Bourbon & Beyond named music festival of the year – Spectrum News

Get the best experience and stay connected to your community with our Spectrum News app. Learn More
Continue in Browser
Get hyperlocal forecasts, radar and weather alerts.
Please enter a valid zipcode.
Save
LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Bourbon & Beyond was named Pollstar’s Music Festival of the Year for 2025.
“Year after year, Bourbon & Beyond continues to amaze us with its innovation, growth and popularity, so it’s no surprise it was named the Pollstar Music Festival of the Year,” said Mayor Craig Greenberg, D-Louisville. “This is a well-deserved recognition for Danny and the entire DWP team. As the festival continues to grow, we will be ready to welcome even more first-time visitors to Bourbon & Beyond 2025.”
Award-winning festival producer Danny Wimmer Presents (DWP) also recently announced a long-term agreement with Kentucky Venues to host both Bourbon & Beyond and Louder Than Life music festivals at the Highland Festival Grounds. The 10-year commitment runs from 2026 to 2035 and showcases both DWP and the city’s commitment to Louisville’s cultural and economic future.
“Congratulations to Bourbon & Beyond and the entire Danny Wimmer Presents team for being named Pollstar Music Festival of the Year. We are so grateful for making Kentucky your home and look forward to the next 10 years together,” said Gov. Andy Beshear, D-Ky.
Louder Than Life was first held in 2014 at Champions Park. Bourbon & Beyond would launch in 2017. Wimmer began hosting them on the grounds of the Kentucky Expo Center in 2019. Last year’s events brought in over $33,000,000 in economic impact and set a record for its largest combined attendance, according to a news release from DWP.
“Danny and his team put on a world class festival. From an artist’s perspective, I can feel the love and intention they put into every step of the process. It is zero surprise to me that they won Festival of The Year,” said Patrick Hallahan with My Morning Jacket, who performed at the festival last year.
In 2024, over 70% of fans of both festivals were from outside Louisville, representing all 50 states and 27 countries.
“Bourbon & Beyond is more than just a music festival — it’s a celebration of everything that makes Kentucky special. From our world-class bourbon to the incredible local food and craftsmanship on display, this event shines a national spotlight on the best of Kentucky agriculture. We’re proud to see our farmers, distillers and artisans take center stage and show the world what ‘Kentucky Proud’ really means,” said Agriculture Commissioner Jonathan Shell, R-Ky.

source