How to Do Railbird Festival on a Budget
Put on your dancing shoes, pack your sunscreen, and prepare to have a great time at the Railbird Festival on a budget.
This handy guide will help you make the most of your time at Railbird Festival, teach you how to get free Railbird Fest tickets, how to save on parking, and how to save on accommodations. Everything you need to know about saving money at Railbird Festival.
If you're looking for things to do in Kentucky this summer, you'll want to check out Railbird Festival.
How to Do Railbird Festival on a Budget
Railbird Festival is a two-day music festival in Lexington as only the Bluegrass State can deliver. Music, food, bourbon, and horses. Does it get any better?
In a word, no.
So hightail it out to Lexington, Kentucky for the second annual Railbird Festival at Keeneland from August 28, 2021 to August 29, 2021.
Yes, you read that right. Second annual. The first Railbirdfest was two years ago but because of the situation last year, the second annual event was postponed until this year.
So if you can't make it to Lexington this summer, start making plans for next year because the lineup for this year is epic. Imagine how amazing next year's going to be.
Three stages, more than 30 bands including Dave Matthews Band, My Morning Jacket, Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit, Tanya Tucker, Leon Bridges, Billy Strings, and more!
Check out the 2021 lineup of bands.
Railbird Fest starts at 1:30 pm on Saturday and ends at 11 pm. On Sunday, performances begin at 12:45 pm and end at 10:45 pm. You can see the schedule.
Pro-tip: The schedule can change.
Horses, Food, and Bourbon
Because it's at Keeneland, horses come into play. You can view morning workouts and tour the Winstar facilities. There are even pony rides for the kids. Watch off-track racing (and place bets) at Del Mar from the air-conditioned lounge at Lucky Day plaza.
Or take a break from the ponies and enjoy the culinary adventures featuring James Beard nominee Ouita Michael, Samantha Fore one of Southern Living magazine's 2020 Cooks of the year, and other prize-winning chefs like Jeremy Ashby.
Kentucky and Bourbon, enough said. While at Railbird Festival stop by the Rickhouse for bourbon tasting from Bulleit, Four Roses, Elijah Craig, Justins' House of Bourbon, New Riff, Old Carter, Old Forester, Pinhook, Castle & Key, and Wilderness Trail.
Railbird Festival Tickets
Railbird Festival tickets sell as individual day tickets or two-day tickets for General Admission and VIP tickets. Ticket prices will increase. The sooner you buy your tickets, the less you'll pay. Think of Railbird tickets like airline tickets, there are only so many in each class and once those sell out, the price goes up.
The 2-Day VIP tickets are sold out. But you can still buy 2-day General Admission tickets. Single day VIP tickets and General Admission tickets will go on sale soon.
General Admission
General Admission tickets include :
- 30+ performances across three stages over two days
- Lucky Day Plaza featuring an air-conditioned lounge and bar, Keeneland's BETologists, and live streams of Saratoga and Del Mar
- The Rickhouse featuring festival barrel selections and bourbon tastings (additional fee for tastings)
- Access to food, drink, and craft vendors
- Plus more on site experiences to be announced soon!
General Admission 2-day tickets start at $175 + fees. A layaway plan for $25 down is available. Single day General Admission tickets coming soon.
VIP
VIP tickets include all the amenities of General Admission plus:
- VIP up-front viewing areas at the Limestone & Elkhorn stages
- VIP Friday night reception with live music and first pick of Railbird Select Bourbon bottles at The Rickhouse
- Canned beverages available for purchase in VIP areas
- Access to VIP Village with shade, seating, misting fans, free hors d'oeuvres and tapas, free spa services (massages and hairstyling), Railbird merchandise, free water refill station, and Artisanal cocktail bar with drinks for purchase
- Air-conditioned VIP lounge with seating, TV with live-streamed performances, and a private bar at the Limestone Stage
- Access to Grandstand padded seating with elevated viewing at Limestone Stage and seated drink service
- VIP Lounge with elevated deck with views of Elkhorn Stage, shade, seating, misting fans, private bar with drinks for purchase, free water refill stations, air-conditioned flushable restrooms
- VIP reserved parking
- Express entrance lane
- Commemorative Railbird VIP gift package (T-shirt, socks, tote bag, pennant, and leather journal)
- Concierge services
VIP 2-day tickets cost $650+ fees. Single day VIP tickets coming soon.
Parking
Buy your parking pass in advance and save money. Parking is $20 a day when purchased in advance and $30 a day when purchased at the festival.
Camping, RVs, overnight parking, and tailgating are not allowed. This is a new change because in the first year, they allowed tailgating.
How to Save on Railbird Festival Tickets
Advance Purchase
The best way to do Railbird Festival on a budget is to buy your tickets and passes in advance.
Kids Go Free
Railbird Festival is family-friendly so bring the young ones because kids go free.
At Railbird Festival children 10 years old and younger go free. For each adult ticket purchased, two kids get in free.
Family-friendly activities include pony rides, musical workshops, arts and crafts, and more!
Pro-tip: Got extra kids? Partner up with your single neighbor or DINK friends.
Follow on Social Media
Follow Railbird Festival and all the performers on social media. Last year Railbird Fest and several musicians gave away free tickets. They may do so this year too!
Earned Ticket Program
Save your cash and take part in Railbird Festival's Earned Ticket Program. Do good and get rewarded with a free ticket.
When you volunteer with one of Railbird Fest's non-profit partners you earn a free General Admission ticket.
It's a win-win for everyone. You get a free ticket to Railbird Festival, the non-profits get help, and you get a warm fuzzy feeling for doing good.
How to Save on Parking at Railbird Festival
Parking for Railbird Festival is available at Keeneland: advanced purchase for $20 and on site daily for $30 a day.
Carpool
If you didn't buy advanced purchase parking, consider carpooling.
Uber or Lyft
Save money, time, and a few steps of taking Uber or Lyft to Railbird Festival. Designated drop-off and pickup areas for Uber and Lyft by the Clubhouse.
If you're new to Uber, signup with my Uber referral link for a $20 Uber credit.
Get a $10 Lyft credit on your first ride when you use my promo code DEBRA191454.
How to Save on Accommodations
Hotels
Coming from out of town or want to stay up late and sleep in? Railbird Festival has discounted prices on hotels. Some hotels like Hyatt Place Lexington include free breakfast.
Pro-tip: Always compare rates because sometimes the price is cheaper when not booking through the group.
Check rates for:
Airbnb
Missed out on a hotel? Try Airbnb.
Campgrounds
Getting down with tunes at Railbird Festival means you don't have to dress fancy. Nor does it mean your digs need to be fancy. Book space at Kentucky Horsepark Campground or Elkhorn Campground.
Conclusion
Railbird Festival is a two-day musical festival that embodies everything that is the Bluegrass State: music, horses, food, and bourbon.
The second annual Railbird Festival starts on August 28, 2021, and ends on August 29, 2021.
You can buy a single day pass or two-day passes. General Admission and VIP Passes are available.
Can't make it to Lexington this year? Start planning for next year. You'll save the most money when you buy your tickets in advance. Layaway plans available. Watch the Railbird Fest site for details.
Bring the kids because children aged 10 and younger go free. Each paying adult can bring in two kids for free.
Save on parking fees by using Uber, Lyft, or carpooling.
Any tips I missed on how to do Railbird Festival on a budget?
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I had never heard of the festival and am not a fan of them in general but I have wanted to get to Lexington for a while now. My father was stationed at Fort Know when I was a little girl and I remember visiting the Lexington Horse Farm. But that was so long ago and I want to return!
I have to admit I never heard of Railbird festival before. And I also have to admit I never done a festival before. So if I was doing this festival, then this is a really useful guide for what to expect/do etc. I love my music and arts but in the summer months when festival season hits Euroland, I am always work, work, work as I do most of my traveling in the winter months. Ugh.
This sounds like such a cool festival - would love to visit. Especially since it has been forever that I visited a music festival.
I have never heard of this festival. I would like to visit the city one day though. Looks like a good time.
Music, food, bourbon, and horses? This sounds like the perfect introduction to Kentucky life. Love that it is first annual and love that you may score free tickets via following on facebook. What a great way to spend a weekend
I found myself wondering how this music festival got its name. What exactly does Railbird mean? I've actually never attended a music festival, probably because I don't really have a favorite music genre. But I do like horses and history and trying new things. I'd be game to check it out!
I gotta agree with you on the music, food, bourbon and horses. And I'm a huge Brandi Carlile fan! Uber definitely looks like the best way to enjoy the festival too!
You had us at Music, food, bourbon, and horses! Darcee has been wanting to go to Kentucky mainly for the Derby but we both Love festivals since we are from New Orleans and their is a festival Every weekend! So hopefully they Railbird Festival in Lexington will continue on.
I love that they are trying to give back with their Earned Ticket Program. That is absolutely genius to give away tickets in exchange for service hours to charitable organizations that really need help! Going to have to see if it is possible to do that several days before or remotely or at a branch near us or is it really only a Lexington thing.
I've never heard of the Railbird Festival, but I do love summer festivals. In Portugal, we have a bunch of them and they're always full. As for this one... Music, food, and horses? Sign me in!
Looks like a really good deal! Love going to festivals especially if there's really good company. Would put this in my list. Hopefully I'll have the energy and time in the future to join these festival!
I always love to save! This sounds like an awesome festival. If we're in the area, we'll go!
The railbird festival sounds like great fun. Perfect for those that can get out. It helps to make savings where you can, thanks for the tips.
Sounds like a cool event. I like that there is budget-friendly camping options.
Thanks for sharing these tips. I would love to check out this festival.
I never heard of this kind of festival before but this looks fun and entertaining festival for sure. I hope one day I can attend this kind of festival.
We have missed going to festivals! This one sounds like a lot of fun. And what a great deal--2 kids free with purchase of 1 adult.
It has been a while since the last time I attended a festival. They are my passion. So glad that things get normal.
We'd love to go if we lived close. This is a great festival to enjoy with family. It does look a bit pricey though, but for a two day music festival, I think that is a fair price.
I have never heard of Raildbird Festival before. I'm sure I would like it as I enjoy going to festivals. I can't wait for them to start happening here again.
The Railbird Festival sounds like a lot of fun. I love your budget-friendly tips to help make it affordable!
These are great tips. With the right advice and some common sense, it's definitely possible to save some money!
I have never actually heard of a Railbird festival. It was interesting to learn about this - how fun!
I never heard of this festival. Sounds so fun though.
Have fun and be safe!
Re: Railbird festival, why will No One publish the general or expected times of the acts? Yes, I know who’s expected on Saturday and on Sunday, and I know there are 3 stages, but why aren’t the estimated times of the various performers/singers/bands published? (I’m driving in from out of Townsend need to know who is performing when.)
Thanks much. Lauren Kehr
Hi Lauren,
Last year, they waited until the day of. Thankfully, this year, they're giving more advance notice. They just published the schedule. There's a link in the post. But be advised, the schedule could change. Let me know if you have any other questions.
I purchased VIP tickets but don’t really need the VIP parking passes…does anyone know if I try to sell them, does the person buying them have to have to present a VIP band too when parking??