Bourbon & Beyond is shaking up its 2025 footprint by moving the main festival grounds from the Highland Festival Grounds into the adjacent Kentucky Kingdom parking lot areas. This change promises more space and a fresh layout, but it’s already sparking debate among fans on Reddit and social channels.
New Venue Benefits and Expanded Space
Utilizing the Kentucky Exposition Center (KEC) parking lots means the festival will benefit from significantly expanded real estate. Along with increased crowd flow and wider spacing between stages, the festival will hold parts of its setup inside the Expo Center — providing air-conditioned spots for merchandise shopping and respite from the late-summer heat. Turf zones are also being installed to help combat the challenges of an all-paved layout.
Exclusive Kentucky Kingdom Access for Ticket Holders
One of the most exciting additions for ticket holders in 2025 is exclusive access to Kentucky Kingdom amusement park rides from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. daily during the festival (September 11–14). Ride fanatics can enjoy 18 attractions, including the iconic Ferris wheel and Lightning Run coaster. Note that Hurricane Bay water park will remain closed during the event dates.
Camping Retains Traditional Location
Camping will stay put at the Highland Festival Grounds, preserving the familiar tent and RV arrangements, including 24-hour security, medical assistance, and shower access. Each campsite includes a vehicle pass allowing multiple entries back into the festival throughout the day, ensuring campers won’t miss out on the action.
Community Reactions Mixed but Hopeful
While many fans appreciate the larger, more controlled space and the novel perk of theme park rides, some concerns linger about the vibe shift from grassy fields to mostly paved surfaces. Heat and atmosphere are common topics in Reddit threads, with some attendees skeptical of losing the outdoor festival feel but others welcoming the comfort upgrades and eased crowd congestion.
With Bourbon & Beyond 2025 less than two months away, the community remains eager to see how these strategic changes translate in real-time. The mix of expanded space, Kentucky Kingdom access, and traditional camping seems set to create a unique festival experience not seen in previous years.
Stay tuned for ongoing coverage and on-the-ground reports as the festival unfolds this September 11-14.
Source: r/BourbonAndBeyond