There are just 11 days to go until Sydney Bar Week 2026 takes over the city, bringing five days of competitions, bar takeovers, guest shifts, masterclasses, parties and industry events to Sydney from 12–16 September.
This year’s timetable is packed with events across the city, alongside three of the biggest dates on the Australian bar calendar – Bartender of the Year, the Top 100 Most Influential Party and the 25th Annual Australian Bar Awards.
Bartender of the Year 2026
The Bartender of the Year competition returns during Sydney Bar Week, proudly sponsored by Spirits Academy, with bartenders from around the country competing across four rounds for the 2026 title.
It begins with a one-hour written exam before competitors move into the Sensory Challenge, testing palate, aroma recognition and tasting ability.
The top eight will then progress to the Mystery Challenge, where each bartender will be randomly assigned one Cointreau cocktail and one Highland Park cocktail to produce for the judges.
From there, just three will remain.
Those finalists will compete live at the Top 100 Most Influential Party, where they’ll have 10 minutes to create two original cocktails – one featuring Cointreau and another featuring Highland Park.
There’s plenty on the line this year, with the winner taking home a prize package worth around $6,500, including $5,000 cash, a bottle of Highland Park 25 Year Old and Cointreau 700ml.
The 2026 Bartender of the Year will then officially be crowned at the Australian Bar Awards on Wednesday night.
Top 100 Most Influential Party
On Tuesday, 15 September, the Australian bar industry will come together for the reveal of the 2026 Australian Bartender Top 20 Most Influential, proudly sponsored by Spirits Academy.
Held at RAZZ Room, the party will reveal the final rankings and celebrate the bartenders, operators, venue owners, brand figures and industry leaders who have made an impact on the Australian bar scene.
The event will also play host to the live Bartender of the Year final, giving guests the chance to watch the final three competitors battle it out before the winner is announced the following night.
The 25th Annual Australian Bar Awards
Sydney Bar Week then wraps up with the big one.
The 25th Annual Australian Bartender Australian Bar Awards will take place on Wednesday, 16 September at Doltone House, Jones Bay Wharf, recognising the bars, bartenders, operators, brands and suppliers making their mark across the country.
And this year is a little different. For the first time, tickets have been opened up to the wider hospitality industry rather than being largely exclusive to finalists and invited guests.
That means you don’t need to be nominated to join the celebrations. If you work in hospitality, there is still time to secure a ticket and be in the room when this year’s winners are announced.
And there’s plenty more happening across the city
Outside the three flagship events, the Sydney Bar Week timetable is stacked from start to finish.
The week will see international and interstate bartenders hitting Sydney bars, alongside cocktail competitions, spirit masterclasses, brand activations and late-night parties.
Among the line-up is Mexico City’s Licorería Limantour and Despacho Margarita joining Tailor Room for Precopeo, Adelaide’s trap. taking over Linla, Good Measure heading to Bar Demo, Espolòn Cocktail Fights holding its National Finals at Oxford Art Factory and El Dorado Rum taking over The Lobo for an afternoon dedicated to Demerara rum.
There’s also BARLYMPICS at Old Love’s, The Cibaria Beach Club in Manly, The Willy G Arms at The Magpie, 1800 Tequila teaming up with Melbourne’s Above Board, and plenty more happening throughout the five days.
With just 11 days to go, now is the time to start planning where you’ll be.
Click here to view the full Sydney Bar Week timetable and start planning your week.
