A Latte to Look Forward To
Each October, the scent of freshly ground beans and slow-steeped teas fills the halls of Cincinnati’s most elegant landmark. The 2025 Cincinnati Coffee Festival, set for October 25 and 26 at Music Hall in Over-the-Rhine, promises two days of curated tastings, live art, and culinary exploration. It’s not only the Midwest’s largest coffee-centric event, but also a showcase of local talent and sustainable mission.
This year’s event, presented by the Ohio River Foundation, will feature more than 55 vendors offering handcrafted beverages, premium teas, baked goods, fine chocolates, and brewing gear. Visitors will have the opportunity to sample, compare, and purchase their favorites directly from the makers. Roasters and producers from around the region will be on hand to share techniques, tell their origin stories, and talk beans with everyone from casual sippers to seasoned baristas.
Timed entry tickets help ease crowding, and a newly introduced afternoon discount tier, known as Last Cup pricing, invites guests to enjoy a more relaxed pace and lower admission during the final hours of the day. All attendees this year will also receive access to a Virtual Swag Bag, which unlocks discounts and perks both during the festival and after.
The Latte Art Throwdown, a staple of the event, returns with skilled baristas competing head-to-head for the title of Cincinnati’s best milk foam artist. For those curious to try their hand at the craft, the Latte Art in Action experience offers live demonstrations and guided practice led by professional baristas. The setup allows guests to get close to the action and understand the precision behind every pour.
While the drinks take center stage, the festival is just as much about community and connection. Live music from local performers will run throughout the weekend, creating an easygoing soundtrack to sip and stroll. Whether guests come for the caffeine, the culture, or the crowd, the event brings together people who care about quality and craft.
Beyond the tasting tables, the festival carries a deeper impact. Proceeds benefit the Ohio River Foundation, a Cincinnati-based nonprofit working to protect and improve the water quality and ecology of the Ohio River and its watershed. The connection between coffee and clean water is direct—great coffee depends on it. The Foundation’s programs span education, conservation, and advocacy, aiming to support ecosystems that affect millions across a 14-state region.
Doors open each day at 8 a.m., with the final tastings wrapping up at 4 p.m. Tickets are limited and often sell out in advance. Guests are encouraged to secure entry times early at cincinnaticoffeefestival.com.
For coffee lovers, tea drinkers, and those who simply appreciate a well-run event that gives back, the Cincinnati Coffee Festival offers a full-bodied experience worth savoring.