There’s no shortage of cocktail events in Tampa Bay. Keep track of the best ones that take place annually, as well as some other boozy happenings scheduled throughout the year.

USBG Tampa Bay Repeal Day Conference When: December Tampa Bay’s chapter of the United States Bartenders’ Guild has turned what was once a small gathering into a multiday conference. However, the grand gala at the historic Cuban Club is really where it’s at for cocktail nerds, because you toast to the end of Prohibition while dressed the part. Photo via Kevin Tighe
HighBall When: January Local bartenders use whiskey, gin, rum and vodka to battle it out during this CL cocktail contest. There are generous tastings poured throughout the night, and we’re not just saying that. Photo via Nick Cardello Photography
Summer of Rum Festival When: Labor Day weekend The booze-soaked affair brings a healthy dose of rum drinks — everything from Rum Runners to frozen daiquiris to Cuba Libres — to Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park. Photo via Facebook
Cupcakes & Cocktails When: Feb. 13, 7-9 p.m. A signature soirée hosted in the Epicurean Hotel’s culinary classroom almost every month. As you’re treated to adult beverages from Élevage, Cloud 9 Confections chef-owner Beth Lukens shows you what it takes to pull off whoopie pies. Two types of pies are on the menu, but Lukens leaves the fillings and garnishes up to you. Photo via Epicurean Hotel
Margarita Wars When: July 26, 7-10 p.m. What can I say? Our staff loves to drink. But this CL effort is my personal favorite. You sample your way around marg stations throughout TPepin’s Hospitality Centre to ultimately determine which area bartender dreamed up the tastiest take on the classic. Also, there’s guacamole. Photo via Nick Cardello Photography
MAD for March: Cocktails and Dinner with Dick Vitale When: Feb. 19, 6:30-9:30 p.m. Leading up to the NCAA Basketball Tournament, sip and eat alongside the Hall of Fame sportscaster, who’s about to celebrate 40 years with ESPN. Net proceeds benefit pediatric cancer research Photo via Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino
Taco & Margarita Crawl When: April 6, noon-6 p.m. Hop from stop to stop in search of exclusive margarita and tequila specials, plus tacos. Participating bars include Thirsty First, MacDinton’s and Yard of Ale. Photo via Unsplash
Tampa Bay Beer Week When: March 2-10 Yeah, yeah — we know this isn’t really cocktail-related. But it’s still one big celebration of the beverage that us locals sure do love: craft beer. Photo via Unsplash
Tampa Bay Bloody Mary Festival When: April 28, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Part of Tampa Riverfest, the Tampa Garden Club soirée showcases unlimited helpings of Bloody Marys from restaurants across town. The “Golden Celery Award” goes to the cocktail you and your fellow imbibers enjoyed the most. Photo via Facebook
Tampa Bay Margarita Festival When: May 25, noon-11 p.m. As if you needed another reason to down a ’rita. Basic and flavored interpretations of the traditional recipe collide with live entertainment at Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park. Photo via Facebook
Love Potion #9: Creating Herbal Tinctures & Bitters When: Feb. 2, 5:30 p.m. Join Emelia’s Apothecary of Dunedin for the lesson in cocktail bitters and tinctures — inspired by love (’tis the season and all). Expect a discussion and demonstration on how to make these alcohol-based solutions at home, plus samples. You leave with recipes, too. Photo via Facebook