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Your kick off to summertime wanderlust destination dreams starts in Owensboro (KY), with a BBQ & Barrels immersed weekend experience you’re not going to want to miss!
May 9 – 10 (Friday & Saturday), the riverfront city (~1hr 40 min west of Louisville) is hosting the 3rd Annual “BBQ & BARRELS”, a celebration and homage to the city’s sacred bedrock of world renown “Western Kentucky BBQ” and Bourbon authenticity of which go back countless generations. A first class Bourbon tasting event, free live concerts Friday and Saturday, an outdoor BBQ festival takeover – this has all the makings of greatness.
BEST DEAL IN BOURBON: Well over 100 whiskies and ~40 Tasting Tables, the “Main Event” ticket for $70 is just unheard of! And VIP for $120 is an absolute steal. With the legacy distilleries to mid level brands to craft producers, it has the full impressive spectrum.
Event Highlights

Saturday, May 10th: “BBQ & BARRELS” Bourbon Event
VENUE: Inside the Owensboro Convention Center with a beautiful view facing the Ohio River.
- 2 – 3pm CT, Bourbon Education Sessions: 3 unique intimate sessions offering the best of education meets entertainment. Limited seating, $25 per person. More details coming soon.
- 3 – 4pm CT, VIP TASTING: Early access and special pourings from a wide array of whiskey brands. $120 per ticket. Includes Main Event Tasting (4 – 6pm CT).
- 4 – 6pm CT, Main Event Tasting: Over 40 Tasting Stations and 100+ whiskey labels to experience. $70 per ticket.
Friday, May 9th: Dinner at Green River Distillery

Featuring Chef Kasey Kirk Dillow from The Miller House Restaurant. Entertainment provided by Kentucky Shine.
Appetizer:
Crudites, Green Goddess, soft cheese, grilled baguette, flatbread
Cocktail:
Neat pour of Green River Full Proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
First Course:
Spring Bibb Lettuce Salad
KY Bibb lettuce, strawberries, radish, almonds, basil, honey lemon vinaigrette
Cocktail:
Gold Rush
Green River Wheated Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, fresh lemon juice, honey simple syrup, ginger beer
Second Course:
Bourbon Braised Beef Short Ribs and Seared Sea Bass with Citrus Gremolata
Dauphinoise potatoes, asparagus, confit tomato garnish
Cocktail:
Green River Old Fashioned
Green River Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Angostura Bitters, Fee Brothers Whiskey Barrel Aged Bitters, simple syrup, orange peel, luxardo cherry
Third Course:
Croissant Bread Pudding, salted bourbon caramel, candied pecans
Cocktail:
Revolver
Green River Rye Whiskey, Kahlua Coffee Liqueur, Orange Bitters
ADDITIONAL HAPPENINGS
Live Entertainment: The festival boasts an impressive lineup of free entertainment. On Friday night, attendees can enjoy Resurrection – A Journey Tribute with special guest Lindsey James Williams. Saturday’s highlight is a performance by country music star Clay Walker.
Outdoor BBQ Street Fair: Beginning Friday 12pm CT, the streets on the riverfront will be blocked off and burgeoning with BBQ vendors and authentic church parish style BBQ pitmasters. No cost to attend. There will be carnival section with rides.
Why You Should Attend
The BBQ & Barrels Festival offers a unique blend of culinary delights, cultural experiences, and entertainment, making it a must-visit event for barbecue enthusiasts, bourbon aficionados, and families alike.
For more details and ticket information, visit the official festival website: bbqandbarrels.com
Please note: Event details are subject to change. It’s advisable to check the official website for the most current information.
Riverfront Hotels
Hampton Inn & Suites Downtown Owensboro/Waterfront
Holiday Inn Owensboro Riverfront, an IHG Hotel
For the latest in Bourbon, visit www.thebourbonreview.com