SAKECON 2026
Saturday May 16 & Sunday May 17, 12pm-4pm
Venue: Sake no Hana (145 Bowery, New York, NY)
*Attendees must be 21 years old and older
【 TICKETS 】
▪️GA: PRE-SALE: $85 | Regular: $85 | Last Call $95 (Entry at 1:30 PM)
▪️VIP: PRE-SALE: $115 | Regular: $135 | Last Call $145 (VIP Entry at 11:30 AM)
- Includes 1 super premium sakes Taste rare sake usually only sold by the bottle — now by the glass!
- Complimentary workshop *Priority seating for first-to-purchase VVIP/VIPs. (16th: Wagashi workshop, 17th: Furoshiki workshop)
️ ▪️VVIP: PRE-SALE: $165 | Regular: $185 | Last Call $200
- Sake Master tasting class includes rare, special and super premium sake. (12:30pm start: 30~45min session)
- Complimentary workshop available. *Priority seating for first-to-purchase VVIP/VIPs.
All Tickets Include:
- Sake & sake cocktail tastings of your choice
- Paring bite food
- A take-home original sake glass
- Entry to all entertainment, food vendors & artisan marketplace
5
th
40
+
4
ANNIVASSARY
EDITION
FEATURED IN
BREWERIES
CURATED
EDITIONS SOLD OUT
CONSECUTIVELY
60+ CURATED SAKE
1,500+ PAST GUESTS
300+ ALUMNI RETURNING
WHY SAKECON IS DIFFERENT
More Than a Tasting.
A Connection.
An immersive experience Designed for Connection.
New York’s most curated cultural soirée.
Ultimate Sake Selections!
40+ Breweries & 70+ Sake. One Extraordinary Weekend in NYC.
Step into an intimate weekend where ancient craftsmanship meets modern flavor, and indulge in a curated tasting of premium Japanese sake.
This isn’t just an event — it’s a cultural voyage through the spirit of Japan. From delicate aromas to bold umami notes, let your taste buds travel across centuries of tradition and innovation.
Expect more than just sake. A curated world of elevated pairings, rare selections, and cultural experiences — all brought together in one unforgettable weekend.
Mark your calendars — there’s more to come. We’ve still got a few surprises up our sleeves.
SAKECON 2026
Saturday May 16 & Sunday May 17
Venue: Sake no Hana (145 Bowery, New York, NY)
*Attendees must be 21 years old and older
Full event details and lineup to follow. Stay tuned!
【 TICKETS 】
▪️GA: PRE-SALE: $85 | Regular: $85 | Last Call $95 (Entry at 1:30 PM)
▪️VIP: PRE-SALE: $115 | Regular: $135 | Last Call $145 (VIP Entry at 11:30 AM)
- Includes 1 super premium sakes Taste rare sake usually only sold by the bottle — now by the glass!
- Complimentary workshop *Priority seating for first-to-purchase VVIP/VIPs. (16th: Wagashi workshop, 17th: Furoshiki workshop)
️ ▪️VVIP: PRE-SALE: $165 | Regular: $185 | Last Call $200
- Sake Master tasting class includes rare, special and super premium sake. (12:30pm start: 30~45min session)
- Complimentary workshop *Priority seating for first-to-purchase VVIP/VIPs.
All Tickets Include:
- Sake & sake cocktail tastings of your choice
- Paring bite food
- A take-home original sake glass
- Entry to all entertainment, food vendors & artisan marketplace
【 Event Highlights】
▪️The Collection — 40+ breweries & 70 + Sake from Japan and the United States, each hand-selected for craft, character, and story.
▪️Super Premium Tasting — Rare labels almost never poured by the glass. Available to VIP & VVIP guests only.
▪️The Pairings — Chef-curated sushi, seasonal bites. And A5 Kagoshima wagyu*, and Kochi Crown Melon* samplings and more. *Till supply last.
▪️Master Tasting Class — An intimate guided session with Timothy Sullivan, Sake Samurai and America's foremost sake educator. Available to VVIP guests only.
▪️Master Calligraphy — Have renowned artist Seicho inscribe your complimentary sake glass. Add-on service available.
▪️Wagashi & Furoshiki Workshop — Hands-on Japanese confectionery making. Complimentary for VIP guests. First come, first served. *Seats are still available as of April 30th.
▪️Live TAO DJ Set & Signature Sake Cocktails — One weekend only, where Japanese brewing tradition meets New York's most iconic nightlife.
▪️Japanese Marketplace — Curated artisan vendors.
What to Expect
May 16 & May 17 · New York City
Experience it all in one unforgettable night.
Here's a taste of what you can expect:
The Pairings — Chef-curated Sushi & Appetizers by Sake No Hana
We are thrilled to announce that Sake No Hana, the Lower East Side’s premier destination for modern Japanese dining by Tao Group Hospitality, will be providing the culinary heart of SAKE-CON!
Operated by the world-renowned Tao Group Hospitality, Sake No Hana is celebrated for its high-energy atmosphere and a menu that masterfully bridges traditional craftsmanship with bold, modern innovation.
Known for their "Rice Wine Revolution," Sake No Hana will offer a specially curated menu of chef-driven sushi and appetizers. Each dish is masterfully designed to pair with our sake selection, creating a perfect harmony of "punchy bites and sips."
Don't miss this exclusive opportunity to experience the sophisticated flavors of one of NYC’s most stylish restaurants alongside the finest sake of the season.
Master Tasting Class — An Exclusive VVIP Journey with Timothy Sullivan
Elevate your sake knowledge with an intimate, guided session led by Timothy Sullivan, the world-renowned Sake Samurai and America’s foremost sake educator. As the founder of UrbanSake.com and a Global Brand Ambassador, Timothy brings a lifetime of expertise to this one-of-a-kind masterclass.
Available strictly to VVIP guests only, this session features a curated 4-course tasting flight, including rare and special & "Super Premium" sakes, and sake master guide book.
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The Pairings: A guided tasting of premium labels, featuring small, exquisite bites such as A5 Wagyu and Premium Japanese Melon to complement the sake selections.
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The Setting: Held at a single long table for an intimate, communal atmosphere, allowing for deep conversation and direct insight from the master himself.
Note: Menu and sake selections are subject to change based on availability.
Artisan Spotlight — Personalized Calligraphy by SEICHO
A long-time favorite at SAKE-CON, Master Calligrapher SEICHO returns to bring her world-class artistry to our event. Her breathtaking work was recently featured as a centerpiece in a luxury penthouse on Netflix’s Owning Manhattan (Season 2), further cementing her status as one of NYC’s most sought-after Japanese artists.
Having collaborated with prestigious global brands such as SHISEIDO and SWATCH, and designed iconic labels for premium whiskies and sake, SEICHO is a true master of the brush.
Exclusive Add-on Service: Elevate your SAKE-CON experience with a personalized masterpiece. SEICHO will beautifully inscribe your name or favorite word in traditional Japanese calligraphy onto:SAKE-CON Glassware, Traditional Wooden Plaques etc.
Don’t miss this chance to own a personalized piece of art, hand-inscribed by one of the city's most talented calligraphers.
Wagashi Workshop — The Art of Edible Craft : May 16th
Experience the delicate beauty of Wagashi with Sara Suzuki, the artisan behind Peko’s Chokotto Wagashi. Trained in the heart of Kyoto, Sara handcrafts Nerikiri—exquisite Japanese confections—using all-natural ingredients to capture the fleeting essence of the seasons.
In this intimate 30-minute introductory session, you will learn traditional sculpting techniques to create your own edible masterpiece to take home.
Exclusive VIP Gift: This workshop is complimentary for VVIP/VIP guests (a $40 value).
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Entry: First-come, first-served for VIP/VVIP ticket holders.
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Experience: Hands-on crafting and a takeaway memento.
Don't miss this chance to savor a mindful moment of Japanese culture, beautifully bridging taste and artistry.
*Details: Specific entry instructions and session times will be sent via email as the event approaches.
Furoshiki Workshop — The Art of Sustainable Elegance: May 17th
Explore the timeless Japanese art of Furoshiki with Emi Tachibana, founder of Riverside Wrapping. A certified Gift Wrapping Coordinator with a decade of experience at one of Japan’s most iconic luxury hotels, Emi treats every wrap with deep intention—turning each gift into a meaningful, personal experience.
In this 30-minute introductory session, you will learn traditional folding and knotting techniques to transform fabric into beautiful, eco-friendly wraps. It’s a perfect blend of sustainability and the Japanese spirit of Omotenashi, making a difference through the art of paperless giving.
Exclusive VIP Gift: This workshop is complimentary for VVIP/VIP guests (a $40 value).
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Entry: First-come, first-served for VIP/VVIP ticket holders.
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Experience: Hands-on practice and a beautiful Furoshiki cloth to take home.
Don't miss this opportunity to master a cherished technique that celebrates both the recipient and the planet, led by a true master of hospitality.
Details: Specific entry instructions and session times will be sent via email as the event approaches.
Super Premium Tasting — A Rare Encounter
Indulge in an extraordinary tasting experience featuring "Super Premium" labels—rare, highly-coveted bottles that are almost never available by the glass. This selection is reserved for those who seek the absolute pinnacle of Japanese sake craftsmanship.
Available strictly to VVIP & VIP guests only, this exclusive access allows you to experience prestigious bottles that typically command $500 to $1,500 per bottle at NYC’s finest dining establishments.
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The Selection: Access to elite labels and limited-edition releases rarely seen in the U.S. market.
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The Experience: A dedicated tasting environment to savor the complex profiles of Japan’s most celebrated breweries without the full-bottle commitment.
Don’t miss this rare opportunity to taste the "untouchable" bottles of the sake world.
Gourmet Delights: A5 Kagoshima Wagyu & Kochi Crown Melon
Experience the pinnacle of Japanese flavors with our exclusive gourmet samplings. We are proud to feature A5 Kagoshima Wagyu, renowned for its world-class marbling and melt-in-your-mouth texture.
To complement this, indulge in the legendary Kochi Crown Melon. Often retailing for $140 per fruit, these meticulously cultivated melons represent the ultimate in Japanese luxury and sweetness.
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Offerings: Premium samplings of A5 Wagyu, Kochi Crown Melon, and more.
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Availability: Strictly limited quantities—available only while supplies last.
Ultimate Sake Selections: Over 40 sake breweries and 70 sake!
Delight your senses with a curated selection of premium Japanese Sake. Immerse yourself in the diverse profiles and aromas, guided by seasoned experts.
Brace yourself for an unforgettable walkaround tasting experience featuring handpicked, exquisite sake varieties. Stay tuned for more details!
Premier NYC Venue: SAKE no HANA
Featuring Live TAO DJ Set & Signature Sake Cocktails — One weekend only, where Japanese brewing tradition meets the pulse of NYC’s most sophisticated social scene.
We are taking over one of the most sophisticated and visually stunning venues in the Bowery — Sake no Hana.
Picture this: A breathtaking, high-design space transformed into a vibrant SAKE-CON oasis, celebrating the spirit, culture, and flavor of Japan. With its dramatic interiors, immersive atmosphere, the experience is elevated by a Live TAO DJ Set, bringing the world-class energy and signature sounds of the city’s premier hospitality group to our floor.
A grand scale that perfectly bridges traditional inspiration with NYC’s modern energy, it is the ultimate stage to bring Japanese sake and culture to life — right in the heart of downtown.
About Sake Con
Now entering its 5th edition, SAKE-CON continues to grow as New York’s leading sake-centered cultural event.
Founded in 2023, SAKE-CON celebrates Japanese craftsmanship, tradition, and creativity through the art of sake. In the previous edition, the event featured over 40 sake breweries, 75 varieties of premium sake, and welcomed more than 500 guests — marking a significant milestone in our ongoing journey.
Sakecon was started in 2023 as an event centered around sake. Since then, we have signeicantly contributed to the organizations we’ve collaborated with, while also growing the event independently with the generous support of many distributors, governmental organizations, and brands.
We take pride in deepening connections with our clients and local communities, and in continuing to create meaningful cultural experiences. Moving forward, Sakecon will continue to be independently hosted as Upstairs NYC strive for further growth.
As an organization that promotes cultural diversity, we value the recognition and celebration of our work and contributions. At the heart of our mission is a commitment to promoting Japanese craftsmanship and sharing the culture of sake with the world.
Most sake breweries in Japan are small to medium-sized businesses, many of which are facing increasing challenges—such as a lack of successors, shortage of skilled craftsmen, and declining domestic consumption. Sadly, some breweries are forced to close each year due to these pressures.
Upstairs NYC is committed to supporting these breweries by promoting this iconic Japanese beverage globally, creating opportunities for awareness, appreciation, and sustainability.
Thank you for your continued support and participation.
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Discover the collaborators and supporters who make SAKECON NYC possible. Together, we celebrate the art and heritage of Japanese Sake.
Shop & Artists
*Alphabetical order
WILL FOLLOW
KAYANOYA
In 1893, a small soy sauce maker opened for business in the Japanese village of Kubara, on the southern Japanese island of Kyushu. This was the beginning of Kayanoya. Great seasonings remain the heart of what we do. Kyushu has centuries of tradition in farming, and harvesting from pristine seas. Purity and freshness are essential ideals in Japan, and we keep those traditions alive in everything we do.
From Japan to Your Home
Kayanoya, with 32 stores across Japan, is renowned for its high-quality dashi and premium authentic Japanese food products. We deliver nationwide via our online store and offer in-store tastings and recipes in major cities, providing a unique opportunity to connect directly with our customers and share our passion for quality food.
DASHI Broth
Seicho Calligraphy
"Masae Seicho Taniguchi, known as SEICHO, is a New York based Japanese calligraphy Artist. She started to play with a brush at the age of 6, and began to blossom her talent as a calligrapher around her time in college. In 1996, she became Master Calligrapher ""Seicho”. She has recently collaborated with prestigious brands such as SHISEIDO, SWATCH, etc. Her calligraphy works are also used for the liquor bottle label such as Sato Shiki Whisky, Hayashi Whisky, Saga Sake Series, etc. On the other side, she’s been creating unique calligraphy artworks and some of them were sold at Museum Store of Nelson-Atkins Museum. Please visit her store and find something special."
Japanese Calligrapher / Designer
FAQ
Q: Will tickets also be sold at the door?
A: Yes, if it has not been sold out and while supplies last. But we recommend you get tickets for 3 reasons.
(1) To avoid long ticket purchase line.
(2) Door tickets doesn't included the original glass.
(3) Helps us with demand planning and making the experience even better for everyone!
Q: How does check-in work?
A: We’ll scan in your QR code at the venue, and give you a glass and drink voucher.
Q: What if I cannot make it?
A: Please refer to the refund policy below.
Q: What if I lose the tasting card and glass?
Do not lose your tasting card or glass. We’re unable to replace these if you lose them. Use it or lose it ;)
REFUND POLICY
The event fee is non-refundable. You can, on the other hand, transfer a ticket to a friend.
If an event is postponed, rescheduled, or moved, your tickets are still valid for the new date and no further action is required. Emails will be sent to ticket holders notifying them of any available refund options for the event.
We check ID at the entrance. Attendees 21 years of age or older will be provided wristband at the check-in, please wear the wristband while you attend the event, we only provide alcohol drinks to the guests who wears the wristband.
Guests who test positive to COVID-19 will be unable to enter the venue. These guests are encouraged to contact upstairsatnyc@gmail.com to book a future event.
Crowd Photo Release
By entering the The W Loft Rooftop for the World Sake Day NYC event, you consent to having your image captured by official photographers, videographers/ TV medias. The resulting materials, including still photographs, video and audio recording may be used by Upstairs NYC / TV medias for the promotional entities/TV broadcast without restriction or financial compensation, in news materials, promotional materials, on the web, social media and other properties. If you do not agree to having your image captured or recorded, please do not enter the event venue.
TICKETING TERMS AND CONDITIONS
In order for the purchaser and/or holder (hereinafter referred to as you “You” or “Your”) of a valid wristband or ticket (“Ticket”) to enter Night Market (the “Event”), You must possess a valid Ticket that permits access.
ARTICLE 1: YOUR TICKET
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PLEASE BE ADVISED that the purchase and/or use of a Ticket to, and/or entry to the Event shall constitute Your unconditional acceptance to be bound by any and all of the terms and conditions contained within this agreement (this “Agreement”) between You and Night Market to attend all or part of the Event.
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For safety reasons, the Night Market reserves the right to, without any prior notice or compensation to You: postpone, cancel, interrupt or stop the Event; provisionally keep visitors on the Event site at the end of the Event; totally or partially vacate the Event site; and deny access to the Event site regardless of the possession of a valid entry ticket.
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Subject to the limitations of this Agreement, the Night Market reserves the right to change, modify, or alter any aspect of the Event (including, without limitation, the appearance of any performer, and/or the order of performance of any performer), at any time, for any reason whatsoever, without any prior notice or compensation to You. You understand that the artists and/or lineup for the Event may be changed and that such occurrence shall not, under any circumstances, entitle You to any claim whatsoever, including, but not limited to, a refund for Your Ticket.
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You understand, acknowledge, and agree that the names of any performer contained in any Event promotional material is intended for informational purposes only, and does not, in any way, represent the importance or headline status of any single artist, act or performer, and is subject to change without prior notice.
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EXCEPT AS EXPLICITLY OTHERWISE PROVIDED HEREIN, YOU UNCONDITIONALLY UNDERSTAND THAT ALL TICKET SALES ARE FINAL, THERE WILL BE NO TICKET REFUNDS AND/OR TICKET EXCHANGES. THE EVENT IS A RAIN OR SHINE EVENT.
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If the Event is cancelled in whole, or in part, due to a Force Majeure Event (as defined below), You will not be entitled to a refund. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Night Market may issue, at the Night Market sole and absolute discretion, a partial or full refund of Your Ticket, by accounting for, among other considerations, the extent and nature of the cancellation. A “Force Majeure Event” shall mean an act of God, act of terrorism, flood, tsunami, strike or other labor condition or dispute, an order or injunction of any court or administrative body or any other act of public authority, severe weather threatening the safety of Event attendees or similar contingency or unexpected event, plague, epidemic, pandemic, outbreaks of infectious disease or any other public health crisis, including quarantine or other restrictions, and any such occurrence beyond the reasonable control of Night Market. You understand that in all instances, the maximum remedy You may receive for any cancellation of any part of the Event, if any, will be the face value of Your Ticket, excluding all fees and/or service charges paid by You in connection with the purchase of Your Ticket.
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By entering the Event, You assume any and all risk and/or danger, known and unknown, foreseeable and unforeseeable, resulting from, or incidental to, the Event, whether occurring prior to, during, or subsequent to, the Event, including, but not limited to, any death, personal injury or loss, damage or liability whatsoever. You understand that Your use of Your Ticket is contingent upon Your voluntary assumption of the risk and danger that may result from, or be incidental to, Your presence at the Event, whether occurring prior to, during or after the Event, including, but not limited to, any actions or omissions of the er Night Market.
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You acknowledge and understand that the Ticket is a revocable license to attend the Event for which it was issued, which is subject to revocation and denial of admission without compensation for any reason, including, but not limited to, Your attempted or actual violation of any of the rules set forth herein, policy or regulations and for any other action taken by You in violation of any local, state or federal law, or that may endanger other ticketholders.
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Only purchase show tickets from the official Night Market website. If you purchase from another source, you risk purchasing a counterfeit or invalid ticket. Night Market is not responsible for tickets purchased from unofficial sources.
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While Beekman Hotel is taking measures to enhance the safety of their visitors, performers, and employees, an inherent risk of exposure to and infection with COVID-19 exists in any public place where people are present, and a visit to the Beekman Hotel may still pose a risk to your safety. By visiting Beekman Hotel, you voluntarily assume all risks related to exposure of COVID-19.
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The Venue is not responsible for loss of or damage to any property.