It’s a great time to be immersed in the modern Tiki lifestyle, which has grown from its humble revival a quarter century ago into a full-blown subculture that shows no signs of slowing down. Fueled a cavalcade of new artists, musicians, bartenders and home enthusiasts, the scene is attracting a new generation of fans and followers.
Nowhere is this more apparent than Florida, home to a blossoming new event that perfectly exemplifies the modern Tiki era, circa 2025. Launched last year to great fanfare, Tiki-a-Go-Go returns to Orlando on April 4-6 for a whirlwind weekend celebrating the past, present and future of the lifestyle and its many subgenres.
SEE BELOW: Tiki-a-Go-Go daily schedule | 10 questions with the co-founders
Do you want to learn about Tiki, Florida and Disney history? Check. Craving delicious cocktails crafted by top Tiki bartenders? Check. Eager to browse and buy from a smorgasbord of vendors? Check. Need tips on how to build a home bar or make cocktails? Check. Does your perfect evening involve live surf and exotica music, a retro supper club and classy burlesque? Check, check and check.
Tiki-a-Go-Go also offers interactive activities for everyone, from a hands-on “drink and paint” class with artist Mcbiff to vintage hair styling. Presentation topics range from tattoo art, to aloha wear, to Tiki pioneer Don the Beachcomber. The top tier passes are already sold out, so it’s probably a good idea to reserve your hotel room and buy your tickets now. You don’t want to miss one of Tiki’s hottest up-and-coming events. .
April 4-6 – Tiki-a-Go-Go at the Caribe Royale Resort in Orlando. Featuring 30+ symposiums and classes (Sven Kirsten, Tim “Swanky” Glazner, Garret Richard, Spike Marble, David “Mcbiff” McNeley, Matt Pietrek, Jonpaul Balak, Tiki Tom-Tom, Margo “Rocket Betty” Scott, Dave “Basement Kahuna” Wolfe, David “Dr. Skipper” Marley, How Bowers, Jim Bacchi, Tommy Tam, et al.), guest cocktail bars and bartenders, live music (Tikiyaki Orchestra and Tikiyaki 5-0, The Intoxicators, The Disasternauts, Les Greene and the Swayzees, more), supper club and burlesque, artists and vendors, plus more. Bonus event: Magical Tiki Meet Up on April 6 at the Magic Kingdom and Polynesian Village Resort at Walt Disney World.
* Tiki-a-Go-Go on social media: Instagram | Facebook page and group
• Atomic Grog coverage: 2024 photos, video on social media
Tiki-a-Go-Go is the brainchild of four longtime scene supporters and attendees of many events across the country. Jenna & Jose Villasana from Orlando joined forces with Mary & Jason Wescoat from Venice to create a Florida-centric weekender that honors the state’s roadside attractions and theme park history while also diving deep into Tiki history as well as contemporary topics not often covered elsewhere. They also linked their event to the established Magical Tiki Meet Up for a final day of fun at Disney World.
The event’s host hotel, the Caribe Royale Resort, is strategically located near Disney property and offers a tropical-themed vibe that complements the vast convention space. It’s a sprawling resort, so Tiki-a-Go-Go must share the facilities, but the Florida resort feel fits the event to a tee.
The first gathering was an unqualified success, featuring such notables as Sven Kirsten, Tim “Swanky” Glazner, Spike Marble, and Tiki Tom-Tom. These experts all return in 2025, along with an expansive lineup of presenters, musicians, mixologists, and much more. It can be an over-used term, but this year’s lineup is truly eclectic.
With April fast approaching and the final schedule posted, the best way to preview the event is to break down the activities by day. We’ll also provide some “don’t miss” suggestions. We hope to see you there!
Tiki-a-Go-Go daily schedule
All experiences listed below are included in a weekend pass (depending on the level), with the exception of premium tastings noted below. There are also daily brand showcases and hospitality suites featuring many visiting bars and bartenders, spirit brands and other sponsors not listed below. And if you arrive early, be sure to check out the special pre-party on Thursday (April 3, 5 p.m.) at Permanent Vacation in Maitland. Tallahassee’s Luau Lads will face off against the Bar Tiki Babes in a bartender battle with the clear winner being the guests.
You can find a handy version of the full schedule in PDF form at Tikiagogoevent.com, along with links to key information about the event:
• Music, performers | Presentations | Presenters | Bars, bartenders | Vendors
FRIDAY
Registration: Begins at 8:30 a.m. for Jetsetter Pass holders, 9:30 for Adventurers Pass holders, ends at 5 p.m.
Retro Tiki Marketplace: Jetsetter Pass entry at 9 a.m., Adventurers Pass at 10 a.m., ends at 5 p.m. Confirmed vendors: Adventure Room, Aku Aku Tiki Bar, Aloha Art & Alligators, The Art of Doug Horne, AtomiTiki Retro Creations, Basement Kahuna, Brandcamp, Captain Cowfish Oceanic Art, Cathy Salustri, Don the Beachcomber, Dr. Skipper, Fancy Fruits, Gill-Man’s Grogshop, Great Scott Designs, Highwater Hideaway, Kymm! Bang, Nancy Blauers Art, Oakwash Ceramics, Ohio Tiki Nuts, Park Candy Island Supply, Ranger Rob’s ARTifacts, Rarabird Art & Primativa Diva, Retro Tiki Designs, Robert Jacob, SkaterDaterDude, Skipper Hoss, South Seas Salvage, Tiki Art Design by Janet Gill, Woodland Giant Shipworks, Zombie Head.
SPECIAL EVENTS, CLASSES
• Temporary tattoos for Mini-Adventurers, 9:30 a.m.
• Spirit of Aloha Opening Ceremony, 10 a.m.
• Kukui Nut Lei Class, 1 p.m.
• Swing Dance Lesson, 1:30 p.m.
PRESENTATIONS
• Pirates of the Florida Coast with Robert Jacob, 12:15 p.m.
• Aloha Amigo – Welcome to the Amazing World of Spanish Tiki with Sven Kirsten, 12:30 p.m.
• Disney’s Explorers and Adventurers with “Right Guard” Ian Janosko and Stewart Marshall (aka “Charles Thatcher”), 1:30 p.m.
• The Poly-Asian Persuasion with Tommy Tam, 1:30 p.m.
• Exotica: The Musical Mixology of Tiki with Jim Bacchi, 1:45 p.m.
• The Art of Building a Home Tiki Barr with Spike Marble, 1:45 p.m.
• Sew Tropical with Margo “Rocket Betty” Scott, 2:45 p.m.
• Roadside Attractions: Vintage Florida with Cathy Salustri, 3 p.m.
• Rolly Crump: Tikis, Toads, and Tomorrows with How Bowers, 3 p.m.
• A Taste of Fiji: Traditional Kava Ceremony from the Yanggeta Island with The Tiki Men, 3:30 p.m. [Buy tickets]
• Herbology to Mixology with Wayne Hobbs, 4 p.m.
• Don the Beachcomber and the Mob in L.A. with Tim “Swanky” Glazner, 4:15 p.m.
EVENING ENTERTAINMENT
• Buena Vista Supper Club: Chief Cherry and His Red Beans & Rice featuring Miss Vivian Tempest, plus Cupcake Burlesque, 6 p.m.
• Cocktails by Aku Aku Tiki Bar, Suffering Bastard, Don the Beachcomber, and the Mai-Kai, 9:15 pm. to midnight.
• The Intoxicators, 9:30 p.m.
• Tikiyaki 5-0, 11 p.m.
DON’T MISS
• Early entry to the Retro Tiki Marketplace. Whatever arrival time your ticket allows, be there and get first shot at the limited-edition and in-demand goodies from the many vendors. We recommend rare mugs from Oakwash and lamps from Highwater Hideaway. It’s also unusual to see veteran California artist Doug Horne on this side of the country, so check out his original pieces early.
• Tiki history lessons from the experts. Sven Kirsten and Tim “Swanky” Glazner are the perfect bookends of the 12 symposiums on the schedule. Veterans of countless events of the past 20 years, these gentlemen know their stuff and never fail to dive deep into new topics with tons of images to enhance their insightful stories. Spanish Tiki has long been a pet subject of Kirsten, so we can’t wait to see his take on it. Glazner – associate producer of The Donn of Tiki film (released last year right after Tiki-a-Go-Go) and author of the upcoming Searching for Don the Beachcomber – has a treasure trove of historic archives to pull from. His research on the founding father of Tiki culture has yielded many stories, and we’re eager to hear about one particularly dark chapter in that history.
• The evening entertainment and cocktails promise to be both high energy and high quality. Jetsetter Pass holders can start with an elegant three-course meal and show in the 1950s-era Buena Vista Supper Club. Then everyone can join the party for two of the modern surf scene’s most talented groups. The Intoxicators (from Tallahassee) and Tikiyaki 5-0 (from California) both feature top-notch musicianship and eclectic setlists that include familiar classics and top-notch originals. The icing on the cake is the cocktails, crafted by four extremely high-level bar teams. Central Florida’s Aku Aku and Suffering Bastard are two of Florida’s best examples of a modern Tiki bar, yet both have their own style and persona. The other two are icons: The Don the Beachcomber brand has been revived by Tampa’s 23 Restaurant Services with respected beverage director Marie King helming the cocktail program. Morgan’s Cove in Tampa is their current flagship until a new location opens in the Orlando area next year. Fort Lauderdale’s historic Mai-Kai has returned with a vengeance, reopening in November after five years and a $20 million facelift. The revival of the bar program is in the very capable hands of beverage director Cory Starr, formerly of Tiki Tatsu-Ya in Austin. We can’t wait to taste what King and Starr have in store for us while we enjoy the live music.
New to us: We’re eager to check out the Polynesian show featuring Chief Laiuni Entertainment as part of the opening ceremony, hear first-hand stories from restaurateur Tommy Tam (of the late Secret Tiki Temple in Jacksonville) about the connection between Tiki and Asian culture, and chuckle at Florida’s wacky roadside attractions with author Cathy Salustri. If we could be in more than one place at a time, we’d definitely do more. Check the schedule for symposium topics that catch your fancy.
SATURDAY
Registration: Open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Retro Tiki Marketplace: Open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
SPECIAL EVENTS, CLASSES
• Vintage Hair Styling, 10 a.m.
• Create Your Own Tropical Hair Piece, 11:30 a.m.
• Tiki Bingo hosted by the Fraternal Order of Moai, 1 p.m.
• Tiki Mug Swap, 1 p.m.
• Fashion Show featuring the Luscious Ladies, 4:30 p.m.
• Kukui Nut Lei Class, 1 p.m.
• Swing Dance Lesson, 1:30 p.m.
PRESENTATIONS
• Walt Disney Discovers Tiki with David “Dr. Skipper” Marley, 10:30 a.m.
• The Highwaymen and the Florida Landscapes with Doretha Hair Truesdell, 10:30 a.m.
• Elevate Your Home Tiki Bar Experience, Part 2 with John Atkins and Travis Miller, 10:45 a.m.
• Hawaiian Rum: The Spirits of Aloha with The Rum Travelers, 11 a.m. [Buy tickets]
• Blend It! with Garret Richard, 12:15 p.m.
• The Evolution of the Mai-Kai with Tim “Swanky” Glazner, 12:15 p.m.
• Bringing Paradise Home: Designing a “Tropical” Landscape with Wayne Hobbs, 12:30 p.m.
• Mini Presenters, 1 p.m.
• The Early Days of the Tiki Resurgence with Spike Marble, 1:30 p.m.
• Blackbeard’s Hidden Treasure with Robert Jacob, 1:45 p.m.
• Neverlands: Unbuilt Walt Disney World with How Bowers, 1:45 p.m.
• Drink & Paint with Mcbiff, 2:30 p.m. [Buy tickets]
• It’s Called Surf Music for a Reason with Jonpaul Balak, 2:45 p.m.
• Reexamining Tiki’s Golden Era Drinks with Matt Pietrek, 3 p.m.
• Tattooing’s Ties to Tiki Pop Culture with Jeff Kozan, 3 p.m.
• Marked by Tradition: Tiki Tattoo Artifacts & History with Jeff Kozan and Tahiti Gil, 4 p.m.
• From the Gulf to the Bay: Tiki in West Central Florida with Jon Bortles, 4 p.m.
• Head-Turning Tiki Style with Margo “Rocket Betty” Scott, 4:15 p.m.
EVENING ENTERTAINMENT
• Cocktails by Permanent Vacation, Leaven Brewing, the Mai-Kai, and Otto’s High Dive, 8:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.
• Les Greene and the Swayzees, 8:45 p.m. and 9:45 p.m.
• Tikiyaki Orchestra, 10:45 p.m.
• The Disasternauts, midnight.
DON’T MISS
• Disney and retro Florida are staple topics at Tiki-a-Go-Go, and there are plenty of great seminar options. Former Disney cast member and author David “Dr. Skipper” Marley will show us how Walt discovered Tiki. Historian and Retro WDW podcaster How Bowers, who last year gave two fascinating presentations on the Polynesian Village Resort, reveals what was planned but never built at Disney World. And artist/historian Jon Bortles dives into the history of Tiki in West Central Florida.
• Home mixologists can learn from some of the most knowledgeable experts from both the professional and enthusiast ranks. John Atkins and Travis Miller expand on their presentation from last year with more tips on elevating your home bar. Acclaimed New York City bartender Garret Richard (of Sunken Harbor Club), co-author of the award-winning Tropical Standard: Cocktail Techniques and Reinvented Recipes, will examine one of mixology’s most misunderstood tools. And author Matt Pietrek (Minimalist Tiki) takes an analytical approach to document Tiki’s most classic cocktails.
• Tiki history gets another round of examination courtesy of two familiar experts. Tim “Swanky” Glazner – who wrote the 2016 book Mai-Kai: History and Mystery of the Iconic Tiki Restaurant – takes us back in time to marvel at how the historic restaurant evolved. And Spike Marble, host of the popular Spike’s Breezeway Cocktail Hour on YouTube, will relive the early days of the Tiki resurgence.
• Eclectic music and cocktails. Another fun evening in the hotel’s spacious Caribbean Ballroom is highlighted by the yin and yang of modern Tiki music: Tikiyaki Orchestra and The Disasternauts. The California exotica ensemble is making a rare East Coast appearance with its inventive blend of classic sounds, while the raw energy of the mysterious primate surf band is always a great way to cap the night. The bars also run the gamut, from the classic Polynesia of the Mai-Kai, to the modern craft vibe of Otto’s High Dive (Orlando), to the immersive tropical speakeasy Permanent Vacation (Maitland, Fla.).
New to us: The Tiki Mug Swap (hosted by The Search for Tiki) sounds very enticing. We’d love to learn more about tropical landscaping (with University of Florida master gardener Dr. Wayne Hobbs). Jeff Kozan of Vatican Tattoo in Delray Beach brings a lot of knowledge (and talent) to the table, so we’ll try to catch at least some of his two presentations. And we’ll definitely check out Les Greene (the voice of Little Richard in the 2022 Elvis movie and Grammy nominated soundtrack) and his band, the Swayzees.
SUNDAY
PRESENTATIONS
• Influence of Cuba’s Cocktail Culture in Florida with Devon “Kitty” Lopez, 9 a.m.
• Aloha Wear: The Real Gear Kick with Dave “Basement Kahuna” Wolfe, 10 a.m.
• Florida Skipper Stories with David “Dr. Skipper” Marley, 10:15 a.m.
• It Came from Florida: Florida’s B Movies with Cathy Salustri, 11:15 a.m.
• Trips ‘n Tips with Tiki Tom-Tom, 11:30 a.m.
DON’T MISS
• Before joining the fun at Disney World, be sure to check out a seminar or two at the Caribe Royale. Devon “Kitty” Lopez of Bar Tiki is not only an expert at presenting delicious morning cocktails (we hear last year’s treat at The Hukilau may return), she’s a longtime Floridian and expert on Cuba cocktail culture. Dave “Basement Kahuna” Wolfe is a noted artist and longtime vendor at Tiki events. His taste in aloha wear is impeccable, so it will be interesting to hear his take on this always relevant topic.
MAGICAL TIKI MEET UP
The seventh annual event takes place at Disney World’s Magic Kingdom and the Polynesian Village Resort. Ticket required for theme park entry. Aloha shirts and tropical prints encouraged.
• Group photo outside Jungle Cruise, noon.
• Ride Jungle Cruise and Enchanted Tiki Room, then enjoy the rest of the park, 12:30 p.m.
• Tropical libations at the Polynesian Village Resort, 5 p.m.
If last year is any indication, there will be plenty of Tiki-a-Go-Go attendees at the Polynesian throughout the day. There are multiple dining and bar options, from Kona Cafe and Tambu Lounge on the upper floor to Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto and Tiki Terrace on the ground floor.
Expert tips: If you want to guarantee an experience inside immersive Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto, get there well before the 3 p.m. opening and join the queue. When the bar fills up, you can get on the wait list and receive a text when space opens up. It’s very small, and the Tiki-a-Go-Go crowd will flock there early. While waiting, or as an alternative, we recommend the adjacent outdoor Tiki Terrace and the Tambu Lounge, which dates back to the hotel’s 1971 opening. Both also have tasty food options. If you’re driving and wish to park at the resort, you’ll need to make a Kona Cafe reservation. Otherwise, you can park in the Magic Kingdom lot and walk to the Polynesian (or take the monorail) from the Transportation and Ticket Center (TTC).
Q&A with the Tiki-a-Go-Go co-founders
We prepared 10 questions for the two power couples who founded and organize Tiki-a-Go-Go: Mary & Jason Wescoat and Jenna & Jose Villasana. They collaborated on the answers, which perfectly exemplifies their group effort in making the event a success. Click here to take a look back at last year’s preview Q&A.
Question: With one year under your belt, what’s the biggest lesson you learned from the inaugural Tiki-a-Go-Go?
Answer: The biggest lesson we learned from the inaugural Tiki-a-Go-Go is that trusting our instincts paid off. We stayed true to our vision, and it resonated with our attendees in a way that exceeded our expectations. The energy, enthusiasm, and support from the Tiki community proved that authenticity and passion are the keys to creating a truly special experience.
Q: Did you make any changes this year based on your experiences in 2024?
A: Growth and evolution are key to any successful event. We’re always analyzing what we do and looking for ways to improve. Based on our experiences in 2024, we’ve fine-tuned certain aspects to enhance the guest experience, from streamlining logistics to curating even more exciting programming. Our goal is to make each Tiki-a-Go-Go better than the last!
Q: True to your mission statement, some of your programming goes beyond your typical Tiki topics. How do you guys decide what to include? Is it a group discussion?
A: From the beginning, our goal has been to create a show that we would want to attend. We believe there’s so much more content to explore beyond traditional Tiki topics, and we love celebrating Florida’s rich history – not just in Tiki, but in other fascinating areas as well. As a team, we bring diverse backgrounds and perspectives to the table, which helps us curate unique programming that keeps things fresh and engaging. It’s always a collaborative discussion to ensure we’re offering something special for our attendees.
Q: There’s definitely an abundance of presentations this year. What are some of the new ones you’re most excited about?
A: That’s a tough question because we’re excited about all of them! Based on guest feedback, some of the most talked-about symposiums tend to be those that explore lesser-discussed topics. This year, we have several presenters bringing brand-new and exciting presentations to the event for the very first time. We can’t wait to share these fresh perspectives with our attendees! Best of all, every symposium is included with admission!
Q: The Buena Vista Supper Club is one of the features that makes Tiki-a-Go-Go unique. For anyone who missed it last year, what can we expect at this event?
A: The Buena Vista Supper Club is an exclusive, limited-capacity event available to our Jetsetter Pass holders. Guests can expect an unforgettable evening featuring live music, a welcome cocktail, a three-course dinner with expertly paired cocktails, and a dazzling burlesque show.
This year, we’re excited to welcome Chief Cherry and His Red Beans & Rice, a high-energy 12-piece big band/swing band, along with the captivating performances of Cupcake Burlesque. A special thank you to our wonderful sponsors, Bacardi Reserva Ocho and Santa Teresa Rum, for helping make this experience possible!
Q: With a few exceptions, most of the participating bars and bartenders are from Florida. The state seems to be exploding with great Tiki destinations. What do you think is driving this new renaissance?
A: Florida has always had deep ties to Tiki culture, from its mid-century heyday to the resurgence we’re seeing now. With the state’s rich history, tropical climate, and a growing appreciation for craft cocktails, it’s the perfect setting for this new Tiki renaissance.
A big part of the movement is driven by passionate bartenders, bar owners, and enthusiasts who are dedicated to keeping the culture alive while innovating with new flavors and techniques. Events like Tiki-a-Go-Go help bring the community together, further fueling this excitement. It’s an incredible time to be a Tiki fan in Florida!
Q: Are there any changes in the structure of the event or the logistics at the Caribe Royale worth mentioning? It looks like there are now presentations on Sunday for the first time.
A: In the big picture, not much has changed structurally. However, we did add some Sunday morning programming for those who aren’t attending the Magical Tiki Meet Up at the Magic Kingdom. This gives guests another opportunity to enjoy more great content before wrapping up their Tiki-a-Go-Go weekend!
Q: You guys have a lot of sponsors this year, including some major rum brands. Do companies now seem to be more enthusiastic about supporting Tiki community and events?
A: We can’t say enough good things about our Tiki-a-Go-Go sponsors. Their support is absolutely crucial, without them, events like Tiki-a-Go-Go simply wouldn’t be possible. There’s definitely more enthusiasm from companies, especially major rum brands, recognizing the growing Tiki community and its passion. It’s exciting to see this level of support, and we’re grateful for all the partnerships that help bring this experience to life!
Q: Is there anything you can reveal about the official event mug?
A: The 2025 event mug is one of the best we’ve ever seen! Designed and produced by John Mulder of Eeekum Bookum, it’s shaped like the state of Florida, with a standing alligator holding a cocktail along the base and side. It’s a fun and unique design that perfectly captures the spirit of the event. Be sure to check out our social media for pictures! Jetsetter Pass holders will have access to a presale before the event, and any remaining mugs will be available at the Tiki-a-Go-Go merch booth during the event.
Q: Disney World is always a big topic of discussion in the presentations and side destination for guests. I’m curious: What is your favorite park and/or attraction?
A: It’s interesting, we’re often associated with Disney and theme park discussions, but in reality, only four of the 31 symposiums are Disney-related. We chose to hold the event in Orlando because of its proximity to Disney. This allows our out-of-town guests to create a great vacation experience, combining all that Tiki-a-Go-Go has to offer with the fun of the theme parks.
As for our favorite park or attraction, that’s a tough one! But we’d have to go with the Magic Kingdom for its timeless charm. Here are our top picks: The Haunted Mansion (Mary and Jenna), the Enchanted Tiki Room (Jose), and Pirates of the Caribbean (Jason).
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