FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(Alton, IL- Sept. 8, 2026) Celebrate the love of the bean – the coffee bean that is – over the next three months during the Great Rivers & Routes Javapalooza.

Latte lovers and coffee connoisseurs can sample a variety of specialty coffees created just for this coffee-centric event which runs from Sept. 1 through Nov. 30. A total of 22 locally owned and operated coffee shops (some with multiple locations) throughout southwest Illinois are taking part in this annual event which focuses on the bean and the shops that create the local brews.

Participating shops are showing off their coffee skills by creating a featured signature drink. And to sweeten the pot, visitors who stop by participating businesses have the opportunity to support their local coffeehouses by voting for their favorite Javapalooza drink. Note: each person is limited to a total of three votes throughout Javapalooza and only one vote per coffee shop/drink.

For a list of participating shops and to vote, visit: https://www.riversandroutes.co...

“Southwest Illinois is brimming with great coffee shops that day in and day out serve up amazing coffee creations,” Cory Jobe, President/CEO of the Great Rivers & Routes Tourism Bureau noted. “We wanted to find a way to highlight their work and bring new awareness to coffee shops in the region. Javapalooza is our way of celebrating our local baristas and shops.”

Javapalooza also offers coffee shops the chance to showcase their artistic baristas in a Latte Art Competition. Shops can enter with photos of their signature latte art and artist and the Great Rivers & Routes Tourism Bureau will select the top three entries. The entries will be featured on the bureau’s Facebook page and people can vote for their favorite art. The winning artist will receive $100 worth of Mississippi Mud Pottery.

To sweeten the pot even more, participating coffee shops will offer a coffee-themed Scavenger Hunt throughout the three-month event on specific pre-announced days. Please watch the Great Rivers & Routes Facebook page for the scavenger hunt day and select coffee shop. Be sure to visit the coffee shop and see if you can find the hidden coffee-themed prize.

Keep track of your Javapalooza visits to participating coffee shops on the Javapalooza Challenge located on the Great Rivers & Routes app. Check in to six different coffee shops on the app and then you will be asked to submit your information to be entered in to a drawing to win a Coffee Prize Basket filled with locally roasted coffee, mugs and more! To download the app, go to the Apple Store or Google Play Store and download the Great Rivers & Routes app.

Javapalooza participating local coffee shops include: Maeva’s Coffee, Alton; Blackbird Bakery, Staunton; Kismet coffee, Litchfield; Hawthorn Tree, Carlinville; Boardgamery, Granite City; Post Commons, Alton; Germania Brew Haus (all locations including Alton, East Alton, Godrey and Jerseyville); 222 Artisan Bakery & Café, Edwardsville; Brantzel’s, White Hall; Lighthouse Coffee, Grafton; The Vault, Edwardsville; Elysian Gallery & Café, Alton; Jan’s Naturals, Maryville; Sunshine Grind, Grafton; Roasterz, Wood River; Bri’s Brew Coffee Shop, Wood River; The Shoppes at Beverly Farm, Godfrey; Café LaNae & Bakery, Wood River; Chocolate Covered Creations in Edwardsville and Granite City; Sacred Grounds, Edwardsville; Espresso Yourself, Jerseyville; and Meme’s Coffee Shop, Granite City.

For more information about Javapalooza, please visit: https://www.riversandroutes.co...

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(The Great Rivers & Routes Tourism Bureau is a certified Destination Marketing Organization serving Madison, Jersey, Calhoun, Macoupin, Montgomery and Greene counties and East St. Louis in St. Clair County. The bureau is dedicated to educating visitors about the region by providing information regarding the area’s history, unique landmarks, recreational opportunities, leisure attractions, special events and scenic marvels.)