Frequently Asked Questions
What is the New England Tiki Society?
The New England Tiki Society is a growing community committed to the preservation and promotion of American Escapism! We explore the history of tiki through tropical cocktails, exotica music, and Oceania-inspired décor. Our ohana comes from the northeastern region of the United States made up of Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Rhode Island, and we organize monthly meet-ups. We would love to welcome you at our next event!
How do I join?
There is no heavy lifting or fancy induction ceremony to join the New England Tiki Society! We welcome everyone. To participate, simply attend an event or join one of our social communities on either Facebook or Discord.
How often do you meet?
We host large events on a monthly basis at Wusong Road in Cambridge, Massachusetts and less frequently at other venues in the New England area. On a much smaller scale, some of us also meet at Wusong Road every Wednesday around 5:00pm EDT. For a complete list of upcoming events view our calendar.
When do tickets go on sale?
Not all of our events are ticketed, but some are. Ticketed events go on sale at different times, so we recommend subscribing to our digital newsletter for details.
How can I stay informed?
The best way to receive updates on the New England Tiki Society and upcoming events is to subscribe to our digital newsletter. You may also choose to follow us on Instagram and Facebook.
I don’t drink. Will I still enjoy an event?
There are many reasons to love tiki! It’s not just about cocktails. Some of our events are 21+ because they occur inside tiki bars, but that does not mean guests must drink to enjoy their time. Some bars offer mocktails, or alcohol-free versions of their drinks.
What are some of the best cocktail bars in New England?
We are fortunate to have some great cocktail bars and restaurants in the area! Some of our favorites include:
Wusong Road in Cambridge, MA
The Baldwin Bar in Woburn, MA
Blyth & Burrows in Portland, ME
However there are many more bars to choose from. For a complete list of our favorites, check out this interactive map.
Is tiki cultural appropriation?
What may have started as cultural appropriation has evolved over decades of conversation into a new form of art: American Escapism. We draw direct parallels to Polynesia from time to time, in part to acknowledge and honor tiki’s cultural roots, but tiki culture in its current incarnation is primarily an American thing. In our view, Tiki (capital T) and tiki (small t) are different, with the latter having little to do with Polynesian culture.