raditionally a trade-only affair, this year, Sydney Bar Week is open to the public. This time around, passionate bar-goers have the chance to sample some of the world's finest spirits, attend master classes held by our much loved bar professionals and even take home a discounted bottle or two.

The week’s headlining event is Drinks Fest, which will be held at the Overseas Passenger Terminal at The Rocks. For the first time at Sydney Bar Week, visitors will be able to actively engage with those responsible for creating our nation’s vibrant nightlife scene.

The latest brands on the market will also be featured, with tastings of new ciders, beers and cocktail ingredients such as specialty spirits and syrups on offer.

In essence, Sydney Bar Week’s purpose is to celebrate mixology as a whole, so seminars that cover a range of styles form an integral part of the function. Make sure you look out for the Tiki Safari and the Hands-on Mixology class.

When food forces its way to the forefront of discussion, the Sunset BBQ will be ready to go, allowing you to wind down and nourish yourself, while watching the sunset over Sydney Harbour.

To kick things off, we recommend that you attend some of the week’s designated dinners, tours or parties. Adventure around Sydney’s bar scene on Ketel One’s CBD Speakeasy Bar Tour, or acquaint yourself with some refined New York brasserie-style entertainment at our Sydney favourite, The Morrison.

As the week’s finale, Australian Bartender magazine will be hosting the nation’s annual Bar Awards, where Australia’s Bar of the Year, Small Bar of the Year, Best Drinks Selection and the most coveted title, Bartender of the Year, among others will be announced.

For more information, visit the Bar Week website.

Sydney Bar Week September 22 to September 25.

Drinks Fest: September 23 (public) and September 24 (traders only).