Cincinnati is hosting its big drink festival again on October 24 and 25 2026 and it is going to be super fun. The event is put together by the Ohio River Foundation to bring local warm drink fans together. You can try different drinks listen to live music and watch cool art made right in your cup. Lots of local shops will be there so it is a great time to hang out and see what the community has to offer.
A weekend dedicated to coffee
Block off your calendar for October 24 and 25 because the premier coffee event in the Midwest is ready for you. The Ohio River Foundation brings this festival back and it is honestly the perfect way to spend an autumn weekend. People travel from all over to check out the roasters and tea shops setting up booths.
The Cincinnati Music Hall venue
The whole thing goes down at the historic Cincinnati Music Hall right in the heart of the city. It is a beautiful location giving you plenty of space to wander around with your warm cup. The grand architecture just makes the whole tasting experience feel a bit more magical.
Getting those early VIP tickets
If you need coffee before you can even function you will want the VIP First Pour tickets starting right at 8 AM. This gives you a calm and crowd free shopping hour before general admission doors open up. They even serve bagels during that first hour so you can grab breakfast while you sip.
The ultimate latte art throwdown
You have seen baristas make cool leaves in your coffee but Saturday takes it to a new level. The Latte Art Throwdown happens at 2:15 PM where you watch real pros battle for the best designs. It is seriously impressive to see what these folks create with just espresso and steamed milk. It gets pretty competitive so grab a good spot to watch the action.
Sunday coffee and chocolate pairings
Sunday brings its own special flavor with a dedicated Coffee and Chocolate Pairing event at 2:15 PM. Everyone knows a dark roast goes perfectly with something sweet so this is a match made in heaven. Treat your taste buds to unique flavor combinations that the experts put together just for you.
Enjoying live music while tasting
It would not be a proper festival without some good tunes playing while you walk around. You get to enjoy live performances from local musicians and emerging talent throughout the weekend. Each day features different music so the vibe is always fresh as you go from booth to booth.
Learning from the industry experts
You can do a lot more than just drink coffee here because they have plenty of cool demonstrations planned. Experts teach you the science of coffee making so you can finally learn to brew like a pro at home. You can check out a cupping station where guests learn to sample different roasts just like the experts.
A great zero waste environment
One of the absolute coolest things about this event is that it is a zero waste festival. They divert several tons of waste through smart recycling and composting efforts over the two days. It feels great knowing you can enjoy unlimited samples without creating a mountain of trash.
Picking your perfect entry time
Tickets start at $15 but they use a timed entry system to keep crowds manageable. You can pick times like the Early Brew at 9 AM or wait until the Afternoon Pour at 1 PM. A lot of these time slots will sell out completely so you should probably lock down your tickets soon.
Exploring amazing local goods
The festival floor is packed with vendors selling everything from freshly roasted beans to loose leaf teas. You will have a great time chatting with shop owners and discovering local businesses right in your backyard. It is basically a giant playground for anyone who loves a hot beverage and a fun weekend out.
