GENERAL ADMISSION TICKETS: SOLD OUT.

STILL AVAILABLE: THE CHARRED TRUTH & VIP

Welcome to Bourbon & BBQ Festival at Hard Truth Distilling Co. Join us on Saturday, July 18 for an unforgettable day filled with incredible barbecue, live music, crowd-favorite tastings, and the release of new Hard Truth whiskeys. Whether you are coming to cheer on your favorite team, cast your vote in People’s Choice, or enjoy the full festival experience, this page has everything you need to plan your visit. This event is rain or shine.

4:00pm: Gates Open & Live Music Begins (Ariana & The Bourbon Britches)

5:30pm: Meet The Maker

6:15pm: Live Music (Blue Bridge Boys)

6:30pm: Charred Truth Awards

7:15pm: All tastings conclude

7:45pm: Awards Ceremony

8:00pm: Terrace Closing

Our Bourbon & BBQ Festival takes place across the Hard Truth campus, with spaces for competitor sampling, live music, bars, and guest gathering areas. Use the map below to find your way around and make the most of your time on campus

Explore the lineup below, find your must-try teams, and get ready to vote for your favorite in the People’s Choice competition.

Barbeque Competitors: A&R Barbeque, Backdraft BBQ, Bad Company Cookers, Boot Scootin’ BBQ, Charcoal Cowboys, Diddy’s Delectable, 3BQ, DOS 33, Furlong Smoke & Seafood, Herts BBQ, Hoosier BBQ, Kick Ash Q, O’Neals Kitchen, Ridge Bros BBQ, Rigby Roos BBQ, Smokin Sirens BBQ, Sugar Creek Smokers, Swine Life BBQ, Team Hughes/ Hot Toddy Winks, BBQ Maggie’s Farm

Charred Truth Competitors: Craig Baker, Randall Bowma,  Michelle O’Guin, Peter Armendariz, Holly Jubera

Need a break between tastings? Stop by Terrace Kitchen & Bar for additional food and beverage offerings throughout the festival. It is the perfect place to relax, grab a drink, and keep the day going while enjoying the atmosphere across campus.

Turn your festival day into a full Hard Truth experience. Before or after Bourbon & BBQ Festival, book a distillery tour or reserve a table to enjoy even more of what our campus has to offer.

Bourbon & BBQ Festival would not be possible without the support of our incredible sponsors and partners. Their shared passion for food, craftsmanship, and community helps bring this event to life, and we are proud to celebrate alongside them.

World Food Championships
Outlaw Smokers
Indiana Pork
Great White Smoke