WORTH THE DRIVE: Cincinnati Coffee Festival returns this weekend

Calling all coffee lovers!

Join home brewing enthusiasts, coffee aficionados, tea lovers and those who just love a good cup of "joe" at the second annual Cincinnati Coffee Festival.

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The three-day event will include tastings, samplings, live music, demos and the opportunity to purchase what you sample.

The festival raises money to support the Ohio River Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to protecting and improving the river's ecology.

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"You can't have great coffee without great water," said Rich Cogen, the foundation's executive director. "This festival gets people thinking about that connection."

This year, festival organizers have added an extra day, Friday, considered "Trade Day," specifically for coffee shop owners, baristas and people interested in getting into the coffee business. There will be workshops on a variety of topics ranging from curating a tea menu to building a team. You can find the full list of workshops available on their website here.

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Another new addition to this year's festival is "The Art of Coffee," an exhibit showcasing the works of local artists who have interpreted their love of tea and coffee in a wide variety of media.

The Latte Art Throwdown will be back again on Saturday, Nov. 10. Baristas compete, bracket-style, for the title of Supreme Latte Artist of Greater Cincinnati.

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WANT TO GO? 

What: Cincinnati Coffee Festival

Where: Music Hall, 1241 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine

When: 1-6 p.m. Friday Nov. 9 ; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday Nov. 10 ; 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 11

Cost: $10-$35.

More info: 

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