Meat Market to host major filter coffee festival in July

Melbourne’s coffee scene is set to heat up this winter as Coffee Weekend – the city’s largest festival dedicated to filter coffee – takes over the iconic Meat Market on July 5 and 6.

Known globally for its vibrant coffee culture, Melbourne will welcome more than 30 local and international roasters for two full days of specialty brews, barista showdowns, interactive workshops, and more.

The highly anticipated event offers a rich, immersive experience for coffee enthusiasts of all kinds, from casual drinkers to industry professionals.

“Coffee Weekend represents more than just a festival – it’s a cultural bridge connecting Melbourne’s vibrant coffee scene with international roasting traditions,” managing director Kantaro said.

Attendees will have the opportunity to taste more than 100 different filter coffees from roasters across Australia and overseas, including top names like ONIBUS COFFEE, Leaves Coffee Roasters, and COFFEE COUNTY.

Each ticket includes tasting tokens that can be exchanged for freshly brewed samples, plus a complimentary Loveramics Nomad tasting cup for early arrivals.

Beyond tasting, festivalgoers will be able to purchase beans and merchandise directly from the roasters, turning the event into a rare chance to connect one-on-one with some of the industry's most respected names.

A major highlight of the weekend is the Community Coffee Champs (CCC), hosted by the Australian Specialty Coffee Association (ASCA).

The Victorian State Championship will unfold right at the festival, featuring top contenders in the Barista, Brewers, and Latte Art categories.

The competition is not only a qualifier for the national stage but also a thrilling public spectacle where coffee pros battle it out live.

The event also features a robust lineup of educational sessions, including workshops led by award-winning baristas.

On Saturday, July 5, guests can explore how water chemistry impacts flavour with APAX LAB’s Sergii, or experience coffee through all five senses in a multi-sensory session by Hany Ezzat.

July 6 brings sessions on content creation for social media, led by digital coffee creator Sergii, and a deep dive into caffeine’s effects on health by World Barista Champion Pete Licata.

Complementing the coffee-focused programming will be live music from local artists, and a range of delicious food and drinks, including Japanese-inspired bites and pastries.

Coffee Weekend also kicks off the broader celebration of Good Coffee Week, which runs from July 2 to 8.

During this period, local cafés will host cupping sessions, pop-up collaborations, and special events.

Participating venues like Market Lane Coffee will offer unique tasting opportunities with both domestic and international roasters.

One of the marquee events of Good Coffee Week is the ARCO Coffee Brewer World Championship 2025, which will conclude in Melbourne on July 7.

Finalists from previous heats in Seoul will face off for the chance to represent their region in Tokyo later this year.

Combining world-class talent, homegrown passion, and engaging programming, Coffee Weekend is set to be an unmissable celebration of coffee culture in one of the globe’s great café capitals.

“Coffee is more than a drink – it’s a symbol of connection, of shared moments and global culture,” Kantaro told North West City News.

“We’re creating a space where enthusiasts, newcomers, and industry leaders can come together to discover new flavours, exchange ideas, and celebrate the people and stories behind every cup.” •