Get ready to sip, savor, and celebrate: Bourbon & Belonging takes over Louisville!

This story is brought to you by our partners at Louisville Tourism and Team Kentucky.

Garage Bar, LouisvilleCourtesy Louisville Tourism

Welcome to the inaugural Bourbon & Belonging Festival, a spectacular celebration of LGBTQ+ pride and Kentucky’s bourbon culture! Running from October 2-6, 2024, presented by nonprofit Queer Kentucky, this vibrant event invites you to experience a spirited week of festivities in Louisville. Known for its warm Southern hospitality and progressive nature, Louisville has earned a perfect score on the Human Rights Campaign’s Municipal Equality Index every year since 2015. It’s the ideal backdrop for a festival that promises to be as dynamic and diverse as the city itself.

Whiskey RowCourtesy Louisville Tourism

Considered Kentucky’s first-ever Queer Bourbon Week, the festival isn’t just about savoring the state’s finest bourbons; it’s about embracing a rich tapestry of culture and community. In not just Louisville, but across eight incredible locations in Kentucky— including Bardstown, Bullitt County, Frankfort, Lexington, Northern Kentucky, Paducah, and Winchester— Bourbon & Belonging invites new opportunities for adventure each day. Enjoy bourbon tastings, distillery tours, and vibrant gatherings designed to showcase the state’s dedication to inclusivity and hospitality.

Hotel GenevieveCourtesy Louisville Tourism

On October 3, get a taste of Kentucky at the Evan Williams Bourbon Experience, where bourbon will be paired with live bluegrass music and local barbecue. The following day, enjoy a Whiskey Row Fall Garden Party at Old Forester Distillery, featuring craft cocktails, hors d'oeurves, and picturesque river views. October 5 introduces Le Moo Drag Brunch, offering a delectable buffet and an ensemble of vibrant drag performances. The festival wraps up on October 6 with a brunch and pool party at Paseo restaurant and The Myriad Swim Club, showcasing an energetic drag show, DJ sets, and a two-course brunch with options for both brunch and pool party access.

Angel's Envy bourbon tastingCourtesy Louisville Tourism

During your stay, find your perfect retreat among a variety of Louisville’s Bourbon & Belonging partner hotels. Opt for the boutique charm of the NuLu neighborhood’s Hotel Genevieve or enjoy the contemporary ambiance of the art-inspired 21c Louisville, just steps from historic Whiskey Row. For a unique experience, the Myriad Hotel provides an eclectic, modern atmosphere as a former disco ball factory in Louisville’s Highlands neighborhood. — Lulu Dropo

Louisville skylineCourtesy Louisville Tourism

Daniel Cole

Since 2008, Daniel Cole has been a driving force in Kentucky’s queer event scene, notably his Hard Candy event series and weekly Le Moo Drag brunches. His productions featuring RuPaul’s Drag Race and Boulet Brothers Dragula alumni highlight his vital contributions to the city’s vibrant drag community.

Dick Leitsch

A Louisville native, Leitsch was an LGBTQ rights activist and is known to have led one of the earliest acts of gay civil disobedience in the United States. His 1966 “sip-in” in New York City helped amend the State Liquor Authority’s regulation against serving homosexuals in bars on the idea that they were “disorderly”.

Marjorie Jones & Tracey Knight

On July 6, 1970, Marjorie Jones and Tracey Knight made history by attempting to obtain a marriage license at the Jefferson County clerk’s office. Though their request was denied, and their subsequent lawsuit unsuccessful, their brave effort marked a significant moment in the fight for marriage equality.

These remarkable individuals highlight the rich history and ongoing efforts to promote LGBTQ+ rights and inclusion in Louisville and beyond. Bourbon & Belonging promises to be a celebration of this spirit, bringing together the community in a unique and meaningful way.

To learn more about Bourbon & Belonging and to stay updated on ticket releases and event schedules, visitwww.bourbonandbelonging.com. Queer Kentucky will collaborate with local tourism partners and nonprofits to curate and host the events throughout the week. Interested sponsors and partners can contact info@bourbonandbelonging.com for more information.