The Bar Journal

The vibrant city of Barcelona is set to raise the bar for global drinks culture once again with the launch of Barcelona Cocktail Fest (BCF) 2026, taking place 18th–19th April 2026 at Palo Alto in Poblenou. Formerly known as the “Paradiso Sustainability Summit”, the reimagined event marks its 5th anniversary with an expanded vision that reaches far beyond traditional trade shows to blend creativity, sustainability, and community in one forward-thinking celebration of cocktail culture.

For ItalSpirits, the partnership behind this new chapter represents a bold commitment to innovation, collaboration, and the future of hospitality worldwide.

At the heart of this transformation is a partnership between Giacomo Giannotti, founder of the award-winning Paradiso Bar, and ItalSpirits by Giuseppe Gallo, the global on-trade marketing and events agency renowned for creating immersive brand experiences. Together, they are reimagining what a cocktail festival can be, one that connects industry professionals, consumers, and the wider community through creativity, sustainability, and innovation.

A Broader Vision for the Industry

Under the theme “FutureProof – Reimagining the Industry for What Comes Next,” BCF 2026 will gather bartenders, brands, producers, and hospitality leaders from around the world to explore the future of cocktail culture. The festival expands beyond traditional trade shows, blending professional insight with city-wide celebration.

During the run-up to the festival, Barcelona will come alive with pop-ups, bar takeovers, and collaborations, uniting international talent with the city’s dynamic hospitality scene. The main event at Palo Alto will feature exclusive tastings, brand showcases, and masterclasses, offering a complete journey through contemporary cocktail culture.

ItalSpirits: Driving Innovation and Connection

As co-producer and programming partner, ItalSpirits plays a key role in shaping the festival’s creative direction and trade engagement and will curate activations and seminars across the city, connecting global brands with the vibrant energy of Barcelona’s local scene.

The collaboration with Giannotti combines Paradiso’s visionary spirit with ItalSpirits’ global experience to ensure the festival feels authentic to Barcelona while resonating across the international bar world. Together, they are creating a platform that is as inclusive as it is inspiring, designed to engage professionals and enthusiasts alike.

A Festival of Creativity and Sustainability

BCF 2026 will feature headline pop-ups from celebrated venues including Himkok (Oslo), Native (Singapore), Alquímico (Cartagena), Röda Huset (Stockholm), and Angelita (Madrid), alongside the home team from Paradiso. Panels shaped with The Sustainable Restaurant Association (SRA) will explore forward-looking themes such as ingredient innovation, regenerative practices, and circular design that are all core to the festival’s FutureProof philosophy.

Looking Ahead

With ItalSpirits as a driving force, Barcelona Cocktail Fest 2026 is set to redefine the global cocktail landscape, connecting creativity, community, and sustainability in one world-class celebration.

With live DJs, networking lounges and the city’s best food trucks, the world’s best bars, brands, and bartenders will gather in Barcelona to toast to the future of drinks culture at this two-day event.