Shooters Waterfront Introduces Exciting Summer Lineup: Martinis & Mahjong, Rosé Happy Hours & Sunset Music Cruises
- Jun 22
- 3 min read
Plain summer dinners are so last season.
Across the hospitality industry, restaurants are increasingly creating experiences that give guests a reason to stay longer, return for more and connect beyond the table. From hobby-driven social clubs to themed happy hours and immersive waterfront outings, experiential dining has emerged as one of the defining restaurant trends of 2026.
This season, Shooters Waterfront is tapping into trends and expanding its offerings with a new lineup of summer programming that extends well beyond the dining table. A fixture along Fort Lauderdale's Intracoastal Waterway since 1982, the longtime waterfront destination has introduced a series of activations inspired by some of the year's biggest lifestyle trends, including the nationwide mahjong movement, the rise of curated social experiences and the continued popularity of rosé culture.
Among the new additions is Martini & Mahjong Mondays. Mahjong has officially entered its mainstream era, with clubs, leagues and social gatherings popping up across the country. Shooters Waterfront is joining the movement through a partnership with local group Besties & Bams Mahjong Club.
The new bi-weekly series launches Monday, June 22 and invites guests to gather for an evening of cocktails, happy hour bites and friendly competition. The kickoff event features Open Play Mahjong, while future dates on July 6 and July 20 will expand to include Mahjong 101, Mahjong 102 and refresher lessons for players looking to learn or sharpen their skills.
Beginning at 6 p.m., Open Play guests can enjoy a complimentary welcome cocktail, access to Shooters' happy hour menu, prizes, waterfront views and an exclusive Mahjong Menu for purchase featuring a Mini Martini Flight: Dirty, Lychee and a Florida-inspired Guava Martini.
$50 Open Play tickets include a reserved mahjong seat, welcome cocktail and open play experience. $90 Lesson tickets include instruction, a welcome cocktail and a food item. Tickets can be purchased HERE.
The restaurant is also embracing another popular summer staple: rosé season. Every Friday through Labor Day, Shooters Waterfront is partnering with Hampton Water Rosé to transform its waterfront lawn and 340-foot dock into the Pink Cabana Club.
Running from 5-8 p.m., the activation blends waterfront happy hour culture with rosé tastings, themed decor and social programming designed to kick off the weekend.
Guests can sip Hampton Water Rosé while relaxing in pink cabana bird cages, enjoying waterfront photo opportunities and taking in sunset views overlooking the Intracoastal Waterway. The experience creates a destination-style happy hour atmosphere that feels more reminiscent of a beach club than a traditional restaurant gathering.
For those looking to take their evening onto the water, Shooters Waterfront's Sunset Music Cruise offers a different way to experience Fort Lauderdale's famous waterways.
Held every Friday in partnership with Water Taxi, the experience begins with happy hour at Shooters Waterfront at 5 p.m. before guests board at 7 p.m. for an evening cruise through the Intracoastal. The cruise features live music, a complimentary sunset toast and views of Fort Lauderdale's waterfront homes, yachts and skyline. Guests also receive a $10-off coupon to use at Shooters Waterfront. Tickets are $49 per person and can be purchased HERE.
Photo Credit: Sunset Music Cruise
These new activations join Shooters Waterfront's existing lineup of recurring programming, including weekday happy hour from 4-7 p.m., Wine Down Wednesdays, Yoga & Yolks featuring complimentary dockside yoga every Saturday from 8-9 a.m., and one of Fort Lauderdale's most popular waterfront brunches.