United States Bartenders’ Guild Announces Host Cities For the 2026 Regional United States Cocktail Championships (USCC)
USBG Communities in Dallas, West Palm Beach, Pittsburgh, Portland, OR and Louisville to host regional competitions
HENDERSON, NV (JANUARY 6, 2026) - The United States Bartenders’ Guild announces today the host cities for the Spring 2026 Regional United States Cocktail Championships (USCC), a celebration of craft, community, and the extraordinary talent emerging from United States Bartenders’ Guild communities across the country.
The 2026 Regional Competitions will take place in:
- April 7th: Dallas, Texas – Southwest Region
- April 14th: West Palm Beach, Florida – South Region
- May 12th: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania – Northeast Region
- May 19th: Portland, Oregon – West Region
- June 2nd: Louisville, Kentucky – Midwest Region
Longstanding members, recently-joined members, and those who would like to join communities and participate in the competitions are all eligible.
Additional details on regional and national competition schedules, venues, and sponsors will be revealed in coming weeks through USBG social media channels.
Said USBG Executive Director Bo Shuff, “Each host city is home to a USBG Community that has been recognized nationally for its achievements and for demonstrating a strong, ongoing commitment to the USBG Core Values of service, integrity, sharing knowledge, tradition, and camaraderie. We can’t wait to see all of this incredible talent come to life in a fun, inclusive competition format.”
The Competitions:
The United States Cocktail Championships is the national qualifying program through which the United States Bartenders’ Guild selects Team USBG—the bartenders who will carry the flag for the United States at the World Cocktail Championship, an annual event produced by the International Bartenders’ Association (IBA). As the official U.S. delegate to the IBA, the USBG is honored to help elevate American bartending talent on an international stage.
Throughout January and February, USBG Communities nationwide will select up to two Community Champions in flair and classic bartending categories. These champions advance to Regional Championships, where the top-scoring bartenders earn their place at Nationals and the opportunity to represent the United States as part of Team USBG.
To support the work of Team USBG and help champion bartenders across the United States, visit usbg.org to make a contribution or explore partnership opportunities.
About the United States Bartenders’ Guild
Founded in 1948, the United States Bartenders' Guild®️ is the national, member-led not-for-profit association of bartenders and other hospitality professionals that unites and elevates the bar industry through education, community, and advocacy. Through its network, the USBG connects members with peer-to-peer learning, expert instruction, service projects, and skills-based competition, all while fostering a fun and healthy environment and reinforcing the importance of the ‘third place’ in neighborhoods across the country.
Media inquiries:
Colin Baugh
Emblem Public Relations
323-219-3427