Global Rum
Festival
Saturday, September 27th, 2025
Croation Cultural Centre
A Celebration of Rum and Rum Culture
Featured Exhibitors
Events
Rum University: History, Production & Classification
2:30pm to 3:30pm
Explore the world of rum with Karen Hoskin from Rumba and Max Chesnut of Cedar & Social, as they team up to deliver an immersive masterclass at Global Rum Fest. This session blends expert insight and storytelling from two of the category’s most passionate advocates — expect rum knowledge, real talk, and maybe a few unexpected pours.
Trade & Industry Tasting
4:00pm to 6:00pm
Sample products and meet the producers and craftsman responsible for the creation of Global Rums. Ticket numbers reduced to ensure smaller lineups and increased opportunities for conversations and networking for professionals of the liquor retail, bar service and hospitality industries.
A Journey of Global Rums Masterclass
6:00pm to 7:00pm
For the rum curious and rum lovers, this intimate class will delve into the history of rum and its global influence. Meet the experts and craftsmen, and sample their iconic brands. This carefully curated event will enhance knowledge as well as enjoyment, and is a perfect pre-show event before attending the Grand Tasting. Spots are limited to ensure deeper connections to the subject matter among attendees.
Grand Tasting
7:00pm to 10:00pm
Immerse yourself in the spirit of rum and sample rums from all over the globe while ttantalizing the senses with the smells, sights, sounds, and tastes that are identified as rum culture. This carefully curated event is for the rum lover and the rum curious, and designed to enhance knowledge, exposure, and opportunities to explore the global influence of rum.
Vancouver's first Global Rum Festival celebrating the rich culture and diverse flavours of rum spirits from around the world.
Featuring Rums from: Barbados, Bermuda, Cuba, Dominican Republic, France, Guyana, India, Jamaica, Nicaragua, South Africa, St. Lucia, Trinidad, Venezuela....
Masterclass Speakers
Darryl Lamb
Darryl Lamb is the Brand Manager at Legacy Liquor Store, British Columbia’s premier destination for all things libation. With over two decades of experience in the beverage alcohol industry, Darryl brings a deep knowledge of global trends, a sharp eye for emerging producers, and a passion for storytelling that connects customers with the people and places behind every bottle. Darryl has a real passion for Rum having spent almost 4 years travelling throughout the Caribbean. He has always wanted a rum based event in British Columbia to show the incredibly complex world of rum to the local market. A familiar face in the world of spirits and wine, Darryl is also a co-host of Ready to Drink on Roger’s Sportsnet 650 AM, where he shares his insights on everything from cocktail culture to cellar-worthy Scotch. Whether curating in-store events, hosting masterclasses, or guiding rare product acquisitions, Darryl is dedicated to making British Columbia’s liquor scene a destination for discovery.
Max Chestnut
Max Chesnut is the founder of Cedar & Social, a Vancouver-based creative agency specializing in storytelling and content marketing for the hospitality and beverage world. With a passion for rum and deep ties to the global spirits community, Max produces educational events and campaigns for bars, brands, and festivals. He is also the Creator of Rum Club, a monthly seminar series focused on rum education for the hospitality industry
Getting There
Croatian Cultural Centre - 3250 Commercial Drive
Please drink responsibly and plan ahead for a safe ride home.
Free parking is available at the venue, including designated spots for wheelchair users and those with limited mobility.
We encourage taking public transit — the Croatian Cultural Centre is a 13-minute walk from Commercial–Broadway SkyTrain Station.
The #20 bus runs along Commercial Drive, just a 2-minute walk from the station to 18th Avenue. From there, it’s a 5-minute walk to the venue. The bus runs every 10–15 minutes well past the end of the festival.
Ride-hailing and taxi options such as Uber, Yellow Cab, and Black Top are also available.
FAQs
Will I be able to exit the event and return, in-and-out?
Yes, if you need to leave, please see a Guest Services representative to receive a hand stamp for reentry.
Can minors under 19 years old enter?
All attendees must be 19 years and older. NO MINORS. Babies or infants are not permitted. Note: Two pieces of ID will be required at all events. Primary ID: driver’s license, passport, Canadian permanent resident or citizenship card, and First Nations status card. Secondary ID: credit cards, student cards (university/college) or any card with your name and a signature.
What is included in my ticket price?
Tickets will include access to over 50 rum samples to enjoy using your souvenir tasting glass, with no additional purchases or fees required. NO Tokens!! The festival will be a fun and social event where attendees will be encouraged to connect with fellow guests and spirits distributors. There will be complimentary food and cocktails, as well as entertainment. A wonderful night out to satisfy the senses.
Where will the Global Rum Festival take place?
The first Global Rum Festival will occur Saturday, September 27th, 2025, at the Croatian Cultural Centre, located at 3250 Commercial Drive, Vancouver. This will be an extraordinary celebration of rum spirit and culture for the rum lover and the rum curious.
What is the date and time of the event?
On Saturday September 27th, 2025 there will be a Grand Tasting Event from 7pm to 10 pm, with last call at 9:45pm. Ticket Holders can arrive until 9pm. In addition to the Grand Tasting there will be a Trade Tasting Event, for members of the hospitality and liquor industry, from 4pm to 6pm, and masterclasses hosted by industry professionals and ambassadors of featured distilleries. There will also be two master classes during the day. From 2:30pm to 3:30pm one curated for industry and trade workers and professionals, another from 6pm to 7pm for those members of the public looking for some added education and entertainment prior to the grand tasting event.
How do I purchase tickets?
Tickets can be purchased through the link on our website, where you will need to have or create an account in order to purchase tickets.
What is the cost of admission to visit Global Rum Festival?
It’s a deal! Where else can you have a night of total entertainment and senses satisfaction? Grand Tasting tickets $65, Industry Tasting Tickets $40. No added fees for samples, PLUS complimentary cocktails, food and entertainment included. Masterclasses are $30 each.
Will tckets be available at the door?
No, tickets will only be available for purchase in advance of the event, and online.
How are tickets delivered? I can't find my tickets? I have questions about my tickets…
Digital Tickets: Say goodbye to paper! All tickets are delivered digitally. You can access your tickets anytime, anywhere.
Easy Access: Lost your ticket? No worries! Simply log in to your Eventbrite account to reprint or access your ticket's QR code.
Ticket Management: Your ticket, your rules. It's your responsibility to use, keep, or share your ticket. Remember, Global Rum Festival does not have access to your TicketSpice account and cannot manage tickets on your behalf.
No Printed Tickets: Embrace the digital age! We recommend using the digital option for your tickets, aligning with our commitment to sustainability and efficiency.
Note: Keep your Eventbrite account details secure and ensure you have access to your registered email for any ticket retrieval needs.
Are there ticketing fees and tax?
Yes. We use a 3rd party ticketing site and no one works for free. The fees have been negotiated for the benefit of our guests and continue to be minimal. Regarding tax, only GST is charged on tickets.
Is there handicap access and parking?
Yes. If you require parking for the disabled, there will be spots onsite. There are ramps where needed for wheelchairs and more gradual ups and downs where necessary.
Do you offer group rates?
Currently, we are not providing group discounts as we aim to keep ticket prices accessible and affordable for all attendees.
Where can I stay near the venue?
There are numerous hotels located within a short cab or skytrain ride from the venue.
Are tickets refundable?
All ticket sales are final. No refunds, exchanges or replacement tickets.
Tickets are transferable and thus can be given away to friends or sold on 3rd party sites. We do not hold any responsibility for tickets bought or sold or given away or received privately as there is no way to trace them to the new buyer. If the event is postponed for any reason, including Covid restrictions, no refunds will be offered. All tickets purchased are done so under the agreement that if it is postponed, tickets will be valid for the next Global Rum Festival that takes place
Global Rum Festival does not accept liability for tickets lost or misplaced after they are issued.
