Coffee people, mark your calendars. The second edition of KapeCon, the Philippines’ biggest free coffee event, is returning on October 10–11, 2026, and it’s set to be bigger than last year’s. Organized by Coffee Home Brewers (CHB), here’s what you need to know before you go.

1. It’s happening October 10–11 on Paseo de Roxas

KapeCon takes over Paseo de Roxas in Makati for two days, running from 9 am to 10 pm. Early birds, take note: some groups will reportedly open as early as 6 am on Sunday, which is also the car-free Sunday on Paseo de Roxas.

2. It’s completely FREE

Yes, you read that right. KapeCon is free to attend. The organizers call it the largest coffee education and promotion event in the country that’s completely free, and it’s a big reason why last year’s inaugural run was a huge success. No tickets to buy and no entrance fee, so all you need to bring is your appetite and a little cash for the beans and bites you’ll inevitably want to take home.

Though you don’t need a ticket to attend, you can reserve a FREE ticket on KapeCon 2026’s Eventbrite page. That gives you a chance to win exclusive merch and freebies when you show up on October 10 or 11. It’s a nice bonus for doing nothing more than showing up and enjoying the coffee.

3. It all started with a Facebook group

In 2019, Rosario “Ros” Juan (the Chief Extractor of Coffee at Makati cafe Commune) established Coffee Home Brewers, a (then-)small Facebook group that would let her talk coffee with friends without flooding her personal feed. Then the pandemic turned everyone into a home brewer, and the group exploded to over 67,000 members.

Online friends wanted to meet IRL, so small meetups grew into bigger events, and eventually into the first KapeCon in 2025. The vibe is the same today: whether you’re a casual sipper or a serious brewer, there’s a spot for you.

4. Last year drew 15,000 people, and this year will be bigger

The inaugural KapeCon in 2025 drew around 15,000 attendees across its two days. This year, organizers are expanding the footprint and expect an even more historic turnout. Expect more merchants, more competitions, more education, more food, and, of course, more coffee.

5. There are 68+ brands to explore

KapeCon 2026 will have more than 68 brands joining the weekend, and over 35 of them are coffee brands. If you’re the type who likes to chat with the people behind your favorite beans, compare roasts, or find a new brew to try, expect to find plenty of options.

There’s more than coffee, too. This year, KapeCon is bringing in a wider range of coffee-adjacent sponsors and partners, and the organizers say it’s meant to turn the event from a specialty trade showcase into a full cultural experience. The idea is to bring together coffee professionals, everyday home brewers, and lifestyle enthusiasts in one place, so even if you’re not deep into coffee, there’s something to see. The briefing also promised more food, so come hungry.

6. The competitions are pure, hilarious chaos

Coffee competitions can get intense, but KapeCon’s are built for fun. Both showdowns follow the same rule: two people per team, one hand each. That means half the hands, double the pressure, and absolutely zero room for miscommunication.

• Latte Art Twosome Throwdown (October 10, 2:00 PM): This is the first-ever edition, and it takes the Kape’t Kamay rules to latte art. One partner steams, the other pours, and each gets only one hand to do it. Expect lots of yelling and plenty of spilled milk.
• Kape’t Kamay Breakdown (October 11, 2:00 PM): Last year’s crowd favorite is back, with two brewers, one hand each, and a clean brew to pull off without declaring the friendship over.

Both competitions are already fully booked, so registration is closed. But you can still catch the chaos from the sidelines, and TBH, that’s half the fun.

7. You can learn something, too

KapeCon isn’t just about buying coffee or sampling different drinks. Education is a big part of the weekend, and the whole point is to make coffee knowledge easier for everyone to get into.

The weekend will feature exclusive tasting sessions highlighting different coffee origins, interactive brewing workshops, and direct-trade showcases connecting attendees with Philippine coffee producers. These activities offer a chance to learn more about how coffee is sourced and prepared, explore differences between coffee origins, and pick up ideas for improving your own brewing routine.

Whether you’re still figuring out which brewing method suits you or you’ve already got a full setup at home, there’s something new to discover.

8. Here’s how to stay updated

KapeCon 2026 is shaping up to be a packed weekend, and there’s still more to be announced. The full schedule of events, panel discussions, and sponsor activations is coming soon, so you’ll want to keep an eye on CHB’s channels so you don’t miss anything.

Follow CHB on Instagram at @coffeehomebrewers and join the Coffee Home Brewers group on Facebook. For registration and more information, visit coffeehomebrewers.com.