AJABU Cocktail & Spirits Festival - Johannesburg (March 2026)

AJABU 2026: Africa’s Leading Cocktail Festival Returns to Johannesburg - Celebrating Craft, Culture, Community and The Art of The Cocktail.

Africa’s most dynamic cocktail and spirits festival, AJABU, returns to Johannesburg from 7 - 10 March 2026, uniting some of the world’s finest bartenders with Africa’s most exciting bar talent.

Born from the Swahili word meaning miracle or something wondrous, AJABU continues to redefine Africa’s position on the global drinks stage — not just through its world-class events, but by building pathways for education, equity, and representation across the industry.

A festival that celebrates more than cocktails.

AJABU has evolved into a global movement that champions creativity, community, and connection. Each festival edition brings together leading local and international bars to collaborate on exclusive seminars, workshops, experiences and AJABU Mashups; unique one-night pop-ups designed to Celebrate the Art of the Cocktail through African ingredients, stories, and style.

AJABU Mashups

This season, guests are invited to explore select bars across Johannesburg, each offering a signature half-price crafted cocktail (R86) as part of the festival menu. Celebrating collaboration and creativity, globally recognised local distillers, makers, and bar owners as well as international brands have joined forces to curate a series of inspired menus that showcase the very best of Johannesburg’s bars, brands and cocktail culture.

Discover the bars, bartenders, local brands and more information by following our social media platforms for updates.

The Festival

Get Involved as AJABU Celebrates the Art of the Cocktail from 7 - 10 March 2026.

Tickets & Registration:

• Festival access is complimentary and includes entry to all participating bars and festival events.
• AJABU Welcome Desks will be announced shortly for you to collect your AJABU Festival bracelet following your registration online.
• Attend workshops, tastings, and masterclasses for enthusiasts and professionals alike.
• Collect stamps in your AJABU Passport as you follow the AJABU Cocktail Festival

What to Expect:

• Johannesburg will come alive with AJABU Mash ups: World-class bartenders from leading international bars, collaborating with South Africa’s finest bartenders to create once-in-a-lifetime cocktail experiences.
• Across the city, you’ll find unique pop-ups, collaborations, and consumer events, all celebrating African ingredients, creativity and hospitality.
• Explore Johannesburg bars with your AJABU wristband for 4 nights from Saturday to Tuesday.
• Wristband holders can enjoy a unique half-price signature cocktail at R86 in each of the bars on any night during the festival.

How It Works:

1. Register for your wristband by buying your complimentary ticket.
2. You will receive a confirmation email with a QR code.
3. Show your QR code at the Welcome Desks to unlock access to all festival events.

We look forward to sharing all the friendship, love and pleasure of AJABU with you this March – a true celebration of African excellence in cocktails and spirits.