Coffee Fest goes beyond the convention center with curated coffee explorations in partnership with Third Wave Coffee Tours that showcase Portland’s vibrant culinary scene. These guided walks invite you to experience the local flavors and storied history behind the city’s renowned coffee culture.

This two-hour walking tour takes you through the upscale Pearl District, Slabtown, and Northwest Portland’s Alphabet District. Discover some of Portland’s most celebrated micro-roasters and specialty cafes as you wander along cobblestone streets and converted warehouses. As you visit four distinctive cafes over a little more than one mile, learn about the district’s industrial past, urban renewal, and the role it played in the evolution of third wave coffee. The tour meets Thursday at 10:00 AM at Case Study Coffee (NobHill), 1400 NW 23rd Ave, and lasts about 2 to 2.5 hours.

Third Wave Coffee Tours is renowned for its authentic, research-backed approach to Portland’s specialty coffee scene. With years of local expertise and an unwavering passion for quality, their guides – led by Lora Woodruff – provide in-depth insights and engaging commentary. Their commitment to showcasing the city’s true coffee culture makes them an ideal collaborator for Coffee Fest’s immersive experiences.

*This workshop has an additional registration fee. Please add it to your badge prior to the event (and receive early bird pricing) or stop by the registration counters onsite.

FAQ's

What do I receive for the price of my ticket?
Your ticket gets you 2 hours of coffee tastings, entertainment and education with stops at 4 top coffee roasters. All tours feature comparative tastings and a variety of brew methods, as well as some of the best espresso available anywhere. We also provide a couple small bites of food to help with over-caffeination on the tour.

Is transportation provided for the tours?
No, Coffee Fest and Third Wave Coffee Tours do not provide transportation. You are responsible for reaching the designated meeting points. The June 11 tour meets at Coco Donuts (Uptown, 709 SW 17th Ave). The June 12 tour begins at Case Study Coffee (NobHill, 1400 NW 23rd Ave). For the June 13 tour, you’ll meet at the Convention Center and then take a short public transit ride as a group to the tour’s starting point. You are welcome to arrange your own rideshare or taxi if you prefer not to use public transit.

What public transportation options are available?
Portland’s transit system supports cashless payment methods such as Apple Pay or Google Pay. You can also use transit apps to purchase tickets and check routes. We suggest reviewing local transit guidelines before your visit.

Does weather determine if tour takes place?
No - all tours take place rain or shine! Please dress appropriately for the weather - we will be inside for all of our tastings, but will be exposed to the elements while walking between cafes and roasteries.

What is your cancellation policy?
Non-refundable, but name transfers may be available at the discretion of Show Management if requested from Coffee Fest 48 hours prior to the tour. New attendee must also have at minimum a General Admission Coffee Fest badge.

How much coffee will I be drinking on this tour?
We will be drinking approximately two full servings of coffee - which would be equivalent to about 2 double espressos or 16 ounces of brewed coffee. We try to spread it out and order single shot espressos where possible and provide 3-4 ounces of brewed coffee, when sampling. Walking will help to metabolize the caffeine, water will be available at most stops, and you will also be given something small to eat to accompany your coffee at one or two stops (Gluten Free and Vegan options available).

Are tour guide gratuities included in the price?
Third Wave Coffee Tours does not include gratuities in the cost of our tickets, as they are considered discretionary. A standard gratuity for a tour guide in Portland, Oregon is 15% to 20% of the tour price. If you've had a great experience, gratuities are graciously accepted by the tour guide for a job well done.

Disclaimer: These offsite tours are provided and operated exclusively by Third Wave Coffee Tours. Coffee Fest acts solely as an authorized reseller of tour seats and is not responsible for any aspect of the tour, including but not limited to safety, scheduling, service quality, or any claims arising from participation. By purchasing a seat, you acknowledge and agree that all liability rests solely with Third Wave Coffee Tours. You further agree that you have reviewed and accepted Third Wave Coffee Tours’ terms and conditions. All sales are final, and any changes or cancellations are subject to Third Wave Coffee Tours’ policies.