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.
Ascension Flower Festival
The Episcopal Church of the Ascension,
211 North Third St.
10 am - 4 pm (Sat)
Experience the sights and smells of the beautiful live floral arrangements. Free admission. Donations appreciated.
Backstreets of Bardstown Historical Tour
Tavern Park Shelter,
Court Square
11 am - 12 pm (Fri, Sat)
1 pm - 2 pm (Fri, Sat)
3 pm - 4 pm (Fri, Sat)
11 am - 12 pm (Sun)
Take a ride in the Around the Town Carriage’s horse-drawn Barton Brands 1792 trolley and
enjoy a tour from local historians who will tell the rich and fascinating history of Bardstown. $15
per person. Reservations recommended
or purchase tickets at the Bardstown Welcome Center. (800) 638-4877 #4. ORDER NOW
Balloon Glow
Nelson County Fairgrounds, US 31E
7:30 pm - 9 pm (Tues)
Watch as hot air balloons light their canopies in an amazing display of colors. Concessions on-site. Free admission.
Barrels of Country Music Concert
Bluegrass Entertainment & Exposition Complex,
Sutherland Lane
8 pm (Fri)
Independent Stave Company presents a live country music concert featuring Kellie Pickler and Blake Shelton. General admission tickets are free and limited to two per individual. Tickets are required for entry.
Bootleggers & Bushwhackers Train Robbery
Kentucky Railway Museum,
136 South Main St.,
New Haven, KY
11 am & 2 pm (Sat)
Take a ride on a steam locomotive. Robbers are after its liquid gold cargo. $19 adults, $14 children 2-12 years old. Reservations requested. (800) 272-0152
Boots and BourbonTM
JIDECO Hall,
901 Withrow Ct.
7 pm - 11 pm (Thur)
Put on your boots, kick up your heels and join us at the Wild Turkey Sit and Sip Saloon for an evening of great food, country music and a
whole lot of fun. Dancing and country western-related activities. $40 per person. (Must be 21). Reservations required. (800) 638-4877 #4. ORDER NOW
Bourbon, Cigars and JazzTM
The Great Hall and Rotunda at
My Old Kentucky Home State Park
501 East Stephen Foster Ave.
7 pm - 12 am (Fri)
An exciting evening for cigar and Bourbon aficionados, featuring CAO cigars, fine Heaven Hill Bourbons, great food and live music, Mardi Gras-style. $75 per person. (Must be 21). Reservations required. (800) 638-4877 #4. ORDER NOW
Bourbon Window Displays
Downtown Bardstown,
North Third St. and Flaget Ave.
While walking down the main streets of Bardstown, look for the windows with Kentucky Bourbon displays. Free admission.
Brushed Barrels
Bardstown Welcome Center,
One Court Square
View a display of painted and altered Bourbon barrels on the front lawn. Free admission.
Culinary Art: Bourbon-Style Cooking SchoolTM
Great Hall
My Old Kentucky Home State Park,
501 East Stephen Foster Ave.
7 pm - 9 pm (Thur)
Enjoy entire meal samplings using Jim Beam Brand Bourbons prepared by deSha's Restaurant & Bar. deSha's was named the American Icon of Whisky 2008 by Whisky Magazine of London. Located in Lexington's Historic Victorian Square, deSha's specializes in many regional favorites and offers an extensive collection of premium Bourbons. $45 per person. (Must be 21). Reservations required. (800) 638-4877 #4. ORDER NOW
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.
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)
Let our assortment of food vendors whet your appetite. Free admission to the Lawn.
Ghostly Spirits of Bardstown
Tavern Park Shelter,
Court Square
8 pm - 10 pm (Thur, Fri & 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. $15 per person. Reservations recommended or purchase tickets at the Bardstown Welcome Center.
(800) 638-4877 #4. ORDER NOW
The Great Kentucky Bourbon Tasting & GalaTM
JIDECO Hall,
901 Withrow Ct.
6:30 pm - 1 am (Sat)
A Bourbon lover’s dream. Begin your evening by sampling the finest Kentucky Bourbons from eight distilleries and one brand, with a chance to meet the eight Master Distillers while gathering a collection of glassware in a Woodford Reserve tasting bag. Following the tasting, enjoy an official toast with Barton Brands 1792 Bourbon along with a gourmet Kentucky meal and dancing. The Tasting & Gala is one of the signature events of the Kentucky Bourbon Festival, and it’s a night you will never forget. $140 per person (Must be 21). Reservations required. (800) 638-4877 #4. Dress – Black Tie Only. ORDER NOW
Hands-On Activities
City Hall Lawn,
220 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.
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 logoed 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.
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.
(859) 336-5082 #1101
Kentucky Bourbon Festival Art Exhibit
JIDECO HALL,
901 Withrow Ct.
10 am - 5 pm (Wed, Thur & Sat)
Local artists, by invitation, present a variety of art on display and for sale. Free admission.
Kentucky Bourbon Festival Cornhole Classic
Behind City Hall,
300 West Broadway
10 am (Sat)
12 pm (Sun)
Maker's Mark invites you to grab a partner and attempt your shot at the first ever Kentucky Bourbon Festival Cornhole Classic. Pre-registration is required. Male, female and co-ed teams are allowed. Distillery and open divisions. American Cornhole Association sanctioned tournament. Entry fee is $50 per team of two. Reservations required. Limited to first 64 teams. (Must be 21)
(800) 638-4877 #4. ENTRY FORM
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. (800) 638-4877 #4 ENTRY FORM
Kentucky Bourbon Festival Horseshoe Pitch
Nelson County Fairgrounds,
US 31 E
10 am (Sat)
Show your skills in the game of Horseshoe Pitching. The Kentucky Horseshoe Pitchers Association and The Nelson County Horseshoe Pitchers Association will conduct the pitch. $15 per person entry fee. Reservations requested. T-shirts for all entrants. Trophies will be awarded. Registration begins at 9:30 am. Free admission.
(800) 638-4877 #4
Kentucky Bourbon Festival Poker Run
Pavilion Behind City Hall,
300 West Broadway
11 am - 3 pm (Sun)
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. $25 per person. Reservations recommended or sign up at the Pavilion on the day of event (Must be 21).
(800) 638-4877 #4. ORDER NOW
Kentucky Bourbon ShotsTM
Bardstown Welcome Center,
One Court Square
Enjoy the photography skills of participants depicting the theme Kentucky Bourbon through color and black-and-white. Entry forms available 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 BourbonTM
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. $25 per person. (Must be 21). Reservations required. (800) 638-4877 #4. ORDER NOW
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.
Mixed Drink Challenge
Knights of Columbus Hall,
111 North Fourth St.
1 pm - 2 pm (Sun)
Regional restaurant bartenders and distillery personnel prepare specialty Bourbon drinks to be judged by a select group of Bourbon experts. Winner becomes the official drink for 2009. $25 entry fee per recipe, pre-registration for entrants required. Admission $5 per person. (Must be 21). Reservations recommended or purchase tickets at the door. (800) 638-4877 #4. ORDER NOW
Music on the Lawn
City Hall Lawn,
220 North Fifth St.
5 pm - 12 am (Fri & Sat)
12 pm - 5 pm (Sun)
Enjoy live music by Kentucky performers. Bring your own chair. Four Roses Distillery brings The Kentucky HeadHunters back on Saturday for the eighth consecutive year. Please see our website for additional entertainment lineup. Free admission to the Lawn.
Oscar Getz Museum of Whiskey History
Spalding Hall,
114 North Fifth St.
10 am - 5 pm (Tues)
10 am - 6 pm (Wed, Thur, 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.
Racing with the SpiritsTM
JIDECO Hall,
901 Withrow Ct.
7 pm - 11 pm (Wed)
Participate in an amazing evening of horse racing videos with play money betting and races between guests on wheeled horses. Enjoy Bourbons from Kentucky Distillers Association members. Lots of great food, fun, music and prizes. $40 per person (Must be 21). Reservations recommended.
(800) 638-4877 #4. ORDER NOW
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. $10 per person, $5 per person for teams of three or more. (502) 348-1891
Spirit GardenTM
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 Jim Beam Brands and presented by the Bardstown Rotary Club, is a cash bar featuring Kentucky Bourbon from eight distilleries and one brand. Beer is also available. Entry with purchase of KBF 2008 lapel pin. (Must be 21 and show ID to enter).
Toasting the Spirit of Kentucky
Bardstown Welcome Center,
One Court Square
Send in your favorite toast honoring Kentucky's native spirit. Entry forms available at the KBF office and website. Limit one entry per person. Awards given for best toast. Sponsored by Ridgemont Reserve 1792. Toasts will be given throughout the festival (Must be 21 to enter) ENTRY FORM
Tour The Kentucky Bourbon Trail
Tavern Park Shelter,
Court Square
10 am (Wed & Thurs)
Experience the art of Bourbon making with tours of Kentucky distilleries. Two trails to choose from: the Bardstown Trail covering Jim Beam, Heaven Hill and Maker's Mark 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 (502)349-7777 or 1-866-546-6995.
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 RelayTM
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.
2008 KBF Lapel Pins can be purchased online, at the Kentucky Bourbon Festival booth on the Lawn and at the Spirit Garden.
Safe Ride Home available during the Festival, sponsored by Bulleit Distilling Company.
Event photographs provided by Warren Lynch Photography & Ann McMichael
 RESTRICTIONS:
NO DOGS ALLOWED ON THE LAWN
Downtown Map : Printable
Event Schedule
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