I teach social media marketing at Ball State University, so I am always intrigued when I see very relevant ads pop up on my news feed on Facebook or Instagram. I like to use them as great examples for my students. And sometimes they even get me a little bit interested.

I saw one today from Bourbon on the Banks. I have never heard of this festival, but it caught my eye. Mostly because bourbon was in the name, but it was also located in a favorite location of mine (Frankfort, KY). After doing a little research, I realized I have driven by the location of this festival a few different times and I was a little excited.

So I decided to reach out to the organizers on Facebook and received an immediate response. I asked if it was ok if I wrote about my excitement for the festival and highlight a few great things happening there. In return, I want nothing. I wouldn’t be mad with an invite to the private bourbon tasting they mentioned in our chat, but I just wanted to highlight a really cool opportunity for bourbon lovers.

Here we go. It’s a look at an event I haven’t been to, but would love to attend. And I give my reasons why.

Before we get to that, let’s take a look at the organization putting this all on.

Bourbon On The Banks Inc. – Non-Profit

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. A portion of the proceeds fund student scholarships to the KSU Fermentation & Distillation program and/or students from Frankfort/Franklin County to attend any distillation and spirits college accredited program. Proceeds also serve to stimulate economic development in the downtown district of Frankfort.  

A portion of our proceeds go toward White Oak Initiative, a non-profit dedicated to the preservation and sustainability of the white oak which is used in the manufacturing of bourbon. 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.

Bourbon On The Banks

Before we go any further, take a few moments to follow Bourbon on The Banks on Facebook! Tell them the Bourbon Master sent you.

I freaking love beer festivals. I have been to over 20 different beer festivals of the years (shoutout to Indiana on Tap) and Bourbon on the Banks gives me the whole beer festival vibe. And I love it. It looks like a great place to go and try a bunch of different bourbons and to have conversations with the distilleries who are making these spirits.

The organization planning the events says:

The Bourbon on the Banks Festival is a premier bourbon event that takes place along 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. 7, 2023, from 2-6 p.m.

Those attending the festival will be required to purchase a ticket for entry which allows you to sample libations from distilleries, breweries, and wineries present at the event (mostly distilleries). Attendees will be able to drink and learn about a variety of bourbons, enjoy a scenic stroll along the Kentucky River while listening to live music, taste offerings from a wide range of 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.

Bourbon on the Banks

I’m so in. I love craft beer. I love bourbon. I love supporting small business. I love free samples. I love this whole idea. And what’s better than a bottle of a barrel pick?!?!

And then I found a little more that makes me even happier:

Festival Overview

The Bourbon on the Banks Festival is a premier bourbon event that takes place along 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. 7, 2023, from 1-6 p.m. Those attending the festival will be required to purchase a ticket for entry which includes an allotted number of drink vouchers for samples of libations from distilleries, breweries, and wineries present at the event. Attendees will be able to drink and learn about a variety of bourbons, enjoy a scenic stroll along the Kentucky River while listening to live music, taste offerings from a wide range of 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.

Information for Distilleries

There is no fee 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 break down. In support of marketing activities for the Bourbon on the Banks Festival, we do ask for participation in a cross-promotion collaboration.

From my research, there seems to be a few different events that are a part of the weekend.

Bourbon Street on Broadway

Friday Oct 6, 2023 – 6-9:30PM

This one is a free family-friendly event happening on Broadway (one of the main streets downtown). It mirrors a lot of the community centered festivals or events in a downtown area.

Their description is this:

THIS IS A FREE FESTIVAL FOR THE COMMUNITY TO ENJOY. Prepare to be enchanted as we transform Broadway Street. Enjoy performances from aerialists to fire eaters and enjoy music while dining on offerings from our downtown merchants as well as regional food and beverage vendors.

Take a look at the full event rundown (and photos) here.

Bourbon on The Banks

Saturday, Oct 7 ,2023 – 2-6PM

Want a ticket, grab it here (no affiliate stuff here, just sharing a good time).

I would sit here and write an amazing blurb about the event, but I’ll let the festival handle that for me:

Bourbon on the Banks returns this year to historic Downtown Frankfort on the Banks of the picturesque Kentucky River. Once again we will be featuring dozens of bourbons, ranging from the largest most popular to the smallest and discreet. Integrated among the many distilleries are opportunities to interactively increase your knowledge of bourbon and its rich history. Area microbreweries and wineries will also be giving samples as well.

Food tents along with food trucks will be on hand with a wide and eclectic variety of foods to pair with the endless libations. To make things even better, bottled spirits and wine will be available for purchase!

Walk the banks of the Kentucky River, enjoy acoustic musicians, sample rare and unique bourbons, spirits, wine and beer… does life get any better than that.

Bourbon on The Banks

And life doesn’t get much better than that. I can vouch on that end.

Reason 1 – Exposure To The Future of Bourbon

If I have learned anything from my time at beer festivals, I have learned this. The big boys in the industry usually don’t show up and you are left with a bunch of entrepreneurs who are looking to find an audience.

And they all have amazing stories.

Odds are, 30% of the distillers you meet at a festival like this will become the distilleries of the future. They aren’t going to have the great storied history, but they are going to make killer bourbon.

And I appreciate a place I can go and taste all of their spirits. Because I might get a taste of the future today. You never know when you will get to chat with the next great master distiller on a nice October afternoon.

Reason 2 – Investment Into The Communities of Bourbon

I’m a big fan of investing in my local community. One of my favorite non-profits (New Castle Main Street) has done wonders for my downtown. And I love supporting other organizations doing the same thing. After a little research, I think the Bourbon on the Banks is an investment in a brighter tomorrow and a great reason to raise a glass!

Reason 3 – The People

If I have learned one thing from my time at craft beer festivals, it’s this: People are what make a brand and a spirit.

I have met some amazing brewers and distillers over the last 10 years. And I hope to meet just as many in the next 10 years. They all have something in common. They pour their heart into a glass and stand around to watch your reaction. And that takes an amazing person to do that.

Almost everyone I have talked to at a craft beer festival has been amazing and they are just trying to grow their business. And it makes you want to support them in any way possible. It’s the people that make you want to come back and have another drink.

So I look forward to meeting people I have never met and learning their stories. And then sharing those stories with my group and hoping they get some business in the long run.

Reason 4 – The Bourbon – Duh!

I would be lying if I said I was just going for the experience or the people.

I’m going for the bourbon. To say anything different would be a lie.

So I’m hoping to go to taste some amazing bourbon. And to have a great time.

Bonus Content – Insider Information

When I asked if I could write about the event on Facebook, I was greeted with an amazing message and some insider information. I’m happy to share because I think this will be an amazing even.

We have several events that are not on the website yet that are included in the weekend. This includes the Friday VIP, Ingram river aged pub stroll and a private bourbon tasting and food pairing excursion (with a celebrity chef) we’ve not announced yet.

Bourbon On The Banks

I’m going to have to say I expect Bobby Flay to have a throwdown or Guy to come to BourbonTown and declare himself mayor. Either of these would be amazing, but I imagine the event will be amazing regardless of the chef.

Interested? Get a Tickets Here

I’ll keep it short and sweet. If you are interested, get a ticket here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/bourbon-on-the-banks-festival-2023-tickets-468744586677

I’m hoping to attend as long as my work schedule lines up. I’m hoping to get the VIP ticket and have one heck of a time!

Cheers!