Javapalooza

Take your sweet time to savor the smells, revel in the flavors – and immerse yourself in the rich and vibrant coffee culture of the Great Rivers and Routes region. Javapalooza celebrates the bean and the people who create that beautiful, and delightful coffee experience. Get ready to take part and discover your new coffee shop fav!

Signature Coffee

Participating shops will create a featured signature coffee drink (and suggestions for the perfect pairing) which will be served from Sept. 1 through Nov. 30, 2026. Keep an eye on our Facebook page for weekly coffee shop and drink shout outs!

New this year is a Scavenger Hunt event at select coffee shops. Watch the Great Rivers & Routes Facebook page for the participating shop and then prepare to take part in "Bean There Found That!"

Visit the shop highlighted for the hunt and look for a special "hidden" item. You'll know it when you find it! The winner will receive a special prize.

Vote For Your Favs!

Have you taken a look at all the great signature drinks our regional coffee shops are creating for Javapalooza? If not, check them out below!

There are more than 22 different coffee-centric drinks available at participating coffee shops. Try them for yourself and then vote for your favorite! The coffee shop with the most votes will win a special marketing prize courtesy of Great Rivers & Routes. Voting runs Sept. 1 - Nov. 30.

Voting Rules:

Each person may cast up to three votes total with only one vote allowed per participating shop/drink
Employees and owners of participating shops are not eligible to vote

Javapalooza Challenge

Follow the Javapalooza Trail on our phone app! Visit participating coffee shops and enjoy some of the best coffee, lattes and more in the Great Rivers & Routes region. Discover who's participating and be sure to stop in and say 'hello'.

Download the app from these links and join in the fun:
Apple App Store
Google Play Store

Latte Art Competition

Throughout October, baristas are invited to show off their skills as a master pourer -- creating lovely shapes from steamed milk. The most creative barista could win a a collectible pottery item from Mississippi Mud Pottery valued at over $100!

To Enter: submit a photo of your best pour, along with your name, contact information and the cafe you work for to Grace at: gsakry@riversandroutes.com. This contest is only open to those living or working in the Great Rivers & Routes region.

The top three finalists will be chosen for public voting at the end of October. The public will be invited to vote throughout November for their favorite latte art pour from the three finalists. The voting form will be available on this page. Voting will close on Nov. 30 and the winner announced in early December.

Once voting begins, only one vote per person will be accepted!