Global Rum
Festival
Saturday, September 12, 2026
A Celebration of Rum and Rum Culture
2026 Events
Rum Lab Afternoon
4:00pm to 5:30pm
Sample an exceptional selection of global rums while meeting the producers and craftspeople behind them. This is a rare opportunity to connect directly with the individuals responsible for crafting these remarkable spirits—hear their stories, learn about their techniques, and gain deeper insight into the traditions and innovation shaping rum today.
With intentionally limited ticket numbers, the experience remains intimate and relaxed, ensuring shorter lines and more meaningful opportunities for conversation, questions, and networking with fellow enthusiasts and industry experts alike.
Grand Tasting
7:00pm to 10:00pm
The Festival Main event! Step into the world of rum and experience a celebration of one of the globe’s most storied spirits.
Journey through a carefully curated selection of exceptional rums from across the Caribbean and beyond, while immersing yourself in the rich culture that surrounds them. The aromas, flavors, sounds, and vibrant atmosphere come together to capture the true spirit of rum.
Designed for both the devoted enthusiast and the rum-curious, this sophisticated tasting experience invites you to expand your palate, deepen your knowledge, and explore the global influence of rum in an unforgettable setting.
Discover new favorites. Connect with fellow aficionados. Celebrate the culture.
An evening of rum awaits — and it’s not to be missed.
Masterclasses
The Lost History of Cuban Rum
6:00pm to 7:00pm
Step into the story of one of the most influential — and most misunderstood — rum traditions in the world.
Join Darryl Lamb for an immersive and entertaining journey through the 500-year history of Cuban rum — from the earliest days of sugarcane cultivation in the Caribbean to the refined, elegant styles that helped define modern rum as we know it today.
This masterclass isn’t just a history lesson — it’s a lively exploration of revolution, resilience, exile, innovation, and identity. You’ll uncover how Cuban rum evolved through colonial trade routes, industrialization, political upheaval, and global reinvention. Along the way, Darryl will connect the dots between Cuba’s legendary distilleries, the families who shaped the industry, and the global rum styles that were born from its influence.
Most importantly, we’ll taste the story.
Guests will sample classic Cuban-style rums that showcase the light, crisp, column-distilled elegance that made the island famous — alongside modern interpretations and new innovations that push the category forward while honouring tradition.
Come discover how an island shaped a global spirit — and why the legacy of Cuban rum is far from lost.
Additional Masterclasses….
Festival Sponsors
2025 Featured Exhibitors
Vancouver's first Global Rum Festival celebrating the rich culture and diverse flavours of rum spirits from around the world.
Featuring Rums from: Antigua, Barbados, Bermuda, Brazil, Canada, Cuba, Dominican Republic, France, Guatemala, 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.
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.
2025 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 second Global Rum Festival will occur Saturday, September 12th, 2026, 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 12th, 2026 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 Rum Lab Afteroon Tasting event, from 4pm to 5:30pm hosted by industry professionals and ambassadors of featured distilleries. There will also be master classes during the day. From 2:30pm to 3:30pm and 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 $75, and Rum Lab Afternoon Tasting Tickets $40. No added fees for samples, PLUS complimentary cocktails, food and entertainment included.
Will tickets 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.
