Louisville’s Highland Festival Grounds is getting a major facelift for 2025, with Danny Wimmer Presents confirming a revamped layout and expanded site just in time for two of the country’s most ambitious destination festivals: Bourbon & Beyond (September 11–14) and Louder Than Life (September 18–21).
As part of a freshly inked 10 year lease deal with Kentucky Venues, DWP has locked in Louisville as home turf through 2035, cementing the city’s spot on the global festival map.
What’s Changing?
For starters, the festival footprint is growing. You can now expect smoother crowd flow, more shaded chill zones, a second entrance and even air-conditioned indoor spaces, something veteran punters will appreciate after years of baking under the Kentucky sun. Bourbon & Beyond is also boosting its GA Lawn Chair Pass capacity, with more tickets dropping August 8.
Free Amusement Rides
But here’s the big swing: festival passes now include FREE access to Kentucky Kingdom’s amusement rides, exclusively open to attendees. That means the Giant Wheel ferris wheel, Lightning Run coaster and a dozen other rides are now part of the experience.
Louder Than Life is also stepping up with a seventh stage featuring a fresh slate of heavy-hitters including Unearth, Orthodox and Upon A Burning Body. VIPs can enjoy a 35% larger MINT area and a new three-story viewing platform overlooking both main stages.
Meanwhile, Bourbon & Beyond 2025 is already stacked, featuring Phish’s only festival set, Alabama Shakes’ reunion and appearances by Jack White, Sturgill Simpson, Noah Kahan and Ringo Starr. Louder Than Life hits harder with Slayer, Rob Zombie, Avenged Sevenfold, Deftones and Bring Me The Horizon leading a line-up of over 160 acts across four days.
Updated Site Lay Outs
Last year, these twin giants pulled 300,000+ fans and pumped $33 million into the local economy, with these new upgrades, DWP’s message is clear: go big or go home!
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