Tucson’s beloved Kon Tiki heads north this weekend to represent the Old Pueblo at one of the desert’s most spirited events.
Arizona Tiki Oasis returns April 16-19 at Hotel Valley Ho in Scottsdale for its seventh annual run. The four-day celebration brings together top-tier mixologists, rum tastings, live music, and mid-century style in one of the Southwest’s most iconic hotel settings. And this year, Tucson has a seat at the table.
Kon Tiki Brings Tucson History to Phoenix
Kon Tiki Restaurant and Lounge, one of America’s oldest continuously operating tiki bars, will appear at Hotel Valley Ho from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on April 18. The team will set up in the hotel’s main lobby and will bring a curated piece of Kon Tiki’s decades-long history for attendees to explore. Kon Tiki will also offer a special mug presale exclusively for Arizona Tiki Oasis attendees.
As a bonus, Tiki Oasis guests receive 10% off dining and cocktails at Kon Tiki through May 31, 2026, with proof of event entry. That makes for a compelling reason to stop by Broadway Boulevard when you get back to Tucson.
Kon Tiki has operated at 4625 E. Broadway Blvd. since 1963. The bar holds a spot among Tucson’s most iconic cocktail lounges and regularly lands on national best-bar lists. Its appearance at Arizona Tiki Oasis marks a natural extension of that legacy into the broader Arizona tiki scene.
What Is Arizona Tiki Oasis?
Arizona Tiki Oasis established itself in 2019 as a celebration of island lifestyle, mid-century design, and craft cocktail culture. The event takes place at Hotel Valley Ho, an exquisitely preserved 1956 property that combines Southwestern and modern architecture. The hotel itself earns recognition as one of the best-preserved mid-century hotels in America.
This year’s event expands across four days with a robust slate of programming. Organizers describe 2026 as the most ambitious edition yet. Highlights include:
- An expanded live music roster
- The Hotel Valley Ho Supper Club dinner experience
- Undertow’s 10th Anniversary rooftop party
- Expert-led seminars on mid-century style, design, and lifestyle
- Community meetups and a curated outdoor marketplace
- Rum tastings and tropical cocktail programming
- The Arizona Bartenders Battle closing event
- A pop-up art show
The event also benefits the Arizona Preservation Foundation, adding a philanthropic dimension to the festivities.
An All-Star Roster of Mixologists
Arizona Tiki Oasis draws some of the Southwest’s most talented bartenders. This year’s mixologist lineup includes:
- Adam Rains
- Alexis Healy
- Allison Brinkley
- Bri Parra
- Caleb Shroyer
- Captain David
- Chris Gutierrez
- Christiana Camba
- Crystal Rios, 2025 Arizona Bartenders Battle champion
- Erica Luera
- Hayden Ginman
- Isaiah Robinson
- Jake Channon
- Jenna Grill
- Jonah Brabant
- Julio “Jules” Gutierrez
- Justin Wojslaw
- Krissy Shelberg
- Kyla Hein
- Kyle Rioux
- Matthew Crisp
- Sean Gilligan
- Tiki Dan
- Tiki Lindy
What to Expect on the Ground
Attendees can wear their most festive aloha wear and lean fully into the island-in-the-desert vibe. Expect tropical cocktails crafted poolside, sessions on mid-century culture, and browsing opportunities across artist vendors and makers.
The Supper Club brings a swanky dinner option for those who want a more elevated evening. Rooftop parties round out the nighttime programming, with rum-forward cocktails front and center throughout.
Tucsonans making the trip north can explore the full event schedule and purchase tickets at aztikioasis.com. Then stop by Kon Tiki’s lobby pop-up April 18 before the day gets away from you.
Plan Your Visit
Arizona Tiki Oasis runs April 16-19, 2026, at Hotel Valley Ho, 6850 E. Main St., Scottsdale. Kon Tiki appears in the main lobby from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on April 18. Full event details, tickets, and the complete schedule are available at aztikioasis.com.
Kon Tiki Restaurant and Lounge is located at 4625 E. Broadway Blvd. Visit kontikitucson.com for hours and menus, and follow Kon Tiki on Facebook for updates on the event mug presale.
Article written by:
Addie Ibarra
More about AddieAddie Ibarra, native Tucsonan, is a fierce lover of adventure, travels, and food. Addie has her Masters in Legal Studies and hopes to one day apply that towards helping people (and animals) around the globe, while traveling and tasting along the way. So far she’s hit 4 continents and counting!
You’ll likely find her on a patio sipping wine with her 4-legged best friend, Spaghetti.
