The 2026 Bourbon Classic: Louisville, Kentucky’s Premier Bourbon Festival is quickly approaching, and while Friday night may steal the spotlight, those in the know understand something important: the real magic of Bourbon Classic happens over all four unforgettable days.
Taking place February 25–28, 2026, Bourbon Classic isn’t just a single event; it’s a curated bourbon journey designed for enthusiasts and food lovers alike. Each day offers a completely different way to experience America’s native spirit. If you’re only planning to attend Friday night, here’s why you may want to rethink your itinerary.
Wednesday, February 25: Start at the Top »
Top Shelf: A Buffalo Trace Antique Collection Experience
7:00 PM – 9:30 PM
Bourbon Classic doesn’t ease in; it starts strong.
Wednesday night kicks off the weekend with Top Shelf, an exclusive tasting experience featuring some of the rarest and most coveted bourbons in the world. From legendary pours like George T. Stagg and Eagle Rare to the newest addition, E.H. Taylor, Jr. Bottled in Bond, this event is a dream for serious bourbon enthusiasts.
Why Wednesday matters:
You’re not warming up for Bourbon Classic, you’re setting the tone. For collectors and enthusiasts, this night alone is worth the early arrival.
Thursday, February 26: Where Bourbon Meets the Table »
A Classic Dinner – Hosted by James B. Beam Distilling Co.
6:00 PM – 9:30 PM
Thursday brings a shift in pace and an elevation in experience.
Hosted at The Kitchen Table at the James B. Beam Distilling Co., A Classic Dinner blends culinary artistry with iconic Beam bourbons for a truly immersive evening. Thoughtfully crafted dishes are paired with legendary pours, creating a dining experience that’s as much about storytelling as it is about flavor.
Why Thursday matters:
It’s not just a pre-party, it’s a destination event. Thursday night is where conversations deepen, flavors linger, and the weekend truly unfolds.
Friday, February 27: The Energy Peaks »
Cocktail & Culinary Challenge
7:00 PM – 10:30 PM
Friday night is the Bourbon Classic everyone talks about and for good reason.
The Cocktail & Culinary Challenge pairs master bartenders with acclaimed chefs and sponsor distilleries to compete for Best Cocktail and Best Small Plate. Guests sample every pairing while industry experts and media judge the competition, and attendees themselves vote in the People’s Choice Awards.
But here’s the secret:
Guests who’ve attended Wednesday and Thursday don’t walk in as strangers. They recognize distilleries, understand flavor profiles, and experience Friday night with a deeper appreciation.
Saturday, February 28: Savor the Finish »
Classic Envy: A Bourbon Brunch
10:30 AM – 1:00 PM
Before you pack up and head home, Saturday morning offers one more reason to stay.
Hosted by Angel’s Envy, Classic Envy is a bourbon brunch that trades late-night energy for relaxed indulgence. Expect elevated bites, smooth pours, and an easygoing vibe, which is the perfect way to recover, reconnect, and toast to a great weekend.
Why Saturday morning matters:
This is the reward. Sleep in. Sip slow. Brunch better.
Boston University Sessions
5:30 PM – 6:30 PM
Saturday ticket holders can attend one of seven unique Bourbon University sessions, each designed to deepen your appreciation for America’s native spirit. Topics may include bourbon tastings, bourbon cocktails, and bourbon-infused food.
Why Bourbon University matters:
You’re not just drinking bourbon, you’re learning it. This is where curiosity meets craft.
TASTE
7:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Saturday night brings Bourbon Classic to full flavor.
TASTE is a bourbon experience like no other. Guests savor pours from Bourbon Classic distillers, meet the distillery representatives themselves, and enjoy delicious dishes from featured restaurants, all while sampling from a keepsake Glencairn tasting glass.
Bonus:
Distilleries that choose to do so will have bottles available for purchase right at their tables.
Why TASTE matters:
This is where exploration turns into connection. You meet the people behind the pours and maybe take a bottle home with you.
Don’t Just Attend. Immerse.
Each event builds on the last, creating a weekend that’s richer, deeper, and more rewarding when experienced in full. Whether you start with rare bourbon on Wednesday, savor an iconic dinner on Thursday, feel the energy of Friday, or close it all out with brunch on Saturday, Bourbon Classic is best enjoyed as the complete journey it was designed to be.
So don’t just show up for the big pour. Show up early. Stay through the final sip. Grab your tickets today at https://www.bourbonclassic.com/events/.