There are hundreds of whisky shows and events taking place globally every year, each showcasing new releases and established favourites; providing tasting opportunities, masterclasses, and the chance to meet and talk to the people behind your favourite whisky brands. 

But you can’t possibly visit them all, so we’ve put together the best, not-to-be-missed whisky shows and festivals to visit in the coming year as well as tips to help you get the most out of your day.

The Whisky Show

Location: Old Billingsgate, London, UK 

If you’re seeking a great all-round whisky experience, The Whisky Show in London is one of the best. Held annually, this event showcases over 1000 whiskies that span an entire spectrum of flavour profiles. With masterclasses led by industry experts and rare limited edition releases available for tasting, it’s a haven for whisky lovers looking to deepen their understanding of the spirit and meet the teams responsible for their best-loved drams.

Top tip: Arrive early and take advantage of the complimentary two-course meal before you start sampling the drams.

Tickets from: £75

Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival

Location: Moray area, Scotland, UK 

Set right in the heart of Scotland’s largest whisky-producing region, the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival is a six-day celebration of Speyside’s long and rich whisky-making heritage. You’ll find distillery open days, events providing exclusive tastings, and seminars showcasing the craftsmanship behind each bottle. Despite it being the world’s largest and best-known whisky festival, most attendees find it to be an intimate and authentic experience.

Top tip: Tickets for some key events have been known to sell out within hours, so you may want to purchase as soon as they go on sale.

Event tickets from: £5

Fife Whisky Festival

Location: Corn Exchange, Cupar, Scotland, UK

The Fife Whisky Festival is relatively new to the scene but has become a firm favourite not only with locals but whisky enthusiasts from far and wide. It showcases whiskies from the Fife area as well as whiskies from distilleries and independent bottlers from all of the five whisky-producing regions. Happily, it tends not to be too overcrowded and offers a wide variety of drams to try, plus separate tasting events and masterclasses.

Top tip: Take advantage of the free water stations.

Tickets from £19.95

Fèis Ìle- The Islay Festival of Music and Malt

Location: Islay, Scotland, UK

Located on one of the most picturesque islands in Scotland, The Islay Festival of Music and Malt runs for just over a week. This festival is filled with whisky, music and merriment and is loved by the attendees who gravitate to this small island year after year to enjoy the music and catch up with friends over a dram or two. Here you will find most of the Islay distilleries open their doors on different days of the week. 

Top tip: Book accommodation and your ferry/flight well in advance to avoid disappointment.

Tickets from: No charge for the festival; distilleries may charge a small entry fee.

The Kentucky Bourbon Festival

Location: Bardstown, Kentucky, U.S.A. 

The Kentucky Bourbon Festival is dedicated to celebrating the history and art of distilling bourbon whiskey. The site itself is reminiscent of Oktoberfest in Munich, with the participating distilleries located in little cottages at the centre of the festival ground. As well as tastings available from all the bourbon whiskey brands, there are barbecues, bonfires and even a black-tie gala. The highlight of the festival is the barrel-rolling event for which the participants train for all summer long. 

Top tip: Combine the festival with the world-famous Kentucky Bourbon Trail while you’re there.

Tickets from: $95

Nth Universal Whisky Experience

Location: Encore Resort at Wynn, Las Vegas, U.S.A.

Designed for those seeking an ultra-premium whisky experience, The Nth Universal Whisky Experience in Las Vegas constantly proves to be a firm favourite amongst whisky-loving aficionados. Attendees can immerse themselves in the opulence of the whisky world by indulging in rare and vintage whiskies, attend masterclasses with industry legends and network one-to-one with industry experts, all while enjoying the very finest food and drinks.

Top tip: Masterclasses sell out particularly early so purchase as soon as they are released to avoid disappointment.

Tickets from: $545

Belfast Whiskey Week

Location: Various locations across Belfast 

The largest whiskey festival in Ireland, Belfast Whiskey Week celebrates, presents and showcases Irish whiskey to the world. Set over nine days with over 30 distilleries involved, the festival includes tasting events, distillery tours, cocktail masterclasses and even heritage walks. Now in its fifth year, it was created as a platform for Belfast to reclaim its whiskey-making heritage ahead of the opening of two new distilleries, the first for 70 years. 

Top tip: Don’t miss one of Belfast’s Whiskey Week socials, a chance to chat and rub-shoulders with the makers behind Irish whiskey.

Tickets from: £20 for events; £100 for a festival day pass

Whisky Live London

Location: The Fireworks Factory, Woolwich Works, London, UK

With a brand-new venue for 2024, Whisky Live London is an immersive two-day event catering for whisky novices and veterans alike. The festival includes demonstrations, rare whisky tastings, masterclasses, and a chance to chat with the craftsmen responsible for each whisky. You’ll find exciting new releases as well as old favourites. Enthusiasts can freely interact with distillers while sampling street food dishes to accompany the whiskies. 

Top tip: Use the guide to pre-plan your route around the festival to get the most of it.

Tickets from: Check website for details

Each of these events offers a unique perspective on the world of whisky. 

With venues ranging from whisky distilleries and marquees to five-star luxury resorts, these whisky shows and festivals all provide whisky-lovers with an opportunity to come together to taste, explore, learn, and connect with like-minded people from all over the world.