Before you pack, it helps to know the bag rules. Bourbon and Beyond has a specific bag policy with size requirements and a clear bag requirement for most bags. Using an approved hip pack or small clear bag gets you through security fastest. Source: official Bourbon and Beyond bag policy.
Official Bag Policy
The dimensions below are from the current Bourbon and Beyond bag policy on bourbonandbeyond.com. Always double-check that page before you pack in case 2026 rules change. Source: bourbonandbeyond.com.
Approved Bags
- Clear small backpacks up to 12" x 6" x 12"
- Clear drawstring bags up to 16" x 13"
- Clear totes up to 12" x 6" x 12"
- Solid or clear hip and waist packs up to 7.5" x 4.1" x 2.6"
- Small bags and purses (crossbody ok) up to 4.5" x 6.5"
- 1-gallon resealable plastic storage bags
Not Approved
- Oversized tote bags
- Solid and mesh tote bags
- Large backpacks, solid or clear
- Diaper bags
- Hydration packs
- Solid and mesh drawstring bags
- Cooler bags
- Oversized purses
- Mesh bags (mesh bags are not considered clear bags)
Allowed Items
Source: official Bourbon and Beyond FAQ.
- Cell phones and small portable chargers
- Non-aerosol sunscreen
- One factory-sealed bottle of water (20 oz max) or one empty plastic refillable water bottle (no Hydroflasks or Yetis)
- Binoculars
- Towels up to 30" x 58" (prohibited from standing-only marked areas)
- Small point-and-shoot digital cameras
- Hats and sunglasses
- Earplugs
- Sealed packs of cigarettes and cigars
- Vape pens and e-cigarettes
- Chairs with a valid General Admission Lawn Chair Pass
Prohibited Items
Source: official Bourbon and Beyond FAQ. Security staff may update this list at any time. Always check the official site before your trip.
- No outside chairs without a lawn chair pass
- No blankets (towels allowed in non-standing areas up to 30" x 58")
- No large bags, backpacks, or duffle bags
- No CamelBaks or hydration packs
- No metal containers including Yetis or Hydroflasks
- No aerosol cans
- No coolers or picnic baskets
- No outside food or beverages (exception: one factory-sealed 20 oz water bottle)
- No glass containers
- No umbrellas
- No inflatable lounger air sofas
- No strollers
- No video cameras or GoPros
- No audio recording devices
- No laptops or tablets
- No professional cameras or cameras with removable lenses
- No selfie sticks
- No lasers or laser pointers
- No drones
- No hula hoops or totems
- No balloons, beach balls, confetti, or glow sticks
- No whistles or air horns
- No fireworks or explosives
- No musical instruments of any kind
- No weapons of any kind
- No drugs or drug paraphernalia
- No pets (service animals excepted)
- No colors or patches
- No chains, chain wallets, or spikes
- No walkie-talkies or two-way radios
What to Pack
Bourbon and Beyond has a clear bag requirement and no re-entry for most ticket holders. Pack light, follow the rules, and don't count on running back to your car or hotel if you forget something.
The Essentials
- Approved bag: A clear hip pack, clear small backpack up to 12x6x12 inches, or small crossbody bag up to 4.5x6.5 inches. The hip pack is the fastest through security and easiest to carry all day.
- One factory-sealed water bottle (20 oz max) or one empty plastic refillable bottle: No Hydroflasks, Yetis, or metal containers. Free water stations are available inside the venue.
- Non-aerosol sunscreen: No aerosol cans permitted. September in Louisville still brings real afternoon sun across open grounds.
- High fidelity earplugs: It's four days of live music. Bring a backup pair. They're small, inexpensive, and easy to stash in a pocket, so bring a spare set.
- Small portable charger: A full day of the app, photos, and group messaging drains a phone fast. Keep it small enough for your approved bag.
- ID: Required for alcohol purchases and 21-plus areas throughout the festival.
- Cash: On-site parking accepts cash or card. Some vendors may prefer cash.
Weather and Comfort
- Compact poncho: A poncho that fits in a pocket or small bag is ideal since you can't leave and come back if the weather turns. September in Louisville can bring fast-moving rain.
- Light layer for the evening: Late September evenings cool off noticeably. A light hoodie you can tie around your waist gives you options for the late headliner sets.
- Hat and sunglasses: Both are on the official allowed list and useful during afternoon sets on open ground.
- Comfortable shoes with decent insoles: Four days at a festival is a rough place to break in a new pair.
Lawn Chair Pass Holders
- Your chair: If you purchased the General Admission Lawn Chair Pass, you can bring a standard lawn chair into designated lawn chair areas. In GA, chairs are not permitted without this pass. Verify current pass details at bourbonandbeyond.com/passes.
What to Leave at the Hotel
- Backpacks or bags larger than the approved sizes
- CamelBak or any hydration pack
- Hydroflask, Yeti, or any metal water bottle
- Aerosol sunscreen or any aerosol can
- Umbrella
- GoPro, professional camera, or camera with a removable lens
- Chains, chain wallets, or anything with spikes
- Colors or patches
Once you leave, you can't come back in that day. That no re-entry rule is the main thing that changes how you pack compared with most other festivals. Sunscreen, your charger, a poncho, your water bottle, everything you might want at 10PM needs to be on you when you walk through the gate.
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