An epic party for coffee and beer fans —it doesn’t make the world go ‘round, it makes it go up, and down.
At Uppers & Downers we relish the diversity and deliciousness in each category, be it coffee, beer, wine, chocolate, whatever. But as people immersed in it, we often find the most enjoyment when craft is taken out of its original context and intersects another. An unexpected taste of something delicious, a space that blurs the lines between cafe and bar, a combination that exceeds the sum of its parts, or a conversation that shifts your perspective.
Uppers & Downers started as an experiment bringing together craft beer and coffee culture, exploring the process, technique, and even origin of these ingredients. Since then it’s gone on to include cross-overs from a variety of other craft cultures, including cocktails, chocolate, and the culinary world.
This series includes events around the globe - including London and Berlin. But its true home is at the annual festival in Chicago where 1,000 guests over the course of the week, from near and far, will celebrate with us.
2020 sees us open up the program to allow roasters to showcase the breadth of their lineup beyond espresso. So yes, you’ll have incredible espresso brewed on our professional consumer machines courtesy of La Marzocco Home, but each of our dozen roasters has been invited to prepare any drink they want – brewed coffee, cold brew, nitro, cortado’s, romano’s, etc. Just be there to find out.
As is the tradition, we’re assembled an incredible selection of the country’s best roasters and brewers, and inviting them to serve beautiful coffees, and of course, experimental coffee beers. We’ll also have cold brew cocktails and other surprising, inventive beverages and snacks on the theme.
What to expect:
two sessions, 11a-3p and 4-8p at historic Thalia Hall in Chicago’s Pilsen neighborhood
dozens of beers and experimental coffee beers made just for Uppers & Downers
the country’s best coffee roasters working on some of the best equipment out there to deliver incredible coffees prepared in a variety of ways – moving beyond our usual focus on just espresso.
coffee cocktails and experiments from the country’s best roasters
snacks from inventive Chicago chefs
competition-winning cold brew cocktails
a balcony lounge with palate cleansers and a great view
case studies featuring unique sensory experiences
Attendees will be given a custom glass on entry, theirs to use for sampling everything at the event (no disposables). All samples and snacks are included in the ticket price.
Early ticket sales are happening now.
Hosted with our partners at:
Thalia Hall
1807 S Allport St,
Chicago, IL 60608
PRESENTED BY
Collaborating Brewers
Collaborating Roasters
Session 1
Collaborating Roasters
Session 2
Other Collaborators
A Week Full of Preview Events
Cocktail
Competition
Tuesday, Feb 18th
In partnership with Pernod Ricard, our 4th annual coffee cocktail competition at Saint Lou’s Back Patio, featuring the city’s most fascinating bartenders and mixologists. The winner serves their cocktail at the festival.
Saint Lou’s Assembly
Tues, Feb 18th, 6:30-9:30p
RSVP to attend.
Donations accepted
Roaster
Walking Tour
Friday, Feb 21st
Our roaster tour guides attendees through some of Chicago’s coffee intuitions, conveniently located within walking distance of one another. Start at Counter Culture Coffee’s renowned training lab, short walk to Intelligentsia’s HQ and home to three cast iron Gothot roasters, then across the road to Metric – a not-so newcomer gaining national respect. Finish a few steps further at the GBH studio for recap and drinks, all courtesy of our good pals at Oatly.
Starts at GBH Studio
2132 W. Fulton St.
Friday, Feb 21st, 11a-2p
$20 ticket
Podcast
Recording
Saturday, Feb 22nd
Join us at the GBH Studio to meet and greet with brewers, roasters, and the partners that make U&D happen.
GBH Studio
2132 W. Fulton St
Saturday, Feb 22nd, 11a-1p
RSVP
Donations accepted
Charity
Chef’s Dinner
Saturday, Feb 22nd
An unreal experience with some of Chicago’s most progressive and inventive chefs, benefiting Open Books, hosted at Tack Room
Tack Room
Saturday, Feb 22nd, 6-9p
$99
What it’s like:
