The World of Coffee the time has come and it’s time to write up a comprehensive preview of all the happenings, happenings, and happenings you can expect during a packed weekend of coffee programs in San Diego. Where to go, what to see and what we can’t wait to see – read on to find out everything.
If, due to some solemn error or misfortune, you are missing somewhere in the guide below or in our busy calendar of events, please contact us!
Pages
Let’s be candid, you’re here to party. Here are the biggest events we’re tracking during WOC 2026.
Thursday, April 9: Comandante Championship 17:00 – 20:00
Location: Bird Rock Coffee Roasters, 5627 La Jolla Blvd.
Battle Royale in the world of hand grinders is also a great way to jump-start your WOC weekend. Here you’ll watch baristas and home brewers put their wrists to the test in the knock-out brewing bracket. The winner will receive bragging rights, eternal glory and the golden grinder of the Comandante. More information here.
Friday, April 10: It’s basic to do – a laid-back party from a café import
18:00–22:00
Location: Puesto Headquarters, 789 West Harbor Drive
Cafe Imports is known for hosting great coffee conferences, as well as many other aspects of its long-standing and respected green coffee import business. But parties: there are always options to choose from, with good food, a fun place and countless options, however you choose to celebrate and have a nice evening at a coffee party. This event is Technically sold out, but our guide without it it wouldn’t be useful. I’ll see you there.
Friday, April 10: Califia Farms Opening Party
20:00 – 12:00
Location: Lou Lou’s Jungle Room at the Lafayette Hotel, 2223 El Cajon Blvd.
This vital event in the 2026 WOC events calendar presented by Califia Farms requires RSVP –you can sign up here. Expect music, DJs, dancers, a tie-dye station, and an imported tenet of the coffee industry’s event matrix: a fully hosted bar (until 10 p.m.). Lots more information here.
Saturday, April 11: Born Ready 5 km walk/run7:30
Location: Behind the SD Congress Center.
A different kind of party atmosphere, but a party atmosphere nonetheless to start your Saturday morning at WOC. It will be a great waterfront 5K hosted by Mazzer and Deadstock Coffee, ending with coffee, cookies and music at South Embarcadero Park. Find out more here.
Saturday, April 11: Nautical Groove La Marzocco
20:00-12:00
Location: Bloom Nightclub, 919 Fourth Ave Suite 100
La Marzocco’s annual coffee parties are legendary, and this year’s Yacht Rock themed event promises no different. Please kindly request a replybut please make sure you arrive on time for the start of this event. This is going to be massive.
From Thursday, April 9 to Sunday, April 12: SEY House by Sey Coffee and Hyunah Coffee Club
Hours a day
Location: 1037 J Street, San Diego, CA 92101.
While not an event per se, Sey House’s activation with Hyunah Coffee Club caused a lot of buzz in the weeks leading up to WOC. You can see the full announcement of this event here.
Exhibition floor
So much is happening in the affable interiors of the San Diego Convention Center. Part of the fun of attending these events is wandering the aisles and discovering up-to-date things, but here are some of the things we’re most excited about the event so far.
Pacific Barista Series – Booth #3227
The Pacific Barista series will be available throughout the weekend as part of a special beverage service showcasing delicious, original drink creations from leading figures in the world of coffee. This includes very stimulating Saturday service (1:00 p.m. – 12:00 p.m.) led by 2025 USA Barista Champion Kay Cheon, who will be serving a delicious Pistachi Oatmeal Matcha featuring Barista Pistachio Milk, Matcha, Honey Syrup and Barista Black Sesame Oat Milk Icy Foam.
At the Pacific booth you can also purchase a very fun World of Coffee bingo card and be entered into a drawing for prizes including special Sprudge goodies and much more.
Acacia and tardy pour delivery – stand no. 1235 + no. 1334
Throughout the weekend, the Acaia and Leisurely Pour Supply teams offer a multi-station experience with an elite group of guests and speakers. These intimate, masterclass-style presentations, called “Behind the Bar Sessions,” provide a chance to learn and expand your knowledge from coffee leaders. Plus, you can check out up-to-date gear from Acaia and Leisurely Pour and meet the bands. Find out more here.
Szwajcarska Woda – Booth no. 3926
After so many delicious full-octane espressos and brewed coffees, a little cushioned drink can hit the spot. Favorite decaf purveyors Specialty Swiss Water will be serving up decaf goodness all weekend long, but on Saturday There will be a demonstration at the stand with the participation of the Onyx Coffee Lab team. We’ve got it marked on our calendars and we’ll see you there.
Ghirardelli – Booth #1105
Ghirardelli works with Sacramento’s Chocolate Fish Coffee to bring a delicious series of tasting flights to WOC. Selected tasting flights are offered from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Friday AND Saturday. Try the drinks, get your tasting ticket stamped and enter the competition to win great prizes optimized for the coffee traveler’s life.
Cafe Imports – Booth #3140
It must be admitted that Cafe Imports is doing great at WOC this year. Is bubblesalive podcast recordingvery massive scavenger huntannual and very popular Legendary coffee exchangeand much more, including the above-mentioned Friday party with good food and drinks. Make this stand your habitual landmark throughout the show.
La Marzocco – Booth #3035 + #3135
The La Marzocco stand is always very popular at any coffee fair and this year is no different. With hands-on exhibitions of coffee machines and grinders, a café passport in cooperation with Mineragua and an affogato elated hour service Friday AND Saturday in cooperation with Stella Jean’s and Little While (15:00–16:00) there is always something going on at LM.
Mahlkönig – Stand no. 2005
World Barista Champion Dale Harris will be live at the Mahlkönig booth throughout the weekend, talking about the brand’s creative Grind-by-Sync technology and hosting a rotating cast of amazing roasters from around the world.
California – Booth #4052
California has partnered with a truly impressive group of local coffee shops throughout San Diego for the Califia Passport program. Come to the stand, take your passport and collect stamps by visiting cafes throughout the weekend. Then bring your stamped passport back to the stand to claim your prizes! Operate this as the perfect excuse to explore the SD coffee scene throughout the WOC weekend. You can read more about this program here.
Atlas coffee importers
One of the coolest things you can do at a coffee fair is have a cup of coffee! If you’re not participating in WOC bubbles, you’re missing out. The Atlas Coffee Importers/NKG team is hosting a series of bubbles throughout the weekend, including: Friday morning cupping focusing on long-term relationships with women coffee producers, and a Saturday afternoon event showcasing selected coffees from Africa. These events take place in the conference rooms of the Congress Center –get detailed information here and put it on your calendar. You can always learn something from cupping!
Dona Tea – Booth no. 3320
Coffee coffee coffee, there is coffee everywhere – how about a good cup of tea to improve your mood? Dona will bring a carefully selected and beautifully presented range of teas to WOC 2026. Look for tasty tea, good company and special accessories on display. Sounds perfect.
MiiR – Stand no. 3015
Visit the MiiR booth and grab your own specially designed 8oz Tumblr to commemorate WOC! Learn more about MiiR’s amazing custom design program, enjoy daily coffee activations, and keep your eyes peeled for the “golden ticket” that entitles three lucky recipients to a truly epic prize package from MiiR and Madcap Coffee.
Much more
Life in San Diego is more than just the convention center and party circuit. Here are just a few of the fantastic off-site events we’re tracking during WOC weekend. Operate our two handy San Diego guides to discover the city’s cafés and great food and culture offerings.
Find even more World of Coffee 2026 events on our energetic Sprudge events page!
Be sure to follow @Sprudge on Instagram for engaging coverage of San Diego throughout the event weekend.
