Clear your calendar and hydrate accordingly. Arizona Cocktail Weekend is back for its 14th year, returning to downtown Phoenix from Feb. 27 through March 2 with four full days of cocktails, competition, and serious bar swagger.
As the longest-running cocktail event in the Southwest, Arizona Cocktail Weekend knows exactly how to throw a party. The 2026 lineup is bigger, bolder, and buzzing with exclusive tastings, cocktail-paired dinners, educational sessions, and high-energy events spread across hotels, bars, and venues throughout the Valley, with downtown Phoenix as the main stage.
Things kick off Saturday, February 28, with The Cocktail Carnival at the newly renovated Arizona Center, presented in partnership with Downtown Phoenix, Inc. Now shifted to a daytime format, the Carnival is a playful mix of immersive brand activations, interactive displays, and nonstop good vibes. Each ticket unlocks more than 30 expertly crafted cocktail samples, so pace yourself or don’t. We’re not judging.
Sunday, March 1, brings the always-packed Top Bars takeover at Warehouse 215. This fan-favorite event welcomes more than 40 of the world’s best cocktail bars as pop-ups, pouring their signature drinks for one unforgettable night. Expect heavy hitters from London, Japan, Hong Kong, and beyond, alongside some of Arizona’s most celebrated bar talent. It’s basically a global cocktail crawl without the jet lag.
The weekend wraps with a showdown. Last Slinger Standing takes over Republic National Distributing Company’s event space on Monday, March 2, where 16 of Arizona’s top mixologists battle head-to-head using surprise ingredients. Judged by an international panel of cocktail experts, the competition ends with one bartender standing tall and taking home the title.
For the third year in a row, Arizona Cocktail Weekend also spotlights bars and venues from across the state, highlighting local cocktail creativity through special menus and events featuring sponsor spirits. Participation is free for Arizona venues, and the love is statewide.
Tickets start at $50 plus service fees, depending on the event and when you buy. All events are 21+.
Insider Takeaways
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Arizona Cocktail Weekend runs Feb. 27 through March 2, mostly in downtown Phoenix.
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The Cocktail Carnival returns as a daytime party at the newly renovated Arizona Center.
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Top Bars brings more than 40 elite cocktail bars from around the world to Warehouse 215.
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Last Slinger Standing crowns Arizona’s top bartender after a high-stakes showdown.
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Tickets start at $50, and every event is strictly 21+.
For more information on Arizona Cocktail Weekend, visit arizonacocktailweekend.com.
