The year ahead is full of an amazing variety of events for whiskey lovers.
It’s time for our annual preview of the year ahead and a few of the concerts and festivals with a definite hint of whiskey. Here is a summary so you can make your sippin’ and swingin’ plans.
Jammin’ at Jeptha: Jeptha Creed Distillery – Shelbyville, Kentucky
Jeptha Creed’s summer concert series is coming back to the Shelbyville, Kentucky distillery. The events will feature music, food, games, and craft cocktails at the bar.
“Jammin’ at Jeptha” has announced one concert date so far:
The Bacon Brothers
Saturday, June 21 – 6 p.m.-10 p.m. (doors open at 4:30 p.m.)
Tickets $45 + sales tax & service fee
Purchase Tickets Here
Kentucky Bourbon Festival in Bardstown, Kentucky
September 5-7, 2025
The Kentucky Bourbon Festival (KBF) is one of the highlights of the year in bourbon country.
Organizers said, “The festival brings bourbon enthusiasts from all over the globe to celebrate the spirited history and craft of bourbon during National Bourbon Heritage Month.”
Tickets go on sale April 17. Visit this link to learn more – https://kybourbonfestival.com/
Pendleton Whisky Music Fest at the Pendleton Round-Up Rodeo Grounds
Pendleton, Oregon – Saturday, July 12, 2025
The eighth annual Pendleton Whisky Music Fest event in Oregon will feature Riley Green, Cody Johnson, Nelly, and many others.
For more information, go to https://www.pendletonwhiskymusicfest.com/
Bourbon and Beyond Festival
Louisville, Kentucky – September 11-14, 2025
The four-day Bourbon and Beyond Festival in Louisville will feature lots of music, food, and bourbon activities. Artists include Phish, Noah Kahan, The Lumineers, Jack White, and many others. Get information on passes here.
Springhouse Music Series at Castle & Key Distillery
Frankfort, Kentucky
Castle & Key Distillery, just outside Frankfort, is bringing back its Springhouse Music Series for the sixth season on the second and fourth Wednesday of each month, beginning May 14 through September 24.
The events include live music, local food trucks, and drinks at Taylorton Station (outdoor walk-up bar) on the Springhouse Lawn. Gates open at 5:30 p.m. and music begins at 6:00 p.m. and goes until 8:30 p.m.
Live Music Dates Include:
Wednesday, May 14th – Mark Taylor
Wednesday, May 28th – Lauren Mink
Wednesday, June 11th – Hayley Payne
Wednesday, June 25rd – Hot Brown Smackdown
Wednesday, July 9th – Brett Higgins & The Family
Wednesday, July 23rd – DeeOhGee
Wednesday, August 13th – Paul Childers
Wednesday, August 27th – Bee Taylor
Wednesday, September 10th – Brother Smith
Wednesday, September 24th – Olivia Faye
Ticket prices vary by artist. For more information, go here: https://www.castleandkey.com/visit-the-distillery/experience-calendar#id=springhouse-music-series
National Bourbon Week
Bardstown, Kentucky. June 10-15, 2025
You’ll want to make sure you block out June 10-15 for the second National Bourbon Week in Bardstown, Kentucky.
Organizers said, “Details on exact events and experiences will be announced soon, but bourbon enthusiasts of all stripes can look forward to another unforgettable celebration of America’s native spirit in the heart of the Bourbon Capital of the World.”
Bourbon on the Banks Festival
Frankfort, Kentucky October 4, 2025
Taste samples from more than 60 distilleries, along with several breweries and wineries at the Bourbon on the Banks Festival along the Kentucky River at River View Park in Frankfort, Kentucky.
Early access: 1 p.m. | General admission: 2 p.m. – 6 p.m.
For more information, go to: https://bourbononthebanks.org/
