A three day weekender for bartenders and the drinks industry.
Save the date
June 14—16,
Adelaide 2026
Bartenders’ Weekender is a three day weekend for bartenders and drinks enthusiasts — and last year’s biggest celebration of bar culture is off to Adelaide for the first time, so save the date.
The Better Bars Summit — tickets available now.
The Better Bars Summit presented by Monkey Shoulder is back!
It’s a day of Australia’s most interesting bar and drinks talks — join us for networking, knowledge and drinks.
Join us at Rhino Room, Adelaide and be treated to Australia’s most original and inspiring drinks talks program, pick up useful skills and tips to apply to your own drinks career — whether that’s behind the bar, opening your first drinks industry business, or exploring new creative possibilities. Tickets are limited.
Timetable
Day One
Sunday 14 June
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MONIN welcomes the Bartenders’ Weekender Scholarship alumni to a brunch, opening the weekend with amazing food, liquid and hospitality. A great chance for the crew to get to know each other and form a foundation before heading off into the weekend with a sense of community and pride. Gifts in tow.
RSVP: Invite only
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Take The Scenic Route with Never Never and start your Adelaide Bartenders’ Weekender off in the best possible way as guests of the Never Never team. After arriving at Adelaide Airport you will be collected by our friends from Strangelove and whisked to off to beautiful McLaren Vale to visit Australia’s best distillery bar for an unforgettable experience.
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Take The Scenic Route with Never Never and start your Adelaide Bartenders’ Weekender off in the best possible way as guests of the Never Never team. After arriving at Adelaide Airport you will be collected by our friends from Strangelove and whisked to off to beautiful McLaren Vale to visit Australia’s best distillery bar for an unforgettable experience.
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More information to come.
Where: Latteria, 185 Hutt Street, Adelaide
RSVP: TBC
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Bartenders all have unique creativity and talent that deserves to be showcased and celebrated. Club Suntory kick-starts the Weekender, inviting you to have a selection of quality, candid portraits captured by New York Times and Vogue Australia photographer, Oli Sansom.
Where: Bank Street Social, 48 Hindley St, Adelaide SA, 5000
RSVP: Sign-up to Club Suntory and register to guarantee your spot — Sign-up to Club Suntory and register to guarantee your spot - https://club.suntory.com/en-au/events/bartender-weekender-2026
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Step into the story behind SA’s spirits where every pour is boldly crafted, unashamedly different and distinctive to what grows here from our grains and grapes, to our botanicals and local ingredients. South Australia is rapidly becoming the spirits region to watch in Australia, with SA producers taking out half of the major awards at the Australian International Spirits Awards and the Sydney Royal Distilled Spirit Show in 2025, among previous awards for World's Best Gins and Whiskey's.
Expect a lively, hands-on atmosphere designed for experimentation (yes: free tastings and cocktails made with SA spirits) and genuine conversation with the people behind the bottles. Meet and taste with 15 South Australian distilleries, discover new pours across whisky, gin, brandy and liqueurs, and swap menu ideas directly with the makers. Level up your knowledge and make-your-own cocktails from SA spirits from the back bar with the spirit makers and Cry Baby crew on hand with plenty of suggestions along the way.
Free event. Strictly trade-only. Limited to 100 guests with a waitlist. RSVP to avoid missing a spot on the guest list!
Event proudly supported by Distillers South Australia and Brand South Australia.
Where: Cry Baby, 11 Solomon St, Adelaide SA 5000
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The first annual Boothby Best Bars SA Awards.
Where: The Stag Public House
RSVP: Invite Only
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A moment dedicated to the Daiquiri, brought to life by BACARDÍ and ARKHE.
Expect ice cold daiquiris, fire-cooked snacks, good music and even better company - all set inside one of Adelaide’s most exciting venues.
Plenty of daiquiris and snacks a plenty. Come for one, stay for a few.
Where: Arkhe - 127 The Parade, Adelaide South Australia 5067
RSVP: to Storm @ spevans@bacardi.com
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RAMBLIN RASCALS and DOUBLE DEUCE are heading to Adelaide for a late-night takeover across SHOTGUN WILLIES & MEMPHIS SLIMS. backed by ANGEL’S ENVY, the night will celebrate great whiskey, classic cocktails and the kind of hospitality that keeps us out well past last drinks.
At SHOTGUN’S, RAMBLINS will be pouring whiskey-forward serves with their signature dive bar swagger. Underneath at MEMPHIS, DOUBLE DEUCE will be shaking some of their classic on menu cocktails.
Bourbon, shit tins, loud bars and a proper hospo afterparty atmosphere from two of Sydney’s favourite late night venues.
SHOTGUN WILLIES & MEMPHIS SLIMS
No RSVP
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More information to come.
Where: TBC
RSVP: TBC
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The team behind Sydney CBD Double-Act Old Loves and Old Mates Place are bringing a piece of Clarence Street to SA with a two-headed takeover of both levels of Hains & Co and Ralph Louis Frederick, transforming it into The House of Deliciousness. Presented by Campari, Angostura.
Sydney stalwart Old Mates Place brings you Tales of the Flocktail - boasting a New Orleans inspired menu.
Old Loves will be marrying the flavours of the Caribbean with the spirit of the Mediterranean for The Aperetiki Hour or Two - A tropical jaunt through all things delicious Aperotivo and Tiki combined.
Where: Hains & Co, Ralph Louis Frederick, 23 Gilbert Place, Adelaide.
No RSVP; just rock on in.
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Sunday 14th June Black Kite Commune takes over Malt & Juniper 9:30 til late
Our favourite cocktail from each year we’ve been open 2023-2026, with 2 of our favourite Melburnian liquors!
Wallaby ‘Party’ pies from our friends at Discovered available on the night until sold out.
Where: Malt & Juniper
NO RSVP REQUIRED
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SAKURA HOUSE is bringing its signature late-night ritual MIDNIGHT HOUR to Adelaide for a takeover at TRAP. Backed by Suntory and Fever-Tree, the night celebrates highballs, late-night energy and the kind of hospitality that keeps bartenders out well past last drinks.
At TRAP, SAKURA HOUSE will be pouring signature Suntory serves, crisp Fever-Tree highballs, alongside a tight izakaya-inspired menu built for after-hours drinking.
Tokyo backstreet energy, loud rooms, cold drinks and a proper hospo afterparty atmosphere from one of Sydney’s favourite basement bars.
Where: TRAP. - Basement, Cold Chisel La, Adelaide, South Australia
RSVP: Walk on in.
Timetable
Day Two
Monday 15 June
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One of the annual highlights of the festival is our Better Bars Summit presented by Monkey Shoulder. Hosted by Boothby’s Sam Bygrave, we’ve got eight smart sessions with 10 successful speakers planned across fours hours, stuffed with insights and inspiration to help you become a better bartender and bar operator.
Tickets are just $20, and include drinks from our presenting partner Monkey Shoulder, snacks, and a copy of Boothby magazine, as well as the opportunity to network and rub shoulders with the best and brightest in the industry.
Where: Rhino Room, 131 Pirie Street, Adelaide
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Forget everything you know about conventional bartending competitions – the World’s Ultimate Bartender Championship is here!
In 2026, bartenders across the world will participate in challenges designed to test the SKILLS THAT PAY THE BILLS and prove their competency in all aspects of what it takes to be a top bartender. You don’t have to be a pro bartender to take part: if you love bartending, you definitely have what it takes.
Register for your spot to compete in the Australian round, with the winner representing Australia at the Global final held overseas later this year (location to be announced).
Where: Longplay Bistro - 131 Pirie St, Adelaide South Australia 5000
RSVP: Registration opens early May at www.ultimatebartenderchampionship.com.
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Get out from behind the bar and into the field. Fever-Tree Taste Makers is a one-off immersive experience where bartenders forage, taste and build with native Australian ingredients - turning them into bold, modern serves.
Inspired by Fever-Tree’s obsession with sourcing the world’s best ingredients, this is all about flavour, balance and creativity - with guest chefs, hands-on sessions and a few surprises along the way.
Not a masterclass. Not a tasting. This is where you become a Taste Maker.
Where: Prohibition, 22 Gilbert Street, Adelaide SA 5000
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An elevated afternoon of food pairing and guided tequila exploration. Guests will begin with a welcome cocktail and time to mingle before settling in for a curated dining journey and structured tasting. Hosted by Grant Shearon, Ocho Brand Ambassador, and Spanish-inspired tapas, the experience blends culinary expertise with Tequila Ocho’s distinctive terroir and craftsmanship. A refined celebration of agave, flavour, and artistry.
Where: Udaberri – 11-13 Leigh St, Adelaide
RSVP: Contact Jay if you are interested in joining: Jay.Allan@vanguardluxurybrands.com
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The perfect event doesn’t exi…
Guinness. Martinis. Free.
Grey Goose and Caretaker’s Cottage are bringing you the event you didn’t know you needed at the Bartenders’ Weekender.
Meet us outside Maybe Mae for free pints of Guinness and frozen Grey Goose martinis.
50 pints. 50 martinis. Walk-ins only.
Where: Outside Maybe Mae, 15 Peel Street
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Bar Leone, the world’s best bar of 2025 will be partnering with Never Never to bring their exceptional cocktails and world class hospitality to Latteria in South Australia. Expect amazing drinks, signature snacks and limited edition merch, all celebrating the relaunch of Never Never’s x Bar Leone collaboration Coffee and Cacao Gin.
Where: Latteria, 185 Hutt Street, Adelaide
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Watch Australia’s top bartenders battle for the Marie Brizard crown for this year. Join us at NOLA Adelaide from 5pm. Canapés and drinks provided.
Where: NOLA, 28 Vardon Avenue, Adelaide SA 5000
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Adelaide launches the Espolòn Cocktail Fights! Jump into the first wild showdown, with more chaos nationwide and a Mexico trip waiting to crown one absolute legend.
Where: Mary’s Poppin, 5 Synagogue Place, Adelaide
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An industry night built around a knockout bartender competition. 8 competitors, head-to-head rounds, one shared mystery box per matchup, judged on creativity, taste, and execution. Hosted by Dan O’Connell, soundtracked by a roaming sax player, with brand tasting pop-ups, a complimentary welcome spritz on arrival, and trade-friendly bar offers running all night.
Where: Ambra Spirits Distillery, 43 Phillips St, Thebarton
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8 WA bartenders from Bar Love, Ezra Pound, Mechanics Institute, and The Standard take over Bank Street Social for Adelaide’s first ever WA extravaganza. Delicious drinks and a hell of a party to entice people to visit our little corner of the world and introduce WArm; our grassroots bartenders collaborative and scholarship.
Where: Bank Street Social, 48 Hindley Street, Adelaide
RSVP: TBC
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The teams behind Melbourne's much loved Bar Bellamy and new sister venue Melitta Next Door are coming to Adelaide for one night to take over Maybe Mae! Partnering with Never Never, Bar Bellamy will be behind the bar mixing up some of their favourite spirits, with Melitta’s head chef-Lorena Corso cooking up fire kissed Mediterranean snacks on the BBQ.
There will be gin fizz jello shots, THE flatbread, and of course - martinis.Where: Maybe Mae, 15 Peel Street Adelaide
RSVP: Walk on in!
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Melbourne’s Three Horses is heading to Adelaide for a late-night disco at Honeydripper sponsored by Campari Academy
Fresh from making waves in Melbourne’s cocktail scene with its sherry-driven drinks & party vibes. Three Horses heads to SA for one night of sherry fuelled boogie into Adelaide’s favourite hi-fi listening bar.
Walk-ins only, miss it miss out.
Where: Honeydripper, 11 Frome Street, Adelaide
Timetable
Day Three
Tuesday 16 June
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Hosted by chef Tom Sarafian and Matt Linklater of Zareh in collaboration with Marionette Liqueur, we’ll explore how fruit, nuts and spice build bridges between cultures and generations. A guided tasting with Q&A, snacks, example serves, with Tom and Matt’s favourite records on the stereo - a flavour class exploring how sweetness, acidity, aroma, and nostalgia shape flavour, and how food and drink can speak of distance and belonging.
Where: Honeydripper, 11 Frome Street, Adelaide
RSVP: marionette.com.au/events
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Club Suntory and James B. Beam are hosting you for a long lunch, exploring the beauty of the Seven Year Sweet Spot in American whiskey.
Across four thoughtfully selected drams, we’ll dive into the science of maturation, uncover why seven years is such a compelling age for flavour development, and taste how modern American whiskey cocktails are evolving to include toward lighter, brighter expressions.
Your tasting will be paired with cocktails and a curated menu from the Hellbound team, designed to elevate and complement every pour- and we'll of course have something from rare to share with you!
Where: Hellbound, 2 Hawker Street, Bowden
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Join David Vitale, Carmen Hartwich and friends for an inside look at how Australian red wine barrels and Starward whisky create the ultimate cocktail canvas.
Where: National Wine Centre Corner of Hackney Rd &, Botanic Rd, Adelaide
RSVP: Via Eventbrite here.
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Join us for a laid-back afternoon celebrating all things aperitivo and spritz powered by Reàl Exotics.
We’re bringing together a curated selection of refreshing Reàl Exotics aperitivo cocktails paired with delicious Italian-style snacks.
Think bright, bitter, bubbly drinks alongside perfectly matched bites designed to awaken the palate.
Where: Tarantino's - 30 Vardon Ave, Adelaide
RSVP: at Eventbrite here.
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Join Lark Master Distiller Chris Thomson and LARK’s new CEO Stuart Gregor in a world-first tasting of their new Signature portfolio, including the all-new DARK LARK, Devil’s Storm and Ruby Abyss, as well as a couple of single barrel whiskies drawn directly from century-old Seppeltsfield barrels at the Pontville distillery.
This is a one-off trade tasting with only 30 spots available.
Where: Malt and Juniper, 18 Peel Street, Adelaide
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Haus of Allies is a community-led panel and networking event bringing together voices from across the Australian bar community to explore what it really takes to build sustainable, inclusive, and supportive careers in hospitality.
Hosted by Mix Haus as part of Bartenders’ Weekender, the conversation will move beyond theory - offering honest, practical insights into career growth, wellbeing, leadership, burnout, and creating safer, more inclusive workplaces.
Featuring industry professionals including Trish Brew, Eduardo Conde and Charlie Hunter, the panel reflects the realities of hospitality today - from early career progression through to long-term sustainability and work/life balance. The discussion will be guided by Mix Haus's own Pip Canavan, alongside a wellness and mental health expert.
Guests will enjoy cocktails by Shirley Yeung and Eduardo Conde featuring RHUBI Aperitif and Fever-Tree.
Join us and be part of the conversation.
Where: Honeydripper
RSVP: at Eventbrite here.
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Back for another Willy G's Big Night OOT! for the official Drinks 100 Bartender's Weekender After Party, we have a fantastic all-star lineup from across the country!
Behind the stick from 9PM at Honeydripper, we have ice cold bangers with your favourite William Grant & Sons brands from The Gresham, Above Board, Disco Pantera, Old Mate's Place and incredible hosts Honeydripper!Where: Honeydripper - 11 Frome Street, Adelaide.
RSVP: None required...Open to all, first in, best dressed.
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Tuesday 16th June Gin Palace takes over Hains & Co 10pm til late
Gin palace’s signature 90ml martinis, a Very Fancy G&T and a Never Never Zombie featuring every single NN Gin.
The famous Gin Palace Chicken sandwich available until sold out*
Where: Hains & Co, 23 Gilbert Place, Adelaide
RSVP: none needed, just walk in.
More events
Explore Adelaide one cocktail at a time with the Club Suntory Bartenders’ Weekender Passport. Unlock exclusive serves, collect stamps from some of the city’s best bars — Bank St Social, BRKLYN, Clever Little Tailor, Hains & Co., Honeydripper, Latteria, Malt & Juniper, Maybe Mae, Memphis Slims and NOLA — and go in the draw to win epic prizes.
With strictly limited passports available, be quick to register.
This year we welcome ARTHAUS, a roaming art show across selected venues in Adelaide CBD participating in Bartenders’ Weekender. View different styles from women & non-binary hospitality members across the country as we celebrate their artistic pursuits beyond the bar. Brought to you by Mix Haus & Campari Academy, all funds from art available for purchase over the Weekender will be directed straight to the artist. So come down, view some incredible pieces & maybe buy some cool art to support some inspiring individuals!
Accommodation partners
Thanks to our accommodation partners, attendees can take advantage of discounts of between 25% and 30% off the public rates as part of Bartenders’ Weekender. Space is limited — booking ASAP is strongly encouraged.
Sofitel Adelaide
108 Currie St, Adelaide — BOOK HEREWelcome to Sofitel Adelaide where unmistakable French charm meets the eclectic arts of Adelaide. Our plush rooms, award-winning restaurant and stunning lobby bar create havens of pure elegance, imbued with the kindred spirit of wine-loving Bordeaux.
You’ll find us nestled in an enviable CBD location near Adelaide Oval and Adelaide Convention Centre. From here, you’re free to explore the many delights of this dynamic city, filled with art, culture and fine food.
Peppers Weymouth
55 Waymouth St, Adelaide — BOOK HEREPeppers Waymouth Hotel is your luxury hotel with Adelaide at your doorstep. This Adelaide hotel is in a prime position for you to explore the city, and all that it has to offer. Peppers Waymouth offers a choice of rooms and suites all include king beds, as well as marble bathrooms with quality fittings with separate baths and showers. Other facilities within our hotel include 24-hour reception, express checkout, free WiFi, fully equipped gym, indoor heated pool, spa & sauna and high-tech conference facilities. Also featuring Tutto Cucina & Bar for your dining pleasure.
Mantra Hindmarsh Square
55/67 Hindmarsh Square, Adelaide — BOOK HERELocated in a peaceful enclave of Adelaide's bustling CBD, Mantra Hindmarsh Square offers quiet seclusion while still being just minutes walk from Rundle Mall, the Rundle Street dining precinct, Sky City Casino, Adelaide Oval and the National Wine Centre of Australia. Mantra Hindmarsh Square's Adelaide hotel boasts 179 spacious apartment-style rooms including Studio and One and Two Bedroom Suites and most offer a private balcony with views overlooking the city or Adelaide Hills. Our all-suite hotel is complemented by a variety of facilities and services including 24 hour reception, DJ's Diner & Bar, 24 hour room service and a fully equipped gymnasium.
The Drinks 100 Australia Awards Gala
Who are the 100 people shaping drinks culture in Australia in 2026?
The Drinks 100 Australia returns to celebrate the 100 people shaping the drinks culture in Australia right now, presented by Bartenders’ Weekender and Boothby.
The Drinks 100 Australia celebrates the creative and delicious work of the distillers, operators, bartenders, communicators, designers, and ambassadors who make the Australian scene one of the world’s best.
How it works.
Thursday 5 March. Nominations are open now.In the form, nominate people in as many categories as you like — one nomination is all that is required for that person to be considered by the expert panel in the following voting round. Self-nominations are encouraged. Multiple nominations for one candidate will have no impact on whether they are selected in the next round. Nominations close Tuesday 31 March.
Wednesday 1 April. The expert panel voting round begins. The panel will review the nominations in each category and make their selections of who they think are most worthy of recognition. The expert panel voting round closes on Tuesday 21 April.
These votes determine the finalists in each category. The finalists will be revealed on Monday 27 April on Boothby and social media.
The winners are revealed at the black tie Drinks 100 Australia Awards Gala on Tuesday 16 June at the Bartenders’ Weekender in Adelaide.
Important dates.
Thursday 5 March: nominations open.
Tuesday 31 March: nominations close.
Wednesday 1 April: expert panel voting begins.
Tuesday 21 April: expert panel voting finishes.
Monday 27 April: awards category finalists announced via Boothby and social media. Invites to the Drinks 100 Australia Awards Gala sent out.
Tuesday 16 June: the Drinks 100 Australia Awards Gala takes place.
Get notified — in your inbox
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With thanks to our
2026 partners...
