When I heard that Bonnie Mann was launching a coffee festival in St. Louis, it felt like a celebration that was long overdue. After all, we have wine festivals, beer festivals and even gooey butter cake festivals—but somehow coffee, the drink that fuels our mornings and social lives, never got its moment. That’s about to change with STLCoffeeFest, happening Feb. 22 at City Foundry’s 18 Rails venue.
The festival will feature more than 30 vendors, including nearly 20 local roasters and a carefully curated selection of food vendors offering coffee-inspired treats. “It’s a one-day celebration of everything coffee,” Mann said. “Whether you’re a coffee geek or someone who just loves a good cup, there’s something for everyone.”
Mann’s ties to St. Louis run deep, shaped by her connections across the community. A member of Central Reform Congregation and a board member at the Jewish Community Center, Mann has always been focused on bringing people together—whether through philanthropy, events, or, now, coffee.
“I’ve always loved coffee—the experience of it, from going to shops to brewing at home,” said Mann. After attending the Specialty Coffee Association’s trade show in Chicago last April, she found inspiration to launch the festival. “It was like coffee heaven,” she said. “But I realized events like this were limited to professionals. I thought, why not create something similar for consumers?”
St. Louis, meet coffee heaven
Mann quickly realized St. Louis was ripe for a coffee festival. With nearly 40 roasters and over 90 shops in the area, the city’s coffee scene is thriving. “St. Louis has a deep coffee history that a lot of people don’t know about,” she said. “This festival is a way to celebrate that and bring the community together.”
Encouraged by the local enthusiasm, Mann dove into planning. She even took a part-time job with Kaldi’s Coffee to deepen her understanding of the industry, helping out not only in the café but also with bakery operations across the company. “I wanted to learn as much as I could from the inside,” she said.
Mann’s passion for unique culinary experiences predates STLCoffeeFest. A few years ago, she developed the concept of “culinary trespassing,” initially imagining it as a private event company for foodies. When the pandemic hit, she transformed the idea into a blog. “It became a way to share my discoveries—things like kitchen gadgets, new restaurants, and specialty foods. It’s all about finding joy in the unexpected.”
What’s brewing at STLCoffeeFest?
Here’s what attendees can expect at the inaugural event:
- Tastings from nearly 20 local roasters, showcasing a variety of brewing styles and bean origins.
- Food vendors offering coffee-themed treats, including espresso gooey butter cake and coffee floats.
- Hands-on workshops like “Barista 101” and cupping sessions, where guests can learn professional coffee tasting techniques.
Tickets to STLCoffeeFest are available at stlcoffeefest.com. General admission starts at $25, with VIP options available.
Mann’s love of coffee isn’t just local—she makes a point to visit unique, independent coffee shops when traveling.
“Researching the best local spots is part of the adventure,” she said. “That same excitement is what I hope to bring to STLCoffeeFest.”
Brewing a new tradition
For Mann, the festival is about more than coffee—it’s about bringing people together. “This city has such a vibrant coffee history and community,” she said. “This festival is about celebrating that and giving people a space to connect, learn, and enjoy.”
Mark your calendar, St. Louis—Feb. 22 is shaping up to be a very good day for coffee lovers.
