LEXINGTON, Ky. — In 2019, the inaugural Railbird Festival left fans wanting more, but COVID-19 squashed plans for a return show in 2020.
Railbird Festival announced its 2021 lineup Tuesday and it has something for everyone. The show will take place August 28-29 at the Grounds at Keeneland.
Headlining the weekend concerts will be Grammy-Award-winners Dave Matthews Band and Kentucky's own, My Morning Jacket. Other acts appearing include Jason Isbell & The 400, Leon Bridges, Billy Strings, Black Pumas, Khruangbin, Midland, The Revivalists, Band of Horses, Margo Price and many more.
In a statement, David Helmers said, “While we all missed live music and experiences tremendously last year, the Railbird team looked at it as a time to build on the success of our inaugural festival and come back even better than before.” Helmers, who co-founded the festival added, “We’ve been planning intensely and are excited for the festival’s return to Keeneland with a list of world class artists, bourbon and culinary experiences.”
Fans can buy general admission and VIP 2-day passes online. There are a limited number available at $155. There are also layaway plans available. A portion of the ticket proceeds will benefit several local nonprofit organizations including Fayette Alliance, Central Kentucky Riding for Hope and Central Music Academy.
Railbird is more than concerts on three stages, it is also an experience for bourbon fans.
Railbird will offer bourbon experiences and hand-selected rare barrels. Justin Sloan and Justin Thompson of Justins' House of Bourbon will choose the bourbon selections.
Private bourbon selections, Railbird Selects, for the Railbird Rickhouse include single barrel picks from Four Roses, Bulleit, Castle & Key, Elijah Craig, New Riff, Old Carter, Old Forester, Pinhook, Wilderness Trail and a Justins’ House of Bourbon Railbird Signature pick.
But if you have drinks, you must have food too and Railbird has the culinary world taken care of as well. Several area chefs will have personal demonstrations and answer questions. Some of the chefs participating include Jeremy Ashby, Travis Milton, Cole Arimes, Ouita Michel, Samantha Fore and Kristin M. Smith throughout the festival weekend.
Since the festival is taking place in horse country, fans will be able to wager on off-track betting with coast-to-coast simulcast from Del Mar to Saratoga. Keeneland's betting gurus will be on hand to help out with betting tips.
Railbird is an all-ages festival and includes a family area with performances, horse rides, games and arts and crafts.
Festival organizers will be in regular communication with local health and public safety officials and will continue to abide by relevant recommendations and guidelines that are current at the time of our event.
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