What coffee festivals exist in Belgium?

The Belgian coffee events scene underwent a structural transformation during the 2010–2020 period, driven by the third wave of coffee and the emergence of a community of professionals and informed enthusiasts. Several formats now coexist.

**Specialised coffee festivals** are relatively recent in Belgium. They bring together roasters, baristas, importers, and consumers around tasting stands, preparation workshops, competitions, and talks. Organised by industry associations or private operators, these events serve as learning and networking hubs for professionals and enthusiasts alike. Their frequency and scale remain modest compared to Dutch (Amsterdam Coffee Festival) or British (London Coffee Festival) counterparts, but the trend is clearly upward.

**National barista championships**, organised under the auspices of the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) and its Belgian branch, allow professional baristas to compete in several disciplines: espresso, latte art, brewers cup (filter), Cup Tasters (origin identification), and Roasters Competition. Winners represent Belgium at European and World Championships.

**Open days and roastery visits** are organised by micro-roasters, often during artisan weekends or heritage days. They allow the general public to discover the roasting process, origins, and preparation methods in an educational setting.

**Public cupping sessions** are organised regularly by specialty coffee bars, roasters, and training venues. In Brabant Wallon particularly, venues around La Hulpe and Genval offer guided tasting formats accessible to non-professionals.

**Food fairs incorporating a coffee component** — such as certain editions of the Brussels Chocolate Salon or local producers' markets — allow coffee actors to appear in a multi-disciplinary context.

**Fair trade and sustainability events** (notably around the Fair Trade Fortnight) feature Fairtrade or organic certified coffees, often in partnership with associations or local authorities.

For consumers wishing to participate, following the social media accounts of local actors, sector associations such as the Belgian Speciality Coffee Association (BSCA), and platforms like expertcafe.be is the most reliable way to stay informed about upcoming events, whose dates and formats evolve from year to year.