Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort, Kentucky, has brought back its Halloween event, Night at the Distillery, for a second year. The distillery announced the return on October 8, 2026. This year’s version has more dates, new stories and new places to visit on the property. Guests walk the historic grounds at night and hear tales tied to the distillery’s long past.
A Walk Through the Grounds at Night
The distillery’s grounds look different once the sun goes down. During Night at the Distillery, visitors stroll past warehouses, trees, pumpkins and barrels lit up for the season. Seasonal soundscapes play in the background to set the mood.
Image credit: Buffalo Trace
Storytellers meet guests along the route. Their tales come from three places: documented Buffalo Trace Distillery history, local folklore, and stories passed down through generations. The event is built around more than two centuries of history, folklore and mystery on the property.
Stories Waiting at Each Stop
Each stop on the route adds another layer to the distillery’s past. The announcement points to a few of the tales guests can expect:
- The unexplained voices said to echo through Warehouse C
- The story behind the Buffalo Trace name
- Hidden love letters found beneath the floorboards of the Blanton family home
Guests are invited to decide for themselves where history ends, folklore begins and mystery remains. Some of what they hear is documented fact and some is legend. The event leaves it to the visitor to sort out which is which.
Why the Distillery Brought It Back
Last year’s first run of the event drew a strong response. Tyler Adams, General Manager of Buffalo Trace Distillery, said the crowds are the reason the team chose to grow it.
“Seeing how guests embraced Night at the Distillery last year was incredibly special, and we knew right away we wanted to make the experience even bigger and better for its second year,” said Tyler Adams, General Manager, Buffalo Trace Distillery. “Buffalo Trace Distillery has more than 200 years of incredible stories, traditions and memories within these grounds, and there’s something truly special about watching them come to life after dark. This year, we’re giving guests even more to discover with new stories, new locations and more opportunities to enjoy our award-winning whiskeys along the way. We’re excited to open our doors after dark once again and share a side of Buffalo Trace that guests don’t get to experience every day.”
What Is Included for Guests 21 and Older
Guests who are 21 and older receive a neat pour of Eagle Rare 12 Year Bourbon as part of the experience. They also get seasonal cocktail tastings made with Buffalo Trace Bourbon, E.H. Taylor Small Batch Bourbon, Blanton’s Single Barrel and Wheatley Vodka.
The package also includes a seasonal treat from the John G. Carlisle Cafe. Each guest takes home a commemorative Night at the Distillery tote bag.
The 2026 Cocktail Menu
This year’s cocktail menu draws on the distillery’s stories and the flavors of fall. Guests choose a tasting of three specialty bourbon or vodka cocktails. The menu lists five drinks:
Pearanormal Activity
This drink takes its inspiration from the mysteries of Warehouse C. It mixes pear, apple cider, citrus and autumn spice into a bright seasonal cocktail. It is made with E.H. Taylor Small Batch or Wheatley Vodka.
Albert Bacon Bloody Mary
This savory, smoky take on the classic is named for Albert “Bacon” Blanton and finished with candied bacon. It is made with Wheatley Vodka.
Maple After Midnight
This rich fall cocktail combines Blanton’s Single Barrel with maple spice, blood orange and cranberry. It is also finished with candied bacon.
The Old Frightened
This is a Halloween twist on the Old Fashioned. It pairs Buffalo Trace Bourbon with notes of brown sugar, orange, vanilla and baking spice.
The Witching Sour
This crisp seasonal sour features tart cherry, apple, cinnamon and citrus flavors. It is made with Wheatley Vodka.
Dates and Ticket Details
Night at the Distillery runs Thursdays through Saturdays. The remaining 2026 dates are:
- October 8-10
- October 15-17
- October 22-24
- October 29-31
Reservations are listed at $25 per person. Details and reservations are available at www.buffalotracedistillery.com/night-at-the-distillery. The distillery also posts updates on Instagram at @buffalotracedistillery and on Facebook under Buffalo Trace Distillery.
A Look at the Distillery Behind the Event
Buffalo Trace Distillery is an American family-owned company based in Frankfort, Kentucky. Its tradition dates back to 1775. The site is a National Historic Landmark and is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Image credit: Buffalo Trace
The distillery’s history includes E.H. Taylor, Jr., George T. Stagg, Albert B. Blanton, Orville Schupp and Elmer T. Lee. Today it is a fully operational distillery that makes bourbon, rye and vodka on site.
The distillery has won more than 40 distillery titles since 2000 and has earned more than 1,000 awards for its range of premium whiskies. Four of its whiskies won Gold Awards at the 2025 International Wine & Spirits Competition: William Larue Weller, Stagg, Eagle Rare 10 and Thomas H. Handy. Its flagship Buffalo Trace Bourbon received a Master Medal at the 2025 Global American Whiskey Masters.
Giving Back
The distillery says it has a deep commitment to supporting charitable initiatives. Nonprofit groups that want to learn more about its efforts are encouraged to register their charity through the distillery’s website. More about the distillery is available at www.buffalotracedistillery.com.
The Takeaway
Night at the Distillery pairs a long-running Kentucky landmark with a Halloween setting. Visitors get a guided walk through lit-up grounds and a mix of real history and local legend. This second year adds more nights, more stories and more places to explore than the first.
