Written by: Kai Eldridge, Music Discovery Editor, OnesToWatch
Key Takeaways
- Bourbon & Beyond 2026 runs September 24–27 at the Highland Festival Grounds in Louisville, KY, and features the largest lineup in festival history.
- Daily headliners are Foo Fighters (Thursday), Mumford & Sons (Friday), Chris Stapleton (Saturday), and Dave Matthews Band (Sunday).
- Emerging acts to watch include Jessie Murph, The Red Clay Strays, Durand Jones & The Indications, Charley Crockett, and Goose.
- Attendees get free access to Kentucky Kingdom rides, special anniversary sets, and flexible ticket options including student and military discounts.
- Stay ahead of the curve on rising talent by exploring more artists on OnesToWatch.
Bourbon and Beyond 2026: Dates, Location, and Festival Scale
Bourbon & Beyond 2026 marks the festival’s 8th anniversary edition, produced by Danny Wimmer Presents. It runs September 24–27, 2026 at the Highland Festival Grounds at the Kentucky Exposition Center, 937 Phillips Lane, Louisville, KY 40209, near the junction of I-65 and I-264 and next to Louisville International Airport.
Over 100 artists perform across five stages, making this the largest lineup in the festival’s history. That scale has helped Bourbon & Beyond draw bigger crowds with each passing year.
Here is a quick look at the top headliner for each day:
- Thursday, Sept. 24: Foo Fighters
- Friday, Sept. 25: Mumford & Sons
- Saturday, Sept. 26: Chris Stapleton
- Sunday, Sept. 27: Dave Matthews Band and Hootie & the Blowfish
The table below expands each day’s lineup to highlight the top three acts, giving you a fast reference for deciding which days match your must-see artists.
Daily Headliner Highlights at Bourbon and Beyond 2026
| Day | Date | Headliners |
|---|---|---|
| Thursday | Sept. 24 | Foo Fighters, Queens of the Stone Age, Goose |
| Friday | Sept. 25 | Mumford & Sons, Kacey Musgraves, Foster the People |
| Saturday | Sept. 26 | Chris Stapleton, The Red Clay Strays, Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit |
| Sunday | Sept. 27 | Dave Matthews Band, Hootie & the Blowfish, Counting Crows |
Bourbon and Beyond 2026 Daily Lineup Overview
Thursday, September 24 features Foo Fighters headlining alongside Queens of the Stone Age, Gary Clark Jr., Joan Jett & The Blackhearts, Cheap Trick, The War on Drugs, Goose, Langhorne Slim, and Lindsey Stirling.
Friday, September 25 brings Mumford & Sons back to Louisville for the first time in nearly a decade, joined by Kacey Musgraves, Foster the People, Father John Misty, The Flaming Lips, and Of Monsters and Men.
Saturday, September 26 centers on Kentucky native Chris Stapleton, plus The Red Clay Strays, Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit, Charley Crockett, Noah Cyrus, and Durand Jones & The Indications.
Sunday, September 27 closes the weekend with Dave Matthews Band celebrating the 30th anniversary of Crash, joined by Hootie & the Blowfish (their first Kentucky show in over 20 years), Counting Crows, Portugal. The Man, Fitz and the Tantrums, and Better Than Ezra.
Emerging Artists to Catch at Bourbon and Beyond 2026
While the headliners above draw the biggest crowds, the festival’s real discovery potential lives in its supporting acts. Bourbon & Beyond 2026 features a deep bench of artists on the rise that fit OnesToWatch’s focus on authentic artistry, standout live shows, and clear momentum.
- Jessie Murph delivers raw, emotionally direct vocals and bridges country and alternative in a way that keeps building her audience. Her Bourbon & Beyond slot signals a strong next step in her rise.
- The Red Clay Strays play Saturday with Chris Stapleton and blend Southern rock and gospel with a high-energy live show that keeps pulling in new fans.
- Durand Jones & The Indications appear on Saturday with a vintage soul sound and tight performance style that makes them one of the most compelling acts on the lineup.
- Charley Crockett brings the perspective of a prolific Texas troubadour whose constant touring and output have made him a key voice in modern Americana. His Saturday set rewards early arrival.
- Goose land among Thursday’s top-tier acts and continue to grow a devoted following through improvisational jam-rock sets and relentless touring.
- Noah Cyrus appears Saturday with a sound that blends alternative country and indie-pop, carving out a distinct identity separate from her family name.
For more rising talent across genres, explore OnesToWatch’s Top 30 Artists To Watch in 2026.
Is Bourbon and Beyond 2026 Worth Attending?
The 2026 edition features the largest lineup in the festival’s history, covering rock, country, Americana, and jam music across four days. Attendees also receive free access to Kentucky Kingdom amusement park rides, which operate exclusively for festival ticket holders during the event.
Special moments include Dave Matthews Band’s 30th anniversary Crash performance and Mumford & Sons’ first Louisville show in nearly a decade. For fans who value both major headliners and new artist discovery, the overall experience offers strong value.
What to Wear to Bourbon and Beyond 2026
Plan for mild days and cooler evenings in Louisville during late September. Layered outfits work best so you can adjust as temperatures change.
Hats and sunglasses are allowed, and non-aerosol sunscreen can come inside the venue. Comfortable, closed-toe shoes help with long days on outdoor grounds.
Bourbon & Beyond runs rain or shine, so pack a light rain jacket or poncho. Umbrellas are not allowed and appear on the prohibited items list.
Chair Rules and Lawn Chair Pass Details
Chairs are not permitted at Bourbon & Beyond unless you purchase a Lawn Chair Pass. These passes are sold daily, have limited capacity, and direct proceeds to charities such as American Red Cross Kentucky and Louisville-area non-profits.
With a Lawn Chair Pass, you may bring a single collapsible lawn chair into designated General Admission areas. Chairs are not allowed in Mint VIP or Beyond VIP areas, and large chairs with rockers, footrests, or side tables are prohibited.
Set Times and Gate Information for 2026
The festival will release a full schedule with set times before the event through its social channels and official mobile app. Gate times for 2026 are still TBD and will be announced closer to the festival.
Historically, gates open between 11 a.m. and noon, although this can change. Attendees should check the official Bourbon & Beyond app and social channels for confirmed times as September approaches.
Ticket Options and On-Site Practical Tips
Ticket choices cover a range of budgets and access levels, including 4-Day and Single Day GA, 4-Day and Single Day Mint VIP, and 4-Day and Single Day Angel’s Envy Beyond VIP.
- Passes went on sale with layaway plans starting at $1 down and over six months to pay in full.
- A Student Pass at $99.99 all-in offers Single-Day GA access for students with a valid .edu email address via FEVO.
- GOVX discounted passes are available for military members, nurses, firefighters, and police.
- The Exacta Pass provides GA entry to both Louder Than Life (September 17–20) and Bourbon and Beyond (September 24–27) starting at $725 all-in, which comes out to less than $88 per festival day.
- The event operates as fully cashless inside the venue, and reverse ATMs on-site convert cash to prepaid Mastercards.
- Re-entry is not allowed except for on-site campers with a camping wristband or guests who purchased a Hotel + Admission package through JamPack.
- Lockers with universal phone chargers are available for rent in GA, Mint VIP, and Beyond VIP areas.
Buy passes only through the official passes page at bourbonandbeyond.com or through Front Gate Tickets. The festival does not support or guarantee tickets bought from unofficial or secondary sites.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the dates and location for Bourbon and Beyond 2026?
Bourbon & Beyond 2026 takes place September 24–27, 2026 at the Highland Festival Grounds at the Kentucky Exposition Center, 937 Phillips Lane, Louisville, KY 40209. The venue sits at the junction of I-65 and I-264, next to Louisville International Airport.
Who are the headliners at Bourbon and Beyond 2026?
The four daily headliners are Foo Fighters (Thursday), Mumford & Sons (Friday), Chris Stapleton (Saturday), and Dave Matthews Band (Sunday). Each day also features two additional top-billed acts, including Queens of the Stone Age, Kacey Musgraves, The Red Clay Strays, and Hootie & the Blowfish.
Can you bring chairs to Bourbon and Beyond?
Chairs are only allowed with a purchased Lawn Chair Pass, which permits a single collapsible chair in designated General Admission areas. Large chairs with rockers, footrests, or side tables are not allowed, and chairs are prohibited in Mint VIP and Beyond VIP areas even with a pass. Lawn Chair Pass proceeds go directly to charities such as American Red Cross Kentucky and Louisville-area non-profits.
What are the ticket options for Bourbon and Beyond 2026?
Ticket options include 4-Day and Single Day GA, 4-Day and Single Day Mint VIP, and 4-Day and Single Day Angel’s Envy Beyond VIP. A Student Pass at $99.99 all-in is available for those with a valid .edu email. Discounted passes through GOVX serve military personnel, nurses, firefighters, and police. The Exacta Pass bundles Louder Than Life and Bourbon & Beyond access starting at $725 all-in. Layaway plans with $1 down are also available.
When are Bourbon and Beyond 2026 set times released?
Official set times will appear before the event through the festival’s social media channels and mobile app. Gate times are still TBD but historically fall between 11 a.m. and noon. Attendees should sign up for alerts and monitor the official app as the festival date approaches.
Conclusion: Why Bourbon and Beyond 2026 Matters for Music Discovery
Bourbon & Beyond 2026 delivers one of the most stacked four-day lineups in the festival’s history, anchored by Foo Fighters, Mumford & Sons, Chris Stapleton, and Dave Matthews Band. The deeper value sits in the supporting roster, where artists like Jessie Murph, The Red Clay Strays, Durand Jones & The Indications, and Charley Crockett showcase the kind of live-performance-driven talent that often breaks next.
For a broader look at rising artists shaping 2026, explore OnesToWatch’s Top 30 Artists To Watch in 2026.