How to Have All the Fun at Lagos Cocktail Week’s Cocktail Village

The bar hop is in full swing. From Ikoyi to Victoria Island, cocktail lovers are already hopping between bars and sampling new mixes. But for many, all roads lead to one destination — the Cocktail Village, the biggest part of Lagos Cocktail Week (LCW).

Happening on October 23–24, 2025, at the Balmoral Convention Centre, Federal Palace Hotel, Victoria Island, the Cocktail Village is the grand finale of the week-long celebration of cocktails. It’s where all the action — bar hops, brand activations, masterclasses, and mixology flair — comes together in one wild, unforgettable weekend.

And if you’ve ever been, you know: it’s intense. The music, the crowds, the endless flow of drinks. It's easy to get swept up and miss the best parts.

But don’t worry; taking cues from Oyinademii, someone who’s done this multiple times, here are six pro-tips to help you make the most of Cocktail Village this year.

This is not the time for “I’ll just grab a small bite.” Eat a full meal (carbs, protein, the works) before you arrive. You’ll need the energy. The cocktails are strong, the music is loud, and you’ll be on your feet for hours. Don’t let hunger end your night early.

When you get to the venue, start at the water stand, not the bar. Get a bottle of water and walk around. Scout the layout, check out the brand stands, and plan your route. You’ll thank yourself later when everyone else is wobbling.

You didn’t come all this way to drink the same old strawberry daiquiri.

Every year, the Cocktail Village features exclusive recipes and brand specials — from Don Royale to Tanqueray and beyond. So be adventurous. Try that coconut-infused gin, that smoky bourbon twist, that weird-sounding mocktail. The point is to discover something new.

There’s a reason the DJs at Cocktail Village go hard. The music is meant to move you.

Don’t sit through the night like a cocktail statue. Meet people, join a dance circle, or just groove by the bar. You’ll sweat off some of the alcohol and keep your energy high

No one’s giving awards for “most cocktails consumed.” Take your time.

Sip, stroll, hydrate, repeat. The best experiences happen when you’re present enough to actually enjoy them.

Know your limit and stick to it. You want to leave the Cocktail Village with memories, not regrets. Grab one last bottle of water before you leave, take a photo at the brand booth, and call it a night like the pro you now are.

Before the grand finale, the Lagos Cocktail Week Bar Hop is already underway, and it’s your chance to warm up your palate. The bar hop brings Lagos’ best restaurants and bars together, each serving special menus and discounted cocktails throughout the week.

Here are some of the participating restaurants in this year’s edition:

1. The House Lagos in VI

2. TASH Lagos in Lekki

3. Nest Lagos in VI

4. Chapter Lagos in VI

5. Mood Lagos in Lekki Phase 1

6. The Grid Lagos in Ikeja and Yaba

7. Sora Lagos in Maroko Lagos

8. Mantra Lagos in VI

9. Praia Lagos in VI

10. Slow Lagos in VI

11. RSVP Lagos in VI

12. Vici Lagos in VI

13. Rye Restaurant in VI

14. No. 5 Bar & Lounge in Lekki Phase 1

15. Cafe Mesi in Lekki Phase 1

16. Noir Lagos in VI

17. Shiro Lagos in Oniru Estate, VI

18. Gossip Kitchen and Bar in VI

19. Hard Rock Cafe Lagos in Oniru, VI

20. 355 Restaurant in Ikeja and Marina

If you’re reading this before October 23, that’s your cue. Hit any of these spots that’s closest to you and start building up to the Cocktail Village. If you weren’t planning to go before, well, now you have no excuse.

See you at Lagos Cocktail Week.