California Rum Fest & Congress 2026
Rum enthusiasts, industry professionals, and spirits aficionados are set to gather once again for the 11th California Rum Fest & Congress 2026, one of the leading rum-focused events in the United States.
Hosted at the iconic Trader Vic’s Emeryville in the San Francisco Bay Area, the two-day event combines premium rum tastings, educational seminars, networking opportunities, and expert-led discussions designed to elevate appreciation for the rum category. Organized by The Rum Lab, the festival continues its mission of promoting rum education and premiumization.
California Rum Fest & Congress 2026
| Event Info | Details |
|---|---|
| Event Name | California Rum Fest & Congress 2026 |
| Tagline | “Our main goal is to elevate the category of rum through premiumization and #rumeducation.” |
| Date | September 19–20, 2026 |
| Time | Grand Tasting: Sept. 19, 2:00 PM–7:00 PM Rum Congress: Sept. 20, 2:00 PM–7:00 PM |
| Venue | Trader Vic’s Emeryville |
| City | Emeryville, California (San Francisco Bay Area), USA |
| Organizer | The Rum Lab |
| Age | 21+ Only |
About the Event
California Rum Fest & Congress 2026 is a boutique-style spirits event dedicated to showcasing premium rum brands, rum education, and industry networking. According to the organizers, attendees will have access to:
- More than 40 award-winning premium rum brands
- Approximately 200 rum expressions
- Educational seminars and symposiums
- Networking opportunities with industry professionals
- DaiquiriMANIA cocktail experiences
- Presentations from rum experts from around the world
Key Highlights
The event attracts a diverse audience ranging from bartenders and importers to collectors, enthusiasts, and consumers eager to learn more about rum. What Visitors Can Expect:
- 200+ rum expressions available for sampling
- 40+ premium rum brands
- Rum Festival Grand Tasting
- Rum Congress educational symposiums
- Expert-led seminars
- DaiquiriMANIA cocktail bars
- Networking with distillers, importers, distributors, and brand ambassadors
- Industry-focused learning opportunities
- Exclusive VIP tasting experiences
- Limited-capacity Rum Congress sessions
Full Event Schedule
| Date | Time | Activity |
|---|---|---|
| September 19, 2026 | 2:00 PM – 7:00 PM | Rum Festival Grand Tasting |
| September 19, 2026 | Throughout Event | DaiquiriMANIA Cocktail Experience |
| September 19, 2026 | Throughout Event | Brand Seminars & Networking |
| September 20, 2026 | 2:00 PM – 7:00 PM | Rum Congress |
| September 20, 2026 | Throughout Event | Educational Symposiums & Expert Presentations |
Featured Sessions
| Session | Timing |
|---|---|
| VIP Rum Experts Grand Tasting | 1:30 PM – 7:00 PM |
| Industry Trade Session | 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM |
| VIP Rum Enthusiast Session | 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM |
| Intro to Rum Grand Tasting | 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM |
| Rum Congress Symposium | 1:30 PM – 6:30 PM |
Special Guests & Speakers
The organizers have confirmed that the Rum Congress will feature keynote speakers and rum experts from around the world. However, the official 2026 speaker lineup and seminar schedule have not yet been announced.
Event Founder: Federico J. Hernández
Ticket Price
| Ticket Type | Price |
|---|---|
| Intro to Rum Grand Tasting | $75+ |
| VIP Rum Enthusiast | $85+ |
| VIP Rum Expert | $95+ |
| Industry Trade Session | $45+ |
| DaiquiriMANIA Experience | $45+ |
| Rum Congress | $80+ |
Registration: Tickets are available through the official California Rum Fest website and Eventbrite platform. Early booking is recommended due to limited-capacity sessions.
Venue & Location:
Trader Vic’s Emeryville is a legendary waterfront tiki destination known as the birthplace of the original Mai Tai cocktail and remains one of California’s most iconic rum-centric venues.
Venue:
Trader Vic’s Emeryville
Address:
9 Anchor Drive
Emeryville, CA 94608
United States
Why Attend California Rum Fest & Congress 2026?
The event offers something for everyone, from newcomers interested in learning about rum to seasoned collectors and beverage professionals. Benefits of Attending:
- Taste hundreds of premium rum expressions
- Learn directly from global rum experts
- Discover emerging rum brands and trends
- Attend educational seminars and symposiums
- Network with industry leaders and enthusiasts
- Experience the DaiquiriMANIA cocktail program
- Gain deeper insight into rum production and innovation
- Connect with bartenders, distributors, and importers
The Rum Lab:
The Rum Lab is a leading rum-focused event organization dedicated to promoting premium rum through education, consumer engagement, and industry events. The organization also produces major rum events across the United States and internationally, including rum festivals and congresses in Miami, New York, Chicago, Puerto Rico, and Spain.
FAQs
Q: How many rum brands will participate?
Ans: The organizers have announced more than 40 premium rum brands.
Q: How many rum expressions will be available?
Ans: Approximately 200 rum expressions are expected to be available for tasting.
Q: Is the event open to the public?
Ans: Yes, consumers may attend selected tasting sessions. However, attendees must be at least 21 years old.
Q: Will there be educational seminars?
Ans: Yes. The event includes seminars, symposiums, and expert-led educational sessions.
California Rum Fest & Congress 2026 promises an immersive weekend of premium rum discovery, education, and networking in one of the most iconic rum destinations in the United States. With hundreds of rum expressions, world-class seminars, DaiquiriMANIA experiences, and access to global rum experts, the event continues to strengthen its reputation as one of North America’s premier rum gatherings.
