Ready to feel the buzz? 4 ways to enjoy the upcoming Wilmington Coffee Fest
What started in 2018 as a coffee crawl has since grown into a festival. After a pandemic-related hiatus last year, the Wilmington Coffee Fest is back and offering more for lovers of caffeinated beverages.
“So many of these events are geared toward the trade,” said Will Chacon, one of the founders of the event and owner of Luna Caffe at 604 Castle St. in Wilmington. “We really do want to offer something for everyone.”
Local and regional vendors and participants will be on hand for samples and information, and there are a few other events on the lineup to keep people entertained. Here’s a look at the best way to Coffee Fest on Jan. 29.
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Go to both locations
In an effort to spread out, be safe, and increase the festival’s footprint, it’s being held in two locations this year. People can buy tickets to one or both. Each location will have different people and vendors – but both will have food trucks and music.
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It takes place 9 a.m.-noon at Waterline Brewing Co., 721 Surry St. and from noon-3 p.m. at Hi-Wire Brewing, 1020 Princess St. Tickets are available in advance, or for a higher price at the door.
If you want to splurge on a VIP ticket, $60 includes both locations and a preview party 6-9 p.m. Friday, Jan. 28 at Waterline.
Get a mug, try some coffee
Vendors are offering samples, of course, and ticket price includes a mug to make the fest more sustainable. With around 30 vendors at each location, there should be lots to try. In addition to many local coffee shops like Cheeky Monkey and Drift, the festival also has regional participants such as The Optimist in Raleigh and Apex's Wake Oasis Coffee.
Go to a seminar
Want to learn while you drink? Among those sharing their knowledge of the business are Steve Schnitzler of Port City Java, Scott Conary with Carrboro Coffee and Cheeky Monkey's Maggie Hemingway. Some of the seminars are geared toward those in the industry, but others like "Matcha 101" with Michael Howley have a broad appeal.
Be in a tasting competition
In adding to the Roaster Competition for the professionals in the group, there's also a contest for coffee drinkers. The 2022 Cup Tasters Competition will let you prove how discerning you can be. In each set, there are three cups of coffee, two of them are the same and one is different. Could you tell them apart? Applications are being accepted through Jan. 27 and four contestants will be selected for Waterline and Hi-Wire. The final winner wins prizes provided by sponsors and vendors.
Allison Ballard is the food and dining reporter at the StarNews. You can reach her at aballard@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Wilmington StarNews: Wilmington Coffee Fest takes place at local coffee shops Jan. 29
