Vancouver’s cocktail scene is absolutely popping off – and it’s not just your imagination.
With North America’s 50 Best Bars awards happening here for the first time ever, a wave of pop-up events is taking over the city to celebrate.
If you’re into craft cocktails, famous bartenders, and lowkey flexing on your Instagram stories, here are six can’t-miss events you’ll want to hit.
1. Sustainable Bar Showcase at Prophecy
On April 28, Prophecy (ranked No. 53 this year) is hosting a stacked lineup of past winners of the Ketel One Sustainable Bar Award for a night focused on creativity and eco-conscious cocktails.
Expect a rotating menu of fresh, ethical drinks made with locally sourced ingredients – and partial profits will go to Vancouver Food Networks.
No tickets needed, walk-ins welcome.
When: Monday, April 28, 8PM–12AM
Where: Prophecy (Hotel Georgia)
2. Mexico City Night: Hanky Panky x Brujas at Chupito
One night only: Chupito is throwing a Mexico City takeover featuring Gina Barbachano from Hanky Panky and Bianca “Piba” Bertiol from Brujas.
This all-women cocktail power team will be slinging some of Mexico’s most iconic craft drinks – and it’s first come, first served.
No tickets or reservations needed, but get there early.
When: Wednesday, April 30, 7PM–12AM
Where: Chupito (2450 Yukon St.)
3. Drive Drinks Week Collabs on Commercial Drive
Eight of Commercial Drive’s best bars are teaming up for exclusive cocktail collabs inspired by 50 Best Bars Week.
Expect custom drinks from pairings like Havana x Mum’s The Word and Sopra Sotto x Nonna’s Cucina.
When: April 25 – May 2
Where: Multiple locations across Commercial Drive
4. Bar Raval Pop-Up at H Tasting Lounge
Toronto’s Bar Raval is touching down at H Tasting Lounge for one night only with Rebeca “Bex” Ramos behind the bar.
You’ll find an exclusive menu of Spanish-inspired cocktails, like the gin-forward “Midnight Snack Club” and citrusy “The Last Exit.”
Reservations are recommended if you want to snag a seat.
When: Wednesday, April 30
Where: H Tasting Lounge (1601 Bayshore Dr.)
5. Après with The Raven Room at Mount Pleasant Vintage & Provisions
Shake off your Monday slump with an après-ski style cocktail party featuring Whistler’s The Raven Room bartenders, Dani Crowley and Josh Lelay.
Bonus points: there will be shotskis. (Yes, shots on skis.)
Reservations encouraged but walk-ins welcome too.
When: Monday, April 28, 3–5PM
Where: Mount Pleasant Vintage & Provisions (67 W 6th Ave.)
6. El Gallo Altanero & Friends Party at LAOWAI
To close it all out, LAOWAI (ranked No. 67 this year) is throwing a massive late-night party with bartenders from Tlecān, Mirate, El Gallo Altanero, and more.
Expect an agave tasting bar, banging DJ sets, and way too many incredible cocktails to keep track of.
You’ll want to pace yourself for this one.
When: Monday, April 28, 10PM–late
Where: LAOWAI (251 E Georgia St.)
7. Vinyl Nights at Bar Gobo
Bar Gobo debuts a brand new analog sound system and are throwing two nights of vinyl, cocktails, and tacos during the festivities.
Hi-Fi and Highballs: CDMX Triple Threat
Three heavy-hitters, one stacked night. Cocktails by Kaitlyn Stewart, beats by Love Language from Café de Nadie (No. 17 on North America’s list), and tacos by Israel Alvarez of MAiiZ NIXTAMAL.
Walk-ins welcome, limited reservations.
When: Wednesday, April 30, 5PM–Midnight
Where: Bar Gobo (237 Union St.)
Hair of the Chihuahua
The party doesn’t stop! DJ Ana Rivera brings the Latin beats, MAiiZ returns with more tacos, and the hi-fi sound keeps spinning.
Catch one last vibe before the dust settles.
When: Thursday, May 1, 5PM–Midnight
Where: Bar Gobo (237 Union St.)
And most of these pop ups are just the warm-up.
The main event – the 2025 North America’s 50 Best Bars Awards – goes down right here in Vancouver on April 29 at the JW Marriott Parq Vancouver.
Get ready to raise a glass as the continent’s best bartenders and bars are crowned – and keep the celebrations going all week long.
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