On March 2, San Antonio’s 11th Annual “Coffee Festival” decorated the grounds of Travis Park with coffee, sunlight and anticipation as a line of attendees enveloped the perimeter. Coffee enthusiasts near and far gathered to experience the celebration of coffee culture in San Antonio. Attendees devoted their day to sampling 37 local coffee artisans with varying blends, brewing techniques and flavors. The festival offered a remarkable range of experiences for coffee connoisseurs, including tastings, workshops, live music, specialty food and art vendors.
Sydney, a third-year attendee, shared that her recurring interest in the coffee festival stems from “sharing this experience with [her] niece” because it is one of the few opportunities they see each other that is enhanced by their love for coffee. Another third-year attendee, Vira, volunteers annually and shared that her favorite aspect of the festival is “seeing people travel from all over” and participate in this attraction. She also enjoys the rush of the early hours when the VIP attendees assemble in Travis Park.
While each coffee booth had its share of visitors, the long lines of Early Bird Coffee and Hernán signaled their widespread popularity among customers and attendees.
One of Early Birds Coffee’s Founders, Jamal, shared that it was his first year working at the Coffee Festival due to the shop’s commencement in 2023. He shared that his favorite part was “seeing regular customers come to their stand” and noticing others loop around for a second round of their Horchata Latte, a cherished, widely favored drink by customers. Their dedication
to serving the community and meeting individuals’ coffee preferences has become “a staple in the community” and a fan-favorite at this year’s coffee festival.
Another stand-out vendor, Hernán, has established its presence as a favorite among attendees after four consecutive years of attendance. Their president and founder, Isela Hernandez, shared that their hand-crafted Mexican hot chocolate is a beloved beverage among the crowd, and her favorite part of the festival is “working with her team” and “connecting with the community.”
In addition to these vendors, other popular roasters such as Poetic Republic, Bean and Brews, Tumbleweed, Wicked Voodoo Espresso and La Cafeteria drew in long lines of attendees.
Live music from local favorites such as “Rat King Cole” and “Bexar Brass” attracted a caffeinated crowd to the stage, music filling the entire park. Even crafts, like coffee painting, hosted by SpareParts, a San Antonio thrift store dedicated to creative expression, were a crowd pleaser. The inclusive atmosphere of this event was a major appeal to individuals and families with pets or children. The festival invited coffee lovers and their favorite companions to join, embracing the concept of community. Thanks to attendees, committed volunteers and dedicated coffee vendors, the Coffee Festival delivered a special experience for the lively, caffeinated community of San Antonio.
