LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The Bourbon and Beyond festival is back and it's bigger than ever!
For four days, festivalgoers will pack the fairgrounds to enjoy some of their favorite country music artists like Zach Bryan and Tyler Childers.
Before it kicks off, local business owners around the area are preparing for the massive number of visitors.
According to Kentucky Venues more than 270,000 people are expected in Louisville because of the festival. In return, an estimated economic impact of nearly $12.5 million.
"We're really hoping with our hotels this weekend that were going to have a little boost in the economy here in our businesses," Katie Meinhart, president of the NuLu Business Association, said.
Meinhart also owns two businesses on Market Street, Paxton's and Six Sister Boutique. She said this weekend is comparable to another visitor heavy weekend in Louisville, Derby City.
"Between the construction outside which has hurt a little bit, and the slower economy with the election year, it's for sure a very looked forward to event in this neighborhood we really hope it helps pay the bills," she said.
Across the street at Jones & Daughter, excitement was at an all-time high on Wednesday.
Maddie Schitzer, one of the managers said the first annual Bourbon, Brunch, and Bluegrass pregame shows visitors they have more options than just the festival.
"We're all really excited about having the shuttles this year, having extra events to bring people here more than before," Maddie said.
Both workers said their businesses will benefit from the event and are excited to show visitors NuLu has so much to offer.
The following weekend is the Louder than Life music festival. Kentucky Venues said it's expected to bring in close to $20 million.
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