The Best Boozy Festivals In New York City

Seven Big Apple Events Featuring Wines, Craft Beers, Tequila and Bloody Marys

It’s no surprise that a place called “The City that Never Sleeps” would have an incredible party scene. And even beyond that, New York City is also home to a wide variety of alcohol-related festivals that not only encourage broadening your horizons when it comes to booze but gives you an excuse to day drink with your best buds.

Here are some of the best must-visit boozy festivals in New York City.

The Bloody Mary Festival

The Bloody Mary was invented by a bartender at New York City’s King Cole Bar. At the time of its inception, it was referred to as the Red Snapper. Every year the Bloody Mary Festival celebrates this world famous brunch drink with innovative variations, incredible garnishes, live music, and industry experts to determine who wins the crown for the best Bloody Mary. If you’re heading out at brunch time, remember to book shuttle tours New York City style, so you have a way back to your hotel.

Five Boro Craft Beer Fest

Craft beer lovers rejoice! Every spring in New York City, the Five Boro Craft Beer Fest takes place. Featuring 50 brewers and over one hundred types of craft beer, including new concoctions never before released, this festival is a great way to get a taste of the different New York neighborhoods. Limited tickets are sold to this event to ensure no lineups and enough beer for everyone. Local restaurants cater the event, and live music plays throughout the day.

The New York City Wine and Food Festival

The New York City Wine and Food Festival is the cream of the crop when it comes to boozy events in the Big Apple. Hosted by the Food Network and sponsored by Coca-Cola, this festival features over 100 wineries and over 500 various chefs, entertainers, and experts from the Food Network. The proceeds from the event go to hunger-related charities, and organizers guarantee that there is something for every sweet tooth, connoisseur, and carb-lover.

Whiskey Feast

New to New York City, Whiskey Feast presents a combination of whiskey drinks and Southern cooking. The food will feature over 20 Southern-inspired meals–yes, fried chicken is a must– and over 100 whiskeys, cocktails, and beer. The hosts of the event, Cannonball Productions, also invented a festival called the Bacon and Beer Classic. Coming from these geniuses, the Whiskey Feast must be good!

Beer Mansion

Brooklyn Brewery presents Beer Mansion, which tries to get away from the typical beer festival vibe and engage socialization and cultural education. Don’t let the difference bore you though, there is still a ton of beer, food, and music in addition to art and intrigue. Each room of the mansion has different tastes and different vibes. Think the ultimate house party meets beer festival. The event is so popular that the Brooklyn Brewery has taken it to other cities, including Dallas and Chicago.

Aquarius Secret Summer

For something completely different, head to the Secret Summer festival by Aquarius. This festival supports a farm-to-table experience, promoting environmental consciousness and sustainable fishing. Enjoy bottomless cocktails from various local providers while snacking on high-end seafood. With incredible immersive experiences, including ice sculptures and indoor fire pits, as well as performances by burlesque dancers and aerialists, Secret Summer is unforgettable. Well, if you limit the bottomless cocktails that is.

Know Before You Go

New York City is filled with modes of transportation that don’t include drinking and driving. The subway system is fairly easy to navigate, and there are cabs on every corner. Try to book a hotel near the festival location to make things easier. Carry a business card from the main desk of your hotel so you can easily give your cab driver the address. Drink responsibly and have a boozy blast in the Big Apple!