On March 8th and 9th, 2026, the festival dedicated to agave spirits will take place at the Kube Hotel for an edition that promises to be more festive and committed than ever.
We don't need to tell you: mezcal is not just a shot you down before regretting your life choices. It's a culture, a terroir, centuries of artisanal know-how. And to prove it, head to the Kube Hotel in Paris 18th on March 8th and 9th, 2026, where the Viva Agave festival is back in action.
On the program? Over 100 references to discover, about twenty exhibitors presenting mezcal, tequila, raicilla, bacanora, and other Mexican distillates — not forgetting a few surprises from South America. Because this year, the organizers have decided to broaden the horizon with Cocuy (pronounced "coc-yoo-ee", we'll let you break the ice with that), a Venezuelan agave spirit that is still ultra-confidential and almost impossible to find outside its native borders. Rare, therefore.
Three days, three atmospheres
It all begins on Friday, March 6th with a rather special gala dinner: it celebrates 200 years of diplomatic relations between France and Mexico. Chef Mauricio López, from the restaurant Milpan in Fontainebleau, presents a menu that celebrates cultural dialogue (blue corn tlacoyo, chicken supreme with mole sauce, candied corn muffin with tangerine). All accompanied by a signature cocktail created by Martha Murguía, the Ambassador of Tequila and Mezcal in France, in collaboration with Quentin Lamy from La Mezcaleria. Expect to pay €55 per person.
The festival weekend proper takes place on March 8th and 9th, from 11 am to 7 pm. In addition to tasting stands, the 2026 edition offers a decidedly robust program: masterclasses led by experts and producers (terroirs, agave biodiversity, contemporary issues in the sector), a Vinatería — a temporary wine cellar to discover rare gems — and a participatory mural called "The Wall of 200 Years", on which each visitor can scribble their Franco-Mexican intentions. Poetic.
The closing evening, on Monday, March 9th at 8 pm, promises to be electric. In collaboration with La Mezcalería, the festival ends with a bang featuring signature cocktails and music. The guest bartender of the evening is Julien Achille, head bartender at Le Boubalé, who will present an exclusive menu focused on agave.
Spotlight on Women in Mezcal
What truly sets this edition apart is the space dedicated to women producers. A special stand by the Association of Mezcal and Maguey Women will allow attendees to discover the creations of these maestras, who are often invisible in the industry. A wonderful initiative, especially since the festival falls on March 8th and 9th... not entirely by coincidence.
In the same vein, on Tuesday, March 10th, off-site, a screening of the documentary Las Hijas del Maguey (The Daughters of Maguey) will be organized at the Mexican Cultural Institute (rue Vieille du Temple, Paris 3rd). The film, awarded in Berlin and Stockholm, documents the struggle of women mezcal producers to break free from the patriarchal structures of the industry. Free admission upon presentation of your festival ticket, but be aware: spots are limited to 50 people.
Agave in All Its Forms
On the gastronomy front, Viva Agave has partnered with solid collaborators: Mi Tiendita for authentic products from small Mexican producers, Salsamour and its artisanal sauces made in France, and Taqueria El Vecino for a street-food pop-up offering tacos/homemade corn tortillas. Enough to satisfy your taste buds between tastings.
The artistic dimension is also present: painter Iván Torres and photographer Daniel Robles are exhibiting their works rooted in the world of agave and the communities that bring it to life.
Practical Information
- 📍 Kube Hotel, 1 passage Ruelle, Paris 18th
- 🗓️ March 8 and 9, 2026, 11am–7pm
- 🎟️ From €25 per day - tickets at viva-agave.com
- 🍹 Gala dinner on March 6: €55/person
Whether you are a professional in the industry, a curious amateur, or just someone who wants to understand why their mezcal smells smoky, Viva Agave has something to keep you busy for a weekend. And perhaps even change your perspective on what lies behind a beautiful bottle.
¡Salud!
