Before we roll into 2018, there are a number of exciting tea events and festivals that are certain to put a cherry on top of 2017. Whether you manage a tea shop, make your living as a barista, or simply love to drink tea, take a look at these upcoming events, and plan a trip!
OCTOBER 11-12
Denver, Colorado
The Spirit of Tea Tour, presented by Spirit Tea and Marco, kicked off in Los Angeles in September, then heads to Denver, Portland, and Seattle. Even though its target audience is baristas and café owners, all are welcome, and admission is free. Each stop on the tour will feature a “Matcha Lattee Throwdown,” a competition that pits baristas against one another to see who can pour the best matcha latte art. Each stop will also feature a Tea Dial-In workshop that will educate participants on the chemical compounds in tea, teach you how to unlock taste from tea leaves, suggest ways to improve cafe workflow, and expand your knowledge of tea varietals. A brief lecture will be coupled with an exercise that puts education in motion.
FREE ADMISSION
Dialing-In Tea Workshop
October 11 @ 1:00 PM @ Sweet Bloom Coffee
Matcha Throwdown
October 12 @ 6:45 @ Huckleberry Coffee
OCTOBER 22
New Orleans, Louisiana
This New Orleans caffeine fest benefits the Jefferson’s Court Appointed Special Advocates for Children. Events include hot and cold tea (and coffee) tastings, artwork displays, an appearance by Alice and The White Rabbit-children are encouraged to dress in Halloween costumes– High Tea, and a concert by the New Leviathan Oriental Foxtrot Orchestra. Head to the Big Easy to get your sip on for a good cause!
Outdoor Day Pass $10
Concert Tickets $22
Concert + High Tea $66
Children 12 and under FREE
NOVEMBER 7-8
Portland, Oregon
The third stop on the tour hits Portland, Oregon November 7-8.
Dialing-In Tea Workshop
November 7 @ 1: 00 pm @ Coava Coffee
Matcha Throwdown
November 8 @ 6:45 PM @ Upper Left Roasters
NOVEMBER 9
Seattle, Washington
The Spirit of Tea Tour comes to a close in Seattle, Washington on November 9.
Dialing-In Tea Workshop
November 9 @ 1:00 PM @ Visions Espresso
Matcha Throwdown
November 9 @ 6:45 PM @ Visions Espresso
NOVEMBER 12
San Francisco International Tea Festival
Enjoy product tastings, lectures, workshops, and more at the San Francisco International Tea Festival. Gain access to local and international tea producers and pick up a free swag bag. Sponsors of this year’s event include: Imperial Tea Court, The Republic of Tea, Burma Love Natural Foods Company, Harney & Sons Fine Teas, Mana Organics, and Ito En.
General Admission $25
DECEMBER 2-3
Coffee and Tea Festival: Valley Forge
For the fifth year in a row, the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center will play host to the Coffee and Tea Festival, featuring over 50 exhibitors and educational seminars. Get there when doors open at 10 am to be one of the first 500 attendees, and receive a free gift bag (#earlybirdgetstheswag).
$20/day
Children 12 and under FREE
DECEMBER 2-3
The Pasadena Convention Center will host the 7th annual Devan Shah Tea Festival this December. Attendees can peruse dozens of exhibits and take 20+ classes.
$15 General Admission covers both days
