Los Angeles has no shortage of cocktail festivals—but Art Beyond the Glass bartender art festival is in a category of its own. On Sunday, June 30, 2024, the city’s most creative bartenders step out from behind the bar and into the spotlight as Art Beyond the Glass (ABTG) returns for its 12th annual event at the legendary Catch One.
This isn’t just about what’s in the glass—though there will be plenty of that. It’s about art, community, inclusivity, and the reminder that bartenders are makers in every sense of the word. For one afternoon, cocktails meet canvas, DJs meet photographers, and generosity fuels the entire room. If you care about culture as much as cocktails, this is the festival you circle on the calendar.
What Makes Art Beyond the Glass the Original
The Art Beyond the Glass bartender art festival began in 2011 as a casual idea between co-founders Daniel Djang and Zahra Bates. What started as a small gathering has grown into one of the most respected cocktail culture events in the country, raising over $250,000 for arts-based nonprofits along the way.
“It’s hard to believe that what began as a casual conversation at Sunny Spot
in November 2011 has grown into this extraordinary event,” said Djang.
“The cocktail creativity and artistic talent of the bar community in LA and beyond never ceases to amaze me… Can’t wait to reunite with the extended ABTG family at ABTG XII!”
Daniel Djang
That sense of relatability is key. ABTG doesn’t feel corporate or stiff. It feels like LA—creative, fun-loving, and just a little bit magical.
Why Catch One Matters
For the third year in a row, ABTG takes over Catch One, the historic Pico Boulevard venue originally opened in 1973 by Jewel Thais-Williams as Jewel’s Catch One. Long before inclusivity was trendy, this space was revolutionary.
Now, with its state-of-the-art sound, lighting, and multiple indoor-outdoor spaces, Catch One gives ABTG room to breathe—and dance. The venue itself adds flavor to the experience, grounding the festival in LA history while celebrating modern creativity. It’s hard not to smile knowing this much art, energy, and community fits under one roof.
Bartenders as Artists (Yes, Really)
At the heart of the Art Beyond the Glass bartender art festival are more than 100 of LA’s top bartenders, pouring cocktails and showcasing what they create when they’re not shaking tins. Expect paintings, photography, handmade goods, live music, DJs, and spoken word—all made by bartenders.
“Bartenders are makers. We make drinks. We make art. We make community,” said Clare Ward, ABTG’s Head of Production. “This is the perfect event to celebrate everything we do.”
There’s a sense of humor here too. You might come for a mezcal cocktail and leave bidding on a photograph your favorite bartender shot at 3 a.m. after service. That’s the fun-loving chaos that makes ABTG special.
Participating bars include Death & Co, The Varnish, Roger Room, Apotheke, and dozens more—basically a who’s-who of LA cocktail culture.
Drinking for a Cause: Self Help Graphics & Art
This year’s beneficiary is Self Help Graphics & Art, a cornerstone LA nonprofit supporting Chicana/o and Latinx artists since 1973. Known for its role at the intersection of art and social justice, SHG provides resources, space, and global cultural exchange.
ABTG is also partnering again with Another Round Another Rally, a nonprofit that supports hospitality workers nationwide. ARAR co-founder Travis Nass shared:
“It is an honor to be a part of one of the most creative, innovative industry events across the country.”
Good cocktails taste better when they do good. That’s not marketing—it’s just true.
### Mini FAQ: Art Beyond the Glass XII
Q: What is Art Beyond the Glass?
A: Art Beyond the Glass is the original bartender art festival, blending cocktails, visual art, music, and community while raising funds for arts nonprofits.
Q: When and where is ABTG XII?
A: Sunday, June 30, 2024, from 3–7pm at Catch One in Los Angeles.
Q: What does the ticket include?
A: Entry, cocktail samples, art gallery access, entertainment, and bar bites. Guests must be 21+.
Why You Should Go
If you love cocktails but also care about culture, ABTG delivers both—with flavor and heart. It’s creative without being pretentious, inclusive without trying too hard, and genuinely joyful. Whether you’re a bartender, collector, artist, or just someone who loves a great afternoon with great people, Art Beyond the Glass bartender art festival is where LA shows up at its best.
ABTG XII is being made possible by its generous sponsors: Amaras, Bacardi, Balcones, Barr Hill, Beam Suntory, Bushmills, Calisco, Deutsch Family, Dirty Sue, Filthy Food, Flor de Caña, Fords, Hedonistas, High West, Jack Daniel’s, Juliette, Kin, Liquid Alchemist, Mal Bien, Mommenpop, Montenegro, Pinhook, Proper 12, Real Del Valle, Ritual, St Benevolence, St George, Seedlip, Silvergrin, Spiribam, Tito’s, Tromba, True Believers, Underberg, West Coast Ice, and Zomoz.
Ticket information: ABTG XII will take place from 3pm to 7pm on Sunday, June 30, 2024, at Catch One.
General Admission tickets are on sale at the Catch One website for $65 per person until 3pm on June 30.
If still available, tickets will be sold at the door for $75 per person.Tickets to this event are only available for guests 21+ and over.
FOLLOW ART BEYOND THE GLASS:
Instagram: @abtgla Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ArtBeyondTheGlass
Catch One
4067 W. Pico Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90019
 returns for its 12th event on Sunday, June 30th, 2024 - The Original Bartender Art Festival Celebrates Cocktails, Art, Community & Inclusivity for All){kind=link}
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