LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Louisville's signature music festivals are here, with Bourbon & Beyond this weekend (Sept. 19-22) and Louder Than Life next weekend (Sept. 26-29).
With more than 200 acts taking the stage between the two festivals, organizer Danny Wimmer Presents is hosting multiple events for both festivalgoers and locals over the eight days of music.
"With record crowds expected this year at Bourbon & Beyond and the 10-year anniversary of Louder Than Life, we are so excited to partner with the city to expand our entertainment options leading up to and throughout the week for both festivals," said Chamie McCurry, general manager of DWP.
Take a look at what's planned:
Official Bourbon & Beyond After Party
Main Ballroom, Crowne Plaza, 830 Phillips Lane, Louisville, Kentucky
Thursday, Sept. 19 through Sunday, Sept. 22 from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. (21+)
Just steps away from the festival grounds, attendees can keep the festival spirit alive with drinks and bites, music from Louisville's DJ ODESKI and photo opportunities.
Kentucky Exposition Center – 937 Phillips Lane, Louisville, Kentucky
Saturday, Sept. 21, 6 a.m. arrival, 8 a.m. start time
The race will begin at 8 a.m. with music, light snacks and refreshments, with the course winding through the Kentucky Exposition Center grounds and Kentucky Kingdom. All participants will receive a commemorative Bourbon & Beyond 5K short-sleeve tri-blend race shirt and a custom finisher's medal. Packet pickup will be held Friday, Sept. 20, at Planet Fitness (4025 Poplar Level Road) from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; participants can also pick up their packets on race day from 7 a.m. to 7:45 a.m.
Mayor's Bourbon Brunch and Bluegrass
NULU – 800 E. Market St., Louisville, Kentucky
Saturday, Sept. 21, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The free event will feature live bluegrass music, Bourbon & Beyond-themed food and beverages and a number of contests and giveaways.
Daniel Nunnelee with Shante T at Zanzabar
Zanzabar – 2100 S. Preston St., Louisville, Kentucky
Friday, Sept. 20 at 11 p.m. (21+)
Headliners Music Hall – 1386 Lexington Road, Louisville, Kentucky
Saturday, Sept. 21, doors open at 10 p.m., show begins at 11 p.m.
Karl Denson's Tiny Universe, which has electrified audiences all over the world for dozens of years, will host an afterparty following day three of the festival.
Bad Nerves with Anemic Royalty at Zanzabar
Zanzabar – 2100 S. Preston St., Louisville, Kentucky
Saturday, Sept. 21 at 11 p.m. (21+)
Nightly Official Louder Than Life After Party
Main Ballroom, Crowne Plaza – 830 Phillips Lane, Louisville, Kentucky
Thursday, Sept. 26 through Sunday, Sept. 29, 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. (21+)
Just steps away from the festival grounds, attendees can keep the festival spirit alive with drinks and bites, music from Louisville's DJ ODESKI and photo opportunities.
Louder Than LDB: High Vis + The Chisel, Walk Alone (SOLD OUT)
Mag Bar – 1398 S. 2nd St., Louisville, Kentucky
Friday, Sept. 27 at 8 p.m.
Louder Than LDB: Kublai Khan TX, Sanguisugaborgg, Surfaced
Portal – 1535 Lytle St., Louisville, Kentucky
Friday, Sept. 27 at 8 p.m.
Mayor's Bourbon Brunch and Bluegrass
Germantown – 1000 Goss Ave., Louisville, Kentucky
Saturday, Sept. 28, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The free event will feature live bluegrass music, Louder Than Life-themed food and beverages and a number of contests and giveaways.
Louder Than LDB: Pain Of Truth, E-Town Concrete, Holy Blade, Two Witnesses
Portal – 1535 Lytle St., Louisville, Kentucky
Saturday, Sept. 28 at 8 p.m.
Louder Than LDB: Drug Church, Narrow Head, and '97 Flood
Portal – 1535 Lytle St., Louisville, Kentucky
Sunday, Sept. 29 at 8 p.m.
Now in its sixth year, Bourbon & Beyond headliners include Sting and Beck (Sept. 19), Dave Matthews Band and Tedeschi Trucks Band (Sept. 20), Zach Bryan and Cody Jinks (Sept. 21) and Kentucky's own Tyler Childers and My Morning Jacket rounding things out Sept. 22.
More than 130 acts are set to rock out at Louder Than Life, with headliners including Slipknot (Sept. 26), Slayer (Sept. 27), Mötley Crüe (Sept. 28) and Korn (Sept. 29) in the festival's 10th year.
DWP said more than 300,000 music-lovers turned out for the back-to-back events in 2023, and passes for both festivals were purchased in all 50 states and more than 25 countries.
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