ABOUT STLCoffeeFest
Coffee Talk Workshops
Learn the secrets behind the craft of specialty coffee and meet the roasters and baristas who are redefining what it means to brew in the Lou.
Join us for short workshops and demos on topics like bean origins and selection, roasting processes, home brewing methods, and more.
Workshop topics and times will be announced closer to the event.
Barista 101: Interactive Coffee Classes
Tickets for Barista Classes will be available in January.
Coffee Cupping: Explore the professional coffee-tasting technique known as cupping. In this guided session, you'll taste, evaluate, and compare beans from diverse regions, diving into their unique aromas, flavors, and subtle nuances to refine your palate and deepen your appreciation of coffee.
Espresso: What is the difference between coffee and espresso? What makes one shot of espresso distinct from another? In this session, you will gain insights from three perspectives: a roaster, an espresso technician, and a retail trainer. Together, they will guide you through the factors that influence the espresso you drink—coffee, equipment, and technique. You will leave with an understanding of how to extract a balanced, delicious shot of espresso and have the opportunity to taste coffees from multiple origins in the form of espresso.
Pour-Overs: Join experts for a hands-on pour-over class, where you'll practice every step of the brewing process. From perfecting water temperature and grind size to refining your pouring technique, learn how these key elements come together to unlock the full flavor profile of your favorite beans.
VENUE
STLCoffeeFest will take place at 18 Rails at the City Foundry STL, St. Louis’ first food hall. 18 Rails is a chic-industrial event space located in Midtown near the Cortex Innovation Community and Grand Center.
Upon entering the main doors of the City Foundry Food Hall, walk directly across the Food Hall and look for the large neon 18 Rails sign.
Free parking is available in the following locations:
Carpooling and ridesharing are encouraged.
The City Foundry is 100% ADA compliant. There is elevator access on all levels of the parking garage. All areas in the Food Hall and 18 Rails are wheelchair accessible.
Wifi is available for all City Foundry visitors. Join the network “City Foundry- Guests” for free access. No password necessary.
A complimentary coat check is available at STLCoffeeFest near the check-in desk.
BONNIE MANN, Founder
A St. Louis native with over 20 years of experience in corporate event production, Bonnie Mann has always been passionate about creating meaningful, shared experiences. After a successful career in the corporate world, she turned her focus to something closer to home—and heart: St. Louis' vibrant, growing coffee scene.
Despite a thriving community of roasters and cafés, Bonnie noticed something missing: a consumer-focused event that invites everyday coffee lovers to explore the craft, flavors, and stories behind their favorite brews. While trade shows existed for industry insiders, there was no immersive, all-day celebration of coffee culture designed for the public. So, she created STLCoffeeFest.
Launched in 2025 to a sold-out crowd, STLCoffeeFest was St. Louis’ first immersive coffee tasting festival—designed to spotlight local roasters, celebrate the art of coffee, and bring people together through shared discovery. Now returning for its second year, the festival continues to offer a one-of-a-kind, hands-on experience where attendees can sample a wide range of brews, learn from industry pros, and connect with the community in a fun, approachable way.