Get ready to raise a glass, Wisconsin. The Badger State is about to host its first-ever Wisconsin Bartender Week, a celebration of the state’s vibrant cocktail culture and the people who make it happen

This inaugural event, which takes place Aug. 18–24, is part of Worldwide Bartender Week, created by award-winning hospitality PR agency Hanna Lee Communications. In Wisconsin, it will be stewarded locally by JC and Monique Cunningham, co-owners of PufferFish, Milwaukee’s acclaimed tropical rooftop bar at 411 E. Mason St. 

With the goal of spotlighting Wisconsin’s rich drinks heritage, driving tourism and supporting local businesses, this celebratory week will showcase special events, signature cocktails crafted with local spirits and the kind of behind-the-bar storytelling that turns a great drink into an unforgettable experience.

Participating Bars

From iconic cocktail lounges to innovative newcomers, participating venues stretch across Wisconsin. 

• Milwaukee: PufferFish, Agency, Bryant’s Cocktail Lounge, Buckley’s, Copper Turtle, Discourse, Glassnote Candle Bar, Haven Cafe, La Piña, Lost Whale, Oggie’s, The Loon Room, The Wolf on Broadway, Tin Window, Uncle Wolfie’s Breakfast Tavern
• Madison: Lola’s Hi/Lo Lounge, Mint Mark, Muskellounge & Sporting Club, Public Parking, The Robin Room
• Appleton: Commodore Club
• Greenfield: Holey Mackerel!
• West Allis: Station No.06
• Neenah: Town Council Kitchen and Bar
• Cedarburg: Union House
• Baraboo: Wiscocktail Lounge

The week at a glance

Monday, Aug. 18
Kick-Off Gala
Milwaukee Public Market, 400 N. Water St.
7 p.m. to 10 p.m.
An exclusive evening celebrating the bars, bartenders, and sponsors that make this week truly unforgettable! Mingle, sip, and toast to what’s ahead.

Tuesday, Aug. 19
The Ultimate Bar Swap
Madison and Milwaukee
Some of Madison and Milwaukee’s hottest spots are swapping and shaking things up! Lola’s Hi/Lo Lounge, The Robin Room and Muskellounge team up with PufferFish, Lost Whale and Bryant’s Cocktail Lounge for a city-wide cross-over bar takeover!

 Wednesday, Aug. 20
A Spirited Tasting Experience
Milwaukee Public Market, 400 N. Water St. 
5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Take off with the Milwaukee U.S. Bartenders’ Guild as curated whiskey and spirit flights from Wisconsin’s finest are explored: La Cross Distilling Co., Dancing Goat, J. Henry & Sons and Central Standard. Spirits experts will guide attendees on how to taste like a pro.

Thursday, Aug. 21
Cheers to 11½ Years
Tin Widow,  703 S. 2nd St.
6 p.m. to close
A “not-quite-twelve” celebration that will never be forgotten with the Eleven-and-a-Half Anniversary Party and Barrel Gin Release featuring the bold, beautiful spirits of Dancing Goat Distillery.

Friday, Aug. 22 and Saturday, Aug. 23
Sip Local, Support Local
Bars throughout Wisconsin (see list above)
Participating bars across the state are shaking things up with Wisconsin-inspired signature cocktails, each one a toast to Wisconsin’s roots, its craft and bar community. 

Sunday, Aug. 24
Last Call, The Final Final
PufferFish, 411 E Mason St.
4 p.m. to 9 p.m.
A send-off event with sponsored flowing cocktails, unmatched energy and legendary vibes. Attendees will raise a glass or two to the crews that made the festival possible.

Wisconsin Bartender Week marks the first U.S. expansion of the popular New York Bartender Week launched in 2024. Other 2025 destinations include India, Kenya and a return to New York in November.

The celebration is supported by an impressive lineup of sponsors including: Bittercube, Central Standard, Dancing Goat Distillery, Heaven Hill, J. Henry & Sons, La Crosse Distilling Co., Miller Brewing Co., Milwaukee Public Market, U.S. Bartenders Guild Milwaukee and Sound by Design.