Festival season preview: five stages to watch this winter

From Helsinki to Seoul, the next five months are packed with events for baristas, brewers and roasters.

By Samuel Brandt25 September 20261 min read

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Winter is the busiest season on the coffee calendar. Here are five stops worth planning around.

1. Helsinki, November

The Northern Lights Barista Open opens the season. Expect sharp espresso and long queues.

The Highland Origins Expo brings farmers, exporters and buyers together. It is the best place to taste fresh-crop Ethiopian lots.

The Pacific Brew Festival is relaxed and local. Roasters pour, bakers sell and bands play.

The Café Futures Summit focuses on business. Talks cover rents, staff and the cost of milk.

The World Brewers Cup Qualifier closes the run. Watch for new methods and new filter papers.

Dates and links are on our events page.

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