Railbird moving to Red Mile in 2023, no festival in 2022

Listen up, Railbird goers. Lexington’s biggest music festival announced two major updates regarding its future plans.

First, there will not be a 2022 edition of the Railbird Music Festival this fall. Railbird is taking a pause this year to better itself for a new version of Railbird in 2023, which is the second part of Tuesday’s announcement.

When Railbird returns in 2023, it will not set up shop on the hallowed grounds at Keeneland, but a few miles closer to downtown at its new location at Red Mile Gaming & Racing. The new edition of Railbird Fest will take place in the infield of Red Mile’s harness track on June 3-4, 2023.

In addition to the announcements of a new location and dates, Railbird thanked its fans for their feedback following the drinking water shortage at the understaffed 2021 event.

“We have listened and taken your feedback to heart and are working hard behind the scenes to create an exceptional experience for the next edition of the festival,” Tuesday’s announcement read. “Railbird will take a pause in 2022, however, we are excited to share that you can mark your calendars for Railbird Festival 2023 taking place June 3-4, 2023 at its new venue, Red Mile Gaming & Racing, located in the heart of Downtown Lexington!”

Railbird will take a pause in 2022, however, we are excited to share that you can mark your calendars for Railbird Festival 2023 taking place June 3-4, 2023 at its new venue, Red Mile Gaming & Racing, located in the heart of Downtown Lexington! (2/2) https://t.co/WfMNKrmtng

— Railbird Festival (@RailbirdFest) May 17, 2022

The lineup and ticket information will be released at a later date.

About Railbird

Railbird Festival debuted at Keeneland in August of 2019 as a celebration of music, horseracing, and bourbon. The festival attracted 30,000 people in its first year to hear acts that included Tyler Childers, The Raconteurs, Hozier, Old Crow Medicine Show, and Brandi Carlile. Railbird’s first year got great reviews.

In 2020, Railbird’s second run was canceled due to COVID, only for a disappointing return in 2021. Though the lineup included the likes of Dave Matthews Band, My Morning Jacket, and Jason Isbell And The 400 Unit, the festival fell short of its obligation to provide enough water stations and staff, and concert-goers were very outspoken about the water shortage and long concessions lines.

Hopefully, a year away and the new location will bring a much better experience in 2023.

I know I’ll be there.