WATKINSVILLE, GA — September 19, 2026
By the APEX Team
Chalk meets crema. On Saturday, September 19, APEX Climbing & Spa at Wire Park becomes the stage for the Bouldering Baristas: Regional Latte Art Throwdown — an evening where the region's boldest baristas compete at the espresso bar while their fans cheer on the baristas and climbers. Watch precision pours, cheer on the climbers, and settle in for a night unlike anything else in the Athens area.
Whether you're here for the coffee, the climbing, or both, this is your chance to be part of the action. Here's everything you need to know.
Event Details
Date
Saturday, September 19, 2026
Time
6:00 PM – 9:00 PM · First Pour at 7:00 PM
Venue
APEX · Wire Park, Watkinsville GA
1725 Electric Ave., UNIT 305, Watkinsville GA 30677
Hosted & Sponsored
Hosted by APEX · Sponsored by Barista Magazine
Featuring Opo Coffee with South Main Brewing
Precision pours and bold baristas — the heart of the throwdown.
Opo whole bean specialty coffee
The evening kicks off with the First Pour at 7:00 PM, when baristas from across the region step up to the espresso bar to show off their craft. Between rounds, the energy moves to the walls — because at APEX, the climbing is just as much a part of the night as the coffee.
Two Ways to Join In
Whether you're pouring or cheering, there's a spot for you. Pick your path below.
Compete
Register as a Barista
$5 · includes competitor entry
- ✓Bring your best pour and your climbing shoes
- ✓Compete head-to-head in the regional latte art throwdown
- ✓Climb for glory between rounds
- ✓Prizes & swag for the winners
Cheer
RSVP as a Spectator
Free · includes a free drink ticket
- ✓Free drink ticket (cold canned cooler drinks)
- ✓Up close to the action for every pour-off
- ✓Optional $10 all-day APEX climbing pass add-on
🧗 Optional Climbing Pass Add-On — $10 all day
Add an all-day APEX climbing pass to your spectator RSVP for just $10. Pre-sign the waiver online before you arrive — climbing passes are $15 at the door on event day. This promo is available with RSVP pre-purchase only.
Coffee culture and community — the vibe of the night.
Between pours, the walls are calling.
The throwdown is all about the mashup — chalk meets crema. Baristas climb for glory between rounds, and climbers get a front-row seat to the region's best pours. It's a celebration of two crafts that share more than you'd think: patience, precision, and a little bit of flair.
Climbers and baristas, side by side for the night.
Chalk on one side, crema on the other.
Come for the pours, stay for the sends. Bring your friends, grab a cold drink from the cooler, and settle in for an evening where the region's best baristas and boldest climbers share the spotlight.
The community, together for the throwdown.
The whole crew, front and center at APEX.
See you at the throwdown
Ready to pour or ready to cheer? Sign up on the event landing page — register as a barista or RSVP as a spectator today.
Registration and RSVPs are handled on the event landing page — opens in a new tab.