Planning your week at VCW 2026? Find answers to frequently asked questions about tickets, logistics, and what to expect at our events below.
What should I expect at Vancouver Cocktail Week events?
Vancouver Cocktail Week is a week-long cocktail festival taking place March 1–8, 2026, featuring ticketed cocktail events at bars, restaurants and venues across Vancouver, BC. Events range from small, guided tastings to large walk-around events like the Gala of Cocktails. Each event is booked separately and has its own format, timing and atmosphere.
The week culminates in the Gala of Cocktails, a large-scale tasting event showcasing top bars, brands and bartenders.
When is Vancouver Cocktail Week taking place?
Vancouver Cocktail Week takes place March 1 to 8, 2026, in Vancouver, BC.
Where is Vancouver Cocktail Week taking place?
Vancouver Cocktail Week takes place March 1-8, 2026 at participating bars and restaurants across Vancouver. The week’s main event, the Gala of Cocktails, takes place on Saturday, March 7 at the Rosewood Hotel Georgia (801 West Georgia Street, Vancouver)
Are there age restrictions for Vancouver Cocktail Week events?
Yes. All Vancouver Cocktail Week events are strictly 19+, in accordance with BC liquor laws. Please be prepared to show 2 pieces of ID upon entry if asked.
Where can I buy tickets?
Tickets are available for sale on our website (thealchemistmagazine.ca/vcw) and Eventbrite. Sign up for our newsletter to receive updates when new Vancouver Cocktail Week events are added.
Can I buy tickets at the door?
Most Vancouver Cocktail Week events do not sell tickets at the door. Ticket sales for most events close anywhere from a few days to a few hours before the event, so that each venue has time to plan seating, food and any other special requests.
Gala of Cocktails tickets (if available) will remain on sale into the evening, but still must be purchased online and shown at the door.
Do Vancouver Cocktail Week events sell out?
Yes. Many Vancouver Cocktail Week events have limited capacity and sell out in advance. Purchasing tickets early is strongly recommended.
Can I attend multiple events in one day?
Yes. Vancouver Cocktail Week events are independently ticketed, and guests may attend multiple events in one day as long as event times do not overlap.
What is the Gala of Cocktails?
The Gala of Cocktails is Vancouver Cocktail Week’s main event, held on Saturday, March 7, 2026 at the Rosewood Hotel Georgia. The event features 35+ cocktails at 25 open bar stations, with no drink tokens required, plus food offerings and non-alcoholic options.
How many cocktails can you try at the Gala of Cocktails?
Guests can sample from 35+ cocktails across 25 open bar stations during the Gala of Cocktails. There is no set limit, but responsible consumption is strongly encouraged.
How much are tickets?
Ticket prices for Vancouver Cocktail Week events vary, but are generally inclusive of everything mentioned in the event description as well as taxes and gratuities. Ticketing fees are added at checkout.
What is included in the ticket price?
Gala of Cocktails: General Admission and VIP tickets include access to the Gala and 35+ cocktails at 25 open bar stations. No drink tokens required. On arrival, all attendees will receive a complimentary food token to exchange for a plate of 4 premium small food bites. We suggest dining before the event to best enjoy the cocktail offerings!
All other events: Please refer to the event inclusions in each event description. Ticket prices are inclusive of taxes and gratuities.
Are there ticketing fees?
Yes. We use a 3rd party ticketing site that adds a non-refundable fee onto every ticket. Otherwise, ticket prices are inclusive of tax and gratuities.
Do I need to print my ticket?
It’s up to you. Confirmed guest lists are provided to all our venues in advance of each event. Showing your ticket on your phone is fine.
Are tickets refundable?
We offer refunds on all tickets up to 72 hours (3 days) before each event. Eventbrite fees are non-refundable.
You may also transfer or sell your tickets to friends, and have them just sign into the event with your name (and ideally a copy of your ticket confirmation). We do not hold any responsibility for tickets that are bought, sold, given away or received privately as there is no way to trace them to the new buyer.
What if events are postponed or cancelled?
Postponed events will be given the option of either a valid ticket for the new date or a refund. Cancelled events will be refunded automatically.
Are there designated driver tickets?
We do not have different tickets available for designated drivers. We are an alcohol-focussed festival, and some events (particularly the Gala of Cocktails) will have a choice of non-alcoholic cocktails. DO NOT DRINK AND DRIVE. Please plan for a safe journey home from all our events (transit, uber, taxi, etc).
Are there volunteer tickets?
If you would like to volunteer at Vancouver Cocktail Week, please contact us at gnugent@lodestarmedia.ca.
Is there a dress code?
There is no specific dress code—it is up to you and the nature of the event. We recommend anything from smart casual to cocktail glam!
Are events able to accommodate dietary restrictions and food allergies?
In most cases, yes. Most events that have a food element include an option to include food allergies and restrictions at checkout. This information is passed on to the venues hosting our events. In the rare case that restrictions and allergies can not be accommodated, this will be noted in the event description.
There will be vegetarian/vegan options available at the Gala of Cocktails.
Is there parking?
There is no specific designated parking for any of our events. Since this is an alcohol-focussed festival, please plan accordingly and don’t drive to our events.
Are Vancouver Cocktail Week events wheelchair accessible?
Gala of Cocktails: The Rosewood Hotel Georgia is a wheelchair accessible venue.
All other events: Please contact the individual host venue to confirm specific accessibility features.
Will there be a coat check?
Yes, there is a coat check at the Gala of Cocktails. Consider leaving a tip for the volunteer coat check attendants.
Are there any social media or photography guidelines?
Please feel free to take photos and videos for social media at our events. We love to see what you post on your feed, in stories and in reels/tiktoks, so please always tag @thealchemistmag. Optional hashtags: #VCW2026 #VancouverCocktailWeek.
Is Vancouver Cocktail Week worth it?
Whether Vancouver Cocktail Week is worth it depends on what you’re looking for. If you enjoy cocktails, social events and discovering bars and bartending talent across the city, many guests find the experience worthwhile, especially events like the Gala of Cocktails that allow you to sample a wide range of drinks in one evening.
How do Vancouver Cocktail Week events differ from each other?
Events differ by size, format and focus. Some are large tasting events, while others are smaller, seated or brand-led experiences. Because each event is ticketed individually, guests can choose the events that best match their interests, budget and energy level.
Who organizes Vancouver Cocktail Week?
Vancouver Cocktail Week is produced by The Alchemist Magazine.
Are industry professionals eligible for special access?
Some Vancouver Cocktail Week events may include industry-focused programming. Details will be listed in individual event descriptions.