Bourbon & Beyond and Louder Than Life Are Getting Huge Fan Experience Upgrades
Festival producer Danny Wimmer Presents (DWP) just announced a sweeping site expansion and major fan experience upgrades ahead of the upcoming Bourbon & Beyond and Louder Than Life festivals taking place in Louisville, Kentucky.
DWP Commits to Louisville with 10-Year Festival Lease
The expansion is part of DWP’s newly inked 10-year lease with Kentucky Venues, locking in both festivals through 2035. The move reflects a long-term commitment to Louisville's cultural and economic future, with both festivals already bringing in more than 300,000 attendees and generating $33 million in local economic impact just in 2024 alone.
New Layout Includes Shade, Lounges, and VIP Viewing
This year’s expanded layout is expected to improve crowd flow while adding cooling zones and increasing shaded areas, indoor experiences, and lounge seating. A new entrance will help ease congestion, and VIP areas are getting a major upgrade, including a new three-story shaded viewing platform.
Festival Fans Get Free Access to Kentucky Kingdom
As if the upgraded amenities weren't exciting enough, for the first time ever, Kentucky Kingdom amusement park will be part of the festival footprint and will be open exclusively to festival attendees. Both Bourbon & Beyond and Louder Than Life Festival passes now include free access to 18 rides, including the Giant Wheel and Lightning Run.
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This move has been years in the making, and we’re thrilled to finally bring it to life. With Bourbon & Beyond, and Louder Than Life both growing year over year, we knew it was time for more space, more comfort, and more ways to elevate the fan experience beyond just the music. The new layout delivers so much to be excited about: expanded shade, indoor experiences, air-conditioned areas, and—thanks to our collaboration with Kentucky Kingdom—an amusement park inside the festival. It’s a truly unique addition that brings incredible value to fans, along with more food options, more ways to cool off, and so much more to explore. I’m ecstatic because this is just the beginning of something truly special for our festivals in Louisville. -Danny Wimmer of DWP
Bourbon & Beyond Returns with Phish, Sturgill, and More
September 11-14, 2025, Bourbon & Beyond brings another stacked lineup with Phish, Sturgill Simpson, Noah Kahan, and dozens more across five stages, along with its signature bourbon and culinary experiences led by celebrity chefs and distillers.
Louder Than Life Adds More Bands and a New Stage
September 18-21, 2025, Louder Than Life will add a seventh stage, featuring 12 more acts, including Unearth, Silly Goose, and Upon A Burning Body. The full Louder Than Life lineup spans more than 160 bands over four days, with headliners like Slayer, Avenged Sevenfold, Deftones, and Bring Me the Horizon.
How to Get Tickets for Bourbon & Beyond and Louder Than Life
For tickets and details, visit bourbonandbeyond.com or louderthanlifefestival.com. Keep reading for tips to keep in your festival fanny pack!
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Gallery Credit: Kat Mykals