DFW Coffee Festivals & Brew-Offs to Experience
DFW’s coffee scene thrives through festivals showcasing local talent and exceptional brews. You’ll explore the Dallas Coffee Festival, Annual DFW Coffee Crawl, and exciting latte art throwdowns across North Texas.
These events offer perfect chances to connect with unique coffee shops, network with industry professionals, and support passionate roasters shaping the local specialty coffee culture. Discover how these vibrant gatherings are transforming DFW into a true destination for coffee lovers.
Dallas Coffee Festival: A Celebration of Local Coffee Culture
Coffee enthusiasts, mark your calendars! The Dallas Coffee Festival returns on April 11–12, 2026, at Gilley’s Dallas, brought to you by Craft Hospitality LLC. This immersive, full-day event features specialty tastings, live demonstrations, educational workshops, and unlimited coffee pours included in the ticket price.
Expect to sample exceptional brews from local roasters such as Oak Cliff Coffee, Noble Coyote, Eiland, Ostara, and The Berni Bean. Tickets range from $24–$58, with popular tiers already selling out. Beyond coffee, enjoy live music, food vendors, and a vibrant, community-driven atmosphere—perfect for forging connections with fellow coffee aficionados.
North Texas Coffee Fest: A Community-Driven Coffee Celebration
The North Texas Coffee Fest returned to Downtown Denison on February 1, 2025, from 11 AM to 6 PM, hosted along Main Street by Ethos Coffee, founded by Alex Hernandez.
In its second year, this free-entry festival offers a lively showcase of local and Texas-wide coffee vendors, chill community vibes, and an official coffee championship on-site.
What to Expect:
- Vibrant vendor village stretching across Main Street, featuring roasters and cafes from Dallas, Austin, Fort Worth, and Houston.
- A full day of hands-on coffee experiences, including demonstrations, tasting sessions, and the buzz-worthy live coffee championship where baristas go head-to-head.
- Family-friendly setting: local food trucks, casual seating areas, and hourly events coordinated along the walkable downtown district.
- Festival entry is free, and drinks are purchased à la carte—making it ideal for casual sampling or full-day immersion.
Why You’ll Love It:
- Founded by a 21-year-old entrepreneur, the fest champions local creativity and community energy .
- It brings together a diverse mix of roasters, from hometown cafés to established Texas brands, fostering regional collaboration.
- With its free admission model, the event remains accessible while spotlighting independent businesses and promoting grassroots support
Annual DFW Coffee Crawl: Touring the Best Cafés
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Join the Annual DFW Coffee Crawl, a guided weekend tour sampling the metroplex’s best local cafés. Participants receive a passport, map, and tasting guide, visiting multiple locations (typically 5 per route) to enjoy exclusive drinks and earn rewards.
This event highlights independent roasters and cafés, many producing coffee or chocolate pairings for the occasion. Proceeds support local coffee nonprofits, strengthening the DFW community and ensuring your coffee smile gives back.
Latte Art Throwdowns Across North Texas
Art and coffee collide with latte art throwdowns—energetic, visual competitions across North Texas. These events showcase baristas' skills in espresso art and creativity:
- North Texas Coffee Fest Latte Art Throwdown in Denison on January 27, 2024.
- Ongoing local competitions in Dallas hotspots like White Rhino Coffee and Merit Coffee–Deep Ellum.
- University-level contests like Espresso by the Horns at UNT
Attendees can also enhance their skills with workshops during nearby coffee festivals or community gatherings.
Plano Coffee & Tap Brew Tour
New to the lineup is the Plano Coffee & Tap Brew Tour, offering a unique blend of coffee and craft beer exploration. Originally debuting in October 2020, this self-guided experience invites participants to visit local cafés and breweries—such as Union Bear, 151 Coffee, Dutch Bros, and others—for curated tastings and behind-the-counter experiences.
Ideal for mixed-crowd groups (coffee lovers and craft beer enthusiasts alike), this tour provides a refreshing twist on traditional coffee-centric events.
Why These Events Matter
These verified, community-rooted events—from large festivals to intimate throwdowns and hybrid tours—illuminate DFW’s thriving coffee culture:
- Dallas Coffee Festival centers on artisanal brewing, connection, and discovery.
- DFW Coffee Crawl supports independent shops and nonprofits through guided tastings.
- Latte Art Competitions spotlight barista creativity and craftsmanship.
- The Plano Coffee & Tap Brew Tour bridges coffee and craft beer for a well-rounded experience.
Together, they reflect a diverse, lively coffee ecosystem that’s well worth exploring.
If you're interested in exploring more hidden coffee gems in North Texas, check out Zera Coffee and Events in Denton, TX—a nonprofit café blending community purpose with standout brews.
