The Slow Coffee Festival 2026 in Bucharest is scheduled for September 25 to September 27, 2026, at Romexpo, Pavilion A, Bulevardul Mărăști 65-67. This is the festival’s tenth edition and the largest and most spectacular yet.
The Art of Slow Brewing and Tasting
At the heart of the festival is the art of slow brewing. Attendees can witness various preparation methods, each with distinct rituals and flavours. From the meticulously poured pour-over to the immersive French press experience, the festival highlights the importance of preparing and appreciating coffee.
This festival focuses on the specialty coffee culture, sustainability, and building strong communities around cafés. It offers a unique three-day experience designed to encourage visitors to slow down, explore artisanal coffee flavors, participate in workshops, and enjoy a variety of craft drinks beyond coffee. The festival celebrates “slow living” and inclusivity, making it a gathering spot for coffee enthusiasts and creatives alike.
Workshops and Educational Sessions
The Slow Coffee Festival is more than just a tasting event; it’s a learning experience. Coffee experts lead educational sessions and workshops, helping attendees deepen their knowledge of coffee, its origins, brewing techniques, and sustainability practices. This focus on education reflects the festival’s commitment to promoting responsible and ethical coffee consumption.
Sustainability is a big deal here. You’ll see eco-friendly coffee practices and learn about sustainable sourcing. The festival encourages responsible choices for both coffee producers and consumers.
Beyond the coffee itself, it fosters community and connection. Coffee enthusiasts gather to share their passion, trade stories, and form lasting connections with like-minded individuals. This sense of belonging and shared appreciation for slow coffee brewing makes the festival an exceptional experience.
Slow Coffee Festival 2026 Programme
Friday, September 25 – B2B Day & Green Connect
The first day of Slow Coffee Festival is dedicated to coffee industry professionals, producers, importers, roasters, HoReCa entrepreneurs and technology providers.
13:00 – Official Opening: 10 Years of Coffee, Community and Hospitality
Moderated by Mihai Morar, with Afshin Roshanian and Radu Savopol, President of HORA and co-founder of 5 to go.
14:10 – Green Connect: Voices from Origin
A conversation with coffee producers Rony Gamez from Honduras, Meseret Workneh from Ethiopia and Christopher Noche from Peru.
HARD TALK: Coffee Under Pressure. Who Pays for Resilience?
Moderated by Vera Richartz, with Christopher Noche, Yanina Ferreyra from Project Origin, Afshin Roshanian from Artisan Green Bean, Sam Corra from Nucleus Coffee Tools and Bogdan Georgescu from MABO.
Good Coffee Everywhere
Two discussions focusing on automation, consistency and the role of technology in HoReCa and specialty coffee.
16:40 – Coffee Diplomacy
Diplomatic representatives of Cuba, Peru and Colombia join a discussion about EUDR and the current context of coffee-producing countries.
Throughout the day, visitors can also attend B2B meetings, cuppings and workshops covering coffee sourcing, technology, the European coffee market and origin chocolate.
The programme also includes the Code2Cup Final, organised by Brewtifi, bringing together the IT and specialty coffee communities.
Saturday, September 26 – Coffee, Talks, Film & Roasting Championship
Saturday opens the festival to the wider public, with specialty coffee experiences, workshops, tastings, talks and competitions throughout the day.
Extracting Dreams
Mihai Morar talks with Yanina Ferreyra about building a career in the coffee industry.
The Rise of Espresso – Film Screening & Discussion
Screening followed by a conversation with Amine Moukdi from La Marzocco and Anca Dumitrescu from 441 Studio.
From 14:00 – Conversation on Coffee Quality
Sam Corra, Director of Nucleus Coffee Tools, and international coffee consultant Mihaela Iordache discuss how coffee quality is defined and communicated.
Live Music – Fabian Sanchez & Andres Forero, Colombia
Stronghold Roasting Romanian Championship
Saturday also hosts the competition roasting stage of the Stronghold Roasting Romanian Championship, the first Romanian edition of the international roasting competition.
Competitors roast on Stronghold S2 machines, with the Romanian champion earning the opportunity to represent the country at the global final in Seoul.
Competition roasting: 09:00–18:00
Visitors can also join roasting workshops with Sam Corra and craft chocolate sessions led by Martin Christy.
Sunday, September 27 – National AeroPress Championship
The final day puts one of the festival’s major competitions on the Main Stage: the Romanian National AeroPress Championship.
10:00 – National AeroPress Championship begins
Competition rounds continue throughout the day.
15:30 – AeroPress Final
17:00 – Winners Announcement
Romania’s winner will earn the opportunity to represent the country at the World AeroPress Championship final in Mexico.
Between competition rounds, the programme includes music by ITTO Meza from Peru and Nostalgia DJ sets.
The day also includes the conversation:
Bean-to-Bar in Romania. Is Craft Chocolate the New Specialty Coffee?
Moderated by Martin Christy together with Romanian craft chocolate makers.
18:00 – Official Closing of Slow Coffee Festival #10
With Mihai Morar and Afshin Roshanian.
Activities Throughout the Festival
Across all three days, Slow Coffee Festival also features coffee tastings and cuppings, specialty coffee and craft chocolate workshops, masterclasses with producers and international coffee professionals, contemporary art, music, movement and wellbeing activities.
The King’s Oak Classroom offers activities for children and teenagers, including LEGO building, painting, reading, mathematics, coding, engineering and robotics.
Visitors can also discover the Dog Scouts area, Mirare Gallery’s contemporary art experience, Inari Spa activities, Reformer Pilates, yoga and Pilates classes, as well as the Cupping Room and Workshop Room.
The event promises a rich program featuring tastings, workshops, and an opportunity to discover new trends in coffee-making and sustainability within Romania’s urban coffee culture.
More than just a coffee event, the Slow Coffee Festival is dedicated to the art of slow living and sustainability within Romania’s vibrant speciality coffee scene. Visitors can savour artisanal coffee flavours and explore a diverse array of craft drinks, all while participating in engaging workshops designed to deepen their appreciation and knowledge of coffee craftsmanship.
Whether a seasoned barista or a casual coffee enthusiast, Slow Coffee Festival 2026 offers an immersive experience that nurtures community spirit and inspires a thoughtful, slower approach to enjoying life’s simple pleasures.
Mark your calendar for this festival. It’s your chance to slow down, breathe, and savour the moment.
Recommended Coffee Shops in Bucharest
If you’re interested in coffee, you might be interested in the best coffee shops in Bucharest. Our selection features some of the most highly regarded coffee establishments in Bucharest, as appreciated by both locals and international visitors.
If you’re searching for the best cafes in Bucharest, you’re in for a treat. As ardent coffee researchers, we’ve scoured the charming streets of Bucharest to unearth the hidden gems that house the most exceptional brews.
Coffee time may be the most exciting part of the day, but we see it as a ritual. Starting your day with a good coffee or enjoying it with friends while you visit Bucharest sets your mood.
Picture this: the tantalising aroma of freshly roasted beans, the cosy ambience that wraps you like a warm hug, and that first sip of meticulously crafted coffee. Perfect!
