Jazzed for java? What to know if you go to the Columbus Coffee Festival

Belinda M. Paschal, Columbus Dispatch
Updated ·2 min read
The 8th annual Columbus Coffee Festival will be held Saturday and Sunday at the Ohio History Connection's Ohio Village. Organizers recommend buying tickets in advance, as the festival usually sells out.
The 8th annual Columbus Coffee Festival will be held Saturday and Sunday at the Ohio History Connection's Ohio Village. Organizers recommend buying tickets in advance, as the festival usually sells out.

Whether you call it java, joe, grog, jitter juice or liquid energy, one thing's for sure: Coffee is loved by many and it's a great way to get yourself energized for the daily grind.

The beloved bean is so popular that the Columbus Coffee Festival, which launched in 2016, sells out each year — 2022's colossal coffee klatch drew more than 7,100 attendees — and the same is expected for this year's two-day event, as tickets are already limited.

So, if you have a craving for a cuppa, hurry and get your tickets before it's too late! Before you go, there are several things you need to know.

When and where is the Columbus Coffee Festival?

The festival is 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, with ticketed entry times at 9 a.m., 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., depending upon your ticket. It will be held at the Ohio History Connection's Ohio Village, 800 E. 17th Ave.

How much are tickets?

At this time, the only available tickets are for the 3-6 p.m. session on Sunday. The cost is $20, which includes a commemorative Coffee Festival mug. Children 12 and younger are free with an accompanying adult. For a link to purchase tickets, go to columbuscoffeefest.com.

Do I have to pay for coffee at the festival?

No. Vendors will offer 2-ounce samples for each paid guest.

How many roasters will be there?

More than 40 roasters will be serving up steamy, fresh brews.

Attendees at the Columbus Coffee Festival will receive a collectable mug to keep, and all coffee sampling is included with the price of admission.
Attendees at the Columbus Coffee Festival will receive a collectable mug to keep, and all coffee sampling is included with the price of admission.

Will there be food available?

Will there ever! More than two dozen vendors will offer incredible edibles including desserts, vegan treats, charcuterie and more. There also will be more than a dozen food trucks onsite.

I'm not a coffee person. Will there be other drinks?

Yes! You can swill your fill of tea, kombucha and other non-coffee beverages.

What else is there to do besides eat and drink?

Ticketholders have full access to Ohio Village, live music performances, coffee talks/demonstrations, poetry performances and a multitude of other events including a scavenger hunt and beauty treatments like coffee hand scrubs and "Express-o" facials. This year, you can even get inked by Tattoo 62 in the village's funeral parlor. (Prices will vary.)

Are the festival grounds stroller and wheelchair-accessible?

Most of the Ohio Village is made up of gravel and boardwalk-style sidewalks, which some may find difficult to maneuver. Also, accessibility to some of the village's narrow doors and small waiting area may be limited. Call the Ohio History Center in advance at 614-297-2300 if you have special needs or requests.

bpaschal@dispatch.com

This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: What to know to go to the 2023 Columbus Coffee Festival Sept. 23-24