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2026 presentations
Register Now for Paid Seminars!
Coconuts & Carnage Presented by Justin Wojslaw
Join PNW author Justin Wojslaw for an informative presentation on his new book Coconuts & Carnage: Fifty Fiery Originals from the Emerald City. More than just a cocktail book, Coconuts & Carnage is a battle-tested collection of 50 of Justin’s original modern tropical cocktails. During this presentation, Justin will discuss the inspiration behind his recipes, his bold techniques, tricks of the trade, and discuss the craft of modern tropical cocktails while guests enjoy one of Justin’s original cocktail creations. Whether you're a home tiki bar enthusiast, an award-winning bartender, or anywhere in between, you'll gain new insights during this seminar.
After the seminar, Justin will be signing his book and will have copies available to purchase along with other Golden Era Tropicals merchandise.
Check Justin out on Instagram @goldeneratropicals
* This will be a paid seminar to cover the cost of the cocktail.
Donn Beach's Buttery Pearl Diver: Mystery Solved! Presented by Shelley Bowers
In this fascinating seminar, "Heavy Metal" Shelley Bowers takes us through a deep dive on Gardenia Mix, the elusive mix of honey, butter, and spices used in drinks such as the Flaming Coffee Grog, the Mystery Gardenia, and of course, the Pearl Diver.
Along the way, Shelley will explore the history of the Pearl Diver and presents cool old documents from Donn's suppliers before giving a brief chemistry lesson on why butter is so difficult to mix into a cocktail and how to work around that.
* This will be a paid seminar to cover the cost of the cocktail.
Intoxicating Illumination Presented by Tiki Doug Thornburg
They enchant you, you covet them, and every Tiki bar owner either has one or wishes they had dozens more. We’re talking about the stunning mid-century resin chunky lamps that glow like jewels from Aladdin’s cave. There is no one better to introduce these colorful creations than Tiki Doug Thornburg, whose extraordinary collection is so impressive that his home was featured in the February 2025 issue of Palm Springs Life Magazine.
Tiki Doug purchased his first chunky lamp in 2007 and was instantly smitten by its intoxicating glow. Over the years, he has carefully expanded and refined his dazzling collection, even developing the “Swag Suspension Support System,” a clever method for hanging multiple substantial lamps without overloading the ceiling.
In this illuminating seminar, Tiki Doug will explore the shapes, styles, history, and construction of these beautiful beacons. Guests will also enjoy glorious images from his collection of more than 130+ lamps, all displayed in his jewel-box home, “The Afterglow Oasis.” This presentation is sure to dazzle the senses, entertain, and perhaps even inspire you to begin—or grow—your own collection.
Chin Tiki Presented by Jeffrey "Cap'n" Cook
Jeffrey "Cap'n" Cook has traveled extensively across the USA seeking out historic and unusual themed bars and restaurants, neon signs, and tourist attractions. His work creating theater scenery has trained his eye towards the fleeting and unique. Musician, party host, and general bon vivant, Jeffrey loves exploring the forgotten back roads of America and sharing those stories with others.
Chinese foods and tropical drinks have been synonymous for decades, but how did these traditions start, and where are they now? Running parallel to the tiki and exotica trends of mid-century America, the rise and fall of this empire encompasses more than 150 years of history in one lecture. Beginning with the earliest Canton immigrants to the gold mines of California, following their journey to the restaurants in San Francisco and the west coast, and exploring the last remaining grand "restaurant palaces" of today, Jeffrey weaves together the varied details of these story lines using hundreds of photos from his personal journeys and showcasing his broad collection of images and ephemera.
Coffee: Java, Joe, & Jamoca Presented by Craig "Colonel Tiki" Hermann
How did a regular Joe's cup of java make it into the ingredient list of some of the most popular Tiki drinks? Join the Colonel on a caffeinated caravan from 15th century Ethiopia to Dutch Indonesia on the eve of the 20th century. Learn how mixed drink traditions of New Orleans and the Caribbean informed Donn Beach, his contemporaries, and devotees to include the coffee bean into their tropical drink expressions of splendor.
Boat Drinks: Mid-Century Caribbean Cocktails Presented by Craig "Colonel Tiki" Hermann
You'll learn about classic Caribbean drinks of the mid-century came to be and how they would influence the growing tropical drink trend of classic tiki coves and hide-aways. We'll discuss the Bahama Mama, Painkiller, Jasper's Punch, and more. They were often denounced or ignored during the revival, and unfairly so. Think "boat," like Sailboat or ocean liner: No yachts here, just us Beachcombers!
The Green Swizzle: Falernum, Carypton, & Tiki Presented by Craig "Colonel Tiki" Hermann
The Green Swizzle was the most popular cocktail in the Caribbean at theturn of the 20th century. The Colonel will take you on a trip back to
the 1800's and how Falernum would be used to create this Barbados
swizzle. You'll learn how its flavors and travels to Trinidad influenced
a (now-forgotten) Angostura product, Carypton. Discover how Carypton
informed the background for rhum rhapsodies, and those tropical exotics
we refer to as "tiki drinks."
Syrups & How to Make 'Em! Presented by Craig "Colonel Tiki" Hermann
The Colonel will reveal all! If you've ever wanted to create your own syrups or liqueurs, you won't want to miss this! Keep your ears and eyes open: We'll go over how to best extract flavor, explaining differing techniques of creation. Find out the meanings of fun words like tincture, tisane, maceration, emulsification, & oleo saccharum. No 'tiki secrets' will be left un-discussed and no ingredient information is to tabu to cover.
There Be Squalls Ahead! Presented by Rich Bryan
Is your dream to have live fire, a volcano or water feature but find this impractical indoors? Or is your house just full? Why limit your oasis to just a basement? Expanding to the outside provides almost unlimited potential! This class will provide some proven tips and tricks to weatherproof your display and bring the party outside even when the weather is a bit moist.
Tiki Chainsaw Carving Presented by Jason Padden
Brace yourselves for roaring thrills and flying woodchips!
Jason Padden will provide a lecture on different tiki trim carving techniques with a chainsaw. Watch in awe as Jason transforms wood into tropical trim right before your eyes. First, Jason will lead a discussion on methodology and process before going out into the wilds to show you how tiki trim is made!
The live demonstration will be held outside in the parking lot.
2026 Crafting classes
Hair & Hat Flower Clip Design Workshop
Back by Popular Demand!
Experience the joy of crafting a fabulous flower hair or hat clip with the guidance of renowned hair accessory designer, Liza VoodooDoll. In this hands-on workshop, you'll have the opportunity to learn the basics of creating your own wearable keepsake flower for your hair or hat! We’ll cover essential design techniques, styling tips, and tricks to ensure you can showcase your beautiful creation with pride throughout the weekend. Don’t miss this opportunity to blend creativity with style in a fun and inspiring setting!
All supplies will be provided, feel free to bring embellishments and additional small flowers as desired.
Price: $59 per person, payment in advance, no refunds. Transfers are ok.
Limit: 30 people
This class will take place on Friday so that you have the opportunity to wear your handmade masterpiece throughout the weekend! Registration will be available around the end of June.
Create a Tapa-Tiki-Style Pillowcase or Canvas Tote Bag Presented by Jen Coyne & Wendy Gregory
In this hands-on crafty workshop, you’ll use stamps and fabric paint to create your own tapa style print on a pillowcase or canvas tote bag! Choose from a variety of color schemes and styles to enhance your tiki décor. Your instructors, Jen Coyne and Wendy Gregory, will show you examples and guide you through the process step-by-step so you can let your own imagination take the wheel!
A word of caution, this crafting class will use fabric paint. Please bring an apron if you want to cover your lovely outfit. A few aprons will be available on a first come first serve basis.
No experience required! $18 covers your supplies and you will take home 1 decorated pillowcase cover or canvas tote bag.
Make Your Own Hula Doll Presented by David Bader
Long before the golden age of travel to the islands, tourists spent time and effort collecting souvenirs of their adventures in Hawaii. One of the most popular items visitors stashed in their suitcases were dolls representing the hula girls they admired at luaus and other island celebrations. If you find yourself out hunting the antique shops, you might find one if you are lucky!
During this 1-hour seminar, David Bader, a lifelong collector of all things tiki, will lead you through the process of creating your very own souvenir hula girl doll! Using vintage materials, David will teach you the tips and techniques of creating your own unique island wahine. Participants will be given a plain doll and embellish it using vintage textiles, paper flowers, and other materials to create one that is unique. All materials will be provided as well as simple instructions and patterns.
David will also share his collection of vintage and antique hula girl dolls while offering tips insights into starting or growing a collection of your very own!
Materials Fee: $27
Limited to 25 Participants
