Your Questions, Answered

  • Coffee Culture Fest is a celebration of coffee, creativity, and community.

    Join local and regional roasters, cafés, artists, and community organizations for coffee tastings, educational conversations, live music, art activations, and a lively outdoor festival atmosphere.

    The festival takes place across the Santa Barbara Junior High campus and the Marjorie Luke Theatre, bringing together the people and ideas that shape coffee culture on the Central Coast.

  • Saturday, March 28
    9:00 AM - 3:00 PM

    A note about timing

    We recognize that some of our neighbors will be participating in a community march beginning around noon. We applaud civic engagement.

    If you plan to march later in the day, come early to get caffeinated, connect with neighbors, and make a poster at our free poster-making station before heading out.

  • Santa Barbara Junior High School
    721 E Cota Street
    Santa Barbara, CA 93103

    Festival activities will take place:

    • On the main lawn (vendor booths, coffee tastings, art activations, music, community tables)

    • Inside the Marjorie Luke Theatre (panels, Latte Art Throwdown, educational programming)

  • The public festival lawn is free and open to everyone.

    Festival passes are available for guests who want access to coffee tastings and premium programming.

    Coffee Pass

    $30 General | $15 Student

    Includes:

    • Limited-edition reusable coffee cup

    • Complimentary coffee tastings from participating vendors throughout the festival

    • Access to educational workshops and panels

    • Entry to the Latte Art Throwdown with reserved Tier 2 seating

    VIP Pass

    $60

    Includes everything in the Coffee Pass, plus access to the VIP Lounge.

  • VIP Pass holders receive access to a relaxed gathering space near the music stage.

    The VIP Lounge includes:

    • Preferred seating near the stage

    • Access to exclusive restrooms

    • Complimentary snacks throughout the day

    • Specialty coffee tastings from select partners

  • Attendees can enjoy:

    • Coffee tastings from regional roasters

    • Specialty drinks and food vendors

    • Coffee gear, art, and handmade goods

    • Educational conversations and panels

    • The Central Coast Latte Art Throwdown

    • Live music and community gathering spaces

    • Art activations throughout the festival

    Additional program details and art activations will be announced soon.

  • In addition to coffee, there will be food vendors and non-coffee beverages available for purchase.

  • Yes. Coffee Culture Fest is designed as a community gathering for all ages.

    While coffee tastings are geared toward adults, there will be food, music, art, and activities that everyone can enjoy.

  • Yes - well-behaved dogs on leash are welcome on the public festival lawn.

    Dogs are not permitted inside the Marjorie Luke Theatre or other indoor spaces on campus.

  • Limited parking is available at Santa Barbara Junior High.

    We encourage guests to carpool, bike, walk, or use rideshare services whenever possible.

  • All festival spaces are ADA compliant and designed to be physically accessible.

    Our team will do our best to support guests with accessibility needs throughout the event. Feel free to check in with us at the info booth if you need any extra support!

  • Spanish interpretation will be available for the 9:30 AM panel discussion.

    Festival staff will also support language accessibility throughout the day to the best of our ability.

  • Coffee Culture Fest is intended to be a safe and welcoming space for our community to gather.

    We ask all attendees to participate with respect and care for one another.

    Discrimination, harassment, or prejudiced behavior will not be tolerated.

  • Coffee tastings are meant to be small samples, similar to wine tasting.

    Please remember:

    • Pace yourself

    • Drink water throughout the day

    • Enjoy smaller samples from multiple roasters

    Your caffeine tolerance will likely run out before the coffee does.

  • Yes.

    Many vendors will be selling coffee beans, merchandise, and coffee-related products.

  • No.

    Coffee Culture Fest is a family-friendly event held on a school campus, so alcohol will not be permitted on site.

  • We are working to keep the festival as sustainable as possible.

    Please help by using the clearly marked compost, recycling, and landfill bins throughout the festival.

  • Coffee Culture Fest will take place rain or shine.

    Any updates will be communicated via our website and social media channels.