Tales of the Cocktail, an annual festival that celebrates both the professional side of cocktail lovers and their more bacchanalian instincts, is returning on July 16. This year’s theme is “cultivate.” 

Founded in 2002, Tales of the Cocktail has grown with each passing year, expanding from a walking tour of historic bars to become the world’s premier cocktail festival. Whether a professional bartender or just a red solo mixologist on weekends, the festival is open to all, though the educational aspects are geared towards those already in the industry. 

Throughout the six-day festival, from July 16 to July 21, there will be over 300 events to attend, including the Barfly Mixology Gear Poolside Pop-up Shop, a seminar titled Art, Ingredients and Alchemy: The Italian “Spirit” presented by the Italian Trade Commission, a tasting room event named Mai Tai Mafia presented by Liquid Alchemist Syrups, a spirited dining event sponsored by Heavy Metl at Sylvain, and more.

Tales of the Cocktail grants access to the tasting rooms with a tasting room access wristband, which may be purchased for $125 or may be granted with $150 in event ticket purchases–these event tickets include purchased access to seminars, happy hour and the cocktail tour. The festival will start on Tuesday, July 16 at 1 p.m. with the Toast to Tales event. Tales of the Cocktail is hosted by the Royal Sonesta New Orleans, at 300 Bourbon St.

For a full schedule of the festival’s events, click here. Tickets are available through the festival’s website, here.