POV - Kitsch is Catchy: The Rise of Retro-Themed & Ticketed Cocktail Experiences

From our Point of View: a snapshot of the emerging trends we have our eyes on.

It can be hard to see the forest for the trees. We have eyes on the ground in different markets—and perpetually on Instagram and TikTok (for now…)—to spot interesting ideas in real time. POV is a quick snapshot of emerging trends catching our eye right.

Kitschy is Catchy.

It’s the non-seasonal evolution of the over-the-top Christmas bar—where maximalism reigns, and reality takes a back seat. Immersive, themed cocktail experiences are built for our social media age, blending retro nostalgia with modern tastes in a way that’s both familiar and fantastical. These spaces aren’t about subtlety; they’re about spectacle—where every corner is curated for the camera, and every drink doubles as décor. But in the world of high-concept bars, novelty has a shelf life. That’s why many of these experiences are intentionally fleeting, ticketed events designed to create urgency and keep the buzz alive.