Bourbon And Beyond Clear Bag Policy

So, you’ve scored tickets to Bourbon And Beyond. You’re already planning your whiskey-soaked, guitar-shredding weekend. But then, you see the words: Clear Bag Policy. Don’t panic—I’m here to translate this sobering document into something you can laugh about.

What is this magical clear bag rule?

Simply put, you can only bring bags that are completely transparent. Think of it as a glass house for your snacks. Your purse, backpack, or fanny pack must be see-through, like a guilty conscience.

Why? Security wants to see your contraband before you do. They don’t trust your “emergency granola bar” to be anything less than a threat. Surprising fact: This policy was inspired by NFL stadiums, not a bourbon-induced revelation.

And the size limit? It’s real.

Your clear bag cannot exceed 12” x 6” x 12”. That’s roughly the size of a large loaf of bread. No, you can’t bring a transparent suitcase—unless you’re smuggling a very tiny person.

If you show up with a murky tote bag from 2003, security will treat you like a spy. They’ll hand you a trash bag and say, “Dump it here, buddy.” Pro tip: That trash bag is not stylish, but it’s technically clear. Desperate times.

The exception for medical and diaper bags

Yes, you can bring a non-clear bag if it’s for medical necessities or infant care. But be warned: security will inspect it like a K-9 unit looking for a tennis ball. They’ll ask, “Is that really insulin, or just really expensive maple syrup?”

Bourbon and Beyond festival expects record turnout in Louisville

And if you’re carrying a diaper bag for a grown adult’s bourbon samples? Don’t try it. They’ve heard that excuse.

What about your phone and wallet?

You can carry a clutch or wristlet that’s no bigger than 4.5” x 6.5”. That’s barely bigger than a deck of cards. It’s perfect for a credit card, a key, and one sad piece of gum you hope to find later.

Everything else—phone, power bank, emergency flask—must fit inside your clear bag or stay in your car. Joke: I call this the “Pat Down Paradise” policy. You will be frisked, and they will find that mint you forgot about.

10 Affordable Luxury Bag to Carry to Bourbon & Beyond

The surprising truth about hydration

You can bring an empty, reusable water bottle—as long as it’s clear and plastic. Metal ones set off the wand, and glass bottles? They’ll just laugh at you. “Nice try, but that’s a weapon disguised as a water bottle.”

Bring a Nalgene, fill it at a hydration station, and pretend you’re a very hydrated hobo. It’s the Kentucky way.

Final, sticky advice

Buy a clear bag before you leave. Local CVS stores sell them for $5, but they’ll be sold out by 9 AM. Then you’re stuck using the festival’s official bag for $20 that says “I survived a jam band” in Comic Sans.

Also, don’t stuff your clear bag like a sausage casing. Security will make you empty it onto a table, revealing your half-eaten bag of chips and a receipt from 2019. Exaggeration alert: I saw a guy pull out a harmonica, three sunglasses, and a paperback called “How to Disappear Completely.” He did not get into the show.