The Steamworks will be shaking, stirring and serving on Saturday 28 February as the Sheffield Cocktail Festival returns for its second year – and it’s shaping up to be even bigger than last year’s superb bash!
Following a sold-out debut in 2025, the one-day festival has doubled down on everything punters loved, splitting into two sessions (12–4pm and 6–10pm) to keep the vibes strong throughout. Whether you’re starting the party early or looking for a late-night celebration, there’s a session to suit. As founder Dani Hill puts it: “We can be the start of your night – or we can finish it for you.”
This year’s venue transformation promises a tour through the city’s thriving bar scene without leaving the building. The team have cleverly mapped out “Sheffield streets” inside the venue, with themed zones representing different nightlife hotspots – from Kelham Island and Abbeydale Road to Ecclesall Road and the city centre. “It’s designed so you can explore the city’s drinks scene all in one place,” says Dani. “We’ve even got Little Sheffield and Park Hill covered!”
Expect 25 bars under one roof – mostly independent – each showcasing a signature serve made with support from major drinks brands. Guests can also break it up with a few beers (hello Thornbridge and Guinness) and thoughtful non-alcoholic serves.
Tickets have been flying out, and the VIP allocation is already spoken for. However, standard ticket holders still get two cocktails included, with more available via token from £7.50 a pop. Food-wise, Cowboys Burgers and newcomers Pellizco are on hand to line your stomachs between sips.
New for 2026 is a healthy dose of live music. Festival-goers can catch the ultimate crowd-pleasers, Dynamix, belting out everything from ABBA to Basement Jaxx, with local DJs Andy H and Clipboard also on deck to provide the perfect party atmosphere.
There’s more than bragging rights at stake for the bars involved, too. A panel of judges – including Exposed’s own Lizzy Capps – will award prizes ranging from Best Cocktail to Best Bartender Duo. There’s even a £150 prize up for grabs for the best dressed bar! Festivalgoers get to vote too, creating a healthy bit of competition and celebration – so be sure to keep an eye out if you’re heading down. “It’s about championing the city’s bartenders and venues,” Dani explains. “We want people to discover somewhere new and then go visit them again in person.”
It’s this community spirit that runs through the whole event. From the nod to Sheffield’s neighbourhoods in the layout to showcasing talent from across the city, the festival is as much about celebrating local hospitality as it is about having a great night out. “Sheffield’s very spread out,” says Dani. “We’ve got so many amazing bars and bartenders doing cool stuff in different parts of the city. We just want to bring that together.”
Masterclasses are also on the menu for the curious drinkers. Highlights include a gin-tasting session with Locksley Distilling Co., where guests can mix their own signature G&T using a base spirit and single botanical distillates – perfect for those who fancy playing mixologist for the day.
With early bird tickets flying out, the buzz is building and it’s shaping up to be another packed-out celebration. As Dani puts it: “Plenty of people have done Dry January or been in social hibernation, and the festival arrives the following payday weekend – it’s time to enjoy yourself. And this is the perfect way to do it.”
Tickets are £25 and include two cocktails. Get yours now at sheffieldcocktailfestival.co.uk. Follow @sheffield_cocktail_festival for the latest updates.
