The 1920s Roar Once Again at the 2013 Speakeasy Cocktail Festival
Enjoy a daylong celebration of Prohibition era cocktails and experiences at the Event Center at Opera
The Speakeasy Cocktail Festival is aiming to bring the opulence and taste of Gatsby to thousands of thirsty Atlantans this October. The annual gala event will take place Saturday, October 26, at the Event Center at Opera with two identical sessions from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. and again from 5 to 8 p.m.
The 1920s were a decade of extremes, and the Speakeasy Cocktail Festival aims to celebrate past times with the “bee’s knees” of Atlanta galas. We require for admittance feathers and fedoras, pinstripes and pearls and all era inspired attire to insure a costumed fun traditional walk down a 1920’s memory. Local bands Cicada Rhythm and Lives of the Monster Dogs along with DJ TJ and burlesque-inspired performances by Dangerous Curves and the Sadie Hawkins and Marilyn Chen duo will entertain guests throughout the sessions. In addition to the lavish music, decoration and costumes, events and libations will center on imaginative, Prohibition-styled lounges:
The Speakeasy Liquid Lounges
Themed drinks will be served in various Liquid Lounges throughout the venue. The lounges will provide tastings of an array of cocktails, beer and wine in a 2.5 ounce souvenir glass from vendors across the country including E. & J. Gallo Winery (Official Wine Sponsor) and Savannah Distributing (Official Beer Garden Sponsor).
Cigar Lounge presented by Lex 12
The Cigar Lounge provides a sampling of on-site, premium hand-rolled cigars and little cigars to impress every level of cigar enthusiast, as well as exclusive spirit selections from Camus & McCormick Distilling Co.
Casino Lounge presented by Dave & Buster’s and MGM Grand Resorts
Attendees can play poker, blackjack, roulette and craps and enjoy exclusive spirits from Hedonist Cognac. Chip leaders and poker table winners of each session will have the opportunity to win a premium prize package from Dave & Buster’s and a MGM Grand Resort’s three night stay for two at the Beau Rivage Resort and Casino in Biloxi, Miss., with airport transportation and a private jet flight.
VIP Lounge presented by Patron Spirits
The VIP Lounge provides an extra dash of ritz to an already luxurious event. Guests purchasing a VIP ticket will have access to special Patron Spirits tastings, entry to win a Beau Rivage Resort trip package (as outlined above) and drink specials at Article 14 Restaurant.
The night wouldn’t be complete without a little competition, and the Gala delivers on its promise of an exciting with the following contests.
Makers & Shakers Mixology Championships presented by McCormick Distilling Co.
A selection of Atlanta’s most elite mixologists will compete in this head-to-head, secret ingredient bar-tending contest that will extend through both sessions and culminate in a final challenge at the end of session two.
Speakeasy Prohibition-Era Costume Contest
A “who-wore-it-best” costume contest for guests where session winners receive a Beau Rivage Resort and Casino package (as outlined above).
General admission tickets are $75 per session and VIP tickets are $110 per session; all tickets include 10 tasting tabs. Tickets are available online at www.speakeasycocktailfestival.com/tickets.
The Atlanta Event Center at Opera is located at 1150 Crescent Ave. NE, Atlanta, Ga., 30309, and can be reached at 404.874.3006. For more information on the 2013 Speakeasy Cocktail Festival please visit www.speakeasycocktailfestival.com or email info@speakeasycocktailfestival.com.
About The Speakeasy Cocktail Festival
The Speakeasy Cocktail Festival is Atlanta’s first ever event celebrating the past, the progression and the artistry of the entire culture surrounding hooch and its evolution to the cocktails of today. The festival is an innovative approach to exploring the world of cigars and cocktails with experts and enthusiasts alike. For more information, please visit www.speakeasycocktailfestival.com.