The Maybe Cocktail Festival returns for its fourth year from 14–19 April, bringing 25 world renown bars into one city, across one week.
The lineup leans heavily on the 2025 World’s 50 Best Bars list. Connaught Bar, Tres Monos, Alquímico, Locale Firenze and Sip & Guzzle are all confirmed, alongside Handshake Speakeasy, which took out World’s Best Bar in 2024. Several venues from the extended 51–100 list also round out the international contingent.
Elsewhere, the mix covers serious ground. Trick Dog brings its West Coast reputation, while Bar Madonna leans into Italian American drinking culture. Kaito del Valle, Guste & Johanna, Smoke & Bitters and Sin + Tax extend the reach further, joined by Montana – the daiquiri-focused sister bar to Bar Leone – and Singapore’s Atlas.
Australia isn’t sitting this one out. Melbourne bars Above Board, Byrdi, and Caretaker’s Cottage are part of the 22-strong local lineup.
Across six nights, the format stays simple – guest shifts, collaborations, and walk-in events. Venues include Maybe Sammy, Dean & Nancy on 22, El Primo Sanchez, Maybe Frank, Bar Allora, Bar Tilda, Cibaria, and El Vista at Pullman Quay Grand Sydney Harbour.
Festival Director Stefano Catino isn’t calling it a milestone year. “Each year we’ve tried to lift the standard while keeping the spirit of the week intact,” he says. “It’s not about putting on a show for the sake of it. It’s about getting the bars that are setting the pace globally behind our own counters.”
Access stays consistent. Most events are walk-in only, with a $26 token purchased on arrival, redeemable for drinks.
On the partnership side, Accor returns as a major backer, continuing its relationship with The Maybe Group following the launch of Table For and the opening of Bar Allora and Acapulco El Vista in 2025. American Express also joins as a major sponsor, with cardholder offers to follow.
With 25 international and domestic bars landing for one week, the Maybe Cocktail Festival is set to shake up Sydney night life again this April.