstown — The Bourbon Capital of the World — for National Bourbon Week 2026,” said Stacey Phelps, president of Bardstown-Nelson County Tourism. “Whether you’re a lifelong enthusiast or just beginning your bourbon journey, Bardstown is where stories are shared, traditions are honored, and memories are made — one sip at a time.”
Stay Connected for Updates
Attendees can stay informed by joining the e-mail list at nationalbourbonweek.com or following @NationalBourbonWeek on social media for updates on ticket sales, participating distilleries, and scheduled events.
About the Bourbon Capital Alliance
Established in 2017, the Bourbon Capital Alliance works to uphold and expand Bardstown’s role in bourbon culture. The nonprofit’s initiatives include National Bourbon Week, the Bourbon Capital Academy, the Bourbon Capital Guild, and the Bourbon Capital District destination center. Learn more at bourboncapital.org.
Listen to Bourbon Lens on your favorite podcast app or stream on Spotify. If you’d like to support Bourbon Lens, join our Patreon, sign up for our “Weekly Pour” Newsletter, and don’t forget to follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and X.
- Jim Beam Turns Football’s Most Dreaded Sound Into a Prize Opportunity With “Hit The Beam”
- The Boss Hog XIII: WhistlePig Creates Rye Whiskey Inspired by Ancient Egypt
- Hard Truth Distilling Co. Announces Third Annual Harvest Festival, Debuting Dark Roast Rye
- Heaven Hill Honors Parker Beam’s Legacy With 20th Edition of Parker’s Heritage Collection — A 14-Year Bourbon Made With Rye Backset
- Kentucky Wildcats Bourbon Deal: UK Athletics Partners With Heaven Hill, Naming Elijah Craig and Evan Williams Official Bourbon Partners
- Pursuit Spirits and Shortbarrel Team Up for “Found Footage,” a Maple-Finished Rye Collaboration Debuting at Kentucky Bourbon Festival
