KENTUCKY BOURBON EXPERIENCE
Drink in America’s River Roots at the Kentucky Bourbon Experience and Kentucky Boardwalk at Ovation, both located in Newport, KY! Immerse yourself in the heritage of our famed Kentucky bourbon industry and communities as you revel in culture on the river.
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KENTUCKY BOURBON EXPERIENCE TASTINGS
The Bourbon Experience area will host ticketed, 90-minute experiences where guests can take a bourbon “deep dive”. From blending and custom bourbon to selecting a single barrel, our bourbon partners are creating unique experiences just for you.
Kentucky Bourbon Experience
Experience the sips and flavor of Kentucky
KENTUCKY BOURBON EXPERIENCE
The Kentucky Bourbon Experience presented by Fifth Third Bank unfolds inside a spacious 200' tent in Newport, designed to immerse you in the heritage and craftsmanship of Kentucky bourbon. The experience includes three distinct areas, each offering a unique journey through the world of bourbon: Bourbon Bottle Shop and Bazaar, Bourbon Experience, The Merchant's Club. The Kentucky Bourbon Experience is located in the OneNKY Zone at Newport: Festival Park100 Riverboat Row Newport, KY 41071 Bottle Shop
The Bottle Shop presented by The Party Source offers you access the best bourbons and liquor. Find your flavor and buy a bottle to enjoy from one of our featured distillers. The Bottle Shop will be open during the festival:
- Thursday to Saturday 11:00 am to 7:00 pm
- Sunday 11:00 am to 4:00 pm
Bourbon Experience
The Bourbon Experience area will host ticketed, 90-minute experiences where guests can take a bourbon “deep dive”. From blending and custom bourbon to selecting a single barrel, our bourbon partners are creating unique experiences just for you. These experiences are provided by iconic distillers and mixologists. Merchant’s Club
Rich, high-end finishes meet cozy comfort as expertly crafted bourbon cocktails will be served with a breathtaking view. The Merchant's Club will be open during the festival:
- Thursday to Saturday 11:00 am to 11:00 pm
- Sunday 11:00 am to 9:00 pm
KENTUCKY'S BOARDWALK AT OVATION
The Boardwalk at Ovation is where the city meets the river. Elevate your River Roots experience at Ovation, the urban resort that redefines riverside luxury sitting above the historic connection point between the Licking River and Ohio Rivers on the Newport riverfront. With unrivaled panoramic views of the Cincinnati skyline and the rolling waters of the Ohio River, guests will enjoy a VIP vantage point - high above the crowds, with effortless access to all the excitement of the America's River Roots Festival. Both ticketed and private experiences are available. The Kentucky Boardwalk at Ovation is located in the OneNKY Zone at Newport: 800 Ovation Way Newport, KY 41071
B-Line® on the Boardwalk
Relax and indulge with an open-air dining experience prepared by one of Northern Kentucky’s most beloved restaurants on the B-Line®, an official Gateway to the Kentucky Bourbon Trail®: Purple Poulet, Greyhound Tavern, Smoke Justis. Food will be available for purchase from these famed restaurants in a daily rotation.
- Thursday to Saturday 11:00 am to 11:00 pm
- Sunday 11:00 am to 9:00 pm
The B-Line® Speakeasy
Step into the B-Line® Speakeasy, an exclusive pop-up bar tucked inside the event, featuring bourbons and drinks for purchase from Northern Kentucky’s famed B-Line® trail, a self-guided bourbon experience. Sample rare and regional selections, enjoy handcrafted cocktails, and mingle with expert mixologists representing the best of NKY’s craft bourbon scene. It’s a hidden gem within the event — and a toast to the spirit of local tradition.
- Thursday to Saturday 11:00 am to 11:00 pm
- Sunday 11:00 am to 9:00 pm
Premium Bourbon Experience
Enjoy curated tasting led by seasoned bourbon stewards. Sample Kentucky’s finest pours, from smooth single barrels to bold custom blends, while uncovering the rich heritage and craftsmanship behind every glass. Tickets for this experience will be available in summer of 2025. Both ticketed and private experiences are available.
- Experiences starting at 11:00 am, with last seating at 4:00 pm daily
Beer Garden
Grab a pint of one of our region's famous brews as you enjoy the sips of our Cincy heritage and views of our beloved cities. Beers and drinks available for purchase from famed brewmasters during the festival.
- Thursday to Saturday 11:00 am to 11:00 pm
- Sunday 11:00 am to 9:00 pm