Liquor samples, local cocktail lounges, food trucks and (yes) acrobatics come together this Saturday when the Carnival of Cocktails stampedes into downtown’s Main Street Station from noon to 7 p.m.
The event started in Seattle in 2019 as part of a larger Seattle Cocktail Week celebration. “You can sample all different cocktails and spirits and leave educated,” event founder Amy Faulker says. “It’s an opportunity to try a bunch of different beverages and experiment with what you like and don’t like.”
Faulkner lives in Seattle, but grew up in Richmond and loves the city, so when she looked to expand the Carnival of Cocktails, it was a natural fit. “We want to celebrate Richmond and the amazing food and drink scene,” she says.
On Saturday, your $54.99 ticket will get you a dozen tasting tokens that can be used for neat liquor samples or mini-cocktails. Faulkner estimates there will be about 80 different liquors to choose from. Along with participating liquor brands serving sips, seven local restaurants, such as Emerald Lounge, The Verdant Lady and Black Lodge will host pop-up bars with craft cocktails as well.
Two educational speakeasies will offer master classes throughout the day, including a Milagro Tequila master class and tasting and Unleashing Apple Brandy’s Cocktail Potential. Check out the Carnival of Cocktails website for a complete list of brands, events and to purchase tickets.
There will be five food trucks parked outside so attendees can enjoy a few drink samples, step outside for food, then re-enter for more libations. The carnival portion comes into play with the entertainment — DJ J Dream will be playing music and Richmond’s own Host of Sparrows Aerial Circus will be performing.
While there will be plenty to drink, Faulkner emphasizes that the day is really about education.
“You’ll leave knowing more about the Richmond cocktail scene, knowing more about the spirits you like and don’t like, and knowing what to choose at the liquor store or restaurant,” Faulkner says. “You’ll get answers to the questions you can’t always ask your local bartender on a busy night.”
Carnival of Cocktails is held on Saturday, Oct. 21 at Main Street Station, 1500 E. Main St., from noon to 7 p.m. Visit the website for more details.
