ABOUT STLCoffeeFest

Coffee Talk Workshops & Demos

Join us for a series of bite-sized workshops and demos diving into the world of coffee. Discover where the coffee industry stands today, where it’s heading next, and get insider guidance in a special session designed for aspiring café owners.

 
New this year are “How-To” Sessions for better brewing at home:
  • Cold Foam & Cold Brew Made Simple
  • The Art of Coffee Cocktails (Host: Matt Foster, Sol Luna)
  • Getting It Right: Grinder Settings & Bean Storage Tips
  • Portable and Travel-Ready Brewing: Pour Over, French Press & AeroPress

Workshops and demos are free to all attendees. Specific topics and times will be added closer to the event date.

The Art of Coffee Cocktails

Join Matt Foster, 2019 U.S. Coffee in Good Spirits Champion, owner of Sol Luna Coffee Whiskey, and General Manager of Century Coffee, for an exciting introduction to the art of coffee cocktails. In this workshop, you'll discover how to seamlessly incorporate coffee into your cocktails. Matt will share essential mixing techniques, demonstrate favorite recipes, and provide you with the skills to elevate your drink-making game.

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Barista 101: Interactive Coffee Classes

Tickets for Barista Classes will be available in early February. Times for classes can be found on the Event Schedule page.

Coffee Cupping: Explore the professional coffee-tasting technique known as cupping. In this guided session hosted by Blueprint Coffee, 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.

Pour-Overs: Join experts from Upshot Coffee 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 18Rails at the City Foundry STL, St. Louis’ first food hall. 18Rails 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 18Rails sign.

Entrance to 18 Rails venue at City Foundry.

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.

Smiling woman with glasses and curly hair.

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.