What is the AJABU Spirit and Cocktail festival?

Born from the Swahili word meaning miracle or something wondrous, AJABU continues to redefine Africa’s position on the global drinks stage — not just through its world-class events, but by building pathways for education, equity, and representation across the industry.

A festival that celebrates more than cocktails.

AJABU has evolved into a global movement that champions creativity, community, and connection. Each festival edition brings together leading local and international bars to collaborate on exclusive seminars, workshops, experiences and AJABU Mashups; unique one-night pop-ups designed to Celebrate the Art of the Cocktail through African ingredients, stories, and style.

AJABU Mashups

This season, guests are invited to explore select bars across Cape Town, each offering a signature half-price crafted cocktail (R86) as part of the festival menu. Celebrating collaboration and creativity, globally recognised local distillers, makers, and bar owners as well as international brands have joined forces to curate a series of inspired menus that showcase the very best of Cape Town’s bars, brands and cocktail culture.

Discover the bars, bartenders, local brands and more information by following our social media platforms for updates.

International Bars

The following international bars will be joining AJABU to celebrate Africa and the growing AJABU community:

What to expect

Cape Town comes alive with AJABU Mash-Ups — world-class bartenders from leading international bars collaborating with South Africa’s finest to create once-in-a-lifetime cocktail experiences.

Across the city, expect unique pop-ups, collaborations, and curated consumer events — all celebrating African ingredients, creativity, and hospitality at its finest.
With your AJABU wristband, explore an extensive selection of participating bars across Cape Town throughout the festival week.
Wristband holders can enjoy a unique half-price signature cocktail at R86 in each of these 30 bars on any night during the festival.

Your pass also unlocks special promotions with selected AJABU retail partners, available online for a limited time during the festival period. Details and access codes are shared at festival welcome desks (subject to availability).

During the festival, leading bars from across Africa and the world take over venues across the city for a series of headline guest shifts and collaborative pop-ups — bringing award-winning talent, boundary-pushing cocktails, and unforgettable nights to Cape Town.

The Festival

How it works

Register for your wristband by buying your complimentary ticket.

You will receive a confirmation email with a QR code.

Show your QR code at the Welcome Desks to unlock access to all festival events.

We look forward to sharing all the friendship, love and pleasure of AJABU with you this November – a true celebration of African excellence in cocktails and spirits.

Tickets & Registration

Festival access is complimentary and includes entry to participating bars and selected festival events.

Register via Quicket to claim your AJABU wristband.

Wristband Collection

• AJABU Welcome Desks will be hosted at selected partner venues
  Cape Town: Batanga (70A Kloof Street), Bokeh (84 Regent Road, Sea Point), Cause Effect (V&A Waterfront) and HiBall (61 Shortmarket Street).
• Johannesburg: wristband collections will take place at Sin + Tax ( Corner of Bolton &, Jan Smuts Ave, Roads ) 
• Please follow our social channels for updates on Welcome Desk opening times and collection details.
• Your wristband grants access to festival collaborations, guest shifts, and special events across key cocktail districts  throughout Johannesburg and Cape Town CBD and surroundings.
• Throughout the festival, attend curated workshops, tastings and masterclasses designed for both enthusiasts and industry professionals.
• For daily updates, featured bars and event highlights, follow us on Instagram and explore the official festival itinerary online