Cocktail City Is Live: Belfast Whiskey Week Launches Its Biggest Cocktail Celebration Yet

On Thursday 30 July 2026, we take over Common Market, Belfast for the Cocktail Takeover: 10 speciality cocktail bars, live music, exclusive merch, street food and a room full of neon energy. If you’ve ever wanted to attend the cocktail party of your dreams, this is it.

Browse all Cocktail City events or grab your Cocktail Takeover tickets now.

What is Cocktail City?

Cocktail City is Belfast Whiskey Week’s dedicated cocktail programme — and in 2026 it comes in two equal parts:

50% Cocktail Making. Hands-on masterclasses where you shake, stir and build serves yourself, guided by some of Belfast’s best mixologists. Explore the Cocktail Making sessions →

50% Cocktail Showcase. Sit back and sip as our experts do the work — including a guided afternoon showcase touring a different whisky region each day, so you can swirl and discover the styles that define world whiskey. See the Cocktail Showcase lineup →

Whether you want to learn the craft or simply enjoy the results, there’s a Cocktail City event with your name on it.

Cocktail Takeover 2026 at Common Market

The centrepiece of Cocktail City is the Cocktail Takeover — one unmissable night where we transform Common Market into Belfast’s liveliest cocktail destination.

Your ticket unlocks 5 bespoke cocktails, curated exclusively for Cocktail City and Belfast Whiskey Week, created in collaboration with our favourite mixologists and spirits brands. Roam between 10 speciality cocktail bars pouring exquisite twists on traditional serves alongside brand-new creations you won’t taste anywhere else.

Expect a showcase of Irish whiskies, Irish gins and local rums, all wrapped in neon lights, live music and that unmistakable Belfast buzz.

When and where

• Date: Thursday 30 July 2026, from 6:00pm
• Venue: Common Market, Belfast
• Included: 5 bespoke cocktails · 10 speciality bars · live music

Tickets: from £35 (and a free one for your crew)

Three ticket options, all available now:

• Early Bird — £35: entry, 5 cocktails and live music
• Standard — £40: entry, 5 cocktails and live music
• Merch & Food Exclusive — £50: everything above, plus a Follow the Glow tee and a food voucher for Common Market outlets

3 ain’t a crowd: buy 2 tickets and get a 3rd free — applied automatically at checkout. Round up your crew and follow the glow together.

Early Bird tickets are limited, so don’t sleep on the £35 price.

Why Cocktail Takeover should be in your diary

Belfast’s cocktail scene has never been stronger, and Belfast Whiskey Week 2026 puts it centre stage. The Cocktail Takeover is your chance to taste what happens when the city’s most creative mixologists collaborate with leading spirits brands under one roof — with a soundtrack, street food and neon glow to match.

Last year’s Cocktail City events sold out, and with Early Bird pricing and the 3-for-2 offer, we expect Common Market to fill fast.

Get your tickets now

Cocktail City is live and tickets are on sale today:

• Cocktail Takeover 2026 — Common Market, Thursday 30 July
• All Cocktail City events — making classes and showcases

Sip, swirl and tour the world — we’ll see you under the neon.

Please note: Cocktail Takeover is an 18+ event. ID may be required on arrival. Please drink responsibly.