"Fresh off the heels of what might have been the most spectacular edition yet, Louisville's Kentucky Exposition Center is probably still buzzing from the energy that filled every corner of the expanded festival grounds from September 11-14. As someone who's been tracking food and beverage trends for years, I can tell you that this wasn't just another music festival with some food trucks thrown in, this was a masterclass in how to blend culinary excellence, craft spirits, and world-class entertainment into something truly special."
"The Numbers Don't Lie: A Festival That's Grown Into Something Extraordinary Let's talk scale for a minute. This year's Bourbon & Beyond didn't just add a few more stages, they literally doubled the square footage of the festival footprint. When you're dealing with fans from over 50 states and international visitors all descending on Louisville for what's officially become the "World's Largest Bourbon, Food & Music Festival," you need space. And boy, did they deliver."
"The expansion wasn't just about cramming more people in, either. The organizers made smart use of the Kentucky Exposition Center's existing infrastructure, creating what felt like a more comfortable and resilient experience. Plus, every festival pass included free access to Kentucky Kingdom's amusement rides, which was a brilliant touch for families. But here's what really caught my attention as someone who covers the food and beverage industry: the thoughtful integration of culinary programming that went way beyond your typical festival fare."
Bourbon & Beyond 2025 ran four days from September 11-14, featuring over 120 artists, tens of thousands of attendees, and abundant bourbon. The festival doubled its footprint at the Kentucky Exposition Center to accommodate fans from over 50 states and international visitors. Every festival pass included complimentary access to Kentucky Kingdom amusement rides, enhancing family appeal. Organizers leveraged existing infrastructure to create a more comfortable, resilient layout. Culinary programming emphasized refined offerings beyond typical festival food trucks, integrating craft spirits and elevated dining. Headliners included The Lumineers, Phish, Jack White, Noah Kahan, and Alabama Shakes, among others.
Read at Food & Beverage Magazine
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