Inaugural Kansas City Cocktail Festival to Debut on Rock Island Bridge

The two-day event will feature hand-crafted cocktails, live music, and food on the city's newest landmark.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 12:48am

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The inaugural Kansas City Cocktail Festival is set to debut on the Rock Island Bridge on May 16-17, 2026. The event will feature a public grand tasting on Saturday with cocktails, food, and music, followed by an industry day on Sunday with activations across the metro area. Tickets range from $35 to $125, with discounts available for groups.

Why it matters

The Kansas City Cocktail Festival marks the beginning of what organizers hope will become a signature event for the city, bringing together the local hospitality community and cocktail enthusiasts on the newly opened Rock Island Bridge, a 25,000-square-foot public space that can accommodate up to 1,500 people.

The details

The Saturday public grand tasting will run from 7-11 p.m. and include hand-crafted cocktails poured by locally and nationally recognized bartenders, food from River House, and vinyl music spun by Shaun Crowley of Manor Records. VIP ticket holders will have access to an exclusive lounge with heavy appetizers, a complimentary cigar, and premium cocktail offerings. General admission includes unlimited cocktail pours, with food available for purchase. Sunday's industry day will feature a curated series of activations for bartenders and hospitality professionals across the metro area.

  • The inaugural Kansas City Cocktail Festival is set for May 16-17, 2026.
  • The public grand tasting will take place on Saturday, May 16 from 7-11 p.m.

The players

SplitBase Collective

A Kansas City-based hospitality consultancy led by Ryan Maybee and Eddie Crane that produced the festival.

Jon Yeager

The founder of PourTaste and the organizer behind the Nashville and Memphis Cocktail Festivals, who is joining as a producing partner.

Rock Island Bridge

A 25,000-square-foot public space in Kansas City that can hold up to 1,500 people, where the festival will take place.

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What they’re saying

“After nearly 50 years collectively in the Kansas City hospitality industry, Ryan and I are thrilled to resurrect the spirit of POPfest and bring something truly special to this city and everyone who walks onto the bridge.”

— Eddie Crane, Co-Founder, SplitBase Collective

“I was born and raised in KC and I've always admired what Eddie and Ryan have done for the cocktail community here. It's really exciting to bring my festival experience back home and partner with two people I genuinely look up to.”

— Jon Yeager, Founder, PourTaste

What’s next

Tickets for the inaugural Kansas City Cocktail Festival are on sale now, with VIP, general admission, and non-alcoholic/designated driver options available. Organizers are encouraging groups of five or more to purchase tickets together to receive a $10 discount per ticket.

The takeaway

The Kansas City Cocktail Festival represents a new era for the city's hospitality and cocktail scene, bringing together local and national talent to celebrate the city's vibrant culture and community on the iconic Rock Island Bridge. This event has the potential to become a must-attend annual tradition for both industry professionals and cocktail enthusiasts alike.