Bourbon And Beyond, Louder Than Life Expand Sites, Add Kentucky Kingdom Access

The Bourbon & Beyond and Louder Than Life festivals in Louisville, Kentucky, are undergoing significant expansions and enhancements for their 2025 editions to improve the fan experience. Both festivals will move to a larger footprint at the Kentucky Exposition Center's Highland Festival Grounds, allowing for better crowd flow, more shaded areas, and turf zones to reduce mud issues caused by rain. A key new feature is the inclusion of free access for all festival passholders to 18 rides at Kentucky Kingdom amusement park, which will be integrated into the festival footprint with exclusive hours and a new seventh stage for Louder Than Life inside the park. VIP experiences will also be expanded with larger shaded viewing platforms and upgraded lounge zones. Organizers emphasized that these changes aim to create a more comfortable, resilient, and diverse festival environment, combining indoor air-conditioned spaces with outdoor activities, reflecting a long-term commitment to Louisville through a recent 10-year lease agreement. These improvements come in response to challenges faced in 2024, including weather-related cancellations, and are expected to accommodate growing attendance and enhance overall fan enjoyment.