Prepare to be enchanted as we transform Broadway Street—be entertained by street performers, hear from historians regarding African Americans’ contribution to Bourbon heritage, watch the Neat documentary, listen to area high schools performances, and enjoy live music while dining on offerings from our downtown merchants.

As a sponsor you will be able to experience an advance walk-through the festival site and learn about the bourbon judging process from a panel of exceptional Bourbon Stewards and Spirit Judges. Additionally, you will interact with Master Distillers and sample products provided by our wonderful vendors.

Join us at the farmers market for a chance to meet and purchase from our region's best food producers and food artisans. Sample locally grown and produced foods and enjoy live music, too! Featuring items from Franklin County and our surrounding counties: fruits, vegetables, meats, eggs, honey, spices, tea, flowers, soaps, wine and more.

The first annual Bourbon on the Banks Festival will include an African-American experience curated by the Kentucky Black Bourbon Guild Inc. (KBBG) and designed for African-American Bourbon and history enthusiasts! Slaves played a huge role in the making of whiskey from grain to bottle, which is growing in attention. Get a behind-the-scenes peek into what Kentucky State University (KSU) is doing to improve workplace development in the distilling industry, and just have a great cultural time sipping and networking … all included with the festival ticket ($65)! Only 30 spaces available; first come, first served. Festival ticket holders wishing to sign up for this cultural experience may email Michael Adams at kyblackbourbonguild@gmail.com to register. Please plan to stay at our Premier Hotel Sponsor Home2 by Hilton in Frankfort, KY to be near the action.

Held on Saturday, August 24, 2019, 5-8 p.m., The Commonwealth's premier bourbon-tasting and award’s festival. Over 100 vendors present. You can enjoy bourbon from regional and national distilleries while you stroll the banks along the scenic Kentucky river in our capital city, historic downtown Frankfort. In addition, we will offer tastings from world wineries and regional craft beer producers along with food from regional, award winning chefs and entertainment from regional musicians. Learn more about bourbon from nationally recognized master distillers, bourbon educators, authors and watch demonstrations from award-winning chefs. Plus, we will honor the best Kentucky bourbons with the first annual “Governor’s Cup” and “People’s Choice” Awards. Awards will be presented at 8 pm in the Ward Oates Amphitheater at Riverview Park. Please be present to learn who our inaugural winners will be. This is a $65 ticketed event. Buy your tickets now!

Extend the fun and join us for the Official After-Party! Enjoy live music while sipping on a specialty Bourbon on the Banks cocktail and make plans to attend next year’s festival. Special Guest: Ariel E. Neal, Chicago-based co-founder of Causing a Stir. www.causingastir.org and CEO of beverage events company Leira Knows Cocktails & Events (www.instagram.com/leiraknowscocktails), Neal designs cocktail, wine and spirits-driven social and corporate events.

Frankfort’s favorite yoga teacher, Shari Thompson of My Old Kentucky OM Yoga Center and her team, will lead a yoga class allowing you to reflect on your amazing Bourbon on the Banks Festival experience.