Arizona Cocktail Week, the Southwest’s premier event for hospitality professionals and cocktail enthusiasts, will host the 6th Annual event February 17-24.
Arizona Cocktail Week is a week-long celebration of the craft of the cocktail that includes everything from parties, spirit tastings, and educational seminars, to cocktail competitions, drinks specials and dinners.
The vast majority of the main events take place at the Hotel Valley Ho, in downtown Scottsdale, and in the general vicinity of the hotel. Events are also planned at various locations in downtown Phoenix and in Tucson. Restaurant activations are planned throughout the week in the Phoenix Metro area.
Arizona Cocktail Week’s opening event, The Cocktail Carnival, is on Friday, February 17 and the preeminent festivities continue through Monday, February 20.
The remainder of the week, February 21-14, is filled with an assortment of special events for the local market.
Approximately 10,000 people participated in parties, tastings, dinners and activations throughout the week last year.
Full Schedule Below:
| Event | Description | When |
| National Account Invitational
|
A pre-event celebration with suppliers and vendors. | Thursday 2/16 |
| Cocktail Carnival – Signature Event
|
The kick-off event to AZCW. Mixologists come from all over the country to showcase the best and most creative, delicious cocktails. Nothing is out of bounds or off limits – how about some boozy caramel corn? An Alice-in-Wonderland themed booth with “Drink Me” tonics? No matter your cocktail or spirit of choice- you’ll definitely find something you love – with over 25 different tables and booths including some “Secret Suites” with attractions and performers galore. | Friday 2/17 |
| Seminars
|
The latest and greatest in cocktail culture brought to you by world-renowned experts. | Saturday 2/18
Daytime
|
| Agave alley
|
The Agave-fueled bowling extravaganza offers samples of over a dozen of some of Mexico’s finest agave spirits while bowling. | Saturday 2/18 |
| Storytellers Dinner
|
A night of Storytelling featuring a 4-course cocktail-paired dinner featuring notable chefs and mixologists, which also serve as the night’s storytellers. All proceeds benefit C-CAP (Careers in the Culinary Arts.) | Saturday 2/18 |
| Cocktailgating
|
We are taking over the Sands parking lot at the Hotel Valley Ho and providing a full day’s experience of sampling, demonstrations, games and fun. | Sunday 2/19
Afternoon (2-6pm) – new time! |
| Top Bars
|
Not everyone can go to all of the best bars across the country and abroad – so Arizona Cocktail Week brings them to you. | Sunday 2/19 |
| Artisanal Market
|
This is the spirit & cocktail version of a farmer’s Market. Browse booths featuring everything from craft spirits, bitters and tonics to shrubs and infused salt and sugars. | Monday 2/20
Daytime |
| Random Acts of Cocktail Kindness (RACK’s) | These are random events that happen throughout the weekend ranging from giveaways to tastings. Check our social media for updates during the weekend! | Saturday 2/18 – Monday 2/20 |
| Last Slinger Standing
|
The premier bartending competition of the Southwest! We invite United States Bartenders Guild chapters from Phoenix, Tucson, Denver, Las Vegas, New Mexico, Salt Lake City and Austin to send us their best bartenders and we pit them against one another for the ultimate title of “Last Slinger Standing.” | Monday 2/20 |
| W Hotel | The last call of the week’s festivities.
|
Thursday 2/24 |
For more information about Arizona Cocktail Week, please visit http://arizonacocktailweek.com
About Arizona Cocktail Week
Arizona Cocktail Week is the premiere cocktail event of the Southwest, celebrating cocktail culture and fine spirits through fun, interactive events, educational seminars and tastings, competitions and cocktail dinners throughout the state of Arizona. Now in its sixth year, Arizona Cocktail Week was founded in 2012 as a result of Arizona’s growing cocktail culture and need for awareness in the community as it relates to spirits and the craft of the cocktail.
About Hotel Valley Ho
Hotel Valley Ho is a true icon in Downtown Scottsdale. Originally opened in 1956 and recently restored to its former splendor, this urban retreat blends mid-century style with modern amenities. Dine at ZuZu, relax at VH Spa for Vitality + Health, and unwind at two cool pools.
An event I can fully support!