What to Expect from This Year’s National Bourbon Week in Kentucky

National Bourbon Week isn’t just a series of dates on the calendar — it’s a full-on event kicking off in Bardstown, Kentucky (the Bourbon Capital of the World), June 14–21.

The event welcomes bourbon aficionados from around the country, as well as many partner distilleries, for a unique blend of tastings, education and more of all things bourbon. You can find special releases, opportunities to get up close and personal with distillers, and plenty of culinary offerings, too. For example, on June 15, you could attend the Beam Backyard Luau at the Beam Family Home. Or, on June 17, you could head over to Lux Row Distillers for a barbecue with the master distiller.

© Zach Sinclair of Grizzly Media

In total, for 2026 (the event’s third year), you’ll find more than 30 events occurring across16 distilleries and tasting rooms, as well as other venues, throughout a 25-square-mile radius.

“National Bourbon Week is a celebration of the heritage, craftsmanship and community that define the Bourbon Capital of the World,” said Stacey Phelps, president, Bardstown-Nelson County Tourism. “We welcome visitors to experience our historic distilleries, vibrant downtown and raise a glass to America’s native spirit.”

© Zach Sinclair of Grizzly Media

Tickets are available and each event is ticketed separately, so you can pick and choose to explore and imbibe as much or as little as you want.