Bonded Spirit Bluegrass Festival

On March 2, Court Street will transform into center stage for the Bonded Spirit Bluegrass Festival, where the age-old heritage of bourbon meets the heartwarming strings of Bluegrass music.

Held the first weekend in March, the fest is named after the Bottled-in-Bond Act of 1897, a bourbon purity law that passed in March of that year and was advocated for by Covington’s own John G. Carlisle.

Attendees can expect nationally recognized Bluegrass acts performing on a stage backdropped by the iconic Roebling Bridge, as well as light bites and plenty of bourbon. In the spirit of celebration, the festival also hosts a competition to crown the best Bottled-in-Bond Cocktail, enlisting bartenders from across the Commonwealth to showcase creativity and highlight the unique qualities of BIB spirits.

The Bonded Spirit Bluegrass Festival not only commemorates John G. Carlisle and the Bottled-in-Bond Act but, coupled with the local B-Line® self-guided bourbon tour, further emphasizes Northern Kentucky’s pivotal role in bourbon history and solidifies its present status as a top-tier destination, promising an unparalleled bourbon experience.

Don’t miss out on the best Bluegrass lineup NKY has ever seen:

Moonshine Drive
Moonshine Drive is a high-energy bluegrass band hailing from Northern KY and Cincinnati, OH. The band was formed in 2007 by Louis Mazzocca and brothers Greg and Marc Mecoli and quickly established themselves as a local favorite. Moonshine Drive’s music is rooted in traditional bluegrass, with elements of country, folk, and classic rock mixed in for a unique and captivating sound. Lead singer and guitarist Clay Beverly joined in 2021 and brings soulful original music to the repertoire. The band’s high-energy live performances and strong musicianship have earned them a loyal following and a reputation as one of the top bluegrass acts in the Cincinnati area.

Sister Sadie
“These bluegrass chart-toppers are finished with heartbreak, ready to embrace a future filled with brighter horizons and more fulfilling relationships. Banjo, mandolin, fiddle and acoustic guitars dance circles around one another on “Losing You Blues,” a song that showcases not only Sister Sadie’s layered harmony singing, but their strength as top-shelf instrumentalists.” – Rolling Stone

The Goodwin Brothers
The Goodwin Brothers, hailing from Kentucky, blend the essence of Bluegrass and Americana with a modern twist. Jonathan Goodwin, a Grammy-nominated producer, brings decades of experience across genres. William Goodwin, with a background in gospel, and Kenneth Chase Bush, known for his stint on American Idol, complete the trio. Their collective talent delivers a fresh, progressive take on traditional music, marked by soulful harmonies and instrumentals.

A Roebling Rickhouse Ticket (GA) includes:
-(6) 1 oz pours of Bottled in Bond cocktails created by bartenders across KY
-(1) ticket for beer or wine in tent
-Light bites
-Access to “Roebling Rickhouse” tent and live music lineup featuring national and local acts
-Must be 21+ to attend

A John G. Carlisle VIP Experience ticket includes:
-Exclusive access to Smoke Justis Bourbon Lounge
-Opportunity to cast vote for Best Bottled in Bond Cocktail
-(6) 1 oz pours of Bottled in Bond cocktails created by bartenders across KY
-(2) full BIB cocktails from bartender created selections
-Buffet dinner served in Smoke Justis Bourbon Lounge
-VIP Experience featuring BIB bourbon pours
-VIP gift bag
-Must be 21+ to attend