⏱ 1 min read
The Short Version
Ditch your morning routine and head to the 23rd Street Armory this October for a curated tasting of Philly’s finest roasts. From Little Amps to Pilgrim, dozens of independent heavy hitters are converging to showcase the absolute best in specialty coffee.
Get ready to elevate your caffeine ritual: Philadelphia’s specialty coffee scene is taking over the 23rd Street Armory this October. On October 17 and 18, the third annual Philly Coffee Festival will transform the historic space into a concentrated hub for enthusiasts and industry professionals alike. This isn’t just another local market; it is a curated gathering designed to showcase the breadth of roasting talent from Philadelphia and beyond.
Coffee tastings from participating vendors are included with admission, giving attendees a chance to try different beans, roasts and flavors.
A Curated Lineup of Regional Talent
The festival provides a rare opportunity to experience dozens of independent businesses under one roof. The roster features heavy hitters like Little Amps Coffee Roasters, Càphê Roasters, Ellis Coffee, Pilgrim Roasters, and Brainwave Coffee Roasters. Coffee tastings from participating vendors are included with admission, giving attendees a chance to try different beans, roasts and flavors. Rather than settling for a single origin in isolation, visitors can navigate through various profiles to understand how different roast identities shape the final cup.
Navigating the Armory Sessions
To manage the flow of tasting, organizers have split each day into distinct segments. General admission covers either a morning session from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. or an afternoon block from 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. For those who demand more time with their brew, early admission tickets allow entry at 9 a.m., while all-day passes offer both sessions plus in-and-out privileges. While live bands and food will be on hand, keep in mind that because hot beverages are being served throughout, organizers discourage bringing young children. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own reusable mugs to participate sustainably.
Which local roaster are you most excited to see represented at this year’s festival?
Questions & Answers
When and where is the Philly Coffee Festival taking place?
The Philly Coffee Festival is held on October 17 and 18 at the historic 23rd Street Armory in Philadelphia. This third annual event serves as a concentrated hub for both coffee enthusiasts and industry professionals to explore specialty roasting talent. Visitors can attend various sessions throughout these two days to experience a curated selection of independent businesses and regional roasters from across the area.
What types of coffee roasters will be featured at the festival?
The festival features a diverse lineup of heavy-hitting independent businesses and specialty roasting talent from Philadelphia and beyond. Featured participants include notable names such as Little Amps Coffee Roasters, Càphê Roasters, Ellis Coffee, Pilgrim Roasters, and Brainwave Coffee Roasters. Attendees can participate in included coffee tastings to compare different beans, roasts, and flavor profiles to understand how various roast identities shape the final cup.
How do the different admission sessions work for the event?
Admission is organized into distinct morning and afternoon blocks to manage the flow of tasting throughout the day. General admission tickets cover either a morning session from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. or an afternoon block from 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. For more flexibility, early admission allows entry at 9 a.m., while all-day passes provide access to both sessions along with convenient in-and-out privileges.
What should attendees keep in mind when planning their visit?
Attendees should bring their own reusable mugs to participate sustainably and be aware of the family-friendly environment. While live bands and food will be available at the Armory, organizers discourage bringing young children because hot beverages are being served throughout the venue. This precaution helps ensure a safe experience for everyone navigating the various tasting stations and crowded segments of the festival.
Originally reported by phillyvoice.com.

