The Year in Tiki 2024: A look back at the top events in photos, video

The Tiki Times

Several new events made a splash in 2024, from Tiki-a-Go-Go in Orlando in April to the Beachcomber Bash in Ocean Shores, Wash., in September. All the major Tiki weekenders remain strong and vital: Inuhele, Arizona Tiki Oasis, Tiki Caliente, The Hukilau, Exotikon, Ohana: Luau at the Lake, Tiki Oasis in San Diego, Tiki in Waikiki, et al. Meanwhile, smaller regional events cointinue to pop up and attract an audience. Among the more spirited events, rum festivals in particular seem to be experiencing a boom. The lineup from The Rum Lab now includes eight events in the U.S., Spain and Puerto Rico. We’ve also tried to include more marketplace events to the calendar, reflecting the interest in the Tiki arts that never seems to wane. Browse the photos, video and social media posts below, or click on the links for more coverage and all the official sites.
NEW: Iconic restaurants revived: Don the Beachcomber, Mai-Kai, Trader Vic’s are top Tiki stories of 2024
MORE: Florida Tiki weathers an unwelcome 2024 hurricane season, poised for promising 2025
THE TIKI TIMES 2025: Latest upcoming live and virtual events
Social media: Facebook | Instagram

THE TIKI TIMES: 2024 EVENTS RECAP

Jan 19-21 – Inuhele: Atlanta’s Tiki Weekend
* Inuhele Brings a Celebration of Tiki to Atlanta (Paste)

Jan. 20 – Coconut Grove Rum Festival in Miami.

Jan. 20 – Rockabillaque Florida at the Seminole Casino Hotel in Immokalee.

Rockabillaque Florida

Jan. 27 – The Original Tiki Market Place 12th anniversary show in Garden Grove, Calif.

Feb. 3 – Endless Winter Surf Fest in Long Beach, Calif.

Feb. 6-11 – Hopetown Music & Rum Festival in the Bahamas.

Feb. 9-11 – Miami Rum Congress at the Miami Beach Convention Center.

In year 5, Miami Rum Congress matures into more complex and accessible spirits event
In year 5, Miami Rum Congress matures into more complex and accessible spirits event
By moving to a major convention center on South Beach and expanding its scope, the event showed potential for an expanded audience.
Social media recap: Photos, coverage of Miami Rum Congress events

Feb. 10 – Chinese New Year with Tikiyaki Orchestra and Pollo Del Mar in Long Beach, Calif.

Feb. 13-15 – International Rum Summit in Paris.

Feb. 15-25 – Modernism Week in Palm Springs, Calif.

Modernism Week

Feb. 23 – Art of Tiki Cocktail Showdown at the South Beach Wine & Food Festival.

Mai-Kai manager Kern Mattei mixes up his Gula Melaka Swizzle, assisted by Molokai Bar server Claudia Marmolejo, at the Art of Tiki event on Feb. 23 during the South Beach Wine & Food Festival. The drink was served to the judges in a new Tiki Farm mug (designed by Donella Vitale) that will be available when the restaurant reopens this summer. (Photo provided by Kern Mattei / Screen shot: BizBash.com)
The Mai-Kai returns to the Art of Tiki at the South Beach Wine & Food Festival

March 3 – Adventureland Day at Disneyland in Anaheim.
* Adventureland Day strikes at Disneyland (WDW News Today)

March 4-14 – Rum Renaissance Caribbean Cruise, departing from Fort Lauderdale.

March 9 – Cocoa Reggae & Rum Festival in Florida.

March 9 – The Original Tiki Market Place in Garden Grove, Calif.

March 9 – Taste of Rum festival in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

March 10 – Mermaid’s Day at Disneyland.

March 16 – Texas Rum Festival in Dallas.

Texas Rum Festiva

March 16-17 – Arizona Aloha Festival at Tempe Beach Park.

March 22-24 – Louisiana Tiki Festival in Baton Rouge.

March 31 – Alohana in Palm Springs.

April 5-7 – Tiki-a-Go-Go in Orlando, Fla.

Tiki-a-Go-Go

Photos, video: The first Tiki-a-Go-Go is a retro roadtrip through mid-century culture, appreciation
The first Tiki-a-Go-Go is a retro roadtrip through mid-century culture, appreciation
The April 5-7 event was a trip back in time, taking guests on a rollicking ride through mid-century Florida theme parks, Tiki bars, and other retro touchstones.
>>> PHOTOS, VIDEO FROM SOCIAL MEDIA
Event preview: Tiki-a-Go-Go looks to the past for a fresh take on the modern weekender

Don the Beachcomber announces new bar concept, three upcoming locations in Florida
Don the Beachcomber announces new bar concept, three upcoming locations in Florida
Everything you need to know about the expansion of the iconic restaurant brand, including a full recap and photos from Tiki-a-Go-Go in Orlando, plus new renderings and info on the new sites.
* Full coverage of Tiki-a-Go-Go presentation

The Mai-Kai reveals new images, plans for restoration at Orlando event, continues $15M project (April 2024 update)
EXCLUSIVE: The Mai-Kai reveals new images, plans for restoration at Orlando event, continues $15M project (April 2024 update)
Full coverage of the panel discussion at Tiki-a-Go-Go, including new photos and renderings of plans for the reimagination of the entry experience at the historic restaurant.
Tiki-a-Go-Go: Panel discussion overview

April 6-7 – So-Rhum Rum Festival in Bordeaux, France.

April 7 – Lowbrow Aloha art show and sale at Hala Kahiki near Chicago.

April 7 – Magical Tiki Meet Up at Walt Disney World.

April 13 – Oslo Rum & Whisky Festival in Norway.

April 13 and 18 – The Donn of Tiki premiere during the Florida Film Festival at the Enzian Theatre in Maitland.
* The Donn of Tiki honored after world premiere at Florida Film Festival (The Atomic Grog)
* The Donn Of Tiki: How 2D and stop-motion animation elevate this documentary about the creator of Tiki culture (Cartoon Brew)

April 16-21 – Madeira Rum Festival

April 18-21 – Viva Las Vegas rockabilly weekend.

April 20 – Chicago Rum Festival

Chicago Rum Festival

April 25-27 – Women Leading Rum Europe Conference in Madrid.

April 25-28 – Arizona Tiki Oasis in Scottsdale.

Arizona Tiki Oasis

April 26 – Spain Rum and Gin Expo in Madrid.

April 26-28 – Mai Tai Mayhem in Richfield, Ohio.

April 27 – Floridania Fest – The Florida Memorabilia Show in Gulfport, Fla.

April 29 – Cthu-luau at Kowloon in Saugus, Mass.

Cthu-luau

May 2-5 – Tiki Caliente in Palm Springs, Calif.

Tiki Caliente

May 4-5 – Twangstock surf music festival at Otto’s Shrunken Head in New York City.

Twangstock

May 4-6 – Rhum Fest Paris.

May 6-8 – Tiki in the Desert in Las Vegas.

May 10-11 – Surf O Rama Festival in Valencia, Spain.

Surf O Rama Festival 2024

May 11 – Stockholm Rum Fest in Sweden.

May 18 – Spring Fling at Hidden Harbor in Pittsburgh.

Spring Fling

May 18 – Tampa Bay Rum Experience

May 18 – Tiki Flea 13 at Tiki Underground in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio.

May 24-25 – Gin & Rum Festival in Lucerne, Switzerland.

May 25 – Bourbon Bill’s Tiki Escape in Jacksonville, Fla.

May 26 – Mermaid’s Day at Walt Disney World.

May 30 – The Donn of Tiki screening at the San Francisco Documentary Festival.

June 6-9 – The Hukilau in Pompano Beach, Fla.

The Hukilau highlights: Photos and memories from 2024 Tiki weekender in South Florida
The Hukilau highlights: Photos and memories from 2024 Tiki weekender in South Florida
Check out The Atomic Grog’s deep dive into all the fun at the Beachcomber Resort and sneak peek at The Mai-Kai, including our favorite moments from throughout the four-day Tiki weekender.
>>> PHOTOS, VIDEO & COMPREHENSIVE RECAP
Direct links: The music | Presentations & classes (Beachbum Berry & David Wondrich | Matt Pietrek | Will Anders)
Photos: Exclusive tours of The Mai-Kai | More Hukilau photos
* Bars & cocktails | Bonus recipes: Tropical-Messiah | Once A Villager
More on Spotify: Playlist of performing bands

The Hukilau 2024: Live coverage, photos and video from social media
The Hukilau 2024: Live coverage, photos and video from social media
For the 22nd time, Tiki enthusiasts enjoyed a long weekend full of surf and exotica music, expert symposiums, artists and vendors, world-class cocktails, and much more.
>>> SEE VIDEO, PHOTOS FROM SOCIAL MEDIA
Direct links: Pool party & bands | Symposiums & cocktails | Bungalow parties | Miscellaneous fun | Mai-Kai tours | Hangover party
More on YouTube: Live videos of six of the performing bands

Exclusive photos: Inside the Molokai Bar and tour of The Mai-Kai restoration
EXCLUSIVE PHOTOS: Inside the Molokai Bar and tour of The Mai-Kai restoration
Guests of The Hukilau got a rare look at the renovated and reimagined areas of the historic restaurant in June 2024.
>>> NEW PHOTOS AND RECAP OF THE TOURS

June 7 – Glasgow Rum Festival in the United Kingdom.

June 7-9 – Pan-Pacific Festival in Honolulu.

June 8 – New York Rum Festival & Congress in New York City.

June 8-9 – Bordeaux Rum Festival in France.

June 8-9 – Exotikon music and arts festival in Los Angeles.

June 10-16 – Dallas Tiki Week

June 15 – The Original Tiki Market Place in Garden Grove, Calif.

June 15 – Tiki Inferno in New Boston, Mich.

Tiki Inferno

June 17-22 – Tiki Week: A Celebration of Disney Polynesian Culture in Sacramento, Calif.

Tiki Week: A Celebration of Disney Polynesian Culture

June 20-22 – Oslo Tiki Weekend in Norway.

June 20-23 – Surfer Joe Summer Festival in Livorno, Italy.
VIDEO: Watch the live streams on YouTube

June 21-22 – Rum Love Festival in Wroclaw, Poland.

June 21-23 – The BASH: A Swingin’ Rockabilly Weekender in Garden Grove, Calif.

The BASH: A Swingin' Rockabilly Weekender

June 21-23 – Bottoms Up – A Midcentury Barware Show in Lancaster, Ohio.

June 22 – Tiki Night at The Adventurers’ Club of Los Angeles

June 28 – The Donn of Tiki screening at the Dances with Films festival in Hollywood, Calif.

June 27-30 – Ohana: Luau at the Lake at The Tiki Resort, Lake George, N.Y.

Ohana: Luau at the Lake

June 29 – Birmingham Rum Festival in the UK.

July 5-6 – Rum Show in London.

July 9 – Orlando Tiki Fest

Orlando Tiki Fest

July 10-14 – Piña Colada Day celebration at the Caribe Hilton in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

July 13 – Manchester Rum Festival in the UK.

July 14 – Atomic Tiki Bazaar at Max’s South Seas Hideaway in Grand Rapids, Mich.

July 14 – The Road to Tiki Week Dinner featuring Matt Pietrek in Mobile, Ala.

July 14 – Stratford Gin & Rum Festival in the UK.

July 14 – Wiki Wiki Vintage Collectibles & Hawaiiana Show in Honolulu.

July 17 – Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room with writer and animator Ken Bruce at the Los Angeles Breakfast Club.

Walt Disney's Enchanted Tiki Room with writer and animator Ken Bruce

July 18 – Jamaica Rum Festival in Montego Bay.

July 19-21 – SurfxSurfwest in Shoreline, Wash.

July 20-21 – Ho’olaule’a in Lawndale, Calif.

July 21-26 – Tales of the Cocktail and Spirted Awards in New Orleans.
* Planteray’s Navy Rum Project – Behind the Scenes (Rum Wonk)

July 26-28 – Surf Guitar 101 Festival Weekender in Long Beach, Calif.
Reivew by Big Takeover Magazine

Surf Guitar 101 Festival Weekender

July 27 – Grumpy’s Big Kahuna Bash in Minneapolis, Minn.

Grumpy's Big Kahuna Bash

July 28 – Lowbrow Aloha art show and sale at Hala Kahiki near Chicago.

July 31-Aug. 4 – Tiki Oasis in San Diego, Calif.
* Ixtahuele at Tiki Oasis (The Search for the Ultimate Mai Tai)

Tiki Oasis

Aug. 10 – International Tiki Day Festival in Miami Lakes.

Aug. 10 – Wild O’ Fest in Mexico City.

Aug. 14-16 – Panama Rum Fest in Bella Vista, Panama City.

Aug. 14-18 – Key West Rum Festival in Florida.

Aug. 15 – Marina the Fire Eating Mermaid documentary viewing and variety show party in Fort Lauderdale.

Marina the Fire Eating Mermaid documentary viewing and variety show party

Aug. 16-18 – Hi-Tide Summer Holiday in Asbury Park, N.J.

Hi-Tide Summer Holiday

Aug. 17 – Aquatic Luau at Clearwater Marine Aquarium.

Aug. 17 – Brooklyn Rum Festival in New York City.

Aug. 17 – James Intveld’s Aloha Elvis Show & Luau in Pasadena, Calif.

Aug. 17 – Kahuna Tiki Tu Nighttime Marketplace in Valley Village, Calif.

Aug. 18 – Long Beach Rum Tiki Social in California.

Aug. 19-24 – Mobile Tiki Week in Alabama.

Aug. 23-24 – Castaway with the Luau Lads in Jacksonville, Fla.

Castaway with the Luau Lads

Aug. 23-25 – Rockaway Beach Surf Music Festival in New York City.

Aug. 23-25 – Tiki in Waikiki in Honolulu.

Tiki in Waikiki

Aug. 23-25 – Trader Vic’s 90th Anniversary 3-Day Weekend in Emeryville, Calif.
Coverage from The Search for the Ultimate Mai Tai
* Mai Tai Day 2024 recap
* Trader Vic’s Tiki Tai Treasure Hunt Crawl
* Trader Vic’s Black Tai event

Trader Vic's 90th Anniversary 3-Day Weekend

Aug. 24 – Tea Dance and Night Flea at Tiki Underground in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio.

Aug. 25 – International Market Place Fifth Anniversary in Waikiki.

Aug. 29 – Los Angeles Rum Festival

Aug. 29-Sept. 2 – Dragon Con in Atlanta.

Dragon Con

Aug. 31 – End of Summer Luau in Jacksonville, Fla.

Aug. 31 – Te ‘Ori Ora South Florida ‘Ori Tahiti Competition and Gala Show in Pompano Beach.

Aug. 31-Sept. 1 – German Rum Festival in Berlin.

Aug. 31-Sept. 1 – San Francisco Rum Festival & Congress
Coverage from The Search for the Ultimate Mai Tai
* San Francisco Rum Festival 2024 recap
* Rum Congress at SF Rum Fest

Sept. 1 – Total Tikiyaki Takeover in Newport Beach, Calif.

Total Tikiyaki Takeover

Sept. 3-5 and 8-10 – Tiki by the Sea in Wildwood, N.J.

Sept. 6-8 – Beachcomber Bash in Ocean Shores, Wash.

Beachcomber Bash

Sept. 7 – Scottish Rum Festival in Edinburgh.

Sept. 8 – Adventureland Day at Disney World in Orlando.

Sept. 8 – Hollywood: The Birthplace of Tiki at the Hollywood Heritage Museum.

Sept. 8 – TikiLand Day at Disneyland

Sept. 14 – Makahiki: A Night of Tiki at The Inferno Room in Indianapolis, Ind.

Makahiki: A Night of Tiki

Sept. 14 – Shipwrecked Tiki Social & Bazaar in Marina Del Rey, Calif.

Sept. 16-22 – Boston Rum Week

Sept. 18-20 – Festival El Ron de Cuba in Varadero.

Sept. 20-21 – Vienna Rum Festival in Austria.

Sept. 20-22 – Lei Away in Kansas City.

Sept. 21 – Cinema Rockabilly Festival and Fun at Seminole Okalee Indian Village & Museum in Fort Lauderdale.

Sept. 21 – Yul Rum Fest in Montreal.

Sept. 22 – Adventurers Club Takeover in Burbank, Calif.

Sept. 23-29 – Rochester Tiki Week in New York.

Sept. 28 – Original Tiki Market Place End of Summer Extravaganza in Garden Grove, Calif.

Sept. 28 – Southern Surf StompFest in Avondale Estates, Ga.
Photos from Decaturish.com

Southern Surf StompFest

Oct. 3-6 – Tiki Fever at the Bahi Hut and Golden Host Resort in Sarasota, Fla.

Tiki Fever

Oct. 3-6 – Circa Caliente in Palm Springs, Calif.

Circa Caliente

Oct. 5 – Taste of Tahiti in Murrieta, Calif.

Oct. 5-6 – Salon du Rhum in Belgium.

Oct. 6 – Wiki Wiki Vintage Collectibles & Hawaiiana Show in Honolulu.

Oct. 9-13 – London Rum Week and The UK RumFest

Oct. 12 – Edinburgh Gin & Rum Festival in the United Kingdom.

Oct. 12 – Superstition Village Tiki Marketplace in Phoenix, Ariz.

Oct. 19 – Freaky Tiki Happening at Secret Island in Long Beach, Calif.

Oct. 19 – Hulaween Tropical Market in Tustin, Calif.

Oct. 19 – In Dead By Ten Halloween Dance Party hosted by Hidden Harbor in Pittsburgh.

In Dead By Ten Halloween Dance Party

Oct. 19-26 – Spike’s Breezeway Cocktail Cruise, departing from Miami.

Oct. 24-27 – Barbados Food & Rum Festival

Oct. 24-27 – Modernism Week Fall Preview in Palm Springs, Calif.

Oct. 26 – Hulaween Tiki Party at Trader Vic’s in Atlanta.

Oct. 26 – Alohana in Palm Springs.

Oct. 27 – Monsters and Mai Tais XI at Tonga Hut in Los Angeles.

Monsters and Mai Tais

Oct. 28-31 – The Barbados Rum Experience

Oct. 30-Nov. 2 – Creepy Tiki Fest in Cozumel, Mexico.

Creepy Tiki Fest

Nov. 1-2 – Danish Rum and Whisky Festival in Denmark.

Nov. 2 – Palm Springs Tiki book-signing and meet-and-greet at Wacko in Los Angeles.

Nov. 8-10 – Miami Rum Renaissance Festival in Coral Gables.
Miami Rum Renaissance ushers in the age of cane spirits (MEDlg)

15th Miami Rum Renaissance Festival features tastings of elite brands, Mai-Kai seminar, plus more
15th Miami Rum Renaissance Festival features tastings of elite brands, Mai-Kai seminar, plus more
Florida’s longest-running rum event celebrates the world’s most diverse spirit with three days of activities for everyone from newbies to high-end enthusiasts, to industry professionals.

Nov. 9 – Rockabillaque Charleston in South Carolina.

Nov. 10 – Slack Key Festival in Seattle.

Nov. 12-16 – St Barth Rum Festival and Caribbean Rum Awards

Nov. 13-16 – Rums of Puerto Rico Texas Tour in Houston, San Antonio, Austin, and Dallas.

Nov. 16 – Pulp Paradise: A Tropical Surf Music Event in Fort Myers, Fla.

Nov. 21 – Mai-Kai Grand Reopening in Oakland Park, Fla.

Latest news and exclusive coverage of the Mai-Kai reopening
Latest news and exclusive coverage of the Mai-Kai reopening
The Atomic Grog’s full coverage, including photos and video of the return of the historic landmark in South Florida.

Nov. 22-24 – Mexotika Weekend in La Paz, Mexico.

Mexotika Weekend

Nov. 24 – Lowbrow Aloha art show and sale at Hala Kahiki near Chicago.

Nov. 24 – Wiki Wiki Vintage Collectibles & Hawaiiana Show in Honolulu.

Nov. 30 – South Bay Island Fair in Redondo Beach, Calif.

Dec. 7 – Mele Kalikimaka 2024 at Trader Vic’s in Atlanta.

Dec. 7 – The Original Tiki Market Place Happy Hula Days & Toy Drive in Garden Grove, Calif.

Dec. 8 – Mahalo-Rama 2 in Hazel Park, Mich.

Dec. 8 – 15th annual Martini Kings Tiki Christmas bash at The Redwood Bar in Los Angeles.
15th annual Martini Kings Tiki Christmas bash

Dec. 11 – Florida Rum Society’s Holiday Meetup & Toy Drive at The Honu in Dunedin.

Dec. 14-15 – Mele Kalikimaka Marketplace in Honolulu.

Dec. 15 – Bar Tiki Holiday Market in Clearwater Beach, Fla.

Dec. 15 – Tiki Wonderland 17 at Tonga Hut in Los Angeles.

Dec. 21 – Tipsy Ohana Xmas Tour at The Honu in Dunedin and Bar Tiki in Clearwater Beach.

Tipsy Ohana Xmas Tour

Dec. 28 – Mai-Kai 68th Anniversary Celebration in Oakland Park, Fla.

Mai-Kai timeline, 1956-2024: Iconic restaurant marks 68 years of Polynesian Pop history
Mai-Kai timeline, 1956-2024: Iconic restaurant marks 68 years of Polynesian Pop history
As guests celebrate the $20 million restoration and reopening, take a look back at key dates and events over the rich history of the South Florida restaurant.
SEE THE FULL CHRONOLOGY AND PHOTOS
2024 anniversary, New Year’s Eve photos & video

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2024 ATOMIC GROG RECAPS

Iconic restaurants revived: Don the Beachcomber, Mai-Kai, Trader Vic's are top Tiki stories of 2024
NEW: Iconic restaurants revived: Don the Beachcomber, Mai-Kai, Trader Vic’s are top Tiki stories of 2024
Three major storylines dominated the year in Tiki with three historic names poised for a reinvigorated comeback.
See the full list, including legends lost, Tiki bar openings and closings, more
Bonus cocktail recipe: Dirty Banana by Mike “Jetsetter” Jones

Florida Tiki weathers an unwelcome 2024 hurricane season, poised for promising 2025
Florida Tiki weathers an unwelcome 2024 hurricane season, poised for promising 2025
Many of those affected by the storms have emerged stronger than ever. Don the Beachcomber reopening planned for early next year.
News, photos of the hurricane season impact and plans for 2025
Tiki bars feel the brunt of the storms
Don the Beachcomber: Down but not out
The Honu: Turbulent season takes its toll
Bar Tiki: Weeks of closures but miraculously unscathed
MORE: Florida Tiki spotlighted in Exotica Moderne magazine
Bonus cocktail recipe: Hurricane Dunder

Previous annual event recaps
2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018
Past coverage: News and events from 2015-2017

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UPCOMING EVENTS

The Tiki Times online events calendar
UPDATES: The Tiki Times: Exclusive events guide
Check the calendar for the latest upcoming live and virtual events.

2 Replies to “The Year in Tiki 2024: A look back at the top events in photos, video”

  1. It’s amazing to see iconic spots like Don the Beachcomber and Trader Vic’s being revived. What do you think has been the biggest challenge in restoring these historic Tiki landmarks while keeping their charm intact?

    1. Good question, Suno API. All three owners (Mai-Kai, DTB, Trader Vic’s) fully appreciate the history, which is typically the biggest hurdle with old venues. That problem solved, it’s just a matter of money and logistics to make everything happen in today’s complex restaurant business, while also maintaining the slight profit margins that they must deal with. It’s definitely a challenge, but the legacy of these places is so rich, I have high hopes for the future. Here’s a link to the story on all three revivals … https://www.slammie.com/atomicgrog/blog/2025/01/11/iconic-restaurants-revived-don-the-beachcomber-mai-kai-trader-vics-are-top-tiki-stories-of-2024/

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