Louisville residents and visitors can look forward to the annual Bourbon & Beyond music festival, scheduled for September 24‑27 at the Kentucky Expo Center, 937 Phillips Lane. The event follows the popular Louder Than Life concert series and promises a family‑friendly, cashless experience.
Festival basics
Gates open each day at 11 a.m., though attendees should monitor the festival’s social‑media channels for any schedule changes. The venue will feature six stages, with the Oak Stage serving as the main stage for headline performances.
Headliners and lineup
Major acts include Foo Fighters, Mumford & Sons, Chris Stapleton, Dave Matthews Band, Queens of the Stone Age, Kacey Musgraves, Hootie & the Blowfish, Counting Crows, Foster the People, Goose, Jason Isbell & the 400 Unit, and Jesse Welles, among many others. Daily schedules are available via the festival’s official website.
Ticket options
Four‑day, two‑day and single‑day passes remain on sale. Buyers can select the option that best fits their schedule and budget.
Bag and personal item policy
Clear bags are permitted; small non‑clear bags or waist packs are also allowed. Prohibited items include chairs, blankets, aerosols, strollers, Camelbaks, coolers, outside food or drink, inflatable air sofas, video cameras or GoPros, laptops, selfie sticks, lasers, hula hoops, balloons, beach balls, confetti, glow sticks and similar items.
What to bring
Allowed items include non‑aerosol sunscreen, one factory‑sealed bottle of water or an empty refillable bottle, binoculars, a towel, small cameras, sealed cigarettes and cigars, vape pens and e‑cigs.
Weather outlook
Temperatures are expected to be mild, with the warmest day on Sunday reaching the high 70s (around 79°F). The festival will provide water refill stations and misting stations, and it will run rain or shine unless severe thunderstorms, lightning, excessive wind, hail or flooding occur.
Transportation and parking
General parking is first‑come, first‑served at $40 per day; overnight parking is not allowed. Premium parking can be purchased in advance. Rideshare services (Uber, Lyft, taxis) have a designated drop‑off area above the Northern Cardinals entry/exit in Lot G. Cyclists may use self‑service bike parking across from the main entrance. The TARC Park & Ride runs daily from downtown to the Expo Center, with return service beginning at 9 p.m. from Crittenden & Central. A hotel shuttle service is available for $175 for the full four‑day festival, departing the Kentucky International Convention Center (320 W Jefferson St.) and stopping at the Expo Center’s E Wing Drive from 10:30 a.m. to midnight, with shuttles every 15‑30 minutes.
Theme days and dress code
Festival organizers have announced daily “theme days” to add a fun, family‑oriented element:
- Thursday – “Family Vacation” (beach attire encouraged)
- Friday – “Animal Print” (self‑explanatory)
- Saturday – “Wild West” (cowboy hats, boots, tassels)
- Sunday – “90’s Grunge” (flannel shirts and ripped jeans)
Cashless payments
The event is cashless. Attendees can pay with credit or debit cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Android Pay or registered RFID wristbands. Reverse ATMs on site will exchange cash for prepaid Mastercard cards for those who prefer cash.
Additional attractions
While at Bourbon & Beyond, guests can access Kentucky Kingdom amusement park at no extra charge, though the water park will remain closed.
With a diverse lineup, clear bag policy, family‑friendly theme days and multiple transportation options, Bourbon & Beyond aims to provide a safe, enjoyable experience for Louisville’s music lovers and visitors alike.
Original reporting: WLKY Louisville — read the source article.
