A Kentucky Tradition of Music and Bourbon

Railbird Festival brings together music, bourbon culture, and Kentucky hospitality for a celebration rooted in the state's iconic horse racing heritage. The festival takes its name from a railbird—traditionally a horse racing enthusiast who stays close to the action along the rail—and transforms that spirit into a two-day music event at The Infield at Red Mile in Lexington. With three stages, world-class artists, and carefully curated bourbon experiences, Railbird has become a destination festival for travelers seeking something distinctly Kentucky.

The Bourbon Experience

What sets Railbird apart from other festivals is its integration of bourbon culture. The Bourbon Hideout offers hand-selected barrels from Kentucky's finest distilleries, chosen in collaboration with Justin Sloan and Justin Thompson of Lexington's treasured Justins' House of Bourbon. This partnership ensures that attendees experience authentic Kentucky bourbon heritage alongside live music—a pairing that reflects the state's identity and attracts bourbon enthusiasts as much as music fans.

Festival Tiers and Comfort

Railbird offers multiple ticket experiences designed to match different preferences. General admission provides access to all three stages and bourbon experiences, while GA+, VIP, Platinum, and Superfecta tiers provide progressive upgrades: exclusive lounges with shade and seating, prime viewing areas, complimentary hors d'oeuvres and tapas, and reserved parking. Premium Platinum experiences ($1,950) deliver front-of-stage viewing with complimentary beverages, air-conditioned lounges with full-service bars and all-day dining, and golf cart transportation. For the ultra-exclusive, Superfecta packages ($12,500 for two) offer on-stage viewing, access to the front-of-house sound board, private golf cart service with a dedicated concierge, and an invitation to a pre-show Friday evening reception.

Accessibility and Community

The festival prioritizes accessibility and community engagement. A dedicated help center addresses safety and accessibility questions, and partnerships with nonprofits like Central Kentucky Riding for Hope and Fayette Alliance demonstrate commitment beyond music and bourbon. With resources for hotel booking through CrewFare, a festival app via Festiverse, and locker reservations through Entertainment Lockers, Railbird makes logistics manageable for out-of-town visitors. Parking options include Platinum Parking Passes ($100 for 2-day) at Red Mile Gaming & Racing, with ADA accommodations available on-site. Children 8 and under receive free entry with a ticketed adult, and First Responders & Military discounts are available at $275 for two-day passes.