An electrifying festival experience
The first coffee on us
COFFeEAST didn’t start until you had a coffee in hand. The first stop was the Welcoming Bar – where the first coffee was on the house.
Then came the Eastern Coffee Shops Bar: a non-stop carousel of top-tier coffee shops from across the region, each taking turns behind the bar to serve up their best brews. Two espresso stations, one filter station, and unlimited coffee joy.
Tasting, shopping & taking everything home
The festival journey continued at the Markets.
Specialty coffee beans and curated small-batch products were tasted and shopped. Craft beer, wine and spirits, honey, jams, sauces, tea, chocolate, gelato, baked goods, and more were enjoyed. Coffee tools, ceramics, candles, jewelry, accessories, and beautifully crafted design objects were gifted and collected.
Needed a break? The Foodtruck Garden was the go-to spot to grab a bite and unwind.
Impressing coffee innovation
The stands areas welcomed a return – where the future of coffee unfolded. Cutting-edge gear was discovered, from home barista essentials to state-of-the-art professional equipment. Trendsetting brands in coffee, tech, hospitality, design, and craftsmanship were explored.
And the interactive brand activations weren’t to be missed – surprises included.
Learning, mastering and sharpening your skills
The Rooms offered a deep dive into coffee culture. Lectures were attended, where industry experts took the stage for all-encompassing coffee and business talks. The schedule was checked and spots filled fast.
Hands-on workshops provided a chance to learn from the best – limited spots meant booking in advance on Instagram @coffeeast_festival was essential.
Cupping sessions were also joined, revealing new coffee origins, standout lots, and opportunities to refine the palate. No reservations were needed, but early arrival was the key.
Jamming to live music & Eastern talents
The groove was on! Live performances from Mara Halunga, Andra Andriucă, Moonlight Breakfast, Diana Căldăraru and Corina Sîrghi lit up the stage. Visitors dropped by, found a spot, and enjoyed the vibes. And for those not ready to call it a night, the festival after-party was the place to be.
Watching baristas go head-to-head
A high-energy, next-gen barista showdown was brewing. The GreatEast Cup™ featured two competitions: the Mastery Cup (solo) and the Team Cup (duo). Seats were taken, favorites were cheered on, and the rush of fast, skilled, and creative baristas competing for the win was fully experienced.
A region-wide festival opens the doors
of an iconic steel giant
The beating heart of East European coffee culture finds its pulse within the industrial allure of Hala Arena, a symbol of endurance and reinvention in Bucharest’s dynamic landscape. This national heritage landmark was envisioned in 1938 by one of Romania’s renowned architects, Horia Creangă – the grandson of the illustrious Romanian writer Ion Creangă.
Despite enduring wars, communism, and even neglect, Hala Laminor stands tall and proud. From the ambitions of a crazy dictator to the twists of history, it has seen it all. And while these very steel beams echo the tales of bygone eras, its revitalized interiors buzz with the energy of a vibrant community. Brace yourself for an intense experience that will leave you in awe!
In 2025, the heart of Eastern Europe
awaited everybody with a new era of coffee adventure and excitement
3 days
April 4-6th, 2025
20,000m2
of festival space
250+ exhibitors
from Eastern Europe
50+ coffee shops
brewing for you
150+ roasters, artisans, designers
making you happy
