The Ancient Craft of Barrel Making
Spalding Hall Lawn
114 North Fifth St.
10 am - 4 pm (Sat)
12 pm - 5 pm (Sun)
Coopers from Independent Stave Co. demonstrate the unique and historical craft of making special oak barrels to age Bourbon. Free admission to the Lawn.
Any Way She Likes It
1 pm - 3 pm (Fri)
Enjoy a private Bourbon tasting "just for the girls" (significant others are always welcome) hosted by Peggy Noe Stevens, former Master Bourbon Taster. Peggy will describe the trends in Bourbon as it appeals to women while taking a deep sensory dive into the styles of Bourbon and what flavor profiles to look for in bourbon. $35 per person (Must Be 21) Reservation required.
(800) 638-4877 #4.
Backstreets of Bardstown Historical Tour
East side of Court Square
11 am - 12 pm, 1 pm - 2 pm & 3 pm - 4 pm (Fri, Sat)
Take a ride in the Around the Town Carriage’s horse-drawn trolley and enjoy a tour from local historians who will tell the rich and fascinating history of Bardstown. $20 per person. Reservations recommended or
purchase tickets at the Bardstown Welcome Center.
(800) 638-4877 #4.
Balloon Glow
Nelson County Fairgrounds US 31E
7:30 pm - 9 pm (Tues)
Come out to the fairgrounds and enjoy these hot-air beauties. Pilots will illuminate their envelopes displaying an array of colors. Concessions on-site. Free admission. [photos]
Bootleggers & Bushwhackers Train Robbery
Kentucky Railway Museum
136 South Main St.,
New Haven, KY
11 am & 2 pm (Sat)
2 pm (Sun)
Take a ride on a steam locomotive. Robbers are after its liquid gold cargo. $20 adults, $15 children 2-12 years old. Reservations requested. (800) 272-0152.
Boots & Bourbon™
Guthrie Opportunity Center,
Home of Nelson County Industries (NCI)
900 Nutter Drive,
Bardstown, KY
7 pm - 11 pm (Thur)
Join the gang at the Wild Turkey Sit n Sip Saloon for a boot scootin’ good time. Dance along to live country western music, chow down on fantastic food, and be prepared to ride the bull and play cornhole. $45 per person. (Must be 21). Reservations required.
(800) 638-4877 #4. [photos]
Bourbon, Cigars and Jazz™
The Great Hall and Rotunda at
My Old Kentucky Home State Park
501 East Stephen Foster Ave.
7 pm - 12 am (Fri)
Enjoy an evening of fine cigars and fine Bourbon. Cigar and Bourbon aficionados will enjoy Camacho Cigars and an array of select Bourbons from Heaven Hill Distilleries, including Evan Williams Single Barrel Bourbon, Elijah Craig 12-Year-Old, Elijah Craig 18-Year-Old and Very Special Old Fitzgerald to name a few. Delicious food and New Orleans music liven up the night in true Mardi Gras-style. Dress – Casual Cocktail Attire. (800) 638-4877 #4. $90 per person. (Must be 21). [photos]
Bourbon Cocktail Mixology™
6 pm - 8 pm (Fri & Sat)
Sample an array of Kentucky Bourbon-based cocktails. Learn why certain ingredients bring out the best of Bourbon’s complex and satisfying flavors. The Kentucky Bourbon Cocktail Book will be given as a favor $50 per person (Must Be 21). Reservation required (800) 638-4877 #4.
Bourbon Window Displays
Downtown Bardstown
North Third St. and Flaget Ave.
Stroll the main streets of Bardstown and view window displays created by the Kentucky Bourbon distilleries and Brands. Free.
Brushed Barrels
Bardstown Welcome Center
One Court Square
View a display of painted and altered Bourbon barrels on the front lawn. Free admission. [photos]
Chautauqua
Civil War Museum
310 E. Broadway
10 am - 5 pm (Sat)
Celebrating the 150th Anniversary of the Civil War. Chat with Mary Todd Lincoln, Gov and Mrs. John Larue Helm, father of Ben Hardin Helm; visit with General CSA as well as other characters while touring the Civil War Museum. Period actors as well as Civil war re-enactors will be on site. (502) 349-0291.
Culinary Art: Bourbon-Style Cooking School™
Great Hall,
My Old Kentucky Home State Park
501 East Stephen Foster Ave.
7 pm - 9 pm (Thur)
Enjoy samples of cuisine featuring Jim Beam Bourbons prepared by Chef Albert Schmid of Sullivan University. Schmid is the chair of the Beverage Management program at Sullivan University’s National Center for Hospitality Studies and is the author of "The Kentucky Bourbon Cookbook". (Must be 21) $50 per person. Reservation required (800) 638-4877 #4. [photos]
Family Fun Area
City Hall Lawn
220 North Fifth St.
4 pm - 10 pm (Fri)
10 am - 10 pm (Sat)
10 am - 5 pm (Sun)
Families will enjoy a variety of interactive games, inflatables, train rides and much more. Fees vary. [photos]
Food Booths
City Hall Parking Lot
220 North Third St.
4 pm - 10 pm (Fri)
10 am - 10 pm (Sat)
10 am - 5 pm (Sun)
An assortment of food vendors to satisfy your hunger. Free admission to the Lawn.
Ghostly Spirits of Bardstown
The Old Stable
116 W. Stephen Foster Avenue
8 pm - 10 pm (Thur, Fri)
8 pm-10 pm & 10 pm-12 am (Sat)
Join Certified Ghost Hunter Patti Starr for a historic walking tour and ghost hunt on the shadowy streets of Bardstown! Hear true stories of ghostly activity at the locations on the trek. Bring your cameras, audio recorders and camcorder if you wish. $20 per person. Reservations recommended or purchase tickets at the Bardstown Welcome Center. (800) 638-4877 #4
The Great Kentucky Bourbon Tasting & Gala™
Guthrie Opportunity Center
Home of Nelson County Industries (NCI)
900 Nutter Drive
6:30 pm - 1 am (Sat)
A Bourbon lover’s dream. Begin your evening by sampling the finest Kentucky Bourbons from eight distilleries and two brands, with a chance to meet Master Distillers and Ambassadors while gathering a collection of glassware in a Woodford Reserve tasting bag. Following the tasting, enjoy an official toast with 1792 Ridgemont Reserve Small Batch Bourbon. The salad will be enhanced by Michter’s Bourbon followed by a gourmet Kentucky meal, and a special dessert prepared with Blanton’s Bourbon. Dancing to follow. The Tasting & Gala is the signature event of the Kentucky Bourbon Festival, and it is a night you will never forget. $140 per person (Must be 21). Reservations required. (800) 638-4877 #4. Dress – Black Tie Only. [photos]
Hands-On Activities
Spalding Hall Lawn
114 North Fifth St.
4 pm - 10 pm (Fri)
10 am - 10 pm (Sat)
10 am - 5 pm (Sun)
Enjoy a variety of hands-on activities for all ages. All activities revolve around the world of Bourbon, from poster puzzles to filling a bottle with various ingredients in Bourbon. Free admission to the Lawn. [photos]
Half Pint of Whiskey History with a Shot of Humor
Wickland Home of Three Governors
550 Bloomfield Road
10:30 am - 12:00 pm (Fri)
A meander through the history of Kentucky Bourbon making, legal or otherwise. No tale left untold, no barrel left untapped. Local Historian Dixie Hibbs and visiting experts will share their tales. Informal tale telling with the option of staying for a Bourbon flavored picnic lunch. Limited seating, lunch reservists first call on seating $20 for lunch inclusive. Lunch reservation call (502) 507-0808.
Kentucky Arts & Crafts, Foods, Distillery Booths, Kentucky Displays and Retail Booths
Spalding Hall and City Hall Lawns
114 North Fifth St.
4 pm - 10 pm (Fri)
10 am - 10 pm (Sat)
10 am - 5 pm (Sun)
Kentucky Distilleries display and sell their branded and interesting wares. Experience Kentucky through displays and unique retail. Kentucky artisans and craftsmen offer juried handmade items for sale. Free admission to the Lawn. [photos]
Kentucky Bourbon All-Star Sampler™
Guthrie Opportunity Center
Home of Nelson County Industries (NCI)
900 Nutter Drive
7 pm - 9:30 pm (Wed)
The Kentucky Distillers’ Association is sponsoring
this event where you can meet Master Distillers
and Ambassadors from the KDA member distilleries
and sample their renowned Bourbons. Bring your
special bottles or memorabilia for autographs while enjoying genuine Kentucky cuisine and music. $40
per person (Must be 21). Reservations recommended. (800) 638-4877 #4 [photos]
Kentucky Bourbon Breakfast
Lower Floor Spalding Hall
114 North Fifth St.
7:30 am - 12 pm (Sat)
8 am - 11 am (Sun)
St. Catharine College starts your morning off Bardstown-style. Taste a selection of pancakes, Bourbon butter and syrup, Bourbon coffee (we think you get the idea) and more. $5 per person in advance, $6 at door. Coffee by the cup $1. for advance reservation call St. Catherine College at (859) 336-5082 ext.1101. [photos]
Kentucky Bourbon Festival Art Exhibit
Court Square, Bardstown
Exhibit opened Sept.12-18
11 am - 7 pm daily
Local artists present a variety of art work on display for viewing and purchase. Special Event to be held on Thursday 5 pm - 7 pm. Guests will be able to meet the artists while viewing their work.
Kentucky Bourbon Festival Golf Tournament
Bardstown Country Club at Maywood
130 Maywood Ave.
8 am - 1 pm (Sat)
Four person scramble. Distillery and open divisions. Lunch provided. Tee gift, golf shirt and door prizes. Sponsored by Buffalo Trace Distillery. $125 per person (Must be 21). Reservations required. Limited to first 144 players. (800) 638-4877 #4. [photos]
Kentucky Bourbon Festival Horseshoe Pitch
Nelson County Fairgrounds
US 31 E
10 am (Sat)
Nelson County Horseshoe Pitchers Association will conduct the pitch. $15 plus tax per person entry fee. T-shirts for all entrants. Distillery and Open Division. Additional T-Shirts will be for sale $10 each. On-line Registration Form. Reservations requested. This will be an "Adult" event only. Barrelhead & Trophies will be awarded to winners. Distillery qualifying pitch Sept. 10-11. Registration begins at 9:30 am. Free Admission. Participants to bring own horseshoes. (800) 638-4877 #4. [photos]
Kentucky Bourbon Festival Poker Run
Nelson County Judicial Center
200 Nelson County Plaza
11 am - 3 pm (Sat)
Enjoy a ride through the countryside while collecting your poker hand. Free t-shirt, lots of door prizes and cash prizes plus coupons for food court provided. Proof of insurance required at registration. Sign-in begins at 10 am. $30 plus tax per person. Reservations recommended or sign up day of event (Must be 21). Rain Cancels (800) 638-4877 #4.
Kentucky Bourbon Shots™
Bardstown Welcome Center
One Court Square
Enjoy the photography skills of participants depicting the theme Kentucky Bourbon through color, black-and-white and modified. Entry forms are available on-line and at the KBF office. Limit one entry in each category per person. Awards given for each category. Free admission. (Must be 21)
Let’s Talk Bourbon™
Four Roses Distillery
1224 Bonds Mill Rd.
Lawrenceburg, KY
9:30 am -1:30 pm (Fri)
A detailed seminar by the Four Roses Master Distiller, Jim Rutledge, looking at the history and process of making Kentucky Bourbon. Tour the distillery and enjoy an outside Kentucky breakfast buffet. $30 per person. (Must be 21). Reservations required. (800) 638-4877 #4.
Master Distiller's Auction
Spalding Hall – Chapel
114 North Fifth St.
2 pm - 4 pm (Sat)
This prestigious auction, courtesy of Oscar Getz Museum of Whiskey History, gives you the opportunity to bid on vintage items and unusual bottles of your favorite Kentucky Bourbon, some autographed by the Master Distillers. Proceeds benefit Spalding Hall. Free admission. Donations appreciated. [photos]
Mixed Drink Challenge™
5 pm - 6:30 pm (Wed)
Regional restaurant, bars and distillery mixologists prepare specialty Bourbon drinks to be judged by a select group of Bourbon experts. Winner becomes the official drink for the 2011 KBF. $25 entry fee per recipe, pre-registration for entrants required. Admission $15 per person. (Must be 21). Reservations recommended or purchase tickets at the door or online. (800) 638-4877 #4. [photos]
Music on the Lawn
City Hall Lawn
220 North Fifth St.
Friday, Saturday & Sunday
Nelson County Youth Livestock Investment Sale
Samuels Hall -Nelson County Fairgrounds
5 pm (Sat)
Enjoy a catered meal while watching local youth exhibit their livestock projects for the year. Bid on animals and other novelties to help sponsor youth livestock projects for future years. Come be a part of the Nelson County Youth Livestock Investment Sale.
Oscar Getz Museum of Whiskey History
Spalding Hall
114 North Fifth St.
10 am - 5 pm (Tue,Wed,Thur),
10 am - 6 pm (Fri & Sat)
10 am - 4 pm (Sun)
An 1826 building housing stills, photos, artifacts and displays of distilling from pre-colonial days to the present. Gift shop includes historical Bourbon memorabilia. Free admission. Donations appreciated.
Sip & Savor in the Spirit of Old Kentucky™
1 pm- 3 pm (Sat)
A Bourbon and food pairing experience. Learn the Bourbon characteristics and how/why, they pair with each offering. $40 per person (Must be 21). Reservations required. (800) 638-4877 #4
Spirit 5K Run and Walk
Nelson County Civic Center
321 South Third St.
8:30 am (Sat)
United Way's campaign kickoff. All levels invited and prizes galore. $15 per person, $10 per person for teams of three or more. (502) 348-1891 [photos]
Spirit Garden™
Behind City Hall
220 North Fifth St.
5 pm - 12:30 am (Fri)
12 pm - 12:30 am (Sat)
1 pm - 5 pm (Sun)
The Spirit Garden, sponsored by Maker's Mark and presented by the Bardstown Rotary Club, is a cash bar featuring participating Kentucky Bourbons. Beer is also available. Entry with purchase of KBF 2011 lapel pin. (Must be 21 and show ID to enter).
Tour The Kentucky Bourbon Distilleries
East side of the Court Square
10 am (Wed & Thurs)
Experience the art of Bourbon making with tours of Kentucky distilleries. Two trails to choose from: Bardstown Trail covering Jim Beam, Heaven Hill, Maker’s Mark and Barton 1792 Distillery, and the Bluegrass Trail with stops at Four Roses, Buffalo Trace, Wild Turkey and Woodford Reserve. A box lunch will be provided. Reservations required. Fees vary. For reservations or more info,
call (270) 765-7297.
U.S. Army Extreme Adventure
City Hall Lawn
220 North Fifth St.
6 pm - 9 pm (Fri)
10 am - 9 pm (Sat)
10 am - 5 pm (Sun)
Experience the excitement, adventure and opportunities that are currently available by joining the Army. Free admission to the Lawn.
Whiskey City Cruisers Vehicle Show
City Hall
220 North Fifth St.
4 pm - 10 pm (Fri)
10 am - 10 pm (Sat)
10 am - 5 pm (Sun)
View a variety of vehicles on display from the area's largest club. Free admission to the Lawn.
World Championship Bourbon Barrel Relay™
Behind City Hall
300 West Broadway
11 am - 2 pm (Sat)
Watch adept, strong, experienced competitors roll 500-lb. Bourbon barrels in a race against both time and accuracy. Individual, team, men's and women's divisions. Barrel dancing during intermission at approximately 12 pm. Sponsored by the Independent Stave Company. Free admission to the Lawn. [photos]
2012 KBF Lapel Pins will be available online, coming soon, and also at the Kentucky Bourbon Festival information booth on the Lawn and at the Spirit Garden.
Safe Ride Home available during the festival sponsored by Bulleit Distilling Company.
General info on the Festival:
One Court Square
Bardstown, KY 40004
(800) 638-4877 #4
(502) 348-3623 #4
FAX (502) 348-3403
 RESTRICTIONS:
NO DOGS ALLOWED ON THE LAWN
Downtown Map
Download our 2011 Brochure and Event Schedule
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