The New Orleans Barista Social Club conducts two regular events – Thursday Night Throwdown and Coffee After Hours – and anticipates hosting and supporting other coffee-centric activities in the future. Our events are aimed at supporting the coffee professional, bringing awareness to the profession and industry topics, and building community among coffee pros and enthusiasts. Unless otherwise noted, all Barista Social Club events are free to attend and open to people of all interests and experiences.
Event CalendarThursday Night Throwdown
Thursday Night Throwdown is a community celebration and skills exhibition cleverly disguised as a tournament-style, winner-take-all competition. Baristas from around New Orleans go head-to-head pouring latte art, and a panel of judges decides who advances until only the champion remains. Similar events are observed across the country, though the TNT format got its start in 2008 at Atlanta’s Octane Coffee.
The Thursday Night Throwdown was started in March of 2008 at Octane Coffee by two baristas, M’lissa and Ben. Throwdowns had long been a part of the specialty coffee culture, and were always anticipated at major coffee industry events. M’lissa and Ben started TNT in an effort to recreate this time of nerding out, camaraderie, and heavy beer consumption on a regular basis. Since 2008, TNTs have popped up all over the country, and even the world! – via coffeeatl.com
Thursday Night Throwdown is held monthly at coffee shops throughout New Orleans. Visit our blog or check the event calendar to find details about upcoming events.
Coffee After Hours
Coffee After Hours is a series of informal, interactive and informative talks related to the specialty coffee industry. Past topics have included brew methods, extraction, green coffee importing, palate development and roasting. Visit our blog or check the event calendar to find details about upcoming events.
Other Events
If you’re interested in participating in, hosting or creating a coffee-centric event, please contact us with details. In addition to Thursday Night Throwdown and Coffee After Hours, the Barista Social Club has professional resources and experienced baristas available for other speaking and educational opportunities.
