If you’re searching for the best Oakland cocktail competition and happy hour experiences, the Rotunda Mixology Series should be at the top of your list. Hosted inside the historic Rotunda Building in downtown Oakland, this three-partseries combines innovative cocktails, local culture, and community support — all leading up to the highly anticipated Oakland Style Mixology Competition.
Presented in partnership with Visit Oakland, Proximo Spirits, UnCommon Coworking, and local businesses, theseries highlights top mixologists from Sobre Mesa, Fluid 510, and Jaji while raising funds for the Oakland Restaurant Collective.
What Is the Rotunda Mixology Series?
The Rotunda Oakland Mixology Series is a limited-run cocktail event series designedto showcase the city’s most exciting bars and bartenders. With just a $10 ticket, guests enjoy two handcrafted cocktails, live mixology demonstrations, and the chance to mingle in one of Oakland’s most beautiful historic spaces.
Each Thursday evening event runs from 4:00 to 6:00 PM, making it the perfect Oakland happy hour event for locals and visitors alike. Beyond great drinks, every ticket supports the Oakland Restaurant Collective, helping uplift the hospitality industry that defines the city’s dining and nightlife culture.
Chef Nelson German / Sobre Mesa TeamBrought the VIBES!
The series launched on September 18th with none other than Chef Nelson German, a celebrated Top Chef alum and ownerof both Sobre Mesa and alaMar Kitchen & Bar.
Nelson and his dynamic team kicked things off with unforgettable cocktails, bold flavors, and unmatched energy. Guests raved about the vibe, which set the tone for the rest of the Oakland mixology series. It wasn’t just a happy hour — it was a cultural experience, showcasing the artistry that makes Oakland’s cocktail scene thrive.
We captured the night on the UnCommon Coworking Instagram account with behind-the-scenes highlights, cocktails in motion, and the energy of the crowd. Follow along to relive the evening and catch exclusive content from upcoming events in the series.
Next Up: Fluid 510
On September 25, the excitement continues with Fluid 510, one of Oakland’s most talked-about nightlife destinations. Led by Sean Sullivan and his talented crew, Fluid 510 brings music, art, and cocktails together in a way that defines Oakland’s bar culture.
Expect lively energy, imaginative drinks, and the kind of vibe that makes Thursday nights in Oakland unforgettable. If you’re looking for Oakland happy hour events with personality, this is the one you don’t want to miss.
Final Installment: JaJi
The last of the three Rotunda events takes place on October 2nd, featuring JaJi. From the team behind Parche, JaJi is one of the Bay Area’s most buzzworthy new restaurants, known for its Colombian-inspired cuisine and cutting-edge cocktail program.
With JaJi’s inventive approach, guests can expect bold flavors, dynamic presentations, and a memorable close to the Rotunda Mixology Series in Oakland.
The Grand Finale: Oakland Style Mixology Competition
All three events build toward the Oakland Style Mixology Competition, happening on October 9, 2025 at the Rotunda. This signature event showcases 12 of Oakland’s best bars and bartenders as they compete for the title of Oakland’s top cocktail maker.
The judging panel will include members from The Valkyries, The Ballers, and The Roots sports teams, alongside audience participation. It’s more than just a competition — it’s a celebration of Oakland’s cocktail culture, nightlife, and community spirit.
For cocktail lovers, it’s one of the best things to do in Oakland in October 2025.
Why the Rotunda Mixology Series Matters
This isn’t just about cocktails. The Rotunda Mixology Series reflects Oakland’s values of creativity, community, and collaboration.
Event Details at a Glance
Participating Neighborhood Bars:
Don’t Miss: Oakland Style Mixology Competition — October 9, 2025
UnCommon Coworking: Where Community Meets Creativity
At UnCommon Coworking, we believe that great ideas are sparked when people come together in inspiring spaces. That’s why we’re thrilled to be part of experiences like the Rotunda Mixology Series, where Oakland’s energy, talent,and community spirit shine brightest.
Much like the mixologists who experiment, collaborate, and create, our coworking spaces are designed for professionals, entrepreneurs, and creatives who thrive on connection and innovation. Whether you’re sipping cocktails at the Rotunda or brainstorming at one of our Oakland workspaces, the vibe is the same: UnCommon, dynamic, and uniquely Oakland.
Final Toast
The Rotunda Mixology Series isn’t just about cocktails; it’s about the Oakland spirit. And that’s exactly what we celebrate every day at UnCommon Coworking. Whether you’re sipping a handcrafted drink at the Rotunda or brainstorming your next big project in our coworking space, you’re experiencing the same thing: Oakland energy at its best.
So grab your ticket and raise a glass to cocktails, collaboration, and community — together, we’re making Oakland UnCommon.
