2026 Whiskey & Turkey Festival Planning Kicks Off with a Bang!
The Dream Team Is Assembled
The countdown to one of Kirksville's most anticipated events has officially begun! On March 5, 2026, the Whiskey & Turkey Festival (WTF) 2026 committee gathered at the EDA Building for their exciting kickoff meeting — and the energy in the room made one thing crystal clear: this year's festival is going to be bigger and better than ever.
The Whiskey & Turkey Festival is Downtown Kirksville's beloved celebration of spirits, food, and live music, held each fall on the historic downtown square — and as one of the region's premier fall festivals, it proudly kicks off the Northeast Missouri fall festival season in style.
Laci Cook, Executive Director of Main Street Kirksville, alongside Festival President & Co-Chair Ryan Ratliff and Co-Chair Ethan Gooch kicked off the meeting. Joining them around the table was a powerhouse planning committee including Chade Shorten, Dave England, Kirk Ranson, Kristen Hildebrand, Winston Vanderhoof, and Cam Benson — a dedicated group of community champions ready to make WTF 2026 the best one yet.
The WTF 2026 kickoff meeting set the tone for what promises to be an unforgettable event. With a dedicated committee, a confirmed date, live music, great whiskey, and incredible food on the horizon, September 12, 2026 can't come soon enough.
Mark Your Calendars: September 12, 2026
The committee wasted no time getting down to business. One of the first — and most exciting — announcements of the meeting was the official confirmation of the festival date: September 12, 2026. So go ahead and block it off, because you won't want to miss this one.
What's in Store for WTF 2026
The committee covered a lot of ground during the kickoff, with discussions focused on making the festival experience richer, tastier, and more entertaining than ever:
· 🥃 Whiskey Vendors — The committee is actively reaching out to and inviting whiskey vendors and tasting participants to be part of the lineup. Expect an impressive spread of spirits for enthusiasts and curious newcomers alike.
· 🎶 Live Music — It's official: iBerry's has been confirmed as the musical entertainment for WTF 2026! Get ready for a great time on the festival grounds.
· 🚚 Food Trucks — A lineup of food truck vendors is being curated to keep festival-goers fueled and satisfied throughout the day.
Be Part of the Magic — Sponsors & Participants Wanted!
WTF 2026 is actively looking for sponsors and participants to help make this year's event a landmark celebration for the Kirksville community. Whether you're a local business looking for visibility, a whiskey brand ready to wow a crowd, or a vendor eager to connect with a lively audience — this is your moment.
Sponsoring or participating in WTF 2026 means putting your name front and center at one of the most beloved festivals in the region, while directly supporting the mission of Main Street Kirksville to keep our downtown vibrant and thriving.
📩 Interested in sponsoring or participating? Reach out to the MSK team today to learn about available opportunities!
The Best Is Yet to Come
The WTF 2026 kickoff meeting set the tone for what promises to be an unforgettable event. With a dedicated committee, a confirmed date, live music, great whiskey, and incredible food on the horizon, September 12, 2026 can't come soon enough.
Stay tuned to our website and social media channels for updates as plans continue to take shape. Kirksville, get ready — WTF 2026 is coming, and it's going to be one for the books! 🎉