The Cocktail Carnival rides into Phoenix this February as the 9th annual Arizona Cocktail Weekend (AZCW) returns this February 15 – 17, 2020 with an astounding and amazing lineup of events, parties, seminars and cocktail-fueled ballyhoo. All-new for 2020, AZCW has partnered with Phoenix based and nationally renowned, Walter Productions to host the Cocktail Carnival kickoff party on Saturday, February 15, sure to be their largest, most fantastic party yet at their famed arts gallery and events space, Walter Where?House. Headlined by a barnstorming performance by the 20-person national touring marching band, MarchFourth, (www.marchfourthband.com) and housed inside this former 1940s paper mill that’s been transformed into a magical dream factory complete with stilt walkers and twirling acrobats, the Cocktail Carnival at Walter Where?House has to been seen to be believed. Combined with show-stopping cocktails and spirits served up by than 30 of the biggest and brightest brands in the business, all staring at only $25 per person, it’s sure to be the can’t-miss soiree of the season.
Tickets to the 2020 Arizona Cocktail Weekend are now on sale at www.arizonacocktailweekend.com.
“The 2020 Arizona Cocktail Weekend and the Cocktail Carnival is going to one amazingly spectacular event,” says co-founder, Ross Simon. “Aside from the world’s best liquor brands showcasing exciting new offerings and cutting-edge bartending and techniques inside custom-staged vignettes, the famously fun MarchFourth band will be playing while walking amidst the crowd. Plus with Walter Productions co-producing, you know they will bring their signature over-the-top artistic elements, to this one-of-a-kind event. It’s going to be one hell of a show.”
But that’s just a sip of all the spirited fun in the Arizona sun coming this February (average high temp. 71 and sunny) to Downtown Phoenix and AZCW 2020, including the return of Top Bars on Sunday, February 16. Why trek to London, Barcelona or Singapore, when the world’s best bars all come to Phoenix for this annual tasting event showcasing pop-up versions of the finest cocktail lounges from around the state, country and across the globe, all in one location. Held at the historic warehouse and newly renovated event venue, The Croft, the 2020 lineup will be announced soon, but 2019 Top Bars participants included iconic imports: Bar Swift (London), Bar X (SLC), Deadshot (Portland), Dr. Stravinsky (Barcelona), Golden Tiki (LV), Herbs & Rye (LV), Katana Kitten (NYC), Arnaud’s French 75 (NO), Nickel City (Austin), Navy Strength (Seattle), Occidental (Denver), Raised By Wolves (SD), The Clumsies (Athens, GA), Sparrow & Wolf (LV), Tommy’s (SF), Ghost Donkey (LV), Union Lodge No. 1 (Denver) and Williams & Graham (Denver), plus Arizona landmarks: Bitter & Twisted, Blue Hound Kitchen & Cocktails, Clever Koi, Cotton & Copper, Elvira’s, Hotel Congress, The Breadfruit, The Brickyard, The Gladly and UnderTow.
Finally, on President’s Day (Monday, February 17), it’s the return of the highly-anticipated Last Slinger Standing bartending competition, pitting top mixologists from across the Southwest in a live head-to-head bartending competition. Hosted by Young’s Market Company at their “7th & Union” building (aka the standalone bar located on the property of the Phoenix based liquor distributor), come cheer on as 2019 winner, Chanel Godwin-McMaken of Little Rituals defends her crown in front of a crowd of nearly 1,000 cheering cocktail fans.
Furthermore, top lounges, bars and restaurants across Downtown Phoenix and up and down Central Phoenix’s Light Rail will be hosting AZCW events, dinners and exclusive cocktail tastings. The list of confirmed participating venues is below, with additional venue and AZCW events information to be announced as those details become available.
2020 AZCW Event Venues
• Walter Where?House Gallery
• The Croft Downtown
• 7th & Union at Young’s Market Company
2020 AZCW Official Locations
• Bitter & Twisted Cocktail Parlour
• Blue Hound & Luster Rooftop Pool Bar
• Chico Malo
• Little Rituals
• Nook Kitchen
• The Breadfruit & Rum Bar
• Ziggy’s Stardust
• So Far, So Good at The Churchill
• Dust Cutter
• Melinda’s Alley
• Plus more to come
2020 AZCW Official Hotel Partners
• Cambria Hotel Downtown Phoenix Convention Center
• Kimpton Hotel Palomar Phoenix
• Renaissance Phoenix Downtown Hotel
• Residence Inn/Courtyard by Marriott Phoenix Downtown
2020 AZCW Event Dates
• Saturday, Feb. 15 – Monday, Feb. 17, 2020
Featured Events
• Cocktail Carnival – Saturday, February 15
• Top Bars – Sunday, February 16
• Last Slinger Standing – Monday, February 17
• Additional Events to be announced
Giving Back
Once again Arizona Cocktail Weekend is dedicated to giving back to the local community, including its own dedicated 501(c3) charity, The Jupiter Foundation, which in 2020 is focused on supporting beneficiaries such as Local First Arizona Foundation.
