The Arizona Tiki Oasis Bartenders Battle pits some of the best bartenders in Arizona against each other in a no-holds-barred, head-to-head cocktail throw-down! Sample some of the most innovative tropical cocktails while you cheer on your bartending champion.

This year competitors include:
Antonio Jenkins, representing Devils Hideaway/Idle Hands
Kellen Giblette, representing So Far, So Good
Ricardo Cubillos, representing Platform 18
Tait Ludwick, representing Poppy’s Office

They all may battle, but only ONE can win the title of Arizona Tiki Oasis Bartender Battle Champ 2024!

*Note: Flavors of Arizona event included with this ticket.

With Steve Conrad & Juliet Frew

Steve Conrad and Juliet Frew are back at it, this time they’re teaching us dances from the Big Band Era! Learn the steps of East Coast Swing (6 count Lindy Hop) and Foxtrot. No experience necessary, so complete beginners are welcome. No need to come with a partner to participate. Wear comfortable clothing and shoes that allow you to move on the dance floor surface.

Steve Conrad has been teaching dance around the world for more than 27 years. He has been featured in USA Today and on The Bachelorette, House Hunters, and Little Big Shots: Forever Young, and in numerous music videos. Juliet Frew has been dancing and teaching for more than 13 years and was featured in the music video for Sia’s Cheap Thrills. Steve and Juliet love to share these dances with anyone ready to learn!

Hosted by Kyla Hein & Kyle Rioux

Walk before you run and shake before you strain! Top Professional Mixologists Kyla Hein & Kyle Rioux share what the cocktail books aren't teaching you. Learn the fundamentals used to create cocktails in real bar settings. Gain knowledge about working with varying flavors, spirits, and techniques. Featuring Flavors of Arizona, this seminar also includes an interactive exercise: you will make your own creation and gain hands-on experience to help you become your own master mixologist.

*Note: Flavors of Arizona event included with this ticket

Kyla Hein is the Operating Owner of TWP Hospitality Group, which holds 9 locations in Arizona. She is an award-winning mixologist with a love for the art of cocktail creation, but her true passion lies in eFlavors of Arizonaducation. Kyle Rioux is the National Ambassador for Liquid Alchemist, co-owner of Lore Los Angeles, a spirits educator, and founder of the educational esoteric world spirits society, The Weary Travelers Club

Choose between the 12noon or 1pm session. Curated with Arizona Tiki Oasis in mind — taste the delicious flavors of local products & ingredients! The final Flavors of Arizona lineup is 3 Sheilas Featuring 1921 Tequila, AZ Distilling Co., Grand Canyon Distillery, Milly Moon Kombucha, Roxx Vodka, SanTan Spirits & Twisted Bee Farms.

This event is already INCLUDED with the purchase of these Sunday seminars: "Arizona Tiki Oasis Bartender Battle" AND "Mix Like a Pro".

Presented by Ace Bailey

Did you know that Hotel Valley Ho was once a Hollywood hideaway? In its heyday, the hotel was host to Bing Crosby, Tony Curtis, Janet Leigh, Natalie Wood, and Zsa Zsa Gabor, among others! Designed by acclaimed architect Edward Varney and Associates, Hotel Valley Ho is considered one of the best-preserved Mid-Century Modern hotels in the country. Explore the hotel’s classic design elements during a 90-minute walking tour of the buildings and grounds with resident historian Ace Bailey.

Ace Bailey has worked in the arts and tourism fields for over 20 years. Prior to establishing Ultimate Art & Cultural Tours she designed and conducted art tours both locally and throughout the Southwest, Seattle, and the Northwest. In 2010, Ace was appointed to the Scottsdale Tourism Development Commission. Currently she hosts the Magical HistoryTour at the Hotel Valley Ho.

Charles Phoenix is celebrating ARIZONA like it’s a theme park – A great big tourist wonderland! Arizonaland! is your whirlwind guide to classic roadside attractions, tourist traps, mid-century architecture, and more. With his unbridled enthusiasm and keen eye for oddball details, Charles shares stories of his ARIZONA adventures while lavishing spirited commentary on his collection of vintage Kodachrome slides from the 1950s and 1960s. Be prepared for your imagination to be inspired and your retro Arizona lovin’ spirit to soar!

Mid-Century pop culture expert Charles Phoenix is a performer, author, explorer, and collector celebrating classic and kitschy American life and style. He is known for his spirited live “slide show” performances, classic car JOYRIDE videos, colorful coffee table books, and fun “field trip” tours. He has appeared on Jay Leno’s Garage, Martha Stewart, Conan, The Queen Latifah Show, Cake Wars Christmas, Nailed It, and Storage Wars. The New York Times calls him “the King of Retro.”

Presented by Amir Santiago

Indulge in the art of relaxation as well-respected rum & cigar connoisseurs take you on a sensory journey of premium selections. Explore the origins of some very special aged rums, and the meticulous craft of hand-rolled cigars, a confluence of tradition and innovation. Immerse yourself in an atmosphere of sophistication and camaraderie, where every sip and every puff becomes a celebration of craftsmanship. Elevate your Sip ’n Smoke experience with perfect pairings of Dos Maderas premium rums and Santiago fine cigars, creating memories that linger like the rich smoke of a well-crafted cigar.

Amir Santiago has dedicated his expertise to crafting exquisite cigars through blending and manufacturing since 2012 in the Dominican Republic. With a decade of experience, Santiago Cigars navigate the nuanced world of tobacco, merging tradition and innovation. From nurturing crops to the art of blending, their journey encapsulates the essence of fine cigar craftsmanship. Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Santiago Cigar’s tobacco story, where each leaf tells a tale of dedication and mastery.

Presented by Kris J Kraus & Skip Heller

The Exotica music genre has been dominated by the Big Five: Baxter, Denny, Lyman, Esquivel, and Pandit. But there are countless lesser known artists who still left their mark on the genre. This seminar led by Kris Kraus and Skip Heller will dive deep into artists such as Axel Stordahl, Phil Moore, Ted Auletta, Frank Hunter, Robert Drasnin, Gene Rains, and many others.

Kris J. Kraus is a label owner, collector, philanthropist, and attorney who has tried thirty federal felony jury trials. Kraus earned a BA in Theatre, an MA in American Studies, and a JD. Childhood thrifting excursions with his grandmother in Buffalo, NY sparked his interest in the esoteric and exotic, and he now has a second doctorate in “Swap Meet Studies”. He lives with his wife, Tali and their dogs in San Diego and Joshua Tree. Skip Heller is an American singer, songwriter, and guitarist. Active in many different types of music as a performer, producer, and historian, Skip studied with Robert Drasnin and played with Yma Sumac, among many others. He is currently the leader of the Film Noir Orchestra and The Voodoo 5.

Tropical Tasting Saturday Session 2: During this sit-down event, Arizona Tiki Oasis has curated a unique collection of rum and other spirit brands that go well in tropical cocktails. Interact with makers representing some of our favorite brands and get introduced to NEW brands. Both Saturday sessions are the same, you get to choose the time: 1:00pm or 3:30pm. Sponsored by HULA'S Modern Tiki. Featuring Bumbu Rum, Chinola, Compa Spirits, Don Q Rum, Monkey in Paradise Vodka & Kona Bar Chocolates. Includes your very own complimentary tasting glass!

Presented by Shannon Mustipher & Doc Parks

Rum blend traditions began in 1655 when the first iconic blend was introduced to the world: the British Navy Tot. Over the years, European merchant bottlers created blends of their own, with an emphasis on Caribbean liquors. In the early 2000's, American bar programs began to bring quality rums into their bar programs, including blended rum brands. This seminar, by spirits educator and author Shannon Mustipher, will involve rum tasting and a hands-on blending exercise.

Shannon Mustipher is a spirits educator, beverage consultant, and author. In 2014, she launched Gladys Caribbean, a rum-focused bar and founded Women Who Tiki, a tropical cocktail pop-up for women bartenders. Shannon has been featured in several publications, including Imbibe, Punch.com, GQ.com, and Liquor.com. Her first book, Tiki: Modern Tropical Cocktails, won an IACP Award in 2020. Ms. Mustipher has been inducted into TOTC's Dame Hall of Fame and was the recipient of the Pioneer Award.

Doc Parks is a Hospitality Consultant and Bartender. He is responsible for opening some of the most notable Tiki Bars in Northern California and designing their bar programs, including Pagan Idol and Zombie Village in San Francisco, and Wilfred's Lounge in Downtown Napa. His recipes have been published in The Complete Cocktail Manual: 285 Tips, Tricks & Recipes by Lou Bustamante, as well as Minimalist Tiki by Matt Pietrek and Carrie Smith. Doc is the owner of DDP Hospitality Consulting and DocParksDesigns.com

Presented by Adam Henry

When it comes to tropical drinks, what’s inside the glass (or mug) is only half of the experience. In this class, mixologists from Hidden Harbor in Pittsburgh will teach the ins and outs of tropical garnish and presentation, from the mid-century to the modern, and from the restrained to the more theatrical, including a few showstopper garnishes. Guests will leave with the thought process and practical information necessary to make beautiful, photograph-worthy tropical beverages at their home bars.

Adam Henry is co-owner and cocktail director at Hidden Harbor in Pittsburgh - "America's Most Eccentric Tiki Mecca" (Punch Magazine, 2016). Since opening in 2016, Hidden Harbor has earned national acclaim for its contemporary take on the American Tiki tradition, integrating modern techniques and ingredients into classically inspired Tiki drinks and working closely with dozens of artists to help shape the look of Tiki in the 21st century. @hiddenharbor

Presented by Martin Cate

Donn Beach famously said, “If you can’t get to paradise, I’ll bring it to you.” But for those with the means, paradise was within reach. Join rum and cocktail expert Martin Cate as he explores the 20th Century history of commercial tourism to Hawaii and how that travel industry inspired the fruitful exchange of drinks and arts between Hawaii and the mainland. 

Martin Cate is the owner of Smuggler’s Cove San Francisco, which features the largest rum selection in the U.S and has been featured as one of the World’s 50 Best Bars for six consecutive years. He also co-owns Hale Pele in Portland, False Idol in San Diego, California Gold in San Rafael, and Max’s South Seas Hideaway in Grand Rapids, MI. Martin and Rebecca Cate's best-selling book Smuggler’s Cove: Exotic Cocktails, Rum, and the Cult of Tiki won the 2017 James Beard Award.

Tropical Tasting-During this sit-down event, Arizona Tiki Oasis has curated a unique collection of rum and other spirit brands that go well in tropical cocktails. Interact with makers representing some of our favorite brands and get introduced to NEW brands. Both Saturday sessions are the same, you get to choose the time: 1:00pm or 3:30pm. Sponsored by HULA'S Modern Tiki. Featuring Bumbu Rum, Chinola, Compa Spirits, Don Q Rum, Monkey in Paradise Vodka & Kona Bar Chocolates. Includes your very own complimentary tasting glass!

Presented by Chris Nichols

Phillumenists often collect matchbooks with a certain theme, such as pin-ups or advertising. Mid-century architecture is the favorite matchbook theme for writer and phillumenist Chris Nichols. Sometimes matchbooks are the only surviving relic from a long lost roadside attraction, so Nichols closely investigates the tiny scraps of cardboard for clues about his favorite googie restaurants, hotels, and bowling alleys. Marvel at the Atomic Age treasures from his personal archive and hear the stories behind the treasure hunts!

Chris Nichols is a preservationist and senior editor at Los Angeles magazine. He formerly worked with the Los Angeles Conservancy Modern Committee. In addition to creating tours, exhibitions, and lectures about historic Los Angeles, Nichols has advocated for endangered buildings all over Southern California. His books include Walt Disney’s Disneyland for Taschen and The Leisure Architecture of Wayne McAllister. He writes the Ask Chris column in Los Angeles magazine and has served on the board of Hollywood Heritage.

Presented by Steve Conrad & Juliet Frew

FREE EVENT! Learn to play the ukulele in one day! Join Steve Conrad and Juliet Frew for a strum and sing session where you will learn chords, strums, and fingerpicking styles for simple songs. No experience is necessary, but please bring a ukulele!

Steve Conrad and Juliet Frew met at Tiki Oasis Arizona several years ago and have been teaching and performing ukulele together ever since. They enjoy sharing their love for the ukulele and creating fun and easy-to-follow classes for their students.

Presented by Ed Helbig

Do you already have a tiki room or bar that you want to renovate? Or maybe you are planning a brand new space? Ed Helbig uses his expertise as a Set & Production Designer to empower you with a storytelling mindset to design your own unique space  — whether it is tiki, tropical, or fantasy. You will walk away with a plan to develop a creative and dynamic environment of your very own.

Ed Helbig has been a television Production Designer for nearly 30 years. He is an Emmy and Peabody Award winner and an eight-time Emmy nominee. Helbig has built ski slopes in the middle of Rockefeller Center and found set pieces for eight Olympic games. He has overseen the Today Show for 24 years, has designed Christmas in Rockefeller Center since 1997, and works on the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and the Rose Parade.

Presented by Christopher Crump

Rolly Crump (1930-2023) is a Disney imagineer legend — he even had his own window on Main Street, U.S.A! But many people do not know that he was also a prolific artist beyond his Disney work. His son Christopher Crump and special guest, Chris Nichols (Los Angeles Magazine) will present highlights of Rolly’s distinguished career and provide those in attendance with some of the Rolly Magic. The book The Great Crump Presents His Magic will be available for purchase.

Christopher Crump retired from Walt Disney Imagineering in 2016, having contributed to projects worldwide for over 28 years. As a Production Designer and Field Art Director, Chris completed The Little Mermaid - Ariel's Undersea Adventure in 2011 at Disney California Adventure. He and his team received the 2002 Thea Award for Best New Theme Park: Tokyo DisneySea. Chris began his career working alongside his father, the legendary Imagineer, Rolly Crump.

Presented by Arizona Preservation Foundation & the Arizona State Historic Preservation Office

Join this enlightening educational session on advocating for the preservation of Mid-Century Modern architecture, including structures designed in the Tiki Style. Hosted by representatives from the Arizona Preservation Foundation and the Arizona State Historic Preservation Office, this session empowers citizens to safeguard their historic and architectural heritage. Discover strategies to champion the conservation of these marvels, which are so important to the vibrant tapestry of Mid-Century American culture. Learn how to engage with communities, governments, and organizations to increase the odds of ensuring these unique architectural gems will endure for future generations.

Since 1979, Arizona Preservation Foundation has worked with local, state, and national partners to promote and protect Arizona’s historic resources. We help organize the Arizona Historic Preservation Conference and Governor’s Heritage Preservation Honor Awards. Initiatives include: Arizona African American Historic Preservation Coalition, Arizona Latino Historic Preservation and Arizona Midcentury Modern. We’re always ready to advocate for historic preservation statewide and in your community.

Presented by Ace Bailey

Did you know that Hotel Valley Ho was once a Hollywood hideaway? In its heyday, the hotel was host to Bing Crosby, Tony Curtis, Janet Leigh, Natalie Wood, and Zsa Zsa Gabor, among others! Designed by acclaimed architect Edward Varney and Associates, Hotel Valley Ho is considered one of the best-preserved Mid-Century Modern hotels in the country. Explore the hotel’s classic design elements during a 90-minute walking tour of the buildings and grounds with resident historian Ace Bailey.

Ace Bailey has worked in the arts and tourism fields for over 20 years. Prior to establishing Ultimate Art & Cultural Tours she designed and conducted art tours both locally and throughout the Southwest, Seattle, and the Northwest. In 2010, Ace was appointed to the Scottsdale Tourism Development Commission. Currently she hosts the Magical History Tour at the Hotel Valley Ho.

Friday, April 26th: 3:30PM-5:00PM

Tropical Tasting Friday Session 2: During this sit-down event, Arizona Tiki Oasis has curated a unique collection of rum and other spirit brands that go well in tropical cocktails. Interact with makers representing some of our favorite brands and get introduced to NEW brands. Both Friday sessions are the same, you get to choose the time: 1:00pm or 3:30pm. Sponsored by HULA's Modern Tiki. Featuring Clubtails, Liquid Alchemist Premium Cocktail Syrups, Myrtle Bank Rum, Tanduay Rum, Vecchio Amaro del Capo & Kona Bar Chocolates. Includes your very own complimentary tasting glass!

Presented by Brandon J. Grilc, M.S.

Join Brandon Grilc, owner of one of Japan's few Tiki bars, The Kazan Room, as he takes us on a journey to explore everything Tiki-related in Japan. This seminar will delve into Japan's former and current Tiki bars and discuss their place in Japanese culture. It will also look at the local characters in the Tiki scene and provide insight into the highs and lows of importing a new cocktail culture to Japan.

Brandon Grilc is an architectural historian who, along with his wife Kimberly, helped bring the history of Tiki, tropical cocktails, and rum appreciation to Japan in 2018. They opened The Kazan Room in 2022, the first Tiki bar ever in Kobe, Japan. Brandon has published multiple articles and been on many award-winning cocktail podcasts. Kimberly is one of Japan’s top-ten competitive female bartenders (2023).

Presented by Tiki Lindy

Learn the essentials of stocking a home bar with a carefully curated selection of minimal yet versatile spirits, mixers, and juices. Gain valuable tips such as which fresh ingredients to keep at your fingertips and how to master the essential tropical and classic recipes. Tiki Lindy’s presentations are always popular and this year’s seminar is updated to include the latest items available to home bartenders. This session is your passport to becoming a top-tier home bartender.

Tiki Lindy is a spirits and cocktail technique educator and author of three books, with a fourth book in the works. She has been in the cocktail industry for nearly two decades, mostly as a private events bartender and consultant on tiki bar menus and event cocktails. She regularly represents spirits brands for industry sponsored events, and guest bartends nationwide. She is a recurrent contributor to Exotica Moderne quarterly magazine. @tikilindy

Presented by Richard Greene

When you can’t be in your favorite tropical bar, tiki paperback books provide a portal to the pleasures of the Pacific Islands from the comfort of your own home. The fantastic covers that illustrate these tales of escape encompass a wide range of themes: travelogue, anthropology, mystery, noir detective, romance, horror, science fiction, even TV and movie spin-offs. Join Richard Greene for a visual appreciation of the many aspects of Tiki pop culture found in vintage paperback books.

Richard Greene is a graphic designer and marketing executive with a passion for all things pop culture, particularly matchbooks, paperbacks, and illustration art. As a tiki-phile and compulsive collector of eye candy, Greene lives for the hunt and enjoys sharing what he learns with others. He is Creative Director at Gryphon Books, the publishers of Paperback Parade: The Magazine for Paperback Collectors & Readers, and he’s in love with his wicked wahine, Lei Lady Lei.

Tropical Tasting Friday Session 1: During this sit-down event, Arizona Tiki Oasis has curated a unique collection of rum and other spirit brands that go well in tropical cocktails. Interact with makers representing some of our favorite brands and get introduced to NEW brands. Both Friday sessions are the same, you get to choose the time: 1:00pm or 3:30pm. Sponsored by HULA's Modern Tiki. Featuring Clubtails, Liquid Alchemist Premium Cocktail Syrups, Myrtle Bank Rum, Tanduay Rum, Vecchio Amaro del Capo & Kona Bar Chocolates. Includes your very own complimentary tasting glass!

Sponsored by

Presented by Audrey Moorehead

The Italian designer Pucci is known for his use of abstract and geometric prints in a kaleidoscope of colors. He was a pioneer in making every fabric print as unique as the people who wore his clothing. His designs were considered status symbols and were worn by a myriad of socialites, actresses, and nobility. Fashion ambassador Audrey Moorehead will focus on Pucci’s most prolific design period, 1950 - 1975. Live La Dolce Vita at Arizona Tiki Oasis!

Audrey Moorehead is an ambassador of fashion designer Rudi Gernreich and has collected his clothing for over 35 years. Her collection consists of over 400 pieces of Gernreich designs. Moorehead has showcased her impressive collection in many fashion shows and museums, including the Fearless Fashion exhibit at the Skirball Cultural Center and the Phoenix Art Museum. @Teekitogs

Presented by David “Dr. Skipper” Marley

Recently, the Jungle Cruise ride at Disneyland has undergone some significant changes, which have caused quite a stir. David “Dr. Skipper” Marley, the author of The Jungle Cruise: The Wild History of Walt's Favorite Ride, will be sharing some brand new stories and juicy details about the many changes to this attraction over the years. He will also share some fantastic tales from the newly released second edition of his book, including wild pranks and other behind-the-scenes stories that are sure to entertain you!

David “Dr. Skipper” Marley, is a former Disneyland Jungle Cruise skipper, author, and history lecturer at California State University, Fullerton. The second edition of his most recent book, The Jungle Cruise: The Wild History of Walt's Wildest Ride, will be released at Arizona Tiki Oasis in 2024. A former professional stand up comic, Marley regularly presents at Disney and Tiki conventions across the country. @drskippermarley

Presented by Ace Bailey

Did you know that Hotel Valley Ho was once a Hollywood hideaway? In its heyday, the hotel was host to Bing Crosby, Tony Curtis, Janet Leigh, Natalie Wood, and Zsa Zsa Gabor, among others! Designed by acclaimed architect Edward Varney and Associates, Hotel Valley Ho is considered one of the best-preserved Mid-Century Modern hotels in the country. Explore the hotel’s classic design elements during a 90-minute walking tour of the buildings and grounds with resident historian Ace Bailey.

Ace Bailey has worked in the arts and tourism fields for over 20 years. Prior to establishing Ultimate Art & Cultural Tours she designed and conducted art tours both locally and throughout the Southwest, Seattle, and the Northwest. In 2010, Ace was appointed to the Scottsdale Tourism Development Commission. Currently she hosts the Magical History Tour at the Hotel Valley Ho.

Author and cinematographer Sven Kirsten opens the coffers of his Tiki museum (AKA his home) and shares stories of rare finds and his adventures on the urban seas, while highlighting the meaning and context of selected objects. Kirsten's lectures always present audiences with a visual cornucopia of true Tiki.

A love of visuals inspired Sven Kirsten to collect and photograph the remnants of the forgotten culture of Polynesian pop in America, leading him to identify the Tiki as its icon. In 2000, he published his findings in The Book of Tiki, which presented all aspects of Tiki style — its design, graphics, architecture, social culture, and cocktail mixology — and put Tiki firmly on the map of American pop culture. Sven followed with Tiki Modern, Tiki Pop, and The Art of Tiki.

Presented by Atalanta Jackson

Discover the art of exotic floral design with renaissance woman, Atalanta Jackson. In this immersive class, you'll have the opportunity to learn the secrets of creating a breathtaking tropical hair adornment, infused with vibrant colors and delicate scents. With Atalanta's guidance, you'll explore the intricate details of floristry, from selecting the perfect blooms to arranging them in a way that will dazzle the eye. Wear your creation and then take it home with you!

Atalanta Jackson is a flower girl. She is always surrounded by flowers, even when sipping a zombie in The Sip Ship, her home tiki bar. Atalanta has been a professional florist since she was 15; tropical flowers are her favorite. In addition to her passion for flowers, she loves driving her 1965 Chevy Corvair and remodeling vintage RVs. @atalanta_jackson

Presented by Ace Bailey

Thursday, April 25th: 10:00AM-11:30AM

Did you know that Hotel Valley Ho was once a Hollywood hideaway? In its heyday, the hotel was host to Bing Crosby, Tony Curtis, Janet Leigh, Natalie Wood, and Zsa Zsa Gabor, among others! Designed by acclaimed architect Edward Varney and Associates, Hotel Valley Ho is considered one of the best-preserved Mid-Century Modern hotels in the country. Explore the hotel’s classic design elements during a 90-minute walking tour of the buildings and grounds with resident historian Ace Bailey.

Ace Bailey has worked in the arts and tourism fields for over 20 years. Prior to establishing Ultimate Art & Cultural Tours she designed and conducted art tours both locally and throughout the Southwest, Seattle, and the Northwest. In 2010, Ace was appointed to the Scottsdale Tourism Development Commission. Currently she hosts the Magical History Tour at the Hotel Valley Ho.