Tales on Tour

The Tales of the Cocktail Foundation is excited to introduce 'Tales on Tour,' a reimagined initiative designed for 2026, aimed at enhancing education, community, and celebration of cocktail culture for bartenders and hospitality professionals across the United States. Originally launched in 2011 as an international education and cultural exchange series, this program has effectively partnered with local bar communities worldwide to foster knowledge sharing and establish enduring relationships. The upcoming series will expand its reach, delivering the rich Tales experience to new markets while reinforcing the Foundation’s ongoing mission to advance the hospitality industry.The 2026 series kicks off in Chicago, focusing on celebrating women in the industry and advocating for equitable representation behind the bar. Following this, the tour will visit Dallas, Los Angeles, Washington D.C., and conclude in Miami, where the event will take place on October 26 and 27. Prominent brands such as William Grant & Sons, Diageo, and Nestlé Waters & Premium Beverages, including Perrier, Maison Perrier, and Acqua Panna, will serve as tour-wide presenting partners, ensuring a robust support network across all stops, complemented by local partners that add regional flavor and expertise.Each city on the tour will feature a thoughtfully curated program inspired by the complete Tales experience. Attendees can look forward to a variety of activities, including a 'Beyond the Bar' wellness activation, a custom lineup of educational seminars and brand-led sessions, access to the new Tales Lounge for community engagement, Spirited Dining + Drinking experiences, and collaborative Guest Shifts with both visiting and local bartenders. This expanded multi-city initiative, along with its strengthened community partnerships, underscores the Tales of the Cocktail Foundation’s longstanding commitment to support and uplift hospitality professionals throughout the year. The Foundation aims to deepen connections, spark meaningful conversations, and inspire the leaders shaping beverage culture across the nation, while inviting everyone to partake in the learning, celebration, and community that the Spirit of Tales embodies.