Phoenix, January 27, 2026
The Arizona Cocktail Weekend returns to Phoenix, celebrating mixology and community spirit from February 27 to March 2. This event showcases local talent and features educational seminars, cocktail competitions, and philanthropic efforts, marking its 14th annual occurrence as a testament to the vibrant beverage culture in the Valley.
Phoenix, AZ
Phoenix Prepares for 14th Arizona Cocktail Weekend
The Southwest’s premier celebration of mixology returns, highlighting local talent, global innovation, and community spirit across the Valley. This annual event transforms Phoenix into a hub for beverage enthusiasts and industry professionals alike.
The upcoming Arizona Cocktail Weekend, marking its 14th annual occurrence, stands as a testament to the power of community-driven initiatives and the entrepreneurial spirit flourishing within the local hospitality sector. Organizers have consistently demonstrated remarkable resilience and innovative foresight in curating an event that not only entertains but also educates and uplifts the industry. By fostering a platform where mixologists can hone their craft and share their individual achievements, the weekend exemplifies how private sector leadership can significantly contribute to regional cultural enrichment and economic vibrancy, without the need for extensive bureaucratic oversight. This multi-day festival showcases how local passion can lead to a nationally recognized gathering, drawing attention to Phoenix’s evolving and dynamic beverage scene.
A Celebration of Craft and Community
Arizona Cocktail Weekend, the longest-running cocktail event in the Southwest, is set to return to the greater Phoenix area, offering a comprehensive celebration of the craft cocktail. Spanning from February 27 through March 2, 2026, this four-day main event in Downtown Phoenix is complemented by statewide activities kicking off on February 24th and extending until March 2nd. Far from being merely a casual gathering, the weekend emphasizes an educational aspect and promotes responsible social drinking, aligning with state laws and encouraging safe transportation options like ride-sharing services.
Signature Events Not to Miss
The heart of Arizona Cocktail Weekend lies in its three distinctive signature events, each designed to offer a unique experience to attendees:
The Cocktail Carnival
Kicking off the festivities on February 28th, The Cocktail Carnival takes over the newly renovated Arizona Center. This energetic daytime event seamlessly blends various brand showcases with interactive entertainment, creating an engaging and whimsical atmosphere. Guests can explore innovative displays and booths, all while sampling more than 30 expertly crafted cocktail samples. This event is an example of creative private sector collaboration, transforming a downtown space into a vibrant marketplace of ideas and flavors. Early bird general admission tickets are available for $50, with VIP options at $79.
Top Bars
On March 1st, Warehouse 215 will host the highly anticipated Top Bars event. This fan-favorite segment of the weekend transforms Downtown Phoenix into a global destination for cocktail enthusiasts. It features over 40 of the world’s best cocktail bars, which set up pop-up establishments to share their most popular signature cocktails. This provides a unique opportunity for Phoenicians to experience international mixology without leaving the state, showcasing the event’s ability to attract top-tier global talent through effective local organization. Past participants have included acclaimed bars from major international cities and prominent local establishments.
Last Slinger Standing
The weekend culminates on March 2nd with the Last Slinger Standing competition, held at the Republic National Distilling Company. This high-stakes bartending competition pits 16 of Arizona’s top mixologists against each other in intense head-to-head battles. Competitors must utilize secret ingredients in each round, with a panel of renowned cocktail experts from around the world judging their creations. This event champions individual achievement and skill, providing a visible platform for talented local professionals to demonstrate their mastery and vie for recognition.
Beyond the Main Stage: Educational Opportunities and Community Engagement
Beyond the signature events, Arizona Cocktail Weekend offers an expanded schedule featuring exclusive tastings, educational seminars led by experts, and carefully curated cocktail-paired dinners. These supplementary events, many of which are free though some require an RSVP, provide invaluable learning experiences for both industry professionals and local enthusiasts. The emphasis on education highlights a commitment to personal initiative and continuous improvement within the craft of mixology. The festival was founded in 2011 by bar professional Ross Simon and his colleagues with the vision of elevating Phoenix’s mixology scene.
Driving Local Philanthropy and Growth
Arizona Cocktail Weekend extends its positive impact beyond the hospitality industry by actively engaging in philanthropic efforts. The event proudly partners with The Jupiter Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to assisting industry professionals in times of need. Furthermore, The Jupiter Foundation expands its contributions to other deserving Phoenix-based charities, including Child Crisis Arizona, Local First Foundation, Another Round Another Rally, and C-Cap, directly benefiting the local community. This partnership exemplifies how private events, through voluntary contributions and strategic alliances, can become significant drivers of local economic support and charitable giving, underscoring the benefits of individual and corporate civic responsibility.
Supporting Phoenix’s Dynamic Scene
The Arizona Cocktail Weekend serves as a significant annual fixture, attracting a diverse audience from local enthusiasts to international industry professionals. Its sustained growth over 14 years is a testament to the robust private sector organization and the vibrant spirit of the Phoenix community. By participating in and supporting such events, individuals contribute directly to the cultural richness and economic vitality of the Valley, fostering an environment where innovation and personal initiative can thrive. Attendees are encouraged to explore the diverse offerings and engage with the local establishments that collectively make Phoenix a standout destination for culinary and cocktail artistry.
Keywords: Phoenix AZ events, Arizona AZ gatherings, Downtown Phoenix, cocktail festival, mixology
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is Arizona Cocktail Weekend?
Arizona Cocktail Weekend is a multi-day celebration of the craft of the cocktail, featuring parties, spirit tastings, educational seminars, cocktail competitions, and special dinners. It emphasizes education and responsible social drinking.
When is the Arizona Cocktail Weekend in 2026?
The main downtown activations for Arizona Cocktail Weekend run from February 27 through March 2, 2026. Statewide events begin on February 24th and continue through March 2nd.
Where does Arizona Cocktail Weekend take place?
Arizona Cocktail Weekend takes place across the greater Phoenix area, with most of the key events centered in Downtown Phoenix. Specific venues include the Arizona Center, Warehouse 215, and Republic National Distilling Company.
What are the main events at Arizona Cocktail Weekend?
The three signature events are The Cocktail Carnival, Top Bars, and Last Slinger Standing.
Is Arizona Cocktail Weekend only for drinking?
No, Arizona Cocktail Weekend is not solely a drinking festival. It focuses on the educational aspects of mixology and promotes responsible social drinking, working with the liquor board to ensure compliance with Arizona state law.
Does Arizona Cocktail Weekend support any charities?
Yes, Arizona Cocktail Weekend is partnered with The Jupiter Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization that provides assistance to industry professionals and contributes to other Phoenix-based charities such as Child Crisis Arizona, Local First Foundation, Another Round Another Rally, and C-Cap.
Who founded Arizona Cocktail Weekend?
Bar professional Ross Simon and his co-founders established the multi-day festival in 2011 to highlight Phoenix’s mixology scene.
How much are tickets for Arizona Cocktail Weekend?
Tickets for Arizona Cocktail Weekend events start at $50, plus service fees, with prices varying based on the specific event and purchase date.
Key Features of Arizona Cocktail Weekend 2026
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Dates (Main Downtown) | February 27 – March 2, 2026 |
| Dates (Statewide Events) | February 24 – March 2, 2026 |
| Location | Greater Phoenix area, primarily Downtown Phoenix |
| Duration | Four days (main activations); extended statewide activities |
| Signature Events | The Cocktail Carnival, Top Bars, Last Slinger Standing |
| Educational Focus | Seminars, tastings, and responsible drinking advocacy |
| Community Support | Partners with The Jupiter Foundation, supporting local charities |
| Global Participation | Over 40 international and local bars at Top Bars event |
| Ticket Price Range | Starting at $50 (plus service fees), varies by event |
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Author: STAFF HERE PHOENIX WRITER
The PHOENIX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhoenix.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Phoenix, Maricopa County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Waste Management Phoenix Open, Cactus League Spring Training, and Arizona State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce and Visit Phoenix, plus leading businesses in technology and healthcare that power the local economy such as Intel and Banner Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERETucson.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Arizona's dynamic landscape.
