Every year, as summer begins to warm the streets of Louisville, Kentucky, the city comes alive with a two-week celebration that pays homage to its official cocktail: the Old Fashioned. Known as Old Fashioned Fortnight, this spirited event runs from June 1 to June 14, 2025, aligning with Kentucky’s statehood anniversary and culminating on National Bourbon Day. It’s a time when locals and visitors alike dive into the rich history, bold flavors, and vibrant culture surrounding this iconic drink, first crafted at Louisville’s historic Pendennis Club. With a lineup of immersive experiences, tastings, and unique events, Old Fashioned Fortnight showcases why Louisville is the heart of bourbon country. Here’s everything you need to know to join the festivities and make the most of this one-of-a-kind celebration.
A Toast to Louisville’s Bourbon Legacy
Louisville’s love affair with the Old Fashioned runs deep. In 2015, former Mayor Greg Fischer officially declared it the city’s signature cocktail, cementing its place in Louisville’s cultural identity. The drink’s origins trace back to the Pendennis Club, a historic social club where, according to local lore, the Old Fashioned was born in the late 19th century. This simple yet sophisticated cocktail—typically made with bourbon, sugar, bitters, and a twist of citrus—has become a symbol of Kentucky’s whiskey heritage.
Old Fashioned Fortnight, held annually from June 1 to June 14, is more than just a celebration of a cocktail. It’s a tribute to Louisville’s pivotal role in America’s bourbon industry and a chance to explore the stories, flavors, and traditions that make the city a must-visit destination for whiskey lovers. From hands-on cocktail classes to guided tastings and food tours, the event offers something for everyone, whether you’re a bourbon novice or a seasoned enthusiast.
Immersive Experiences to Savor
Old Fashioned Fortnight is packed with opportunities to engage with Louisville’s bourbon culture in fun and meaningful ways. Here are some of the standout activities visitors can enjoy during the 2025 celebration:
Mix Your Own Old Fashioned at the Frazier History Museum
For those eager to get hands-on, the Frazier History Museum partners with Old Forester, one of Kentucky’s oldest bourbon brands, to offer an unforgettable cocktail-making experience. Led by Certified Bourbon Stewards, these classes teach participants how to craft a classic Old Fashioned with a modern twist. Guests not only mix their own drinks but also learn about the cocktail’s storied history in Louisville. The sessions are designed for all skill levels, making them perfect for both beginners curious about bourbon and aficionados looking to deepen their knowledge. Available Monday through Saturday, these classes can be booked online through the Frazier History Museum’s website, ensuring a spot in this popular event.
Step Back in Time at the Evan Williams Bourbon Experience
History buffs and bourbon lovers will find a unique treat at the Evan Williams Bourbon Experience, where a secret speakeasy transports guests to the Prohibition era. Here, an actor portraying Tom Bullock, a trailblazing Black American bartender, guides visitors through a bourbon tasting steeped in history. Bullock, who once worked at the Pendennis Club, made history as the first Black American to publish a cocktail book, The Ideal Bartender, in 1917. His legacy adds a rich layer to the Old Fashioned’s story, and this immersive experience brings his contributions to life. Tours of the speakeasy can be booked online, offering a chance to sip bourbon while soaking in Louisville’s past.
Explore the Urban Bourbon Trail
For those who prefer to explore at their own pace, the Urban Bourbon Trail is a must. This self-guided journey takes visitors to some of Louisville’s finest bars and restaurants, each offering their own creative spin on the Old Fashioned. From cozy taverns to upscale eateries, the trail highlights the diversity of Louisville’s culinary scene while celebrating its bourbon heritage. Participants can download a digital passport from gotolouisville.com and check in at various locations. Those who visit six spots earn a free T-shirt, a fun memento of their bourbon-fueled adventure. The trail is a great way to discover new favorite haunts while savoring the cocktail that put Louisville on the map.
Create Your Own Bourbon at Barrels & Billets
Located next to the iconic Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory, Barrels & Billets offers a personalized bourbon experience that’s perfect for Old Fashioned Fortnight. Visitors can sample up to six distinct flavor profiles and craft a custom bottle of whiskey tailored to their palate. This hands-on activity allows guests to experiment with different blends, creating a one-of-a-kind bourbon to enjoy in their Old Fashioned or take home as a souvenir. Tour times and booking details are available online, making it easy to plan a visit to this innovative Main Street attraction.
Savor Bourbon and Bites in NuLu
For a deeper dive into Louisville’s bourbon culture, the Beyond the Barrel: Bourbon & Bites Food Tour is a highlight of Old Fashioned Fortnight. This evening tour explores the trendy NuLu neighborhood, known for its vibrant dining scene and creative cocktail culture. Guests visit award-winning restaurants, hidden speakeasies, rooftop terraces, and intimate tasting rooms, all while learning about bourbon’s unfiltered history. Unlike traditional distillery tours, this experience uncovers lesser-known stories and pairs bourbon tastings with delicious bites, offering a full sensory journey. Available dates can be found online, ensuring visitors can plan their evening in NuLu.
More Ways to Celebrate
Beyond these featured experiences, Old Fashioned Fortnight offers countless ways to join the fun. The official website, OldFashionedFortnight.com, is a treasure trove of resources, including additional event listings, a detailed history of Tom Bullock’s contributions to cocktail culture, and recipes for crafting the perfect Old Fashioned at home. Whether you’re looking to attend a mixology workshop, join a distillery tour, or simply sip a well-made cocktail at a local bar, the website provides all the details needed to plan your fortnight.
For those exploring Louisville for the first time, the Louisville Tourism Visitor Guide is an invaluable tool. Available through gotolouisville.com, the guide highlights the city’s top attractions, from historic distilleries to culinary hotspots. It also offers tips on lodging and dining, making it easy to plan a bourbon-focused trip that coincides with Old Fashioned Fortnight.
Why Old Fashioned Fortnight Matters
Old Fashioned Fortnight is more than just a celebration of a cocktail—it’s a window into Louisville’s soul. The event brings together the city’s rich history, its thriving bourbon industry, and its welcoming community spirit. From the Pendennis Club’s role in creating the Old Fashioned to Tom Bullock’s groundbreaking contributions, the fortnight shines a light on the people and places that have shaped Louisville’s identity. It’s a chance to sip, savor, and learn, all while celebrating the drink that has become a global icon.
For bourbon enthusiasts, Old Fashioned Fortnight is a bucket-list experience, offering a deep dive into Kentucky’s whiskey culture. For locals, it’s a reminder of the city’s unique heritage and a reason to raise a glass with friends. And for visitors, it’s an invitation to discover Louisville’s charm, one cocktail at a time.
Plan Your Visit
Ready to join the celebration? Old Fashioned Fortnight runs from June 1 to June 14, 2025, and there’s no better time to visit Louisville. Check out OldFashionedFortnight.com for a full schedule of events, booking details, and cocktail recipes. For trip planning, gotolouisville.com offers resources on attractions, accommodations, and dining, ensuring a seamless visit.
Whether you’re shaking up an Old Fashioned at the Frazier History Museum, stepping into the Prohibition era at Evan Williams, or exploring the Urban Bourbon Trail, Louisville’s Old Fashioned Fortnight promises an unforgettable experience.
So, grab your glass, embrace the spirit of bourbon, and come celebrate Louisville’s official cocktail in style. Old Fashioned Fortnight is waiting to welcome you to the heart of Kentucky’s whiskey country.
