Dave Matthews Band and My Morning Jacket to Headline Kentucky's Railbird Festival

In addition to three stages of live music, the fest will also feature Kentucky cuisine, single-barrel bourbon and simulcast horse racing

Apr 27, 2021 at 3:38 pm
click to enlarge Railbird Festival - Photo: Eli Johnson
Photo: Eli Johnson
Railbird Festival

UPDATE: Railbird is now requesting the following of fans attending this weekend's festival:

The safety of our patrons and our staff is our number one priority. As such, a full COVID-19 vaccination or negative COVID-19 test results will be required to attend Railbird 2021. For patrons who are not fully vaccinated, a negative COVID-19 test result must be obtained within 72 hours (3 days) of first attending Railbird.Railbird 2021 Entry Procedures

  1. Comply with the Railbird Fan Health Pledge
  2. Each day, bring a printed copy of your Vaccine Card, Vaccine Record, or printed result Negative COVID-19 test (showing test date). Regardless of your vaccination status we ask that you please also bring a mask.
  3. Bring your Festival Wristband
  4. If you are unvaccinated, wear a mask throughout your time onsite.
  5. Please also remember our updated bag policy – CLEAR BAGS ONLY – and No liquids are allowed to be brought into Railbird

At this time Railbird is not requiring masks be worn by fully vaccinated patrons in outdoor spaces at the festival.  Railbird is providing numerous shade tents/structures (in both the GA and VIP sections) at the festival that are open-sided and considered outdoor spaces. 

Railbird Festival is returning to Lexington this summer, celebrating its second year with headliners Dave Matthews Band and My Morning Jacket.

The inaugural festival in 2019 was a big success, described by Rolling Stone as an experience that “shook the senses of the listener.” 

Held at the Grounds at Keeneland horse racecourse, Railbird Festival is set to take place Aug. 28 and 29 this year and will feature "an unforgettable and immersive weekend, centered on music, bourbon, Kentucky cuisine and equine culture," says a release.

Presented by AC Entertainment — the agency behind the Bonnaroo, Forecastle and Big Ears festivals — other anticipated performers include Leon Bridges, Jason Isbell & The 400 Unit, Band of Horses, Billy Strings and The Revivalist. See the full line-up online. 

To accompany the music floating from the three stages, festivalgoers can sip on single-barrel bourbons from distilleries including Bulleit, Four Roses, Elijah Craig, Old Forester, Wilderness Trail and Castle & Key in the fest's Railbird Rickhouse.

If you're hungry, Railbird’s Sip & Savor program will shine a light on renowned chefs from the area. Demonstrations and interactive discussions will be led by culinary headliners throughout the weekend. 

And those partial to horse racing can place their wagers on races being simulcast from tracks across the country. Keeneland’s BETologists will be there to offer betting tips and tricks.

Festival grounds come complete with a kid-friendly area, featuring horse rides, arts and crafts, games and performances. 

Two-day general admission tickets are available for $155, with payment plans available. VIP two-day passes are currently priced at $650 and provide guests with access to the air-conditioned Limestone and Elkhorn Stage lounges, a VIP Village offering hors d’oeuvres, private bars, spa services, free on-site parking and luxury restrooms. 

A portion of sales from each ticket will go toward three nonprofits: Central Kentucky Riding for Hope, Fayette Alliance and Central Music Academy.

For more info and to purchase tickets, visit railbirdfest.com