2009 Bourbon Festival Events
(alphabetical) (sorted by Day)

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. Organ recitals throughout the day. 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)
12 pm - 1 pm (Sun)
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. $15 per person. Reservations recommended or purchase tickets at the Bardstown Welcome Center. (800) 638-4877 #4 ORDER NOW

Balloon Glow
Nelson County Fairgrounds US31E
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. [more photos]

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. $19.50 adults, $14.50 children 2-12 years old. Reservations requested. (800) 272-0152

Boots and Bourbon™
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. $45 per person. (Must be 21). Reservations required. (800) 638-4877 #4 [more photos] : ORDER NOW

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)
An exciting evening for cigar and Bourbon aficionados, featuring Camacho Cigars, fine Heaven Hill Bourbons, great food and live music, Mardi Gras-style. $80 per person. (Must be 21). Reservations required. (800) 638-4877 #4 [more photos] : 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. [more photos]

Culinary Art: Bourbon-Style Cooking School™
Great Hall
My OldKentuckyHomeState 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. $50 per person. (Must be 21).  Reservations required. (800) 638-4877 #4 [more photos] : 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. [more 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)
Let our assortment of food vendors whet your appetite. Free admission to the Lawn.

Ghostly Spirits of Bardstown
The Old Stable
116 W. Stephen Foster Avenue
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. $20 per person. Reservations recommended or purchase tickets at the Bardstown Welcome Center. (800) 638-4877 #4 ORDER NOW

The Great Kentucky Bourbon Tasting & Gala™
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 1792 Ridgemont Reserve Small Batch Bourbon along with a gourmet Kentucky meal, a special dessert prepared with Blanton's Bourbon 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. [more photos] : 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. [more photos]

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. [more photos]

Kentucky Bourbon All-Star Sampler NEW!
JIDECO Hall
901 Withrow Ct.
6:30 pm - 9 pm (Wed)
Celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail at the inaugural “Kentucky Bourbon All-Star Sampler.” The Kentucky Distillers’ Association is sponsoring this special event where you can meet the industry’s legendary Master Distillers and sample their renowned bourbons. Bring your special bottles or memorabilia for autographs while enjoying genuine Kentucky cuisine and music. $35 per person (must be 21 years of age). Reservations recommended. 800-638-4877 #4 ORDER NOW

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 prepared with Old Pogue Bourbon. $5 per person in advance, $6 at door. Coffee by the cup $1. (859) 336-5082 #1101 [more photos]

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) Open Division
12 pm (Sun) Distillery Division
Maker's Mark invites you to grab a partner and attempt your shot at the 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 32 teams. (Must be 21) (800) 638-4877 #4. [more photos] : 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 [more photos] : 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. Participants to bring own horseshoes. (800) 638-4877 #4 [more photos] : ENTRY FORM

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 Shots™
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)  ENTRY FORM

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 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. [more photos]

Mixed Drink Challenge
Knights of Columbus Hall
111 North Fourth St.
2 pm - 4 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 2010. $25 entry fee per recipe, pre-registration for entrants required. Admission $10 per person. (Must be 21). Reservations recommended or purchase tickets at the door. (800) 638-4877 #4 [more photos] : ENTRY FORM : ORDER NOW

Music on the Lawn
City Hall Lawn
220 North Fifth St.
5 pm - 12 am (Fri & Sat)   
1 pm - 4 pm (Sun)
Enjoy live music by Kentucky performers. Bring your own chair. Four Roses Distillery brings The Kentucky HeadHunters back on Friday for the ninth 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.

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 [more photos]

Spirit Garden™
Behind City Hall
220 North Fifth St.
5 pm - 12:30 am (Fri)
12 pm - 12:30 am (Sat)
2 pm - 5 pm (Sun)
The Spirit Garden, sponsored by Jim Beam Brands and presented by the Bardstown Rotary Club, is a cash bar featuring participating Kentucky Bourbons. Beer is also available. Entry with purchase of KBF 2009 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, which will be given at the Mixed Drink Challenge. (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 (270)765-7245.

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. [more photos]

2009 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

General info on the Festival:
One Court Square
Bardstown, KY 40004
(800) 638-4877 #4
(502) 348-3623 #4
FAX (502) 348-3403
info@KyBourbonFestival.com

RESTRICTIONS: NO DOGS ALLOWED ON THE LAWN

Downtown Map : Printable Event Schedule