Now in Its Fifth Year, Bahi Hut’s Tiki Fever Is Bigger Than Ever
Image: Courtesy Photo
For most people, the word “tiki” conjures images of thatched-roof bars,
rum-heavy cocktails and elaborately carved wooden figures, but for a small subset of enthusiasts, tiki is way more than that—it’s a lifestyle. Just ask Parth Shaha, the owner of the Bahi Hut, which is hosting its fifth annual Tiki Fever festival Nov.
6-8. The party draws tiki enthusiasts from as far away as Seattle for live music, shopping, rum tastings, limited-edition tiki mugs and a plethora of chill vibes.
“There are a lot of bars that throw on a hut and call themselves tiki,” says Shaha, but Tiki Fever is the real deal. Shaha calls it “a tiki purist’s gathering” that has grown from a small, casual event that attracted roughly 20 people in its early days to a popular multi-day festival that now brings together between 200 and 300 people.
Image: Courtesy Photo
According to Shaha, the event sells out within a couple of weeks of tickets going on sale. He reserves a floor of the Bahi Hut’s adjacent hotel, the Golden Host Resort, for guests who bring their own décor with them and open their doors for tours to show off their collections. Hosts even hand out their own signature cocktails for guests to enjoy as they admire their “artifacts.” It’s an immersive experience.
“A lot of what distinguishes tiki enthusiasts from other bar regulars is their dedication to escapism,” says Shaha. “When you enter an authentic tiki bar, you should feel as though you’ve been transported to a different island with a different culture. When people experience this, some take it back home by adding collectibles like masks, rums and mugs.” (Speaking of mugs, each Tiki Fever fest is accompanied by the release of a collectible mug made by artist John Mulder of Eekum Bookum, a St. Petersburg ceramics company.)
“People are so generous with their knowledge and efforts,” says Shaha. “I’ve never seen anything like it in all my years in hospitality. I had no clue about tiki before purchasing the property—just a rough knowledge. Even now, I engage enthusiasts to help guide me.”
Tiki Fever takes place Nov. 6-8, 2025, at the Bahi Hut, 4675 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. Tickets range from $100 to $175. For more info, visit tikifever.com.
