St. Louis Bourbon Festival Returns October 9 With 600-Plus Whiskies and New VIP Tastings
Artfully Bourbon / October 2, 2026The fifth annual event adds a cocktail competition to its Benton Park lineup, with a portion of every ticket supporting first responders.
More than 600 whiskies and three hours. For anyone heading to this year's St. Louis Bourbon Festival, the challenge will be deciding what deserves a spot in the glass.
The St. Louis Bourbon Society's fifth annual festival returns Friday, October 9. In its March 12 press release, the society announced a lineup of more than 600 whiskies from around the world, new VIP tasting experiences inside the Lemp Mansion and the debut of the St. Louis Bourbon Festival Cocktail Competition.
The festival website describes a footprint spanning four city blocks along Cherokee Street and DeMenil Place, including historic tasting spaces, live music, street performers, food trucks and two cigar patios. Organizers say a portion of every ticket supports Code 3 Response for First Responders.
Photo Credit: STL Bourbon FestivalWhat to know
The event hours are 6–9 p.m. Central on October 9, with the venue address at 1817 Cherokee Street, St. Louis. The release names the Lemp Mansion, Lemp Grand Hall and Lemp Lofts as festival venues. Organizers also say master distillers, brand ambassadors and other industry professionals will be on hand to pour samples and talk whiskey.
Check the ticket options and access included before purchasing, particularly if a specific VIP lounge is part of your plan. Designated-driver tickets are offered and the event runs rain or shine. Plan your ride and dress for an evening that includes outdoor spaces.
Why it matters
A festival gives drinkers a chance to explore before committing to another full bottle. Access to people who make and represent the spirits can be just as useful as the pours, especially when you have a question about how a whiskey is produced or what distinguishes it from another bottle.
The society reports that last year's event drew more than 1,800 guests. This year's announced additions put more attention on the experience around the glass, with VIP tastings and a cocktail competition giving returning guests something new to consider.
The AB take
Our advice: go with a short list and leave room for a surprise. Pick a few things you want to learn about, ask questions and give yourself time to enjoy the evening. Six hundred-plus whiskies is a range of choices, not a checklist to finish.
For St. Louis-area readers, October 9 is a date to consider if you want to explore whiskey in company. Check the ticket details, arrange the ride home and make discovery the goal.
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