Kentucky’s Queer Bourbon Week, set for October 2-6, 2024, promises to be an unforgettable event for bourbon enthusiasts and the LGBTQ+ community. Hosted by Queer Kentucky, the inaugural “Bourbon & Belonging” festival will span eight vibrant regions: Bardstown, Bullitt County, Frankfort, Lexington, Louisville, Northern Kentucky, Paducah, and Winchester.
With over 40 events planned, attendees will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in Kentucky’s rich bourbon and hospitality culture. Highlights include a single barrel selection experience in Lexington, a disco-themed pool party in Louisville, and a Bourbon and Burlesque show in Northern Kentucky. Visitors can also look forward to cocktail classes, Bourbon 101 lessons, exclusive distillery tours, drag brunches, multi-course dinners, and a tasting event featuring Kentucky’s only LGBTQ-owned distillery.
“Queer Kentucky is proud to announce that the events calendar and ticket sales are now live for the inaugural Bourbon & Belonging: Kentucky’s Queer Bourbon Week,” says Missy Spears, Executive Director of Queer Kentucky. “From my Covington home to seven other amazing destinations around the state, we are excited for you to join us for a week of festivities honoring Kentucky’s LGBTQ+ culture and Bourbon tradition alongside the top Bourbon brands in the world.”
The event boasts a growing lineup of renowned bourbon partners, including Angel’s Envy, Bardstown Bourbon Company, Barrel House Distilling Co., Bourbon Capital Alliance, Buzzard Roost Whiskey Row, Bulleit Bourbon, Brown-Forman, Bluegrass Distillers, Bespoken Spirits, Copper & Kings, Evan Williams Bourbon Experience, James B. Beam Distilling Company, James E. Pepper, Kentucky Peerless, Lawrenceburg Bourbon Company, Lux Row Distillers, Log Still Distillery, Maker’s Mark, Michter’s, New Riff Distilling, Old Forester, Old SteelHouse Distillery, Ponyboy Slings, Pursuit Spirits, Preservation Distillery, Second Sight, and Wenzel Whiskey.
Inspired by other successful events like “Gay Wine Weekend” in Sonoma, CA, and “Queer Beer Fest” in Washington, DC, Bourbon & Belonging will offer a range of activities, tastings, and gatherings designed to foster safety, belonging, and togetherness. The festival will also raise vital funds for Queer Kentucky and other Kentucky-based LGBTQ+ community service organizations.
Queer Kentucky, the presenting sponsor and primary festival organizer, is a celebrated nonprofit founded in Louisville. The organization works to uplift LGBTQ+ lives through storytelling, education, and action. Queer Kentucky’s mission is to bolster and enhance Queer culture and health, making visibility and inclusivity central to their efforts.
For those traveling to the Bluegrass State, several host hotels are offering exclusive accommodations, including 21c Museum Hotels (Louisville & Lexington), Common Bond Hotel Collection, Hotel Covington, and Hotel Genevieve.
To learn more about the festival, view the full calendar of events, and purchase tickets, visit www.bourbonandbelonging.com.
