The Eighth Athens Coffee Festival: A Celebration of Coffee Culture and Community

Athens Coffee Festival poster is yellow, black and white. It reads The Great Celebration of Coffee. We participate!

The largest coffee festival in Greece is back, featuring more than 120 coffee brands, live music, comedy shows, and coffee masterclasses.

BY VASILEIA FANARIOTI
SENIOR ONLINE CORRESPONDENT

Photos courtesy of Athens Coffee Festival

The Athens Coffee Festival, the largest coffee festival in Greece, is set to take place September 28-30 at the iconic Technopolis. Organized by Forum SA, this year’s festival promises to once again be an unforgettable experience, bringing together coffee enthusiasts, industry professionals, and music lovers for a three-day celebration of coffee culture and community.

Outside Technopolis, with a stage and booths set up, and people milling around.
Technopolis is one of Athens’ largest and most vibrant cultural venues.

What to Expect

At the Athens Coffee Festival, visitors can expect a wide range of exciting attractions and activities. Over 120 premium coffee brands and micro-roasters will be in attendance, offering visitors the opportunity to taste and learn about new and unique coffee blends from around the world. The festival will also feature live DJ sets and concerts, as well as coffee masterclasses and workshops led by industry experts.

One of the highlights of the festival will be the Hellenic Coffee Championships, three competitions that will bring together some of the best coffee professionals in Greece to compete for top honors. In addition to these main attractions, the festival will also feature a range of other activities and events, including stand-up comedy shows and live music performances. Two of Greece’s most popular comedians will also be taking to the stage to deliver their unique brand of humor and entertainment.

Two people speak to a man at a booth  with a coffee grinder.
From pourover and ibrik to cold brews, visitors will have a chance to learn about the different brewing methods and the latest trends.

Coffee Masterclasses

The Athens Coffee Festival will also feature a series of coffee masterclasses, led by some of the country’s top coffee experts. These sessions will cover a range of topics, including coffee origin and production, consumer trends, sustainability, and the Greek coffee industry. Visitors can expect to learn new skills and techniques, as well as gain insights into the latest trends and developments in the coffee industry. The masterclasses will provide a unique opportunity to learn from seasoned professionals and gain a deeper understanding of the world of coffee.

A barista raises a fist at the Latte Art Championship.
The Hellenic Coffee Championships will include Latte Art, Roasting, and Coffee in Good Spirits competitions.

Hellenic Coffee Championships

The Hellenic Coffee Championships are one of the highlights of the festival, bringing together some of Greece’s top baristas to compete for their country’s title and the chance to compete in their respective events at the World Coffee Championships.

Among the events will be the Latte Art Competition, where baristas will be judged on their ability to create intricate designs and patterns on the surface of espresso-based drinks. The Coffee in Good Spirits Competition will test the skills of baristas in creating unique and delicious coffee-based cocktails, showcasing their creativity and expertise in combining coffee with spirits. Finally, the Roasting Competition will challenge baristas to roast their own coffee beans to perfection, demonstrating their knowledge and skill in bringing out the best flavors and aromas of the beans. 

A Hellenic Roasting Championship competitor looks over beans roasting.
The Hellenic Coffee Championships will bring together Greece’s top coffee professionals to compete for a chance to represent their country.

Music and Happenings

In addition to the coffee-focused activities, the festival will also feature a range of live music performances and concerts. Visitors can expect to enjoy a diverse range of musical styles, from rock and pop to electronic dance music. Some of Greece’s top DJs will be taking the stage to deliver their unique brand of music and entertainment.

Visitors can also expect to enjoy a range of other activities and events throughout the festival. These include interactive exhibitions, live brewing demonstrations, and tastings from some of Greece’s top beverage producers.

Two stand-up comedy shows will be taking place during the festival, featuring some of Greece’s most popular comedians. Lambros Fisfis will be taking to the stage on Saturday, September 28, for a hilarious comedy show that promises to leave audiences laughing out loud. Zisis Roubos will be performing on Sunday, September 29, with his unique brand of humor that has delighted audiences across Greece.

Two women with coffee cups smile outside an Oatly booth.
The 2023 event welcomed 19,350 attendees, with this year’s edition set to attract even more.

Mark Your Calendars!

Whether you’re looking to learn more about coffee-making techniques, sample new and unique coffee blends from around the world, or simply enjoy a fun day out with friends and family, this festival has something for everyone.

So mark your calendars for September 28-30, and get ready to experience one of Greece’s most exciting events. With its blend of coffee culture, community, and entertainment, this festival is sure to leave you feeling energized and inspired.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Vasileia Fanarioti (she/her) is a senior online correspondent for Barista Magazine and a freelance copywriter and editor with a primary focus on the coffee niche. She has also been a volunteer copywriter for the I’M NOT A BARISTA NPO, providing content to help educate people about baristas and their work.

August + September 2024 issue cover.

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