With momentum already building for the Special Spring edition of Aberdeen Cocktail Week, the festival's organisers are extending an official invitation to bars, hotels, and brands to become part of this popular event.
Taking place from May 14th to May 25th, 2025, this expanded 12-day celebration offers opportunities for businesses to showcase their offerings, increase footfall, and help showcase the very best of Aberdeen to local residents and beyond.
Following three successful years of driving tens of thousands of visitors to participating venues during its usual October run, Aberdeen Cocktail Week is returns early this year for a special Spring edition that coincides with the highly anticipated Ultimate Masterclass Festival, which will bring celebrities Louis Theroux and James Corden to the city.
“We've seen great success in past years, despite the almost inevitable challenges of Aberdeen's October weather, driving thousands of visitors to our much-loved city venues and showcasing the creativity of our local bartenders," says Charlie Bain, Operations Manager for Aberdeen Cocktail Week. "This May, we're embracing the brighter days and better weather with a more refined approach - focusing on quality experiences while retaining the festival's core mission of celebrating the city together. Thanks to an extended 12-day format and alignment with major events at the Music Hall, this special Spring edition promises to be a great opportunity for participating businesses to benefit from increased footfall and spending in the city.”
The festival has already secured participation from a number of established venues including Dusk, The Firepit, Soul, Revolucion de Cuba and Under The Hammer, but organisers emphasise that although they are now implementing a cap on the number of venues there is still time for additional bars, restaurants, and hospitality businesses to get involved.
Why get involved?
- Expanded visibility: Reach new audiences through a multi-channel marketing campaign, festival guidebook placements, and media features.
- Showcase vreativity: Venues and brands can collaborate with top bartenders to create unique cocktail offerings that resonate with festival-goers.
- Network: Build relationships with like-minded local businesses, sponsors, and industry influencers who are eager to see Aberdeen's bar culture thrive.
- Economic impact: Previous editions have driven tens of thousands of pounds worth economic impact to city centre businesses.
Venues participating in Aberdeen Cocktail Week pay nothing to take part and receive a support package including featuring in the official festival guidebook, printed promotional materials, photography, and benefit from extensive marketing across social media channels and local press. Each venue creates between one and four signature festival cocktails which are only available to wristbands holders.
Beyond bars and cocktail venues, Aberdeen Cocktail Week is also seeking partnerships with local businesses for cross-promotional opportunities, sponsorships, and potential collaborative events during the 12-day festival.
The Spring edition of Aberdeen Cocktail Week is backed by Aberdeen Inspired, the city centre's Business Improvement District.
Chief executive Adrian Watson said: "It is a real delight to see Aberdeen Cocktail Week spring into action for this special outing in May, adding its special recipe of fun and colour to the lighter days which are on their way. The week is bound to draw people into the city centre to enjoy up to 100 exciting special cocktails at some of the best bars the Granite City has to offer. More footfall, a boost for the hospitality sector and a lift for the city centre economy – that's something worth raising a glass to."
Additionally, the festival dates have been selected to coincide with the Ultimate Masterclass Festival, creating a citywide celebration that aims to transform Aberdeen into a cocktail hotspot this May.
Ryan Crighton, host of the Ultimate Masterclass Festival, said: "Aberdeen is in for a spectacular week, with the city centre buzzing like never before. The Ultimate Masterclass Festival is bringing world-class talent like Louis Theroux and James Corden to the Music Hall, and with Aberdeen Cocktail Week moving its dates to align with these events, it's set to be an unforgettable celebration of culture, conversation, and cocktails. This is exactly the kind of energy and collaboration that will help make Aberdeen a true destination city."
Key participation details:
- Registration: Interested venues and brands should submit their intent to participate via email to cocktails@cocktailevents.uk.
- Timeline: Applications should be submitted as early as possible to secure a place, after registration venues must complete cocktails/offerl/event particulars by April 19th. Spaces are limited and late submissions can not be accepted.
- Benefits package: Each participating business will receive extensive marketing support, social media promotion, and access to festival resources such as signage, posters and wristbands for colleagues..
How to sign up
Venues and brands interested in participating should contact Charlie Bain: cocktails@cocktailevents.uk
Spaces are limited, and applications will be reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis.