A guide to Wilmington Coffee Fest 2026
Photo Credit: JT Fritsch
Coffee lovers, clear your calendar. Wilmington Coffee Fest returns to The Cargo District Sept. 18-19, bringing local and regional roasters, coffee shops, baristas, bakers, artisans and plenty of caffeine together for its ninth annual festival.
The weekend starts Friday evening with a free Latte Art Throwdown before the main Coffee Fest street fair takes over South 15th Street on Saturday. Visitors can sample coffee, meet the people behind their favorite local brews, discover new roasters and even cast a vote for their favorites.
Planning to go? Here's what to know about Wilmington Coffee Fest 2026.
Key takeaways
- The bigger picture: The ninth annual Wilmington Coffee Fest takes over The Cargo District Sept. 18-19 for a weekend celebrating Wilmington's local and regional coffee scene.
- The details: Friday features a free Latte Art Throwdown, while Saturday's ticketed street fair includes coffee samples, tea, baked goods, artisans and voting for favorite coffees.
- Why it matters: The festival gives coffee lovers a chance to discover new favorites, meet local roasters and support two area nonprofits.
- The more you know: Saturday admission includes free coffee samples, a Wilmington Coffee Fest espresso mug and limited-edition canvas tote bag.
Start the weekend with the Latte Art Throwdown
Wilmington Coffee Fest kicks off Friday evening with its fifth annual Latte Art Throwdown at Azalea Station. Cheer on local and regional baristas as they compete head-to-head to create the best latte art, with prizes going to the top finishers. The competition is free and open to the public.
- Where: Azalea Station, 1502 Castle St., Wilmington
- When: 6:30 p.m. Sept. 18
- Cost: Free
- Good to know: The event is open to all ages.
How does the Latte Art Throwdown work?
Baristas will move through several rounds, with three judges selecting the winners of each. The drinks get smaller as the competition progresses before finalists get creative with a free-pour round.
- First round: 12-ounce latte
- Second round: 6-ounce cappuccino
- Third round: Cortado
- Final round: Free pour in any size
- Prizes: Awards for first, second and third place, with cash and a trophy for the champion
Spend Saturday at the Wilmington Coffee Fest street fair
Saturday is Coffee Lovers Day, when the main Wilmington Coffee Fest street fair takes over South 15th Street between Castle and Queen streets. Visitors can sip their way through free coffee samples while meeting local and regional roasters and coffee shops, then explore tea, bakery and artisan vendors throughout the festival.
- Where: South 15th Street between Castle and Queen streets, The Cargo District
- When: 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Sept. 19
- Cost: $28 general admission, plus $2.59 fee
Sample coffee and vote for your favorites
Don't just grab a cup and move on. Saturday's street fair is designed to give visitors a chance to sample different coffees and learn more about the people roasting and serving them.
You'll also get a say in who stands out. Festivalgoers can vote for their favorite hot brewed coffee and iced or cold coffee, making it a fun way to compare local and regional brews and potentially discover a new go-to coffee shop.
What does a Wilmington Coffee Fest ticket include?
General admission covers more than entry to Saturday's street fair. Your ticket includes:
- Wilmington Coffee Fest espresso mug
- Limited-edition canvas tote bag
- Free coffee samples
- Access to tea, bakery and artisan vendors
- Voting for best hot brewed coffee
- Voting for best iced or cold coffee
Tickets are available in advance through Wilmington Coffee Fest.
Your ticket also supports local nonprofits
Part of the proceeds from Wilmington Coffee Fest will benefit two organizations serving the local community.
NourishNC works to provide nutritious food to children in New Hanover County who are experiencing food insecurity, while Coastal Carolina Wildlife Rehab helps injured and orphaned wildlife in southeastern North Carolina.
That means a day spent discovering new coffee can also help support two local causes.
What to know before Wilmington Coffee Fest
Before heading to The Cargo District, keep these details handy:
- Festival dates: Sept. 18-19, 2026
- Friday: Latte Art Throwdown begins at 6:30 p.m. at Azalea Station
- Saturday: Wilmington Coffee Fest runs 9 a.m.-3 p.m. on South 15th Street
- Friday admission: Free for the public Latte Art Throwdown
- Saturday admission: $28 plus a $2.59 fee
- Saturday activities: Coffee samples, tea, bakeries, artisans and voting for favorite hot and cold coffees
- Location: The Cargo District in Wilmington
FAQs about Wilmington Coffee Fest 2026
Can you attend Wilmington Coffee Fest without buying a ticket?
The Friday evening Latte Art Throwdown at Azalea Station is free and open to the public. A ticket is required to attend Saturday's Wilmington Coffee Fest street fair.
Do you have to pay for coffee samples at Wilmington Coffee Fest?
No. Free coffee samples from participating coffee shops and roasters are included with Saturday's general admission ticket.
Is Wilmington Coffee Fest only about coffee?
No. Although coffee is the star of the weekend, Saturday's street fair also includes tea suppliers, bakeries, local artisans and other vendors.
Can you vote for your favorite coffee at Wilmington Coffee Fest?
Yes. Saturday attendees can sample participating coffees and vote for their favorites in two categories: best hot brewed coffee and best iced or cold coffee.
