Rotterdam Coffee Fest 2026: tastings, English talks and a quiz for newcomers
by 
Babylon Radio
Listen nowRotterdam Coffee Fest returns from 5 to 8 November 2026, with city events followed by a weekend at de Doelen. For newcomers who enjoy coffee but do not work in the trade, the useful question is which activities offer a way in. The programme includes guided tastings, talks in English and a quiz where people arriving alone can join a team.
The festival is in its second edition. In its 6 October preview, local culture guide Uitagenda Rotterdam describes an expanded programme and a move to de Doelen. Cafés and roasteries host activities around the city on Thursday and Friday. The main festival follows on Saturday and Sunday.
Choose a tasting or a conversation
One option is Cupping with Cademo Coffee on Saturday 7 November, from 15:15 to 16:00. Cademo is a Hague-based micro-roastery with Indonesian roots. Its session introduces coffees linked to the islands’ coffee-growing traditions. It is included with a valid festival ticket, with no separate registration, but places are first come, first served.
On Sunday, the programme calendar lists Perspectives from Coffee Fincas from 11:30 to 12:15. This English-language talk takes place in the second-floor Talks Room. It is also walk-in with a festival ticket. Do not treat that as a reserved seat.
An option for people coming alone
The Happy Coffee QuizNight runs on Saturday from 18:00 to 20:00 at Sound Kitchen, Samuel Soesmanstraat 52. It has a separate ticket, and you do not need a Coffee Fest ticket to attend. The organiser says solo entrants will be placed in teams of four or five. A main course and one drink are included.
That makes it a different choice from walking around the main hall. You can sign up without first organising a group. Check the linked booking page for the current price and availability before making plans.
Plan the practical details
The organiser’s visitor guide gives the main festival hours as 10:00 to 17:00 on Saturday 7 November and 10:00 to 16:00 on Sunday 8 November. Enter through the Willem Burger Zaal at Kruisplein 40, around 400 metres from Rotterdam Centraal.
Most of the programme is in English, though some sessions are in Dutch. Check the language and booking rules for each activity. Workshops may need an extra booking or ticket as well as festival entry. A festival ticket is valid for its specified day, not automatically for every event across the four days.
Bring a payment card: the festival is cash-free. It is also avoiding single-use cups, with reusable cups available. Check the latest programme before travelling, especially if one particular session is the reason for your visit.