Kentucky Bourbon Festival announced tickets for the 2023 festival will go on sale May 11, with early-access for “Bourbon Insiders” starting May 10.

The festival will offer three levels of VIP packages this year, along with weekend general admission tickets and Sunday-only access. The 2023 Kentucky Bourbon Festival is Sept. 15-17 in Bardstown, Ky., which bills itself as the Bourbon Capital of the World. The festival brings bourbon enthusiasts from all over the globe to Bardstown to celebrate the spirited history and craft of bourbon during National Bourbon Heritage Month. 

“Our goal is to create a truly exceptional experience for bourbon enthusiasts,” said David Mandell, board chair of the Kentucky Bourbon Festival. “We’re looking forward to welcoming guests back to Bardstown. We listened to our guests from 2022 and as a result we have some exciting upgrades planned to make the festival even better this year.”

The popular Flask Force and Enthusiast VIP packages return and include early entry, premium branded Glencairn glassware and access to the VIP Penthouse with catering and bar service throughout the festival. Flask Force ticket holders will once again receive a Jacob Bromwell flask, exclusive tee shirt, commemorative KBF credential and a bottle of the 2023 KBF single barrel pick, featuring Bardstown Bourbon Company and signed by master distiller Steve Nally. 

New this year, all VIP packages include early admission to the festival — those guests can arrive an hour early, ensuring speedy entry and first access to bottles being offered by participating distilleries throughout the festival. A new Decanter Club ultra-VIP package has also been added, with just 50 packages available, and with four premium add-on events included. Decanter Club members will receive many of the popular package items included in the other VIP packages but will add a branded Glencairn crystal decanter.

All KBF tickets include unlimited re-entry to the festival, sampling from more than 50 Kentucky distilleries, access to exclusive barrel picks, engaging programs with industry experts, expanded dining options and the Bourbon Marketplace with more than 30 vendors. 

“Our number one area for improvement with the 2023 festival is expanding the dining options for our guests,” said Randy Prasse, COO and president of the festival. “To accomplish this, the Kentucky Bourbon Festival is partnering with the Louisville Food Truck Association to offer additional and improved dining options, along with a new adjacent tented area with tables and chairs for guests to enjoy their meals and take a break.”

KBF Insiders — those who subscribe to the festival’s e-newsletter — will be able to purchase tickets beginning May 10, with sales open to the public on May 11. Premium add-on event tickets will also go on sale during those dates, earlier than in past years. VIP packages are expected to sell out quickly. 

For more information, visit www.kybourbonfestival.com.