Bourbon in the Park celebrates Missouri-made spirits this weekend

Courtesy Vanessa Rao

Autumn has officially begun. Described as “adult carnival-like,” Bourbon in the Park is the perfect excuse to get out of the house and luxuriate in the cooler weather by the Missouri River with a glass of high-quality bourbon in hand.

This event, put on by Rose Productions and presented by Holladay Distillery, returns to English Landing Park in Parkville, MO, this Saturday, September 26, with more than 45 delicious bourbon samples, bites from Chef Andrew Longres of Acre, live music, and interactive entertainment.

Courtesy Vanessa Rao

This second annual event is celebrating Bourbon Heritage Month and the connection the Midwest has to the production of corn-based whiskey. A majority of the corn utilized by bourbon producers grows here in the region, and the area is home to the world’s largest barrel manufacturer, Independent Stave Company.

“Bourbon in the Park is really about celebrating everything that goes into the glass, from the corn grown across the Midwest to the barrels made right here in Missouri,” says Erica Schulte, founder of Rose Productions and event organizer. “We wanted to create an event that takes bourbon seriously without taking itself too seriously. Guests can discover new pours, talk with people who know the industry, and simply enjoy a beautiful fall afternoon in Parkville.”

Courtesy Vanessa Rao

A portion of the proceeds from ticket sales will benefit the Veterans Community Project, a nonprofit based in Kansas City that works to assist about 1,000 unhoused veterans annually through transitional tiny home villages and comprehensive support services.

Chris Admire, executive director of Veterans Community Project of Kansas City, says, “Since we started this work, we’ve seen time and again that veterans don’t always need one organization to solve every problem. They need the right people working together to help them navigate the challenges they’re facing.”

Bourbon in the Park will also have curated interactive experiences, such as hand-rolled cigars by Master Tobacconist Danica Baird of Baird Cigars, a VIP bottle whiskey ring toss, a lemonade stand, and more. This event celebrates the life of bourbon, from the soil the corn grew in to the glass sitting in your hand, right in the heart of America’s Corn Belt.

Bourbon in the Park will take place at English Landing Park on Saturday, September 26, from 4 p.m.- 7 p.m., and tickets are around $90.