The longest-running cocktail event in the Southwest, Arizona Cocktail Weekend, returns to the Greater Phoenix area for its 13th year on February 27 and runs through March 4, 2025. The expanded schedule boasts a variety of events, including exclusive tastings, educational seminars, cocktail-paired dinners, expert-led seminars and can’t-miss cocktail events. This year’s three signature events are The Cocktail Carnival, Top Bars and Last Slinger Standing. Events are spread out over various venues, including hotels and cocktail bars around the Valley, though most occur in Downtown Phoenix.
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Arizona Cocktail Weekend happenings
The Cocktail Carnival kicks off the exciting weekend of events, starting Saturday, March 1, at the newly renovated Arizona Center in Downtown Phoenix. Cocktail Carnival is a high-energy blend of brand showcases, brand-activation-driven entertainment and endless fun. This vibrant event showcases innovative and immersive displays and booths, with interactive experiences designed to captivate and inspire. Each ticket grants attendees access to more than 30 expertly crafted cocktail samples.
Following the Carnival is Top Bars on Sunday, March 2, at Warehouse 215. The annual cocktail-tasting event is a fan-favorite showstopper, with over 40 of the world’s best cocktail bars traveling to Downtown Phoenix as pop-ups, sharing some of their most popular signature cocktails. Some establishments are trekking all the way from London, Japan and Hong Kong. Top Bars has been headlined by the best bars from around the world—previous years’ guests include Allegory from Washington, DC; Penicillin from Hong Kong; Eleven Madison Park from New York City and Silverleaf from London.
Watch as Arizona’s top mixologists battle it out on Monday, March 3, at The Last Slinger Standing competition, at the event space at Republic National Distilling Company (RNDC). This bartending competition pits 16 of Arizona’s best mixologists against each other in head-to-head battles. Each round features secret ingredients, judged by a panel of renowned cocktail experts from around the world until the last slinger remains and takes the trophy for 2025.
Arizona mixologist masters showcase spirits and skill
For the second year, Arizona Cocktail Weekend will also feature venues and bars from across the state, to highlight the craft of cocktails from participating bars and restaurants, featuring spirits from brand sponsors. Sign-up is free for all Arizona venues.
Tickets for Arizona Cocktail Weekend start at $40, depending on the event and date of purchase.
The 13th annual Arizona Cocktail Weekend returns, running from February 27 through March 3, 2025, in Downtown Phoenix and beyond. The weekend is the longest-running cocktail event in the Southwest, with five days of exciting events, including tastings from pop-ups of global bars, a cocktail carnival, educational seminars, cocktail competitions and much more to help celebrate favorite spirits and cocktails. To learn more about Arizona Cocktail Weekend or to purchase tickets, visit arizonacocktailweekend.com.
All events are for age 21-plus.