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 for 2026.
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 two concert dates so far:
Jordan Rainer
Saturday, June 6 – 5 p.m.-10 p.m. (doors open at 4:30 p.m.)
Tickets $30 + sales tax & service fee
Purchase Tickets Here
Colt Ford
Saturday, August 8 – 5 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 10-13, 2026
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 14. Visit this link to learn more – https://kybourbonfestival.com/
Pendleton Whisky Music Fest at the Pendleton Round-Up Rodeo Grounds
Pendleton, Oregon – Saturday, July 11, 2026
The ninth annual Pendleton Whisky Music Fest event in Oregon will feature Zach Top, Shaboozey, Carly Pearce,and many others.
For more information, go to https://www.pendletonwhiskymusicfest.com/
Bourbon and Beyond Festival
Louisville, Kentucky – September 24-27, 2026
The four-day Bourbon and Beyond Festival in Louisville will feature lots of music, food, and bourbon activities. Artists include Foo Fighters, Mumford & Sons, Kacey Musgraves, Chris Stapleton, Dave Matthews Band, 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 seventh season on the second and fourth Wednesday of each month, beginning May 13 through September 23.
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.
2026 Live Music Dates Include:
May 13 – Mojo Thunder
May 27 – The Magpies
June 10 – Magnolia Boulevard
June 24 – Brother Smith
July 8 – Lauren Mink
July 22 – Treyvon King Band
August 12 – The National Collective
August 19 – Castle & Key and Tahlsound Present “Bayou to the Bluegrass Kickoff”
August 26 – Paul Childers
September 9 (6-8pm) – Madison Hughes
September 23 (6-8pm) – Barebones Duo
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 14-21, 2026
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.”
For more information, go here.
Bourbon on the Banks Festival
Frankfort, Kentucky Saturday, October 3, 2026
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.
Special Access: 12 p.m. – 6 p.m. | Early Entry: 1 p.m. – 6 p.m. | General Admission: 2 p.m. – 6 p.m. | Twilight 4p.m. – 6 p.m.
For more information, go here.
Colonel Brian G. Miller is the Editor of Whiskey Network Magazine. His column, The Bourbon Tutor, covers the latest in bourbon tourism, events, culture, and history. He lives in Louisville, Kentucky. You can reach him at [email protected]
