Guest bartenders from Accra and Abidjan, bar takeovers across Lagos and the return of Cocktail Village: here’s what to expect from the festival’s 12th edition.
LAGOS, NIGERIA — Clear your October calendar. Lagos Cocktail Week (LCW) is back from October 16–23, 2026, bringing the best of West Africa’s cocktail scene to the city. The week builds up to the highly anticipated Cocktail Village on October 22 and 23 at Balmoral Convention Centre, Federal Palace Hotel VI, Lagos: Two days of cocktails, entertainment and a Grand Finale worth making plans for.
Under the theme “Africa Pours into Lagos,” bartenders from Accra and Abidjan will join their Lagos counterparts for guest shifts, bar takeovers and a week of new flavours and shared ideas. Nigerian bartenders will also head to Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire, taking a taste of Lagos with them.
For anyone who loves a good night out, the new Lagos Bar Show is one to watch. Replacing the festival’s traditional Bar Hop, it will bring visiting bartenders and local talent together for takeovers at selected venues. Think new cocktails to try, new places to discover and a chance to experience the energy of another African city without leaving Lagos.
The guest shift exchange will feature bartenders from Bissa and Noom in Abidjan, and Front/Back Accra and Number 19 in Accra. Beyond the drinks, it’s a chance for the people shaping these cities’ bar scenes to meet, work together and share what makes each one special.
There’s more on the programme for people who want to get closer to the craft. An industry conference will bring hospitality professionals, brands and bartenders together for conversations about the future of Africa’s bar scene. It will include a gastro-mixology session led by Chef Gibbs and a bar-industry panel convened by bar consultant Zen Master George, with perspectives from professionals including Ralph’s Cocktail.
At Cocktail Village, the popular Bar Battle will move to opening day, while the closing night will become a dedicated Grand Finale with cocktails, participating brands and entertainment.
Speaking about this year’s theme, Lagos Cocktail Week Founder Lara Rawa said:
“Africa shouldn’t be working in silos; we should be building bridges. When bartenders from Lagos, Abidjan and Accra share a bar, we’re not just pouring drinks; we’re pouring culture. Africa Pours into Lagos is about creating a space where our talent, ideas and experiences can move across borders, and showing what becomes possible when Africa’s bar community comes together.”
Now in its 12th year, Lagos Cocktail Week is bringing more African cities into the mix. Whether you’re curious about the craft or simply looking forward to a great time out with the girlies, there’s plenty to look forward to.
Event dates: October 16–23, 2026
Location: Multiple venues across Lagos, culminating in the Cocktail Village Grand Finale at Balmoral Convention Centre, Federal Palace Hotel VI, Lagos.
Lagos Cocktail Week 2026 sponsors
Corporate sponsors: Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture; Eventi Cocktails; Bolt; Sippass; and Balmoral Events.
Drink sponsors: Casamigos; Tanqueray; Gordons; Orijin; Absolut; Gold Bar Whiskey; Nestle; Schweppes; Lords Gin; Cazcabel Tequila; Monin; West Cork Distillers; Natterjack Irish Whiskey; Johnnie Walker; and Smirnoff X1.
