Summary:
- The Bourbon & Beyond and Louder Than Life music festivals are expected to bring in $26 million in revenue for Louisville.
- The Highland Festival grounds will see a combined attendance of 200,000 people over both weekends.
- Hotel occupancy is expected to be close to 90% on each weekend.
- The festivals offer a celebration of music, bourbon, and culinary programs, attracting people from over 100 miles away to stay overnight in the city.
The Bourbon & Beyond music festival and the upcoming Louder Than Life festival are expected to bring a record-breaking attendance of 200,000 people to Louisville's Highland Festival grounds over back-to-back weekends, according to Louisville Tourism. The economic impact of the festivals will bring in an anticipated $26 million in revenue for the city, with hotel occupancy close to 90% on each weekend.
Bourbon & Beyond Festival Brings Economic Boom to Louisville
The Bourbon & Beyond Festival is a highly anticipated annual event in Louisville that brings in millions of dollars in revenue. Music lovers from across the country and beyond attend the festival to enjoy not only the great music but also the food, bourbon, and cultural experiences that Louisville has to offer.
Record Attendance at Highland Festival Grounds
The festival features more than 65 acts, including headliners such as The Killers and Bruno Mars. The festival takes place over four days and is followed by another popular festival, Louder Than Life, from September 21st to the 24th. The Highland Festival grounds are expected to see a combined attendance of 200,000 people this year, making it the largest music and bourbon experience in the world.
Strong Economic Impact on Local Businesses
With the influx of festival-goers into Louisville, local businesses are reaping the benefits of increased revenue. Hotel occupancy rates are at nearly 90 percent during both weekends and it is estimated that the festivals will bring in a total of $26 million for the city, according to Louisville Tourism. Visitors are not only attending the festivals but are also staying overnight, using transportation, dining out, and exploring the city's attractions, including the many distilleries.
Celebrating Louisville's Rich Culture
Bourbon & Beyond is not only a celebration of great whiskey and great music but also a showcase of the city's unique culture and community. The festival features bourbon tastings, specialty bars, and culinary programs that highlight Louisville's rich culinary scene. The festival attracts a diverse crowd, with different genres of music and different types of people, creating an inclusive atmosphere that keeps visitors coming back year after year.
Experience all that Louisville has to Offer
Many festival-goers, like Leslie Führer from Missouri, take the opportunity to explore Louisville beyond the festival, trying out popular local restaurants such as Doc Rose and checking out what's new downtown. Visitors are coming from all over the country, with many traveling from over 100 miles away to attend the festival and experience all that Louisville has to offer. The festival provides a boost to the local economy and helps to put Louisville on the map as a cultural destination.
The Bottom Line
The Bourbon & Beyond Festival and Louder Than Life are not only annual events that music lovers eagerly anticipate but also major economic drivers for the city of Louisville. With record attendance, strong economic impact on local businesses, and a celebration of Louisville's rich culture, these festivals are set to continue to generate excitement and revenue for the city for years to come.
The Bourbon & Beyond festival runs until Sunday, and tickets are still available.