Vancouver Cocktail Week returns March 1 to 8 for its milestone fifth year: A toast to world-class mixology and community
Vancouver, BC (February 5, 2026) — With fewer than 30 days to go until the fifth annual Vancouver Cocktail Week (VCW), presented by The Alchemist magazine, the city is preparing for its most anticipated celebration of cocktail culture yet. Running from March 1 to 8, this milestone year marks VCW’s evolution into a defining moment on the international culinary calendar, toasting the inventive spirit and world-class talent of Vancouver’s bar community.
Across eight flavour-packed days, the festival spotlights multi-award-winning bartenders alongside local and international spirit brands. The 2026 schedule is brimming with diverse activations, starting with the traditional opening Cocktail-Paired Brunch on Sunday, March 1. This year, the “OG” event moves to the award-winning Boulevard Kitchen & Oyster Bar, where Executive Chef Roger Ma and Bar Manager Adam Domet will present a decadent five-course journey of spirit-to-plate partnership.
The week features a packed program of seminars, tasting events and spectacular parties. Some of this year’s highlights include:
The Great Yaletown Shakeup, March 3
Local pride is on the line at Brix & Mortar, where masters from six neighbourhood icons—West Oak, Elisa, Capo & the Spritz, El Guapo, Bartholomew, and Brix & Mortar—will battle in a high-energy competition to be crowned Yaletown’s best bartender by a panel of judges and the ticket-holding public.
Beyond the Bottle: Minami x TS Global Japanese Spirits Dinner, March 3
Fans of Japanese spirits can look forward to the “Beyond the Bottle” dinner at Minami, an intimate journey through the art of Japanese distilling, featuring rare pours like Mizunara Liqueur and Shinobu Blended Bourbon Cask.
Nikka x Miku Kaiseki Cocktail-Paired Dinner, March 4
Enjoy an intimate, multi-course journey through the refined art of Kaiseki. This experience at Michelin-recognized Miku begins with a welcome drink by award-winning mixologist Koki Yokoyama, followed by a special menu of Nikka pairings. The evening concludes with a rare tasting of the coveted Nikka From the Barrel ‘Extra Marriage’ 40th Anniversary bottling.
Roaring 20s Speakeasy Party, March 5
Step aboard a floating speakeasy with Harbour Cruises for an evening of jazz-age glamour in Coal Harbour. Enjoy music by Speakeasy Electro Swing, gourmet bites, and premium cocktails featuring Chopin Vodka, Empress 1908 Gin, and Benromach 10. Vintage attire is welcomed for this high-energy celebration of the golden age of cocktails.
Beyond the ticketed events, the popular Cinq à Sept series returns nightly. These elevated, unticketed happy hours will be held at partnering bars across the city, offering signature cocktails and social atmosphere without the need to buy an event ticket. For those looking to explore, the Neighbourhood Cocktail Crawl series offers guided tours through the city’s most creative hubs, including Gastown, Yaletown, Main Street, Commercial Drive and (new for 2026) West 4th Avenue.
The week culminates in the festival’s crown jewel: the Gala of Cocktails on Saturday, March 7. Held in the elegant Spanish Ballroom at the Rosewood Hotel Georgia, this is Vancouver’s grandest cocktail party. Guests will experience more than 25 open bar stations, 35+ creative cocktails, live music, and premium small bites in an environment where high style meets high-energy fun.
In keeping with its commitment to the industry, Vancouver Cocktail Week is proud to continue its partnership with Mind The Bar. A portion of ticket sales will be donated to this Vancouver-based organization, which provides essential mental health and wellness support for hospitality workers across Canada.
Tickets for all signature events are on sale now. For the full schedule and to secure your spot at the city’s best party, visit thealchemistmagazine.ca/vcw. A print version of the program guide is also available at bars, restaurants and private liquor retailers around Vancouver.
To read The Alchemist magazine, pick up a copy at bars, restaurants or private liquor retailers or visit us online at thealchemistmagazine.ca.
