Event Bartender Jobs
Event Bartender jobs are open across hospitality, corporate events, catering, and private celebrations, at every level from entry-level to lead bartender, with specializations in craft cocktails, high-volume service, and banquet bar operations. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Join Our Event Bar Team
At Catering by Michaels, we believe an event is more than food on a plate. The bar is an important part of the guest experience, and a great bartender does more than pour a drink. They create a welcoming atmosphere, provide knowledgeable service, and help keep the event running smoothly.
Founded in 1980, Catering by Michaels is a full-service catering and events company based in Morton Grove, Illinois. We produce events throughout Chicago and the surrounding suburbs, ranging from weddings and galas to corporate events, festivals, private parties, and everything in between.
We are looking for professional, energetic, and hospitality-driven Event Bartenders who take pride in their work, understand the importance of responsible beverage service, and recognize that exceptional service comes down to the details.
About Catering by Michaels
For more than four decades, we have built our reputation as one of Chicago's leading catering and events companies through quality, creativity, and exceptional service.
- Scratch kitchen with a commitment to culinary excellence
- Sustainability leader, certified by both Green Restaurant and Green Seal
- Experience executing major events including Lollapalooza, the NFL Draft, the Black Creativity Gala, and the University of Chicago Alumni Weekend
- Preferred caterer at many of Chicago's most iconic venues
- Full-service catering and event production throughout Chicago and the surrounding suburbs
We are passionate about creating experiences that exceed expectations and leave a lasting impact.
Why This Role Matters
Our Event Bartenders are often at the center of the guest experience. You are responsible for creating a welcoming bar environment while providing efficient, professional, and responsible beverage service.
Event bartending is different from working behind a restaurant bar. Our bartenders work in ballrooms, private homes, museums, corporate venues, outdoor events, and some of Chicago's most iconic locations. Every event is different. You must be comfortable adapting to the venue, guest expectations, beverage menu, equipment, and event timeline while maintaining Catering by Michaels standards.
Our bartenders are also part of the overall event service team. This means being comfortable stepping away from the bar when needed to assist with guest service, serving, setup, breakdown, and other event responsibilities. We are looking for team members who understand that everyone's contribution matters to the success of the event.
Your Role
- Set up and break down bar areas by unloading product and rentals from truck, and set up according to Catering by Michaels standards
- Prepare and serve beer, wine, spirits, cocktails, and non-alcoholic beverages as directed
- Follow event-specific beverage menus, recipes, and service instructions
- Provide friendly, professional, and attentive service to guests
- Maintain a clean, organized, and properly stocked bar throughout the event
- Demonstrate knowledge of beer, wine, spirits, cocktails, and other beverage offerings
- Monitor guest consumption and follow all responsible alcohol service procedures
- Verify identification when required and refuse service when appropriate
- Communicate professionally with guests, Event Captains, Function Directors, chefs, servers, venue staff, and other event partners
- Assist with event setup, service, serving responsibilities, and breakdown as needed
- Maintain control of bar inventory, equipment, glassware, and supplies
- Follow all company policies, food safety requirements, sanitation standards, and responsible alcohol service procedures
- Represent Catering by Michaels with professionalism, courtesy, and hospitality at all times
Qualifications
- Must be at least 21 years old
- Previous bartending, catering, restaurant, or hospitality experience preferred
- Strong knowledge of beer, wine, spirits, and basic cocktail preparation
- Strong communication and customer service skills
- Professional appearance, grooming, and demeanor
- Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, high-pressure service environment
- Ability to remain calm, courteous, and professional with guests
- Ability to follow recipes, service standards, and direction from event leadership
- Strong attention to detail and commitment to responsible alcohol service
- Willingness to assist with serving and other event responsibilities as needed
- Reliable and dependable attendance
- Reliable transportation is required. Catering by Michaels events take place throughout Chicago, the surrounding suburbs, and other areas of Illinois. Many event locations are not accessible by CTA alone
- Flexible availability, including evenings, weekends, and holidays
- Spanish language skills are a plus. If you speak Spanish, you will be working alongside team members who do as well
Physical Requirements
This is an active, physically demanding position. Candidates must be comfortable with the following:
- Standing and remaining active for extended periods during events
- Lifting and carrying bar equipment, cases, supplies, and other items weighing up to 50 pounds
- Setting up and breaking down bar areas and event equipment
- Bending, reaching, carrying, and moving throughout event spaces
- Working in a variety of environments, including indoor and outdoor venues
Scheduling
This is a part-time, event-based position with flexible scheduling.
Available shifts are communicated through our scheduling platform, and team members can accept or decline events based on their availability. You will work as a W-2 employee at events throughout Chicago and the surrounding suburbs.
Most events take place during evenings, weekends, and holidays, so availability during these times is essential.
Why Work With Catering by Michaels
We have been doing this since 1980 because we care about doing things the right way. Our clients trust us with some of their most important moments, and our bartenders play an important role in creating the atmosphere and experience our clients expect.
You will have the opportunity to work at weddings, corporate events, galas, private celebrations, and some of Chicago's most exciting events and venues while building your hospitality experience.
If you know your way around a bar, enjoy working with people, adapt well to different environments, and take pride in providing exceptional service, we want to meet you.
Join Catering by Michaels and help us create events that leave a lasting impression.
Join Our Event Bar Team
At Catering by Michaels, we believe an event is more than food on a plate. The bar is an important part of the guest experience, and a great bartender does more than pour a drink. They create a welcoming atmosphere, provide knowledgeable service, and help keep the event running smoothly.
Founded in 1980, Catering by Michaels is a full-service catering and events company based in Morton Grove, Illinois. We produce events throughout Chicago and the surrounding suburbs, ranging from weddings and galas to corporate events, festivals, private parties, and everything in between.
We are looking for professional, energetic, and hospitality-driven Event Bartenders who take pride in their work, understand the importance of responsible beverage service, and recognize that exceptional service comes down to the details.
About Catering by Michaels
For more than four decades, we have built our reputation as one of Chicago's leading catering and events companies through quality, creativity, and exceptional service.
- Scratch kitchen with a commitment to culinary excellence
- Sustainability leader, certified by both Green Restaurant and Green Seal
- Experience executing major events including Lollapalooza, the NFL Draft, the Black Creativity Gala, and the University of Chicago Alumni Weekend
- Preferred caterer at many of Chicago's most iconic venues
- Full-service catering and event production throughout Chicago and the surrounding suburbs
We are passionate about creating experiences that exceed expectations and leave a lasting impact.
Why This Role Matters
Our Event Bartenders are often at the center of the guest experience. You are responsible for creating a welcoming bar environment while providing efficient, professional, and responsible beverage service.
Event bartending is different from working behind a restaurant bar. Our bartenders work in ballrooms, private homes, museums, corporate venues, outdoor events, and some of Chicago's most iconic locations. Every event is different. You must be comfortable adapting to the venue, guest expectations, beverage menu, equipment, and event timeline while maintaining Catering by Michaels standards.
Our bartenders are also part of the overall event service team. This means being comfortable stepping away from the bar when needed to assist with guest service, serving, setup, breakdown, and other event responsibilities. We are looking for team members who understand that everyone's contribution matters to the success of the event.
Your Role
- Set up and break down bar areas by unloading product and rentals from truck, and set up according to Catering by Michaels standards
- Prepare and serve beer, wine, spirits, cocktails, and non-alcoholic beverages as directed
- Follow event-specific beverage menus, recipes, and service instructions
- Provide friendly, professional, and attentive service to guests
- Maintain a clean, organized, and properly stocked bar throughout the event
- Demonstrate knowledge of beer, wine, spirits, cocktails, and other beverage offerings
- Monitor guest consumption and follow all responsible alcohol service procedures
- Verify identification when required and refuse service when appropriate
- Communicate professionally with guests, Event Captains, Function Directors, chefs, servers, venue staff, and other event partners
- Assist with event setup, service, serving responsibilities, and breakdown as needed
- Maintain control of bar inventory, equipment, glassware, and supplies
- Follow all company policies, food safety requirements, sanitation standards, and responsible alcohol service procedures
- Represent Catering by Michaels with professionalism, courtesy, and hospitality at all times
Qualifications
- Must be at least 21 years old
- Previous bartending, catering, restaurant, or hospitality experience preferred
- Strong knowledge of beer, wine, spirits, and basic cocktail preparation
- Strong communication and customer service skills
- Professional appearance, grooming, and demeanor
- Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, high-pressure service environment
- Ability to remain calm, courteous, and professional with guests
- Ability to follow recipes, service standards, and direction from event leadership
- Strong attention to detail and commitment to responsible alcohol service
- Willingness to assist with serving and other event responsibilities as needed
- Reliable and dependable attendance
- Reliable transportation is required. Catering by Michaels events take place throughout Chicago, the surrounding suburbs, and other areas of Illinois. Many event locations are not accessible by CTA alone
- Flexible availability, including evenings, weekends, and holidays
- Spanish language skills are a plus. If you speak Spanish, you will be working alongside team members who do as well
Physical Requirements
This is an active, physically demanding position. Candidates must be comfortable with the following:
- Standing and remaining active for extended periods during events
- Lifting and carrying bar equipment, cases, supplies, and other items weighing up to 50 pounds
- Setting up and breaking down bar areas and event equipment
- Bending, reaching, carrying, and moving throughout event spaces
- Working in a variety of environments, including indoor and outdoor venues
Scheduling
This is a part-time, event-based position with flexible scheduling.
Available shifts are communicated through our scheduling platform, and team members can accept or decline events based on their availability. You will work as a W-2 employee at events throughout Chicago and the surrounding suburbs.
Most events take place during evenings, weekends, and holidays, so availability during these times is essential.
Why Work With Catering by Michaels
We have been doing this since 1980 because we care about doing things the right way. Our clients trust us with some of their most important moments, and our bartenders play an important role in creating the atmosphere and experience our clients expect.
You will have the opportunity to work at weddings, corporate events, galas, private celebrations, and some of Chicago's most exciting events and venues while building your hospitality experience.
If you know your way around a bar, enjoy working with people, adapt well to different environments, and take pride in providing exceptional service, we want to meet you.
Join Catering by Michaels and help us create events that leave a lasting impression.
Event Bartender Jobs by Experience Level
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Find Event Bartender JobsEvent Bartender Job Market
Who's Hiring
What Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in event bartender jobs.
- Alcohol service certification such as TIPS, ServSafe Alcohol, or a state-issued permit
- Proven experience bartending at weddings, corporate events, or large-scale catered functions
- Ability to work evenings, weekends, and holidays on a flexible or on-call schedule
- Strong knowledge of classic cocktails, beer, wine, and non-alcoholic beverage preparation
- Physical ability to stand for extended periods and lift kegs or supply cases
- Professional appearance and customer-facing communication skills in formal or upscale settings
Tips for Your Event Bartender Job Search
Tailor your resume to event formats
List the specific event types you've worked, such as weddings, galas, corporate receptions, or festivals. Hiring managers want to see you can adapt your pace and style to the format, not just that you've poured drinks.
Get your TIPS or ServSafe certification
Many event venues and catering companies require alcohol service certification before your first shift. If you don't have one, complete an accredited program before applying so you're not screened out at the first step.
Apply early to roles that fit
Migrate Mate lists event bartender openings from across the United States in one place, so you can find roles that match and apply directly to each listing.
Highlight high-volume service experience
Event bartending demands speed at scale. Quantify your throughput on your resume by describing the guest count or bar setup you've managed, like a 500-person open bar or a six-bartender team, to show you can handle pressure.
Prepare a cocktail knowledge walkthrough
Interviewers for upscale events often ask you to describe a classic cocktail's build and variations on the spot. Practice walking through five to ten staple recipes clearly and confidently before your interview so the answer comes naturally.
Follow up with event staffing agencies directly
Many event bartender roles are filled through staffing and hospitality agencies before they ever appear on job boards. After applying online, call or email the agency directly to introduce yourself and confirm your availability for upcoming events.
Event Bartender Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies are hiring the most event bartenders?
The most active employers for event bartenders right now are Proof of the Pudding, Tao Group Hospitality, and Oak View, and the most openings are in Texas, Florida, and California, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Catering companies, hospitality staffing agencies, and hotel groups tend to post the highest volume of openings year-round.
How many event bartender jobs are remote?
About 0% of event bartender openings are fully remote or hybrid as of November 2026, reflecting that most event bartending is an in-person, on-site role. The small share of remote-adjacent work typically involves event coordination, bar consulting, or online training roles within the hospitality space rather than hands-on service.
How do you become an event bartender?
Start by completing an accredited alcohol service certification program such as TIPS or ServSafe Alcohol, since most event employers require it before you work your first shift. Build hands-on experience at a bar, restaurant, or catering company to develop speed and drink knowledge. Then pursue event-specific work through hospitality staffing agencies or catering outfits, where you'll gain exposure to weddings, corporate functions, and large-scale receptions.
Can you get hired as an event bartender with little or no experience?
Yes, entry-level event bartender positions exist, particularly with catering companies and hospitality staffing agencies that train new hires on their own service standards. Having your alcohol service certification already in hand gives you a strong advantage. Starting as a barback or event server at catered functions is a common path to moving into a bartending role once you've demonstrated reliability and drink knowledge on the floor.
What does the event bartender interview process look like?
Most event bartender interviews begin with a brief phone or video screen to confirm your certification status, availability, and experience with specific event formats. An in-person or practical interview often follows, where you may be asked to describe your approach to a high-volume service scenario or walk through how you'd set up and break down a bar station. Some employers conduct a brief practical skills check for upscale or specialty cocktail roles.
Where can I find and apply to event bartender jobs?
You can find and apply to event bartender jobs on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from across the United States. Search for roles that match your availability, experience level, and preferred event types, then apply directly to each listing that fits.
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