Neanderthals Archives - The Atomic Grog

Updated April 19

Just three years old, an infant in terms of Tiki revival weekenders, Orlando’s Tiki-a-Go-Go has already grown into one of the premiere events on the annual calendar. This year’s gathering, happening March 27-29 at the Caribe Royale Resort, is loaded with some of the biggest names in the scene and chock full of activities for guests.

• SEE BELOW: Recap, photos and video from Tiki-a-Go-Go 2026

Not surprisingly, tickets sold out way in advance. We’ll be there to share a special presentation on the past, present and future of Tiki in the Sunshine State (Sunday at 11:30 a.m.). If you missed out on tickets, you can still meet up with the gathered masses at Sunday’s Magical Tiki Meet Up and Monday’s after-party at the Mai-Kai.
PREVIEW: Tiki-a-Go-Go 2026 seminar to explore the past, present and future of Florida Tiki

Shag with his latest print, "The Happiest Place," released March 21. The California artist designed special glassware and the event poster for Tiki-a-Go-Go 2026. (The Shag Store) — Shag with his latest print, “The Happiest Place,” released March 21. The California artist designed special glassware and the event poster for Tiki-a-Go-Go 2026. (The Shag Store)

Launched in 2024 by two Florida couples with a passion for Tiki and retro Florida, Tiki-a-Go-Go has blossomed in a state that’s proving to be fertile ground for the subculture’s continued evolution. The event also attracts fans from around the country (and world), drawn to Central Florida’s robust and welcoming tourist market.

While the event has yet to encounter growing pains that have challenged other events (venue changes, pandemics, etc.), we see no signs of its popularity slowing down anytime soon. It can be daunting for newbies to negotiate the schedule’s vast array of activities, so we’ve tried to highlight some of the things we’re looking forward to below.
SEE BELOW: Our Top 5 highlights | Basic daily schedule

Tiki-a-Go-Go 2026 event artwork by Shag.

March 27-29 – Tiki-a-Go-Go at the Caribe Royale Resort in Orlando. Featuring symposiums and classes (Shag, Kevin Kidney & Jody Daily, Sven Kirsten, Tiki Tony Murphy, Spike Marble, Garret Richard, Marie King, Tim “Swanky” Glazner, Henrik & Denise Van Ryzin, “Typhoon Tommy” Allsmiller, Scott “Flounder” Scheidly, et al.), guest cocktail bars and bartenders, live music (Los Straitjackets, The Neanderthals, The Sound Minds, The Swingin’ Palms, Skinny Jimmy Stingray), supper club, burlesque, artists and vendors, and more.
• Bonus event: Magical Tiki Meet Up on March 29 at the Magic Kingdom and Polynesian Village Resort at Walt Disney World.
• Tiki-a-Go-Go on social media: Instagram | YouTube | Facebook page and group

Last year’s event built on the success of the first, welcoming many top experts in their respective fields, plus some longtime favorite performers (Tikiyaki Orchestra, The Intoxicators, et al.). Guest bars and room parties kicked the nightly parties into high gear, and sponsors were abundant. The Caribe Royale is a large resort with vast convention space and a tropical environment dotted with pools and palm trees, adding to the festive atmosphere.

Not mentioned above or below is one other major strength of Tiki-a-Go-Go worth touting. The number of rum and spirits companies, bars and related industry participants is impressive, totaling around 40 sponsors. They range from Angostura to Tanduay, from Bar Tiki to The Honu, all contributing great products and aloha. More sponsors usually means more free samples and benefits for guests, which is always a good thing as event tickets don’t come cheap.

Tiki-a-Go-Go 2026: Top 5 things we don’t want to miss

In no particular order, here are five things we’re looking forward to during the whirlwind weekend.

Seminars

A focus on educational seminars on a wide range of topics is a foundational element of Tiki-a-Go-Go. The event space at the Caribe Royale allows for an extensive schedule. This includes topics as diverse as Asian Influences on Tiki Fashion (with Margo Scott) and Vintage Florida from DogLand to Skunk Apes (with Cathy Salustri), plus many deep dives into Tiki and Disney culture by notable experts.

Mixologist Dizz Fernandez makes cocktails for eager guests at Tiki-a-Go-Go 2024. This year he'll join fellow Trader Sam's skipper Kelly Merrell for a seminar on their respective enchanted Tiki bars. (Official photo) — Mixologist Dizz Fernandez makes cocktails for eager guests at Tiki-a-Go-Go 2024. This year he’ll join fellow Trader Sam’s skipper Kelly Merrell for a seminar on their respective enchanted Tiki bars. (Official photo)

The schedule includes 33 seminars and 14 classes and activities, most around an hour long, packed into 15 hours on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. It’s impossible to attend them all, of course, but if you plan your day wisely you can catch some fascinating presentations about topics you enjoy.

Continue reading “Tiki-a-Go-Go 2026: The five best things at the action-packed Orlando event”

The 10th anniversary Hukilau – featuring four days of music, art, cocktails, vendors, symposiums on Tiki culture and much more – takes place Thursday through Sunday, June 9-12, in Fort Lauderdale. Go to TheHukilau.com for the full schedule and more information on all the performers and guests.
* Related: Hukilau 2010 video preview | Mixologists vie to build a better Barrel

In the beginning …

In 2002, a modern Tiki renaissance was in full swing. Inspired by the heyday of Polynesian Pop, which began with groundbreaking efforts of Don the Beachcomber and Trader Vic in the 1930s and stretched for more than 30 years into the 1960s, a new generation of artists, musicians, mixologists and entrepreneurs had been embracing retro Tiki culture since the 1990s.

As this grassroots movement gained momentum and new devotees discovered the wider world of mid-century pop culture, full-blown events soon followed. In Southern California – the birthplace of Tiki and haven for some of the genre’s most beloved bars, architecture and artists – Tiki Oasis started small in 2001 and quickly became the largest Tiki event in the West by its second installment in 2002.

The Hukilau was envisioned by its founders not only as the East Coast’s answer to Tiki Oasis, but also a celebration of the growing family and community, or ‘ohana, that had become so enamored with the entire underground movement. The name of the event, of course, comes from the traditional Hawaiian festival held in fishing villages in which a large net is cast into the sea to capture fish for the feast that honors the spirit of family and community.

Continue reading “The Hukilau weathers many storms to celebrate 10 years of Tiki madness”