On Tuesday, April 29th, North America’s 50 Best Bars is dropping its 2025 list live in Vancouver. For this year’s event they’re expanding the ranking to include bars 51–100, giving us a bigger picture of the cocktail scene. It’s the first time the awards are here, and Vancouver’s about to fill up with bar owners, bartenders, and cocktail lovers celebrating the best of the best. The real kicker? Some of the world’s top bartenders will be posting up behind bars across the city, teaming up with local talent and shaking up next-level drinks beginning this Friday, April 25th through Wednesday, April 30th. You won’t want to miss it!

LONDON TAKEOVER | Tucked behind Chinatown’s faux dumpling counter, Laowai trades its Shanghai swagger for London polish as Victor Afanasjev and Jack Sotti park themselves behind the bar for just one night. Afanasjev pours the precise, Savoy‑trained elegance of Amaro Bar, Kensington’s 40‑seat cocktail jewel, while Sotti brings the theatrical flair of Archive & Myth. The first hour is by reservation only; after that, it’s walk‑in roulette – so wear shoes you can queue in! DETAILS

SLICE OF CHUPITO | Once a gravel‑floor container bar, now Mount Pleasant’s low‑waste cocktail shrine, Chupito joins forces with fellow Vancouver locale Nomo Nomo (opening soon on Commercial Drive) and Toronto’s Slice of Life for six hours of killer snacks (Benedict Lim and Heedong Choi, from Nomo Nomo, will be cooking alongside Chupito’s Maria Ponce). Plus, signature cocktails from all three bar teams. No tickets, no fuss. Just roll through 2450 Yukon Street (just below Broadway) between 6pm and midnight. DETAILS

ROAD TO HONG KONG | A secret entry leads to a long and elegant room decorated with emerald velvet, malachite, and brass peacock lamps, and gilded birds picking up the glow of light coming from the well-appointed back bar. On Saturday Laowai switches gears to welcome the “Road to Hong Kong,” featuring bartenders from Wing Lei, Penicillin, Argo, and Honky Tonks Tavern, starting at 10pm. DETAILS

STARS | Bagheera brings together a powerhouse lineup of global talent for an unforgettable night of cocktails. Slip past the turf‑club façade, whisper “King Louie”, and you’ll find velveteen booths lit like a jewellery box, made extra cool by the fact that the talent behind three award-winning bars will share the shakers for the evening. Native (Singapore) brings its award-winning, foraged-forward style of sustainable mixology with Vijay Mudaliar behind the bar; Bar Us (Thailand) heats things up with bold, modern cocktails from Taln Kawin; CMYK (China) pushes the limits of drink design, blending colour and concept with Ethan Liu at the helm; and Proof (Calgary) represents Canada with the kind of warm hospitality and top-tier drinks that have made it a national favourite. Advance bookings for the first hour; after that, it’s survival of the swiftest! DETAILS

AGAVE | To access sultry, Miami-themed bar and performance venue, The Flamingo Room, enter through the side door next to Havana on Commercial Drive, and follow the pink-painted staircase into a subterranean oasis. There, from 2–4pm, Eli Martínez (Tlecān) leads an agave seminar; then commandeers the bar from 7–10pm. Reserve a stool or stand shoulder‑to‑shoulder. Hat tip to Beverage Collective for this one! DETAILS

CANADYLANS AT AMA | Pearl‑diver-chic Ama’s softly lit bar and late‑night hours make it the ideal landing spot after a long day (or night). And on Sunday things turn up a notch from 11pm until 2am, when the “Three Dylans” — Dylan Brentwood (Bar Tailfeather), Dylan Malonez (Bar Mordecai) and house host Dylan Riches — join forces for a one‑off service celebrating Canada’s cocktail scene. Expect four-to-six playful drinks built on Suntory and Fernet‑Branca, plus late‑night bites from chef Sean Yuen. First come, first served; no reservations. Just slip in and let the night run its course. DETAILS

INTERNATIONAL | Bagheera is back at it with a one-night-only bartender takeover featuring stars from some of the world’s best bars: Riccardo Rossi of Freni e Frizioni (Rome), Davide Bagnato of Danico (Paris), Deke Dunne of Allegory (Washington, DC), Arnaud Savard of Bar Bello (Montreal), and Raven Dales of Kinu (Victoria). Expect bold cocktails, high energy, and vinyl cuts. Reservations are available for the first hour, with walk-ins welcome thereafter. Early arrival is advised. DETAILS

CLOAKROOM TAKEOVER  | The cheeky younger sibling to Main Street’s Anh and Chi restaurant, Good Thief brings it’s Vietnamese “nhậu” mischief to host a playful, one-night aperitivo takeover with Montreal’s The Cloakroom Bar. Andrew Whibley brings refined cocktails with a Southeast Asian twist, reimagining the Vietnamese tradition of “nhậu” in a fun, global context. The 40-seat space will be abuzz with the perfect balance of chill and chaotic, taking you from a quiet bite to full-on party mode. DETAILS | *Before the main event, from 3-5pm, head to sister spot Anh & Chi for a pop-up with with Evelyn Chick, of Toronto’s Simpl Things. Limited spots available; book via TOCK.

ACROSS CANADA | Gatsby‑esque hotel lobby bar, Prophecy, turns national showcase when nine Canadian heavy‑hitters pour in four back‑to‑back sessions, showcasing cocktails from some of the country’s top bars and rising stars. On the roster: Civil Liberties (Toronto), Calliope Draper (Edmonton), The Cloakroom Bar (Montreal), Simpl Things (Toronto), Mother (Toronto), Bar Mordecai (Toronto), Missy’s (Calgary), Atwater Cocktail Club (Montreal), and Bar Pompette (Toronto). Basically: a night of liquid genius that you won’t want to miss. DETAILS

MEADOWLARK x CHICKADEE | Bartenders Nico Rodriguez and Shane Sullivan (Meadowlark, Chicago)are bringing their sharp techniques and clean flavours to the neon-drenched lounge at The Chickadee Room. Expect drinks that go down nice and easy under the soft glow of flamingo pinks and palm tree silhouettes. DETAILS 

CANDELARIA x CHICKADEE ROOM | Paris institution Candelaria steps behind the bar Sunday night, transforming The Chickadee Room into a dimly lit fever dream of tacos, mezcal, and serious cocktail craft. “This hidden gem demands a place on the after-dark itinerary of anyone with a penchant for authentic Mexican food and a thirst for agave-based spirits. On entering, guests find themselves in a taqueria-style joint before accessing the stylish bar via a door at the back. Friendly staff provide a warm welcome, along with potent cocktails such as ‘La Guepe Verte’.”Known for setting the tone in the global bar scene, they’re dropping into Chinatown for one night only. Arrive ready for bold spirits and a very good time. DETAILS

BAR BELLO | Small but confident Bar Gobo hums with warm wood, spinning vinyl, and a mirrored bar that catches it all. The name — Japanese for ‘burdock’ — ties it to sibling restaurant Burdock & Co, while also being a cheeky a nod to its offbeat charm. Gobo is polished without pretence, sharp without showing off. From 8pm onwards, Montreal’s Bar Bello swaps noir for disco. Think, aperitivo, italophile cocktails, and a playlist with a proud swagger. We’re super in to it. DETAILS

KUMIKO | Acclaimed bartender Julia Momosé, of Chicago’s Kumiko, brings her elegant, precise style to Meo for a special late-night takeover. Open to the public, the evening offers a rare chance to experience cocktails from one of North America’s top bars, celebrated for its refined blend of Japanese and American influences. Set in Meo’s slinky, low-lit lounge — where everything feels just a little more glamorous after dark — guests can sip and linger, ordering off of the regular menu, while the night slowly and beautifully unfolds. DETAILS

ST. GERMAIN SOIREE | Beginning at 10pm, the Jungle Room, in Vancouver’s West End, hosts a special St. Germain Soirée, featuring guest bartenders from top-ranked bars across North America. Expect standout cocktails and lively conversation from the teams behind Café de Nadie (Mexico City), Atwater Cocktail Club (Montreal), Service Bar (Washington, DC), Bar Pompette (Toronto), Experimental Cocktail Club (New York), and Double Chicken Please (New York). Arrive early; space is limited.

EL GALLO | Things go late and loose at Laowai as Guadalajara’s El Gallo Altanero rolls in with some serious backup. From 10pm ‘til late, catch guest shifts from an all-star lineup of agave lovers and cocktail makers: Eli Martínez (Tlecān), Max Reis (Mirate), Christine Wiseman and more. Expect loud energy, deep agave spirits, and rare bottles getting their well-deserved moment. It’s going to be a night of serious pours, good vibes, and cocktails that demand respect. Extend your weekend and pour one out till the small hours. DETAILS

BAR RAVAL x CHICKADEE  |One of Toronto’s most beloved bars, Bar Raval closes out Monday with a high-energy, high-volume pop-up at Chickadee. Think Spanish flavours and drinks built to impress. If you like your cocktails with a side of swagger, don’t miss this one.DETAILS 

MARGARITA PARTY | Botanist is holding a tribute to the game-changing Tommy’s Margarita, which swaps out the orange liqueur for agave nectar, letting the tequila take the lead; it’s clean, sharp, and less sweet than the classic – just tequila, lime juice, and agave. Industry legends Dré Masso (co-creator of Altos Tequila) and Iain McPherson (of Edinburgh’s Panda & Sons) are stepping behind the bar for an afternoon of expertly crafted Tommy’s and Palomas. Then, settle in for a rare seminar with Julio Bermejo, head bartender at Tommy’s Mexican Restaurant, and the man who put this version of the Margarita on the map. The seminar is free to attend, but space is limited. RSVP to lock it in; walk-ins will also be welcome if there’s room. DETAILS

BAR POMPETTE x CHICKADEE ROOM | Toronto’s Bar Pompette brings its refined French cocktail energy to Vancouver for a midday takeover at The Chickadee Room. This is elegance without the attitude— A perfect excuse to start Monday a little early. DETAILS 

PRE-GAME | The afternoon warm-up for the 50 Best Bars ceremony goes down at Bagheera, with Nutmeg & Clove (Singapore) joining forces with Silver Lyan (Washington, DC) for heritage twists and hotel-bar-style polish in a very classy kind of chaos. Reservations are open for the first hour; after that, it’s walk-ins only — because what’s a pre-party without a little unpredictability? You’ll need a password to gain entry, so place your bet on “King Louie.” DETAILS

POST-GAME | Celebrate the whole shebang by joining an exclusive post-ceremony guest bartender event, going down at Laowai from 6-11pm. The evening will showcase cocktails from Meadowlark (Chicago) – a cozy bar with a warm, speakeasy atmosphere – and Limantour (Mexico City). The Coldroom (Montreal) brings the energy of a hidden Montreal spot with memorably immersive cocktail experiences; while Eximia (Sao Paulo) introduces refined cocktails made using unique Brazilian ingredients. Experience world-class bartending, creative drinks, and unforgettable vibes in one of Vancouver’s most dynamic spaces. Don’t miss this opportunity to sip cocktails from some of the world’s most acclaimed bars! DETAILS

TEAM USA | Mount Pleasant Vintage is about to get a taste of New York, in a takeover dubbed “The City That Never Sleeps – NYC in YVR.” This is a seriously stacked lineup, featuring nine of NYC’s top bars, all included on the current North America’s 50 Best Bars list: Double Chicken Please, Martiny’s, Overstory, Katana Kitten, Superbueno, Clemente Bar, Angel’s Share, and Employees Only. Damn! It’s a night to look past the tariff tension and celebrate what makes the hospitality scene great on both sides of the border. So, raise a glass, share a laugh, and enjoy the kind of cocktails only NYC can deliver. DETAILS

HANKY PANKY x BRUJAS x CHUPITO | Now, this is how you close out a week of cocktail events with style: Chupito welcomes the remarkable women behind Mexico City’s Brujas and Hanky Panky for one unforgettable night. Brujas crafts cocktails inspired by traditional herbalists (curanderas) whose wisdom with herbs and flowers brings healing and magic into every sip. Whereas Hanky Panky, guided by the incomparable Gina Barbachano, charms with sophisticated drinks and the kind of warmth you can feel deep in your bones. And Chupito, a Michelin-recognized bar led by Tara Davies, sets the perfect stage for this delicious collaboration. It’s a night you’ll talk about long after the last glass is empty.
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ELEM x RAYO | To wrap it all up nicely, ELEM is throwing down a one-night-only event featuring guest bartender Audrey Hands from Mexico City’s top-tier Rayo mixing her signature drinks alongside ELEM’s own Winnie Sun. In addition to the drinks Chef Vish Mayekar will be adding some inventive Mexican-inspired dishes to the menu. Reservations are available online, or just show up for a taste of something great. DETAILS

CLOVER CLUB x BOTANIST | Experience the craftsmanship of Julie Reiner, owner of New York’s Clover Club and Milady’s, when she posts up at Botanist Bar from 3-5pm. Julie Reiner has shaped the cocktail scene for 25 years, starting with Flatiron Lounge in 2003, and eventually co-founding The Pegu Club in 2005. Influenced by her Hawaiian roots, she emphasizes fresh, high-quality ingredients in her classic cocktails at Clover Club. Don’t miss this chance to discover the renowned cocktails that define modern mixology by enjoying her signature drinks, like the Clover Club and Milady’s Martini. DETAILS

JIGGER & PONY x BAR KUMIKO x KEEFER | In a week when just about every bar in the city is running wild with guest shifts and pop-ups, The Keefer Bar—the moody, apothecary-inspired heavy hitter that consistently ranks among the best in Canada—is doing what it does best: being The Keefer by keeping its schedule deliberately clear so visiting bartenders, cocktail wonks, and curious locals can experience the bar with its regular powerhouse crew. The one exception? Wednesday, April 30th, from 6–10PM, when Singapore’s Jigger & Pony—currently No. 5 at The World’s 50 Best Bars 2024 and No. 3 at Asia’s 50 Best—takes over the room along with Chicago’s Bar Kumiko (#19 on North America’s 50 Best Bars list) for a one-night-only run of Nikka whisky cocktails. No suprise: Reservations are strongly encouraged.

SPECIAL MENU | While not an event in and of itself, it’s worth mentioning that in celebration of the 50 Best Bars hitting town, participating Commercial Drive establishments will be tempting cocktail lovers to crawl the neighbourhood with a special menu, from April 25th to May 2nd only. This menu features four creative collaboration drinks, each priced at $16 for a full 2oz pour. “This initiative is a tribute to all the bartenders who make this city’s cocktail culture so vibrant, and a toast to the incredible bars in Vancouver that have been recognized on the list.” Featured collaborations include: