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FESTIVAL GUIDE
VIEW THE DETROIT BOURBON & BLUES FESTIVAL 2025 SCHEDULE, DISTILLERIES LIST, MAP, AND MORE.
OUR DETROIT
BOURBON FESTIVAL
Detroit Bourbon & Blues Festival is an immersive tasting and live music event with American-made whiskey, music performances, and more.
On friday, October 3rd, 2025, Detroit’s historic Eastern Market Shed 5 will be transformed into a lively venue in which guests are invited to sip, savor, and enjoy live blues music.
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Our immersive Tasting Experience invites guests to sample a variety of bourbons and whiskeys curated by our bourbon-loving staff. Doors will open at 7 PM for general admission & 5 PM for our VIP Guests.
Vip will also enjoy a meal voucher to our food trucks, a branded tote bag & access to specialty bottles that have been curated by our staff.
(New) cocktail classes, presented by Louisville Tourism, are available for anyone 21+ interested in learning more about how to craft the perfect bourbon beverage.
As Detroit neighbors, bourbon enthusiasts, and music lovers ourselves– we invite you to join us & celebrate with a glass half full.
this landmark location offers the perfect site to highlight the rich history of bourbon, blues, and Detroit's impact on these iconic American crafts.
Live blues music, local vendors & food trucks will also be present at the festival. Enjoy all of the whiskey-themed art, bar supplies, and merchandise.
THE
BOURBON
This immersive Tasting Experience invites all guests to sample a variety of carefully curated bourbons and whiskeys. VIP & General Admission event ticket purchases include 10 sampling tickets (additional sampling tickets available for purchase). VIP guests are invited to Bloozy Brunch and early Tasting Experience access. Peek at our lineup of local and craft distilleries & get ready to celebrate with a glass half full.
Participating Distilleries:
Motor City Gas
Detroit City Distillery
Two James
Traverse City
Highline Spirits
Journeyman Distilling
Drexel Spirits
Water Tower Distilling
Lone Light
Weiss Distilling Co
Fresh Bourbon
Drexel Spirits
Water Tower Distilling
Iron Fish Distillery
Red Cedar Spirits
Shankar Distillery
Les & norma
THE
BLUES
WIL & ANTHONY ZACH
5 PM - 6:15 PM
FREE STYLE BAND
6:30 pm - 7:45 pm
NIECIE
8:30 pm - 10 pm
OUR CHARITABLE PARTNER
"Turning Point empowers survivors of domestic violence, sexual violence, and human trafficking through comprehensive services and resources while advocating for community action to end oppression and violence. Our vision is a just and equitable society, free of domestic violence, sexual violence, and human trafficking."
OUR STORY
The best ideas aren’t created in a boardroom or over emails. Our family dreamed up hosting a bourbon tasting and live music festival over drinks at one of our favorite distilleries. We wanted to blend the rich history of brown spirits and blues music with the lively nature of the Detroit community.
Detroit Bourbon & Blues Festival is a bourbon tasting and live music event hosted by Special Events Management– a family-run business established in 1988. We are committed to the prosperity of the masterful distilleries in our own backyard and strive to be a reflection of Michigan hospitality.
FAQ
Who should I contact regarding press inquiries? All inquiries can be addressed to drinks@detroitbourbonandblues.com
How many whiskeys will I be able to sample? There are over 75 different whiskeys to choose from. The GA Tasting Experience package includes 10 tasting tickets. The VIP Tasting Experience package includes 15 tasting tickets. Each whiskey tasting will cost 1 ticket. Additional tickets will be available for purchase. Please note, to ensure the safety of event goers and residents, additional tickets will be sold to attendees at the discretion of our staff.
Is parking available? Yes, free street parking is available on the side street adjacent to the market. There are also free parking lots at the following intersections: Riopelle St & Wilkins St Russell St & Wilkins St Riopelle St & Division St Russell St & Winder St
Will additional sample tickets be available for purchase? Yes, we will have staff on-site that will be able to sell additional tasting tickets, once you finish the tickets from your tasting package. Please note, to ensure the safety of event goers and residents, additional tickets will be sold to attendees at the discretion of our staff.
What is the difference between whiskey & bourbon? All bourbons are whiskeys, but not all whiskeys are bourbons. Bourbon is a category of whiskey. To label a whiskey bourbon it must meet certain federal requirements, one of which requires that bourbon be made in the US (not just Kentucky).
Can I taste the same whiskey more than once? Yes, you can taste the same whiskey more than once. Each tasting will cost a ticket. If there is a line at the table, you may be asked to go to the end of the line for a second tasting. We appreciate your cooperation.
Is Detroit Bourbon & Blues a free event? No, this year's event features 2 types of tasting experiences, General Admission ($55 + fees) & VIP ($75 + fees). This year we are also offering a Classic Cocktail Class presented by Louisville Tourism, in collaboration with Angels Envy ($35 + fees). Those wanting to join the vibes but are not interested in drinking can purchase Designated Driver tickets that include a food truck voucher! ($20 + fees)
What are the tasting hours? The GA Tasting Experience Session is 3 hours long, from 7 PM - 10 PM. VIP guest are invited to join us up to 2 hours early, open at 5 PM - 10 PM
Are children allowed at the event? No, this event is for ticketed guests that are 21+.
Are pets allowed? “Dogs and other animals are not allowed in sheds, covered structures, or in proximity to any vendor stalls with the exception of registered service animals. Service animals must be trained in work or a task that mitigates their handler’s disability. Dogs and other animals are welcomed many places throughout the Eastern Market district, just not inside the market itself.” - Eastern Market
Where do I enter for the Tasting Experience? The entrance for the tasting experience will be at the north door of Shed 5, near the intersection of Russell St. & Alfred St. Signage will be visible to help guide you to the correct location.
Will there be other types of drinks other than whiskey? Yes, several distilleries will be offering various spirits such as Gin, Vodka, Absinthe, Sorrel Cocktail & Rum Punch by Les & Norma, Rye, NA - Seltzer by B. Nektar
VENUE & PARKING
We are proud to host Detroit Bourbon & Blues Festival at historic Eastern Market. Metered street parking is free on Sundays. Parking lots are located at Russell & Watson, Russell & Market, Riopelle & Wilkins, Riopelle & Adelaide.
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