Downtown Starkville has a new event added to its lineup this year, and it’s a good one. On Friday, March 27th, some of the creative minds in the local restaurant and bar scene will step into the spotlight for the Battle of the Bartenders, a brand-new craft cocktail competition coming to Mississippi’s College Town.
Whether you’re a devoted cocktail enthusiast or simply love a lively evening out, this is one event you won’t want to miss.
What is Battle of the Bartenders?
The competition brings together 13 lucky bartenders from Starkville’s restaurants and bars, each competing to craft the very best original cocktail. Guests will get to taste each creation, and the evening is set against the backdrop of live music from local musician favorites Jeffrey Rupp and Bill Cooke. Bartenders will be assigned a spirit 10 days prior to the competition and then tasked with creating a craft cocktail around that spirit.
It’s a competition and community of some of Starkville’s best establishments, all in one night and in one place.
Who’s Competing?
The inaugural lineup features bartenders from some of the local favorite spots:
- Arepas
- Bin 612
- Central Station Grill
- Dave’s Dark Horse Tavern
- Harvey’s
- L’uva
- Restaurant Tyler
- Rosey Baby
- Starkville Country Club
- TASTE
- The Guest Room
- The Older Brother
- Walk-On’s
With competitors from across the food and drink scene, expect a diverse and impressive range of cocktail creations showcasing the best of what Starkville’s bartenders can do.
Event Details
Date: Friday, March 27, 2026
Time: 6-8 p.m.
Location: Downtown Starkville
Tickets: $50 per person (21+); purchase here
Be Part of Something New
Starkville has been named Best Small Town in the South by USA Today for two consecutive years, and events like Battle of the Bartenders are the kind of thing that keeps this community growing and thriving. This is a chance to experience something new, support the talented people behind your favorite local restaurants and bars, and be part of a new annual tradition.
Come out on March 27th, raise a glass, and enjoy the very first Battle of the Bartenders in Mississippi’s College Town.
