Photo by Nathan Zucker
After bolting out of the gate and shattering expectations in its inaugural year in 2019, Railbird Festival has its sights set on topping its debut with a blockbuster lineup of artists for its second festival — set for August 28-29 at the Grounds at Keeneland.
The world-class music festival produced by AC Entertainment and Lexington entrepreneur David Helmers announced today a top-tier headline for the weekend’s bill, including Grammy-winning jam band Dave Matthews Band and beloved Kentucky-based heroes, My Morning Jacket.
Additional acts include Jason Isbell & The 400 Unit, Leon Bridges, Billy Strings, Black Pumas, Khruangbin, Midland, The Revivalists, Band of Horses, Margo Price and more.
Rolling Stone reported that the inaugural festival in 2019 “shook the senses of the listener,” and Railbird will once again do so while celebrating the culture and traditions of the Bluegrass State at the historic Keeneland Racecourse. A Kentucky experience through and through, Railbird will be woven into the course grounds to create an unforgettable and immersive weekend, centered on music, bourbon, Kentucky cuisine, and equine culture.
“While we all missed live music and experiences tremendously last year, the Railbird team looked at it as a time to build on the success of our inaugural festival and come back even better than before,” said Helmers, who co-founded the festival. “We’ve been planning intensely and are excited for the festival’s return to Keeneland with a list of world class artists, bourbon and culinary experiences.”
General Admission (GA) and VIP 2-Day passes are available to the public now via RailbirdFest.com, with a limited quantity starting at only $155. Affordable layaway plans are also available, with payment options starting at only $25 down.
A portion of proceeds from every ticket sold will benefit Railbird’s nonprofit community partners, Fayette Alliance, Central Kentucky Riding for Hope and Central Music Academy.
Those wishing to elevate their Railbird experience can purchase a VIP 2-Day pass with enhanced amenities for 2021. VIP patrons will have access to all GA amenities, as well as exclusive Limestone and Elkhorn Stage lounges with air-conditioning, a VIP Village with complimentary local hors d’oeuvres and spa services, private bars, luxury restrooms, fast-track entrances to the festival, free on-site parking for the weekend, commemorative Railbird merchandise and more.
Railbird celebrates the spirit of Kentucky with highly-curated bourbon experiences in The Rickhouse and up-close culinary demonstrations with Sip & Savor.
In addition to world-class musical acts across three stages, Railbird will offer immersive bourbon experiences and hand-selected rare barrels from Kentucky’s finest distilleries in The Rickhouse. Bourbon selections will be chosen in collaboration with co-owners Justin Sloan and Justin Thompson of Lexington’s treasured Justins’ House of Bourbon, a well-known stomping grounds for Bourbon beginners, lovers, and collectors.
Private bourbon selections, Railbrid Selects, for the Railbird Rickhouse include single barrel picks from Four Roses, Bulleit, Castle & Key, Elijah Craig, New Riff, Old Carter, Old Forester, Pinhook, Wilderness Trail and a Justins’ House of Bourbon Railbird Signature pick.
Railbird will also offer a wide variety of premium experiences highlighting renowned chefs from the area through its Sip & Savor program. Up-close-and-personal demonstrations and interactive discussions will be led by culinary headliners Jeremy Ashby, Travis Milton, Cole Arimes, Ouita Michel, Samantha Fore and Kristin M. Smith throughout the festival weekend.
All festival goers will enjoy wagering, lounging and a taste of horse culture at the Lucky Day Plaza.
Fans can get in on the action and wager on off-track betting, with coast-to-coast simulcast from Del Mar to Saratoga on the festival grounds. Keeneland’s own BETologists will be on-site with tips for winning big.
This festival is an all-ages event, complete with a Fillies & Colts family area with performances, horse rides, arts and crafts, interactive games, and much more.
The Railbird Festival 2021 artist lineup includes:
Saturday
My Morning Jacket
Leon Bridges
Billy Strings
Black Pumas
Midland
Margo Price
Japanese Breakfast
Joy Oladokun
Sarah Jarosz
John Moreland
Briston Maroney
Sierra Ferrell
Bendigo Fletcher
The Brook & the Bluff
Magnolia Boulevard
Nicholas Jamerson
Sunday
Dave Matthews Band
Jason Isbell & The 400 Unit
Khruangbin
The Revivalists
Band of Horses
Tanya Tucker
Colter Wall
The War and Treaty
Pinegrove
Zach Bryan
Liz Cooper & The Stampede
Cedric Burnside
Cha Wa
S.G. Goodman
Southern Avenue
Grayson Jenkins
About Health and Safety
Railbird is about coming together to enjoy great music, Kentucky bourbon, and the incredible Grounds of Keeneland, and that can only be achieved by keeping the safety of fans, artists and staff at the forefront at all times. Railbird Festival organizers will be in regular communication with local health and public safety officials and will continue to abide by relevant recommendations and guidelines that are current at the time of our event. As the festival approaches, Railbird patrons will receive regular updates with important information regarding safety policies and procedures before entering the festival grounds.
For the latest updates on Railbird Festival and to sign up for the Railbird newsletter visit RailbirdFest.com, or follow the festival on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
