FAQs

WHAT IS ARIZONA COCKTAIL WEEKEND

Arizona Cocktail Weekend is a 3-day long celebration of the craft of the cocktail that includes everything from parties, spirit tastings, educational seminars, cocktail competitions, drinks specials, dinners, etc. Also as an added bonus for locals the week running up to the event spotlights a multitude of bars all over the state. the fun starts Tuesday FEB 24th and runs til Monday March 2nd 2026 statewide, The main downtown activations Friday 27th - Monday 2nd.

SO IS IT A DRINKING, FESTIVAL?

Absolutely NOT! Yes, we are talking booze and we like to have fun, but we are all about the educational aspect and responsible social drinking, big time. We do work with the liquor board in ensuring everything we do abides by AZ state law and promotes safe and responsible drinking. We also HIGHLY encourage using app based ride sharing services on your phone to make getting home, hassle-free.

IS AZCW PARTNERED WITH ANY CHARITIES?

YES! The Jupiter Foundation is our 501(c3) focused providing a broad level of assistance to many in need and creating a safety net for our community of industry professionals, helping them in a time of need when they have no other options available.

Every year The Jupiter Foundation plans to expand assistance to other charitable organizations through contributions, helping other deserving Phoenix bases charities, like Child Crisis Arizona, Local First Foundation, another round another rally & C-Cap which all directly benefit our community and industry.

WHO ATTENDS?

Local enthusiasts; people who like and appreciate a good cocktails and fine spirits. Bartenders and industry professionals; we have some events that are geared specifically for industry and bartenders. Bartenders and enthusiasts, globally; we’ve started to develop a following of bartenders and enthusiasts from around the country and the world as being the premier cocktail event of the Southwest.

IS THERE REALLY EVENTS ALL WEEK and weekEND?

YES! Throughout the run-up to the weekend, there will be events happening at participating bars, as well as featured cocktails available all week. Come the weekend, Friday the 27th through Monday the 2nd, we push everything downtown for easy access and walkability.

The meat and potatoes of Arizona Cocktail Weekend will take place over three days during the weekend. AZCW is hosting three signature evening events, along with brand-driven programming including educational seminars, happy hours, after-parties, cocktail dinners, and more. These satellite events will take place throughout the weekend at our official participating venues.

detail overview of the whole event?

Join us for the 14th year of Arizona Cocktail Weekend!

as previous years we’re expanding beyond the main weekend to include more venues across the Valley from Tuesday, February 24 through Monday, March 2, 2026. Participating cocktail bars throughout the region will feature a specialty Arizona Cocktail all week long, available to guests at a featured price.

From Friday the 27th through Monday the 2nd, downtown Phoenix remains the heart of the celebration. We’ll continue hosting the signature events that have defined Arizona Cocktail Weekend since moving downtown, with the walkability and convenience that make the experience so enjoyable for attendees.

We’re bringing back some truly standout events this year. Kick off the weekend with The Cocktail Carnival on Saturday, featuring live music and cocktails throughout the day in an outdoor setting. On Sunday, don’t miss the return of Top Bars at Warehouse 215, where you can sample cocktails from some of the best bars in the Valley, across the state, and around the world, without ever leaving Phoenix. We wrap it all up on Monday with Last Slinger Standing, the ultimate finish line of the weekend.

What else is happening?

This year’s schedule is packed with options. Our sponsors will host a wide range of events at partnered venues, including brunches, happy hours, cocktail dinners, and educational experiences designed to both entertain and expand your cocktail knowledge. Many events will be free, while others may require an RSVP or help raise money for great causes.

Our event schedule will continue to evolve right up until the weekend as new events are added. Be sure to bookmark the schedule page, follow us on social media, and check back often so you don’t miss a thing.