RCR

The Rochester Cocktail Revival (RCR), now in its 8th year, marks the return of the only weeklong cocktail festival in New York State.

RCR kicks off today, August 30, 2021 and runs through September 5, 2021, featuring nearly 40 themed events at more than 20 different bars and restaurants throughout the city of Rochester. Some of the highlights include:

Through the Looking Glass: A Wonderland Garden Party: Taking place Tuesday, August 31 at the George Eastman Museum’s west gardens, this event will feature tea-inspired cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, live music, custom poetry, and lawn games.

Play Date: The 2021 RCR Gala: Taking place Friday, September 3 at the Strong National Museum of Play, this headline event will feature multiple bars, hors d’oeuvres, a special appearance from PUSH Physical Theatre, a live DJ and access to multiple Museum of Play exhibits (including gaming tokens for the arcade). VIP level includes early admission to enjoy a Living Roots wine-inspired cocktail in the Butterfly Garden.

From Margarita to Mescal Mule: The History of Agave Spirits in Cocktails: Taking place Saturday, September 4 at Good Luck, this event will feature New York Times writer and author Robert Simonson as he tracks the improbable upward journey of agave cocktails. Your ticket includes a seat at the seminar and a mezcal cocktail.

The Bar Room Battle Royale: Taking place Sunday, September 5 at Radio Social, the grand finale is where local bartenders will compete head-to-head to earn an ultimate mixologist victory.

Other events will include a carnival at Playhouse // Swillburger, a martini and oysters event at Velvet Belly, a fried chicken showdown, a tiki party, an 80s party, a 90s party, a Jimmy Buffett beach party, and even a seminar on New York’s marijuana laws. For a full list of events, click here.

Tickets for RCR events are available now online

A portion of all proceeds benefits Gilda’s Club Rochester and since 2014, RCR has raised more than $90,000 for their choice charity.

Vaccination and masking policies will be at the discretion of each hosting venue at the time of the event. Online map shows Rochester businesses that require vaccines, masks

Participating Rochester bars and restaurants include: