3rd Annual NC Bourbon &amp; Spirits Festival Photo Gallery

Details: Randy Wrenn; News; 12 September 2026; 230

An hour and half rainstorm interrupted the 3rd Annual NC Bourbon & Spirits Festival featuring Brett Young & Alexandra Kay but did not stop the event.

Gates opened at 3 PM with Live music on the Side Stage by locals Darci Claire, Layla McKenzie, Sons of Earl, The Outsiders while The Cove time frame was filled with the rainstorm.

Distilleries had limited samples, Food Trucks and Vendors lined the two venue sides; a Cigar Lounge was on site along with Mechanical Bull Riding and Axe Throwing.

Alexander Kay, with more than 8.7 million social media followers, has quickly become one of country music's fastest-rising stars kicked off the main stage. Named one of CMT's 2025 Next Women of Country and a Pandora Artist to Watch, she's toured with Tim McGraw, Jelly Roll, and Brad Paisley, opened for Morgan Wallen in London's Hyde Park, collaborated with Randy Travis and the Backstreet Boys, and sold more than 80,000 tickets as an independent headlining artist. Now signed with BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville, Alexandra is making waves with her acclaimed sophomore album, Second Wind.

Brett Young closed the night off, who with more than 8.5 billion global streams and seven consecutive No. 1 singles, Brett Young has become one of country music's most beloved artists. From the DIAMOND-certified "In Case You Didn't Know" to fan favorites like "Mercy," "Sleep Without You," "Like I Loved You," "Here Tonight," "Catch," and "Lady," Brett's heartfelt songwriting and unforgettable live performances have made him one of country music's biggest stars.

Photos by Randy Wrenn