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In July at Travel & Leisure’s annual World’s Best Awards in New York, sponsor Patrón displayed a sleek wall that housed five tanks of Patrón-based cocktails from which guests could pour their own drinks.

Beauty brand Fresh’s 21st anniversary party in New York included an interactive mixology bar by Shiraz Events with a wall of drink tanks filled with purées and infused juices. Guests filled their cups from the dispensers, then brought them to bartenders who added Belvedere vodka.

Chicago-based Redmoon Theater’s annual benefit in March had a performer topping off guests’ glasses with the company’s “Wine Bike,” which features a spinning chandelier of wine glasses and a series of gears that pour bottles of wine.

The Los Angeles launch party for Zing vodka in July had a unique take on a shot bar: Gloved hands emerged from a rose-covered wall to offer guests glasses of the new spirit.

At Hendrick’s Gin’s “Voyages Into the Unusual” event in Chicago, a bar dubbed the Monster Box was manned by a server wearing a fuzzy “monster paw” who stood behind a curtain. When guests approached, the beastly hand poked through holding a drink—the particular concoction that each guest received was a surprise.

Wearing festive hats, a trio of musicians serenaded guests from a balcony above the main space.

A crew of skeletons appeared during the evening's main performance, which involved a mini opera and a fiery organ. "I knew some skeletons would come," said one Redmoon loyalist, as the creepy creatures made their entrance.

A performer lay in a bathtub covered with a pool of candlelit wine bottles. Two trays at the side of the tub held hors d'oeuvres such as deviled eggs.

A strolling performer sold raffle tickets. Guests who purchased tickets plucked them off her dress.

A crew of "flying performers" acted as an abstract airplane, circulating with handlebars, horns, propellers, and goggles, and making "whoosh" noises with their mouths.

The flying performers traveled in a V formation.

The company unveiled its new "fire organ."

Bursts of fire shot out of the organ in time to operatic music. Before the performance, staffers made sure that all guests were seated at a safe distance.

During the cocktail reception, a banjo-playing performer serenaded guests from inside a cage.

Lounge furniture was clustered in front of a stage area, where Gary Sinise and the Lt. Dan Band played at the end of the night. Before the show, a DJ from Toast & Jam spun hits from artists like the Beastie Boys.

The event celebrated Marwen's 25th anniversary, or silver birthday. To underscore the theme, guests entered the dinner tent through a tunnel of silver balloons.

At the culinary event at New York's Pranna on April 2, large marquee letters spelling out "Food & Wine" surrounded a lounge area.