It will be Portland bartenders’ night to shine Monday when they showcase their talents at two splashy events.

The second annual Cold River Bartenders Bash will pit 20 cocktail slingers against each other from 5 to 8:30 p.m. at Ocean Gateway on the waterfront. Their challenge: Create “The Ultimate Cold River Cocktail” with the Freeport-based company’s vodka, blueberry vodka or gin.

Eats will feature potato-themed bites from Aurora Provisions, reflecting the fact that Cold River uses Maine potatoes to make its vodka and gins. Joe Richhio, Portland bartender and food blogger, will emcee.

The Signature Event is the kick-off to Maine Restaurant Week and will showcase a dozen bartenders going head to head, using any kind of liquor they choose.

This bash will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Masonic Temple, a striking venue located at 415 Congress St. Lori Voornas, a morning radio show host from WJBQ 97.9-FM, will emcee.

The food at the Signature Event will be “gourmet grazing,” featuring small bites of Asian, Latin, American and French fare prepared by Executive Chef Geoffroy Deconinck from Natalie’s, the restaurant at the Camden Harbour Inn.

The Signature Event also includes two dessert competitions, including one where the public will be able to vote for their favorite pastry or confection.

The second competition will be judged by local food writers and Zac Young, executive pastry chef at FlexMussels in New York and a recent contestant on “Top Chef: Just Desserts.”

Tickets for both the Cold River bash and the Signature Event are $35 and available at www. brownpapertickets.com.

Both soirees support good causes.

The Cold River Bartenders Bash will donate a share of the proceeds to Share Our Strength’s “Cooking Matters to Maine” nutrition education program.

The Signature Event is supporting Maine Harvest Lunch, a program that brings farm-fresh lunches into Maine schools.

Staff Writer Meredith Goad can be contacted at 791-6332 or at:

mgoad@pressherald.com