Sip, Sip, Hooray: National Coffee Day is Brewing

A pop-up with personality: the Central Perk experience brings Friends vibes and cozy coffee moments to the heart of New York.

Mark your calendars, caffeine lovers, September 29 is National Coffee Day. Consider this your permission slip to indulge in an extra latte (or three). Whether you’re team oat milk, classic espresso, or an iced mocha latte enthusiast, this holiday celebrates the beans that fuel our mornings, late nights, and everything in between.

Coffee is more than just a beverage. It’s a ritual, a social connector, and increasingly, a business opportunity. The U.S. coffee industry is thriving, with nearly 92,000 coffee and snack shops nationwide as of 2025. Within that growth, pop-up cafés have become a particularly exciting trend, reshaping how we sip, socialize, and experience coffee.

Why Coffee Pop-Ups Are Brewing Success

Pop-ups are no longer viewed as short-lived novelties. Instead, they are redefining the way people connect with coffee. These small but mighty concepts are thriving because they tap into what today’s consumers value most.

For many, it starts with unique and exclusive experiences. Limited-time menus, seasonal drinks, and creative collaborations make each visit feel special. Others are drawn in by community and cultural engagement, like San Antonio’s La La Land Kind Café, which mentors foster youth while serving up kindness with every cup. Entrepreneurs, meanwhile, embrace the economic and creative flexibility of pop-ups, which allow them to experiment with flavors, design, and brand identity without the long-term commitment of a permanent storefront. Add in the emphasis on craft, quality, and shareability, and it’s clear why coffee pop-ups have found a loyal, social-media-savvy following.

Where the Trend Is Heading

As coffee culture evolves, pop-ups are adapting just as quickly. Sustainability has become an expectation, with more operators turning to biodegradable cups and ethically sourced beans. Technology is also reshaping the experience, as mobile ordering, contactless payments, and digital loyalty programs bring convenience to the forefront. And with diversified offerings, from dietary-friendly drinks to creative snacks, coffee entrepreneurs are broadening their appeal to reach even more customers.

These shifts show that coffee isn’t just about what’s in the cup. It’s about creating memorable, community-driven, and highly shareable experiences — a direction we expect to see grow even stronger in the years ahead.

Coffee Pop-Ups Worth the Buzz

At Blue Butterfly, we love spotlighting retail concepts that inspire and delight. Since International Coffee Day is about celebrating the best brews, we’ve rounded up a few pop-ups and cafés making waves this season.

In Elmhurst, IL, Brewpoint Coffee kicks off the celebration early on September 27 with local vendors, coffee-themed goodies, and a free drink for anyone who purchases a bag of beans. Over in Salt Lake City, Loki Coffee is marking the official holiday on September 29 with free drip coffee featuring their signature Loki blend, in partnership with local roasters.

New York City is also buzzing with activity. On October 17, Better Homes & Gardens will host the Red Plaid Café pop-up in SoHo, a cozy fall-inspired event complete with pumpkin spice drinks and bouquet-making stations. And in Times Square, the Central Perk Pop-Up offers a nostalgic throwback for Friends fans, inviting visitors to sip lattes where Ross, Rachel, and the gang might have gathered.

Viral Coffee Shops You’ll Want to Visit

Of course, not every coffee experience is a temporary one. Some cafés have become cultural moments in their own right, earning viral fame on TikTok and Instagram. These shops prove that creativity, design, and storytelling can turn a cup of coffee into something unforgettable.

In Massachusetts, Coffee Milano Café became famous for its “dance for free coffee” challenge. In New York, ENLY, Hungry Llama, and Aimé Leon Dore together create the ultimate Manhattan coffee crawl, with tiramisu lattes, honey fluff creations, and stylish interiors that beg to be photographed. Out west, Wunderground Coffee in Seattle pairs mushroom adaptogen lattes with mystical design, while Los Angeles favorite Dayglow Coffee wins fans with neon branding, experimental drinks, and a devoted community.

Final Sip

International Coffee Day is more than a date on the calendar. It’s a reminder of how coffee connects us, sparks creativity, and creates opportunities for entrepreneurs to innovate. Whether you’re checking out a pop-up event, seeking out a viral café, or returning to your favorite neighborhood spot, September 29 is the perfect time to celebrate the culture of coffee.

At Blue Butterfly, we love shining a spotlight on top-notch retail concepts, and coffee is an exciting category. From helping entrepreneurs secure the perfect space in a shopping center to launching the next viral pop-up, we’re here to bring bold ideas to life. After all, life’s too short for bad coffee or uninspired retail.