Ya Can't Have Bourbon without Moonshine!

Celebrating the 4rd year of the festival....

​The largest export for Kentucky is Bourbon and the touring industries related to bourbon bring in visitors from all over the world. Moonshine also has a rich history in the hills of Appalachia and Beattyville, Kentucky is home to a few local moonshiners. 

A festival like this that combines bourbon and moonshine will be the first of its kind! The moonshiners of the Appalachian mountains are coming out of the hollers to share their stores because hey.. it's legal now!

​Distilleries from all over the state will be represented at our festival. The event will also include a panel of distillers telling their story, live music, festival food and of course bourbon and moonshine tastings. 

Hillbilly Bikefest

Backroads of Appalachia and the Whitley County Motorcycle Group, will be hosting the third annual Hillbilly Bikefest 2024 at the Beattyvillle Bourbon and Moonshine Festival. Bike Show registration at 12:00 PM on Saturday, June 22nd. Come hang out with the Moonshiners from Discovery Channel and ride with them on the "Shiners for Shriners" charity Ride the River Dragon at 3:00 PM! The organizers ask that all riders refrain from consuming alcohol if your are going on the Ride The River Dragon Celebrity Charity Ride. Food, Fun, and plenty of great activities. A great time for any rider!
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7pm - Headliner Announcement!

Blake Anthony Ellege

In 2017, Blake had the opportunity to audition for the Celebrity Judges on Season 18 of American Idol. He was bestowed with the honor of winning his Golden Ticket. 

​He is a world traveled entertainer visiting 7 counties and has performed at sea for Carnival, Celebrity and Royal Caribbean Cruise lines as well. 

Blake is the Front Man and Lead Singer for the following bands including: The Business, The Big Throwback, Saddletramp, Chillbilly and The Stardusters. 

Most recently Blake was named "Outlaw Country Artist of the Year' in 2022 at The Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville, Tennessee as a part of the Josie Music Awards. Blake gives God the glory for this award and considers it an honor to have been chosen out of 52,000 nominees from all over the world.

Beattyville BAM Fest Car Show

First 50 get magnetic dash plaques. Awards for the Top 25, Moonshiners/Master distillers pick, moonshiner trail pick, best of show! And these aren’t your normal trophies folks! So come out joking us and enjoy the day! Registration $20. The show will occur from 10am-12pm with awards announcements at 3:00pm.

Festival Organizers 

Beattyville Main Street and the Beattyville/Lee County Tourism Commission are working on year 4 of planning this unique, one a kind festival for the area. 

Thank you sponsors!

Vendor Information 

Check out the festival information below as plans rolls out for the event! Also download the application form if you are interested in being a vendor. Accepting applications for Distilleries, Moonshiners, Food Vendors, Artisans and Farmers. ​
bam_application_final_2024.pdf
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Plan your visit 

Looking for a place to stay? There are many cabins, campgrounds, and rooms in the Red River Gorge area. Click this link for listings of lodging closest to the festival in Beattyville, KY. 

Directions, Festival Map and Parking

Beattyville is located just minutes south of the Natural Bridge/Slade Exit 33 off the Mountain Parkway. 
From Lexington travel East on I-64 toward Winchester and exit onto the Mountain Parkway. Then Exit #33 and turn right onto KY HWY 11 South to Beattyville. 

Main Street will be blocked starting at 5pm on Friday, June 21st from Begley Street (near Los Two Bothers) to River Drive  (at the Beattyville Post Office). Vendor Parking will be on Locust Street and in the Health Department Parking Lot. Musician, Guest Moonshiners and Master Distiller parking will be off of Locust Street, in the courthouse lot along the railroad tracks behind Newnam's Funeral Home.

Shuttle from the Red River Gorge to the Festival 

Thanks to Leave No Trace Adventures you can book a seat on the shuttle and not worry about traffic jams or parking spots! They are taking reservations now and will be shuttling from around the Red River Gorge Region to the Beattyville Bourbon and Moonshine Festival all throughout the day on July 10th and back again with last call just after the stage closes at 9pm. Reserve your shuttle seats today!