There are just four weeks until Bartenders’ Weekender kicks off — here’s what to expect

Okay people: we are now just four weeks out from the debut of the Bartenders’ Weekender in Brisbane, Sunday 16th June to Tuesday 18th. It’s the biggest celebration of bar and drinks culture to have ever visited Queensland with 32 events across three days, which, by my count — deep breath — makes it the biggest bar industry event on the Australian calendar this year.

The Bartenders’ Weekender is designed not only to showcase the best of what Brisbane has in store, but to bring the best and brightest from across the country to share ideas, foster the next generation of bartending talent — and have one hell of a good time doing it.

But what should you expect? Take a look below.

It all kicks off with day one on Sunday 16th: there are five big brand events happening throughout the day, as well as eight separate On The Card events happening at bars around the city to kick off night one, before The Balvenie takes over Frog’s Hollow Saloon for one big, celebratory bash to welcome all to the Bartenders’ Weekender. Current day one event count = 14!

Then on day two, the Better Bars Summit presented by Glenfiddich begins. For just $45 you can get a two day pass to attend the Summit, taking place in the beautiful Elizabeth Picture Theatre and featuring a roster of 20 speakers from across the country sharing advice, inspiring stories, and actionable intel to help make you a better bartender and bar operator. Each ticket also gets you a copy of the brand new Bottled magazine, which is launching during the Weekender. Drinks on both days will be provided by our friends at Glenfiddich, so if you’re interested in growing your career, and getting to know likeminded people, you don’t want to miss this. Tickets are limited — get yours here.

Also taking place on day two: five events throughout the day, from exclusive tequila and Australian agave spirit tastings, and in-depth bourbon, whisky and gin experiences, before we come to the second annual Boothby Best Bars QLD awards party at Alice, which will see us counting down the top 30 bars in Queensland — it’s going to be a big way to kick off night two. It’s then onto a couple of big bar collaborations: the award-winning Bar Bellamy (number three on the Boothby Best Bars in Victoria list) takes over Before + After with their particular brand of high quality cocktailing and hospitality, whilst fellow Melburnians — the very excellent Apollo Inn (number nine on the Boothby Top 50 Victorian bars) and whiskeyfied newcomer, Goodwater — takeover The Gresham, before Moet Hennessy throw a big industry party to close out the night. (We know there are a couple more takeovers in the works, too.) Current day two event count = 10 and climbing!

And on the third and final day, those lucky types with tickets will be heading to day two of the Better Bars Summit presented by Glenfiddich for another inspiring day of intel and talks. There are eight events happening throughout the day at present, from luxury cognac tastings and American whiskey tastings, to a celebration of the Oyster at Alba Bar & Deli with Never Never Distilling Co, before the Mix Haus All Star Female Bar Takeover at Dark Red in Fortitude Valley; at the same time, Sydney newcomer The Waratah are collaborating with the winner of Queensland’s 2023 Boothby Best Cocktail Bar, Maker, for a one of kind takeover, before Jagermeister throw The Last Hurrah party at Alice to officially end Bartenders’ Weekender; there’s always an after party, however, and that kicks off afterwards, when the 86 Club do their thing at Savile Row until 3am. Current day three event count = 8!

If you’re coming into Brisbane from further afield in Queensland, interstate, or across the seas, we’ve organised a discount for attendees at the Crystalbrook Vincent at Howard Smith Wharves — it’s a pictureseque and iconic Brisbane location. You can get 20 percent off your stay with the code BARTENDER at checkout — visit their website here.

Take a well-earned long weekend off (after the June long weekend), and enjoy top flight Brisbane bars, great drinks, and the camaraderie of your peers as we celebrate a big and bright industry at the Bartenders’ Weekender. 

I’ll see you there.

And — while I have you — today is the last day to get your entries into the Unexpected Cartron Tour cocktail competition, and with it your chance to score a ticket to the Bartenders’ Weekender in Brisbane. All you have to do is design a drink with a minimum of 15ml of a Joseph Cartron liqueur, and incorporate a deliciously Unexpected element — you might just find yourself in Brisbane as one of seven finalists competing to win the trip of a lifetime to Burgundy, France. Click here to learn more and enter before 11:59pm AEST Monday 20 May (tonight!).