Hanna Lee Communications Announces First-Ever “Wisconsin Bartender Week” (Aug. 18-24, 2025) to Spur Tourism & Economic Development
Stewarded by Milwaukee’s Acclaimed PufferFish Tropical Rooftop Bar, This Inaugural Celebration Spotlights Storytelling in the Bar Community Across the Badger State, Encourages Cocktail Enthusiasts to Visit Their Favorite Local Bars and Distilleries
MILWAUKEE, Wisc., Aug. 12, 2025—Hanna Lee Communications (HLC), an award-winning multimedia PR/marketing agency specializing in hospitality and luxury travel, today announces Wisconsin Bartender Week (Aug. 18-24, 2025), the first-ever U.S. expansion of the agency’s Worldwide Bartender Week. The week-long festival is being stewarded by PufferFish, a tropical rooftop bar in downtown Milwaukee, that brings together the state’s vibrant bartending community through events and a cocktail promotion for consumers showcasing local spirits.
Dedicated to celebrating the art of bartending and the unique flavors of the state, Wisconsin Bartender Week spurs the bar community and cocktail enthusiasts to support local businesses and showcase their rich culinary and drinks heritage. Its mission is to nurture cocktail tourism and drive economic development.
Led by a Dynamic Hospitality Duo in Milwaukee
The week-long celebration is organized by PufferFish’s co-owners Jc and Monique Cunningham. It celebrates storytelling as the common thread that ties Wisconsin’s drinks community together, showcasing the compelling narratives of its people, products and places. Jc Cunningham brings more than 20 years of bartending and bar management experience, having honed his craft in San Francisco before making Milwaukee home. Monique Cunningham complements the team with a decade of experience in hospitality-adjacent roles, specializing in social media marketing and event coordination.
Participating Bars and Sponsors
Participating bars include:
• Milwaukee: PufferFish, Agency, Bryant’s Cocktail Lounge, Buckley’s Restaurant & Bar, Copper Turtle, Discourse, Glassnote Candle Bar, Haven Cafe, La Piña, Lost Whale, Oggie’s Kitchen & Bar, The Loon Room, The Wolf on Broadway, Tin Window, Uncle Wolfie’s Breakfast Tavern
• Madison: Lola’s Hi/Lo Lounge, Mint Mark, Muskellounge and Sporting Club, Public Parking, The Robin Room
• Appleton: Commodore Club
• Greenfield: Holey Mackerel!
• West Allis: Station No.06
• Neenah: Town Council Kitchen and Bar
• Cedarburg: Union House
• Baraboo: Wiscocktail Lounge
Participating sponsors include:
• Bittercube, Central Standard, Dancing Goat Distillery, Heaven Hill, J. Henry & Sons, La Crosse Distilling Co., Miller Brewing Co., Milwaukee Public Market, U.S. Bartenders Guild Milwaukee and Sound by Design.
An Expansion of New York Bartender Week
The annual “Bartender Week” initiative launched last year with New York Bartender Week. It is expanding to other cities in the U.S. and globally with localized activations in 2025, as part of Worldwide Bartender Week. With India Bartender Week having launched earlier this year, upcoming festivals include Kenya Bartender Week (Sept. 2-8, 2025) and the second edition of New York Bartender Week (Nov. 17-23, 2025).
“We are thrilled to stage Bartender Week in Wisconsin and shine a spotlight on the incredible talent within our state’s bar community,” says Jc Cunningham, owner, PufferFish. “What Hanna Lee Communications has built with New York Bartender Week is a phenomenal platform for highlighting vibrant, emerging markets like Milwaukee and Madison.”
“We raise a glass to Wisconsin Bartender Week and are proud to see the state become Bartender Week’s first expansion within the U.S.,” says Hanna Lee, President & Founder, Hanna Lee Communications. “Together with incredible local partners like Jc and Monique Cunningham, we are building a movement that honors bartending as a noble profession to electrify bar communities across the U.S. and, ultimately, worldwide.”
Wisconsin Bartender Week at a Glance
Monday, Aug. 18 – Kick-Off Gala
• Join us for an exclusive evening celebrating the bars, bartenders, and sponsors making this week truly unforgettable! Mingle, sip, and toast to what’s ahead.
• Milwaukee Public Market, 7pm to 10pm
Tuesday, Aug. 19 – The Ultimate Bar Swap
• Some of Madison and Milwaukee’s hottest spots are swapping and shaking things up! Lola’s Hi/Lo Lounge, The Robin Room and Muskellounge team up with PufferFish, Lost Whale and Bryant’s Cocktail Lounge for a city-wide cross-over bar takeover!
• Madison + Milwaukee
Wednesday, Aug. 20 – A Spirited Tasting Experience
• Take off with the Milwaukee U.S. Bartenders’ Guild as curated whiskey and spirit flights from Wisconsin’s finest are explored: La Cross Distilling Co., Dancing Goat, J. Henry & Sons and Central Standard. Spirits experts will guide attendees on how to taste like a pro.
• Milwaukee Public Market, 5:30pm to 7:30pm
Thursday, Aug. 21 – Cheers to 11½ Years
• A “not-quite-twelve” celebration that will never be forgotten with the Eleven-and-a-Half Anniversary Party and Barrel Gin Release featuring the bold, beautiful spirits of Dancing Goat Distillery.
• Tin Widow, 6pm to close
Friday, Aug. 22 / Saturday, Aug. 23 – Sip Local, Support Local
• Participating bars across the state are shaking things up with Wisconsin-inspired signature cocktails, each one a toast to Wisconsin’s roots, its craft and bar community. Attendees will taste the spirit of Wisconsin, one bar at a time.
• Bars throughout Wisconsin
Sunday, Aug. 24 – Last Call, The Final Final
• A send-off event with sponsored flowing cocktails, unmatched energy and legendary vibes. Attendees will raise a glass or two to the crews that made the festival possible.
• PufferFish, 4pm to 9pm
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