Bourbon on the Banks Inc. is a private, non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization based in Frankfort, Ky. Funds are privately raised and primarily derived from corporate sponsorships and event ticket sales. The festival and associated events are produced by a full-time executive director, community volunteers, and a board of directors. It celbrates the legacy and art of making bourbon, and bonding with friends.
Bourbon on the Banks Festival is held annually on the first Saturday in October, the Bourbon on the Banks Festival™ transforms Frankfort’s scenic River View Park into a celebration of Kentucky’s rich bourbon heritage. Featuring world-class bourbon tastings, live music, local art, and exceptional culinary offerings, the event is a can’t-miss experience for bourbon enthusiasts and culture lovers alike.
Funds for the festival are privately raised through corporate sponsorships and ticket sales, ensuring Bourbon on the Banks Festival™, Inc. remains steadfast in its mission to uplift the community and preserve Kentucky’s unique cultural identity.
About Bourbon on the Banks Festival™, Inc.
Bourbon on the Banks Festival™, Inc. is a private, non-profit 501(c)(3) organization based in Frankfort, KY. Dedicated to promoting Kentucky’s bourbon culture while supporting charitable causes, the organization brings together bourbon lovers, community advocates, and cultural leaders each year for its premier Bourbon on the Banks Festival™.
A Legacy of Giving Back
Since its inception in 2019, Bourbon on the Banks Festival™ has contributed a remarkable $288,546 directly to beneficiaries. Including proceeds from the festival’s VIP Reception and Auction, total charitable giving now exceeds $460,000. This milestone highlights the festival’s exceptional growth and its deep impact on the community.
For more detailed information about our history of giving back, see the press releases below.
The Bourbon on the Banks Festival is a spirits tasting event that takes place along the historic banks of the Kentucky River at the River View Park in Frankfort, Ky., and occurs annually on the first Saturday in October. The upcoming festival is scheduled on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026. Special Access Ticket holders get in at noon, Early Entry starts at 1 p.m., and General Admission starts at 2 p.m. The event ends at 6 p.m.
Those attending the festival will be required to purchase a ticket for entry which includes samples of spirits from top distilleries in the country. A few breweries and wineries will also be represented at the event. Attendees will be able to drink and learn about a variety of whiskeys, meet influencers in the bourbon industry, and enjoy a scenic stroll along the Kentucky River while listening to live music. Attendees can also purchase delicious offerings from a wide range of mobile food vendors and shop the handmade collections of bourbon-themed artisans. In addition, there will be the option to experience several unique demonstrations and educational discussions designed as enrichment opportunities for bourbon enthusiasts.
Contacact bourbononthebanks@gmail.com to participate in the Bourbon on the Banks Festival. Distilleries should bring a tent, tables, and at least three types of products for guests to sample if possible. Creative displays are encouraged, and all setups must be approved by the event director prior to the festival. Volunteers will be available to assist with set up and breakdown.
Bourbon on the Banks Festival to Award More Than $100,000 to Local Nonprofits from 2025 Event Proceeds
Frankfort-based bourbon festival, presented by Benson Valley Bourbon, is believed to be the only bourbon festival in the nation that donates the majority of its net proceeds to local charities
FRANKFORT, Ky. – December 11, 2025 – Bourbon on the Banks Festival, Presented by Benson Valley Bourbon, announced today that it will award more than $100,000 to local nonprofit organizations from the proceeds of its 2025 festival and related events – the largest charitable distribution in the festival’s history and a significant milestone for the Frankfort community. This brings Bourbon on the Banks Festival’s total lifetime contributions through charitable giving and fundraising to nearly half a million dollars since It’s inception in 2019.
Nationally, Bourbon on the Banks is believed to be the only bourbon festival that donates the majority of its net proceeds to local nonprofits. While many festivals and bourbon-focused groups raise funds for charitable causes, Bourbon on the Banks has built a distinctive model in which community impact is a core outcome of the event, not an afterthought.
“In Frankfort, bourbon is not just an industry and it is not just a drink – it is a vehicle for real community change,” said Diane Strong, Executive Director of Bourbon on the Banks Festival. “We are incredibly proud that our 2025 festival will return more than $100,000 directly to local nonprofits. Every ticket sold, every sponsorship, and every pour at Bourbon on the Banks helps fuel the economic, cultural, and social health of this community. That is why I love my job – because what we do is truly impactful.”
Volunteers Turn Hours into Dollars
The 2025 event was powered by 70 volunteers, who together contributed more than 700 hours of service. In recognition of that commitment, Bourbon on the Banks allowed each volunteer to “direct” charitable support by assigning $20 per hour worked to a designated nonprofit from a pre-approved list.
This volunteer-directed giving will result in $14,000 in donations to the following organizations:
Betty Martain LifeHouse For Animals; Elks Lodge 530; Franklin County Community Fund; Kentucky State Police Foundation; Simon House; Swim with Purpose; The Emergency Food Pantry of Franklin County; WalkBike Frankfort; Woods and Waters Land Trust; and the Wanda Joyce Robinson Foundation.
“This model lets our volunteers see, in a tangible way, how their time translates into community impact,” Strong said. “They are not just helping us execute a festival – they are choosing where real dollars go.”
Festival Beneficiaries Reflect Broad Community Impact
In addition to volunteer-directed giving, Bourbon on the Banks will award the remaining $86,000 in proceeds to beneficiaries selected through a competitive application process. Those beneficiaries are:
ACCESS Soup Kitchen & Men’s Shelter; Central KY Cinderella’s Closet; Downtown Frankfort, Inc. (DFI); Emergency Community Food Pantry of Franklin County; Franklin County Community Fund Endowment; Friends of the Franklin County Farmers Market; Josephine Sculpture Park (JSP); Just Say Yes / Yes Card Fund; Mission Frankfort Clinic; Parks Foundation; Scholarships; Shriners; Simon House of Kentucky; Swim with Purpose; The Kings Center (Faith United, Inc.); The Salvation Army – Frankfort Corps; Walk Bike Frankfort; William Joseph Crisis Nursery; Woods & Waters Land Trust; and Yes Arts.
“These organizations touch virtually every part of life in Frankfort and Franklin County – from food security and housing to youth programs, arts, parks, and the future of our natural resources,” Strong said. “Our goal has always been to ensure that the success of Bourbon on the Banks is shared broadly across the community we call home.”
All funds will be formally distributed to beneficiaries at the annual Bourbon on the Banks Beneficiary Event, held at The Foundry in downtown Frankfort on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. Media representatives are invited to attend.
A Growing Festival with Deep Local Roots
Bourbon on the Banks has grown steadily since its inception, welcoming enthusiasts from across the country to experience Kentucky bourbon and its rich history along the banks of the Kentucky River. In 2025, the festival hosted approximately 2,600 attendees and 80 participating distilleries and brands, helping drive visitor spending and economic activity in downtown Frankfort and the surrounding region.
The festival’s mission reflects that dual focus on bourbon culture and community benefit. Bourbon on the Banks Festival, Inc. is dedicated to honoring the legacy and art of making bourbon by producing authentic, celebratory events that promote the advancement of the fermentation and distillation industry and support the economic and cultural development of the City of Frankfort and Franklin County.
“At the Bourbon on the Banks Festival, bourbon is more than just a drink,” Strong added. “Each pour is about appreciating history and tradition, understanding the legacy and art of making bourbon, and bonding with friends – all while knowing that the proceeds are being invested right back into the community.”
About Bourbon on the Banks Festival
Bourbon on the Banks Festival, Inc. is a private, nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization based in Frankfort, Kentucky. Funds are privately raised and derived primarily from corporate sponsorships and event ticket sales. The festival and its associated events are produced by a full-time executive director, a volunteer board of directors, and a dedicated corps of community volunteers.
Through its annual flagship festival and related programming, Bourbon on the Banks advances Kentucky’s fermentation and distillation heritage, drives economic activity in Frankfort and Franklin County, and channels a substantial share of festival proceeds to local nonprofits across sectors such as food security, housing, health, arts, youth development, environmental stewardship, and the long-term sustainability of resources like white oak – a cornerstone of the bourbon industry.
At Bourbon on the Banks, bourbon is celebrated not only as an iconic Kentucky spirit, but as a catalyst for connection, culture, and community impact.
Media Contact
Diane Strong
Executive Director, Bourbon on the Banks Festival
Phone: 970-270-6573
Email: bourbononthebanks@gmail.com
Website: www.bourbononthebanks.org
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Bourbon on the Banks Festival 2024 Economic Impact Report Highlights Significant Contributions to Local and State Economy
Frankfort, KY – January 23, 2025 – Bourbon on the Banks Festival (BOBF) is proud to announce the results of its 2024 Economic Impact Study, which highlights the festival’s tremendous contributions to Franklin County and the Commonwealth of Kentucky. This year’s festival attracted a diverse array of attendees, boosting local businesses, generating jobs, and solidifying Kentucky’s reputation as a premier destination for bourbon enthusiasts worldwide.
Key findings from the report include:
“These findings reaffirm the significance of Bourbon on the Banks as a driver of economic growth for our community and the state,” said Rene True, President of the board, Bourbon on the Banks Festival. “We are proud to see our festival’s positive impact on local businesses, job creation, and Kentucky’s bourbon tourism industry.”
The full economic impact report will be available on the Bourbon on the Banks Festival website at www.bourbononthebanks.org.
As Kentucky’s premier bourbon-tasting festival, Bourbon on the Banks continues to attract enthusiasts from around the globe, offering a unique blend of world-class bourbon, local culture, and unforgettable experiences. Plans for the 2025 festival are already underway, promising even greater opportunities for economic impact and community engagement.
For more information, please contact: Rene True
President, Bourbon on the Banks Festival
rftrue@yahoo.com
859-312-6398
About Bourbon on the Banks Festival:
Bourbon on the Banks Festival is an annual event held in Frankfort, KY, celebrating the rich heritage and craft of bourbon. The festival features tastings, live entertainment, food vendors, and more, drawing thousands of attendees each year to the heart of bourbon country.
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Bourbon on the Banks Festival Donates Record-Breaking $80,000 to Local Beneficiaries
Frankfort, KY – Bourbon on the Banks Festival™, Inc., presented by Limestone Heritage Distilling Co., proudly announces its 2024 festival will contribute an impressive $80,000 to local non-profit organizations. This year’s contribution reflects the festival’s unwavering commitment to supporting and enriching the Frankfort community. The official distribution of funds will be celebrated at a dedicated beneficiary event in January.
2024 Beneficiaries Making a Difference
The organizations receiving funding from the 2024 Bourbon on the Banks Festival™ include:
A Legacy of Giving Back
Since its inception in 2019, Bourbon on the Banks Festival™ has contributed a remarkable $215,000 directly to beneficiaries. Including proceeds from the festival’s VIP Reception and Auction, total charitable giving now exceeds $356,800. This milestone highlights the festival’s exceptional growth and its deep impact on the community.
“This year’s record-breaking contribution is a testament to the festival’s success and the incredible support from our sponsors, volunteers, attendees, and partners,” said Diane Strong, Executive Director. “We are honored to fund organizations that are making meaningful, tangible differences in Frankfort and beyond.”
Bourbon on the Banks Festival is held annually on the first Saturday in October, the Bourbon on the Banks Festival™ transforms Frankfort’s scenic River View Park into a celebration of Kentucky’s rich bourbon heritage. Featuring world-class bourbon tastings, live music, local art, and exceptional culinary offerings, the event is a can’t-miss experience for bourbon enthusiasts and culture lovers alike.
Funds for the festival are privately raised through corporate sponsorships and ticket sales, ensuring Bourbon on the Banks Festival™, Inc. remains steadfast in its mission to uplift the community and preserve Kentucky’s unique cultural identity.
About Bourbon on the Banks Festival™, Inc.
Bourbon on the Banks Festival™, Inc. is a private, non-profit 501(c)(3) organization based in Frankfort, KY. Dedicated to promoting Kentucky’s bourbon culture while supporting charitable causes, the organization brings together bourbon lovers, community advocates, and cultural leaders each year for its premier Bourbon on the Banks Festival™.
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Exciting News from Bourbon on the Banks!
On December 4th, the volunteers of the 2024 Bourbon on the Banks Festival gathered to celebrate another successful year! This gathering was not only a chance to thank these incredible individuals for their dedication and hard work but also to highlight an exciting new initiative.
Starting in 2024, Bourbon on the Banks is donating $20 for each hour worked by our volunteers to one of five local non-profits separate from this year’s beneficiaries. These organizations—LifeHouse for Animals, South Frankfort Food Share, Walk Bike Frankfort, Woods and Waters Land Trust, and YesArts—play a vital role in our community, including providing free activities and events like Bourbon Street on Broadway in the Kid Zone. This initiative means our volunteers are not only the heart and soul of the festival but also key contributors to its broader impact on our community.
With an impressive 505 volunteer hours logged this year, we are thrilled to announce that over $10,000 of our charitable giving is a direct result of their contributions. This program reflects our deep appreciation for the volunteers who make this event possible and underscores our commitment to strengthening the community we love.
But that’s not all! Stay tuned as we announce the remaining contributions to this year’s beneficiaries in the coming weeks. Bourbon on the Banks is proud to give back and even more grateful for the opportunity to do so with the help of our amazing volunteers.
Thank you for being part of this journey with us. Cheers to a bright future, filled with bourbon and generosity!
Bourbon on the Banks: Making Environmentally Thoughtful Choices
Frankfort, KY, [Date] – Bourbon on the Banks Festival, renowned for its celebration of the rich tradition and culture of bourbon, is also making waves in environmental stewardship. As an event, we understand the significant impact that large gatherings can have on the environment. Our board is dedicated to implementing and promoting responsible and sustainable practices, ensuring our festivities leave a positive legacy for both our community and the planet.
Since our inaugural year in 2019, and under the guidance of our director, we have continuously sought ways to enhance the environmental friendliness of Bourbon on the Banks and its associated events. One of the first changes we implemented was in response to the overwhelming sight of overflowing trash cans filled with tiny plastic sample cups. Now, each attendee receives a branded souvenir glass to reuse and take home, eliminating the need for disposable plastic cups.
The math speaks volumes about our impact. Each sample pour is 0.25 oz. If one attendee visits just ten distilleries to receive three of their expressions, that amounts to 30 sample cups per person. With 2000 attendees last year, we prevented 60,000 plastic cups from ending up in landfills in 2023 alone. Including the previous two years since introducing the souvenir glasses, we have kept a staggering 138,000 plastic cups out of the waste stream. This is a decision we are immensely proud of.
Furthermore, we collaborate closely with the city to provide recycling dumpsters at the event, ensuring that the hundreds of boxes from distilleries and numerous water bottles are recycled properly. Our commitment to sustainability extends to our food vendors as well, who are required to use environmentally friendly products, with no plastic or Styrofoam allowed at any of our events.
At our Friday VIP Reception and Bourbon Auction, we further reduce waste by using real plates instead of disposables. Proudly, for the second year in a row, we are partnering with the city to make the VIP a zero-waste event. All napkins, bamboo utensils, and food waste are composted and sent to the city’s digester. This zero-waste format will also be adopted for our new event this year, The Secrets to Bourbon Food Pairing with Peggy Noe Stevens, resulting in two zero-waste events.
Bourbon on the Banks Festival is proud not only of our positive impact on the local community through our charitable giving but also of our minimal negative impact on the environment. We are committed to continuing these efforts and leading by example in the event industry.
For more information, please contact: Diane Strong
Executive Director, Bourbon on the Banks Festival
970.270.6573
bourbononthebanks@gmail.com
www.bourbononthebanks.org
About Bourbon on the Banks Festival
Bourbon on the Banks Festival is an annual event held in Frankfort, Kentucky, celebrating the rich tradition of bourbon with tastings, food pairings, and other activities. The festival is dedicated to promoting sustainable practices and reducing its environmental impact.
The Board of Directors, Bourbon on the Banks Festival
Frankfort, Kentucky, January 4, 2024 — Bourbon on the Banks Festival, Frankfort Kentucky’s premier whiskey tasting event, is delighted to announce continued generosity to its beneficiaries for the 2023 festival year.
Giving Back
Once again, Bourbon on the Banks Festival demonstrates its commitment to community impact by contributing $25,000 to The Bluegrass Community Fund. These funds will be used for continued improvements at Riverview Park, the festival venue, and to purchase an outdoor informational kiosk to be placed in the downtown area. This initiative aims to assist tourists in discovering all the great dining, shopping, and area attractions available.
The board has set aside $15,000 for their scholarship fund. This fund supports individuals entering the distillation, spirits, bourbon tourism, hospitality, and event management degree or certificate programs or an out-of-county student attending Kentucky State University’s Fermentation and Distillation Program. Furthermore, $10,000 will be donated to The White Oak Initiative, a diverse coalition dedicated to the long-term sustainability of America’s white oak forests and the benefits they provide.
In a new initiative this year, Bourbon on the Banks Festival will donate $5,000, with $2,500 each going to Frankfort Independent and Franklin County Schools for family resources. An extra $500 will be contributed to the Friends of the Franklin County Farmer’s Market to support the fresh food access work of the South Frankfort Food Share.
Enthusiastic Response from Bourbon on the Banks Festival Board of Directors
“Bourbon on the Banks Festival and our board of directors are thrilled to be making a difference in our local community. It’s been our initiative all along, and seeing it come to fruition is thrilling,” said Diane Strong, Executive Director.
Bourbon on the Banks Total Contributions Top $100,000
Including 2023’s contributions, the $15,000 donated in 2019, $10,000 donated in 2021, and $50,000 donated during the 2022 festival year, Bourbon on the Banks Festival has now contributed a remarkable $118,000 to its beneficiaries. These funds benefit the local community, visitors, individuals entering the historic whiskey industry, and those committed to the sustainability of white oak—a key element in the industry.
About Bourbon on the Banks, Inc.
Bourbon on the Banks, Inc. is a private, non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization based in Frankfort, Ky. Funds are privately raised and primarily derived from corporate sponsorships and event ticket sales. The festival and associated events are produced by a full-time executive director, community volunteers, and a board of directors.
At the Bourbon on the Banks Festival, bourbon is more than just a drink – each pour is about appreciating history and tradition, understanding the legacy and art of making bourbon, and bonding with friends.
About Bourbon on the Banks Festival
The Bourbon on the Banks Festival is a premier bourbon event that takes place along the Kentucky River at River View Park in Frankfort, Ky. It occurs annually on the first Saturday in October. The upcoming festival is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, from 1-6 p.m. Dedicated to the celebration of all things bourbon, our event offers an intimate experience designed to bring whisky lovers closer to America’s spirit. We take pride in improving and expanding that experience every year.
FRANKFORT, Ky., Dec. 8, 2022 – Bourbon on the Banks Inc. will donate a portion of the proceeds raised from its fourth annual festival to support the Franklin County Community Fund and White Oak Initiative nonprofits and fund student scholarships.
The Franklin County Community Fund is affiliated with the Blue Grass Community Foundation, and Bourbon on the Banks Inc. will donate $25,000 to this nonprofit for improvements to River View Park in Frankfort which also serves as the event site for the festival. The White Oak Initiative is dedicated to the preservation and long-term sustainability of the white oak forests which are vital to the spirits industry as wood from white oak trees is commonly used to make barrels for aging bourbon and other American whiskeys. Bourbon on the Banks Inc. will donate $10,000 to the White Oak Initiative to support their efforts.
Bourbon on the Banks Inc. is also offering $15,000 in scholarships, up to $2,500 per individual, for those choosing to attend the Kentucky State University fermentation and distillation program and/or to qualified Franklin County residents wishing to attend other accredited, college-level distillation and fermentation science certification or degree programs. The online application and detailed information regarding the scholarship program are available on the Bourbon on the Banks website, and the deadline for submission is April 1, 2023.
“We are focused on promoting the advancement of the fermentation and distillation industry and supporting the economic and cultural development of our community, and these nonprofits and our scholarship program help with this mission,” Bourbon on the Banks Director Diane Strong said. “We are thrilled by the success of the 2022 festival and thankful for the opportunity to support such important causes.”
The Bourbon on the Banks Festival is a premier bourbon event in Frankfort and occurs annually on the first Saturday in October. The next Bourbon on the Banks Festival is scheduled for Oct. 7, 2023, and tickets are now available for purchase on the Bourbon on the Banks website.
Bourbon on the Banks Overview
Bourbon on the Banks Inc. is a private, non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization based in Frankfort. Funds are privately raised and primarily derived from corporate sponsorships and event ticket sales. The festival and associated events are produced by a full-time executive director, community volunteers, and a board of directors.
FRANKFORT, Ky., April 4, 2023 – Bourbon on the Banks Festival Inc. has announced that Amelia Wilson of Frankfort is the recipient of the 2022 Bourbon on the Banks scholarship. She will be awarded a $2,500 scholarship toward her undergraduate education.
Wilson is a student at Western Kentucky University and earning a bachelor’s degree in strategic
marketing, minor in creative writing and certification in brewing and distilling arts and sciences. She is scheduled to graduate in December 2023 and plans to pursue a career in the brewing or distilling industry. She is currently involved in the restoration of 21 Brands Distillery in Frankfort.
The scholarship recognizes those who demonstrate academic excellence and represent the future of the distillation and fermentation industry. The application process was opened to qualified residents of Frankfort and Franklin County wishing to attend any accredited, college-level distillation and fermentation science program. Any qualified individual choosing to attend the Kentucky State University distillation and fermentation science certification program, regardless of residence, was also eligible to receive the scholarship. Adults of all ages and at any point in their educational journey were encouraged to apply.
“The distilling industry is a fundamental backbone of Kentucky. Not only has it been around for
centuries, but it is still an ever-growing presence providing livelihoods for Kentuckians across the state,” Wilson said. “I hope to be able to continue uplifting and encouraging the distillation and spirits industry here in Kentucky. As someone who has been so positively affected by it and seen my own community stand as a quintessence of what bourbon and the distilling industry as a whole can do, I wish only to give back and to further explore what it has to offer for myself and for others.”
The Bourbon on the Banks Festival is a bourbon event in Frankfort and occurs annually on the first Saturday in October. The next Bourbon on the Banks Festival is scheduled for Oct. 7, 2023, and tickets are available for purchase at the Bourbon on the Banks website, www.bourbononthebanks.org.
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Bourbon on the Banks Festival – Social Responsibility Statement on Responsible Drinking
Commitment to Responsible Drinking
At Bourbon on the Banks Festival, we are dedicated to celebrating the rich heritage and craftsmanship of bourbon while promoting a culture of responsible drinking. We believe that enjoying bourbon responsibly ensures a safe and enjoyable experience for all attendees. Our commitment to responsible drinking is reflected in the following principles:
By adhering to these principles, Bourbon on the Banks Festival aims to foster a positive and responsible drinking culture. We invite all our guests to join us in enjoying bourbon thoughtfully and respectfully, ensuring a memorable and safe experience for everyone.
Together, we can celebrate responsibly. Cheers!
