All events by location

8 different destinations. Over 70 events.

From exclusive tastings, tours, and classes; to panels, pool parties, and more, we invite you to experience the best of the Bourbon world in exclusive experiences designed for our community.

All events in order

Filtering by: “Lexington”
Lockbox @ 21c: Private Barrel Selects Tasting
Oct
2

Lockbox @ 21c: Private Barrel Selects Tasting

A guided tour through some of our private barrel selections. Whether you're new to bourbon or a veteran, this tasting is for you! Hosted by Lockbox's own Jake Parry, Jake will guide our guests through the profiles, technical information and differences between our private barrel selections versus their retail counterparts. There will be four, half ounce pours, of our selections and you will also be sent home with a tasting wheel to better understand what your palette is picking up!

$25

(Make it a double and grab tickets to the Phil Talks Whiskey Legends and Lore tasting happening after this event!)

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Phils Talks Whiskey Presents Legends & Lore of Kentucky Bourbon Tasting
Oct
2

Phils Talks Whiskey Presents Legends & Lore of Kentucky Bourbon Tasting

Brought to you by Phil Talks Whiskey, the nationally-known storytelling bourbon connoisseur!

Discover Kentucky’s whiskey legends while sipping four pours and hearing true tales of bandits, bootleggers, and their impact on the city!

Detailed Description: Explore Kentucky's most colorful whiskey characters and the larger-than-life stories that have shaped the past 200 years, all within the unique ambiance of the 21c Museum Hotel in Lexington. While enjoying four unique pours, we'll dive into fascinating (yet entirely true) tales of bandits, bootleggers, and the origins of early distilleries, and their lasting influence on Lexington's bourbon scene today. To complement the experience, savor delicious canapés and light appetizers from 21c's acclaimed Lockbox Restaurant.

- Johnny Drum Private Stock Bourbon
- Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel Bourbon
- Yellowstone 2022 Bourbon - 21c Selects "Greg's Way" Barrel Pick
- Rebel Cask Strength Bourbon -" 21c Selects" Barrel Pick
All guests will receive a Glencairn glass to take home along with a few other fun surprises!

About Phil Talks Whiskey:

Phil is your go-to guru for all things whiskey, diving deep into the world of bourbon tasting. From prepping your palate to exploring bourbon's fascinating history, he's got you covered. Get ready to decode those bourbon labels, shatter some whiskey myths, and unlock a whole new level of tasting with Phil! Cheers to elevating your whiskey game!

$35

(Make it a double and grab tickets to the 21c Select Tasting Experience happening prior to this event!)

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Bluegrass Distillers Single Barrel Selection Event
Oct
3

Bluegrass Distillers Single Barrel Selection Event

Crafting a high-quality bourbon involves meticulous barrel selection and careful sensory evaluation. Join us for our first-ever Single Barrel Selection Experience at Elkwood Farm. During this event, you will have the exclusive opportunity to sample a variety of our finest barrels, gain insights into what distinguishes an extraordinary single barrel, and participate in selecting our next barrel to be featured in our gift shop. Don't miss this chance to immerse yourself in the craft of bourbon making and contribute to our legacy of exceptional spirits.

$50

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James Pepper Distillery: Bottle Your Own Bourbon Experience
Oct
3

James Pepper Distillery: Bottle Your Own Bourbon Experience

During this unique 75-minute experience in Lexington KY, you will not only get a behind the scenes tour of our facilities and taste our premium products, you will also get the chance to bottle-your-own single barrel bourbon! Tickets are $100 per person, and your personalized bottle gets to go home with you.

The one hour and 15-minute duration includes time for the guided tasting and bottle-your-own portions of this experience.

All participants must be 21 years of age or older, and children/infants are not permitted.

You will have the opportunity to fill ONE (1) Bottle Your Own Bourbon bottle per person. A valid driver’s license is required for all alcohol purchases.

Finally, please plan accordingly and do not expose your bottle to extreme temperatures after departing our Visitor Center.

$100

To Book Your Spot: Email tours@jamesepepper.com

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Tinderbox Circus Sideshow: Your Kentucky Fried Queerdos!
Oct
3

Tinderbox Circus Sideshow: Your Kentucky Fried Queerdos!

Born & bred in the wilds of eastern Kentucky, the Tinderbox Circus Sideshow is a mix of vaudeville debauchery, classic carnival sideshow, & circus tradition. An all-American classic circus sideshow, combining timeless acts of shock and amazement with a punk rock presentation, and a dirty south attitude. The result is a uniquely modern experience; unlike anything else in today's entertainment industry!


For the first time since 2019, Tinderbox Circus Sideshow is bringing their FULL SHOW back to their hometown of Lexington, Kentucky for an evening of chills, thrills, and maybe even some spills (but not of that bourbon!)

$15

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Paddock Bourbon Club & The Manchester Hotel: Bourbon & Paleo-inspired Skewers Pairing
Oct
3

Paddock Bourbon Club & The Manchester Hotel: Bourbon & Paleo-inspired Skewers Pairing

In celebration of Bourbon & Belonging, we have partnered with The Manchester Hotel for a Skewers & Bourbon Pairing. Starting with 3 of our house barrel picks, we collaborated with Chef Juan Rivera to curate 3 unique skewers that compliment the flavor profile of each bourbon. This paleo-inspired pairing includes 4 types of proteins: chicken, elk, beef & shrimp. The seasonings & marinades enhance the pairings, and are designed to enhance the character of each bourbon.

Dark Arts 10-year Armagnac-finished Bourbon & Chicken:
- coconut milk, lemongrass/tarragon, green onion (mildly sweet & cooling), hint of licorice

Makers Mark PBC x Manchester Bourbon & Elk Medallions:
- coca cola & semi-sweet hoisin marinade

Jefferson's Ocean Wheated Bourbon & Surf'n'Turf:
- beef & shrimp skewer, white wine & butter/rosemary

(Get ready for a full day of Paducah events! Check out the calendar for more fun!)

$50

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Bites of the Bluegrass: Bourbon and Belonging Food & History Tour
Oct
4
to Oct 5

Bites of the Bluegrass: Bourbon and Belonging Food & History Tour

Join us for a unique celebration of Lexington’s legendary bourbon, delicious cuisine, and vibrant LGBTQ+ history! While Lexington has always been renowned for its bourbon, it has also long been a city of belonging.

Our city boasts a rich LGBTQ+ history, from hosting the nation’s second openly gay bar to being home to one of the first openly trans citizens. Lexington has continually fought legislative battles to protect and celebrate its LGBTQ+ community.

On the Bourbon and Belonging tour, we will explore this history over limestone-filtered bourbon cocktails from Bluegrass Distillers, fantastic food from downtown businesses that bring visibility to our community, and have fun with new friends for a fabulous evening of bourbon and belonging.

Tour Times: Friday, October 4th 530-830pm & Saturday, October 5th 530-830pm

$110

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Sparkle & Sizzle: A Queer LEXKY Burlesque Brunch
Oct
5

Sparkle & Sizzle: A Queer LEXKY Burlesque Brunch

✨ BurLEX, a proudly queer-run organization, is delighted to partner with Queer Kentucky and Bourbon & Belonging to present a fabulous burlesque brunch on OCTOBER 5TH at Old North Bar! Join us for a morning filled with dazzling performances, delicious brunch delights, and the vibrant energy of our LGBTQ+ community. Celebrate the rich diversity and incredible talent that make our shows truly unique. Whether you're a longtime fan or new to burlesque, this brunch event is one you won't want to miss. Come indulge in a spectacular morning of glamour, glitter, and great company at Old North Bar! ✨

$15

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Make Your Mark! Customize Your Own Maker’s Mark Bottle
Oct
5

Make Your Mark! Customize Your Own Maker’s Mark Bottle

Come and let your creative side shine as you “Make Your Mark!” on your very own bottle of Maker’s Mark! Your hostess, teacher, and entertainer for the evening is the fabulous May O’Nays! We’ll kick things off with a tasting of various offerings from Maker’s Mark. Next, you will learn all about gel printing from Professor O’Nays before creating a label for your special bottle of Maker’s! Next, it’s time to craft your own cocktail, enjoy some charcuterie and performances, and even have the chance to win some prizes, all while supporting two great causes! 100% of ticket sales will benefit Queer Kentucky and LexArts. You must be 21 years of age or older to purchase and attend this event.

$65

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Lex Lez Night: Sapphic Soirée
Oct
5

Lex Lez Night: Sapphic Soirée

Your hosts for Lex Lez Night are coming together for Bourbon & Belonging: Kentuckys Queer Bourbon Week! On Saturday, October 5th starting at 6:00 pm, start at Sidebar Grill for food specials by Chef Kelly. Hop over to Lussi Brown until 10:00 pm for mingling and bourbon drink specials by KC. Then head over to Crossings Lex for fun and pool.

FREE

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Burlesque & Belonging: A Queer LEXKY Extravaganza
Oct
5

Burlesque & Belonging: A Queer LEXKY Extravaganza

✨ BurLEX, a proudly queer-run organization, is thrilled to partner with Queer Kentucky to present a spectacular queer burlesque event on OCTOBER 5TH at The Green Lantern! Join us in celebrating the vibrant diversity of our LGBTQ+ community with dazzling performances that will light up the night. Experience the glamour, the glitter, and the incredible talent that make our shows truly spectacular. Whether you're a longtime fan or new to burlesque, this is a night you won't want to miss. Come be part of the magic and support our fabulous community at The Green Lantern! ✨

$15

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THE MANCHESTER PRESENTS: Lost Palm x BLUEGRASS DISTILLERS Dinner
Oct
6

THE MANCHESTER PRESENTS: Lost Palm x BLUEGRASS DISTILLERS Dinner

Join us at Lost Palm Rooftop for a bourbon dinner in collaboration with Bluegrass Distillers. A delicious menu with cuisine from Granddam will be paired with fantastic bourbons including some special offerings chosen just for this event — including The Manchester's own barrel pick from Bluegrass Distillers. Mingle, eat & drink, and celebrate Bourbon & Belonging!

*Twenty-one & up. Deadline to cancel is 48 hrs prior to event start time.

$85

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