CALLING ALL BARISTAS. It's your time to shine, coffee connoisseurs and latte art pros: this latte art throwdown is lookin' for competitors.

SHIFT Cyclery & Coffee Bar (615 Graham Ave., Eau Claire) is brewing up something special with the upcoming event, Pour a Little Love: Latte Art Throwdown.

Starting at 6pm on May 22, this bracket-style competition aims to spotlight local baristas, raise funds for the Chippewa Valley LGBTQ+ Center, and cultivate a fun, inclusive space for community connection, according to Lauren Roemhild, events coordinator at SHIFT.

Baristas from other coffee shops in the area, regardless of current or previous latte art experience, are encouraged to compete in the latte art contest.

Roemhild hopes to have at least 16 participants ready to show off their latte art skills. The event will follow a tournament bracket format, giving many competitors the chance to make multiple rounds of lovely latte art, she noted.

Baristas will command a spot behind SHIFT’s bar and go head-to-head, judged on their creativity and technical skill. A panel of three judges — including a representative from the CV LGBTQ+ Center — will determine the winners. 

SHIFT hopes to turn the event into an annual tradition while fostering positive relationships with other area businesses, cultivating community connection, and celebrating local creativity.

“The (Chippewa Valley LGBTQ+) Center is an important place to us at SHIFT and within our community,” Roemhild said. “There are a lot of needs within the LGBTQ+ community, and we want to help.”

For competitors, the $10 registration fee not only covers materials, but also directly contributes to money raised for the Chippewa Valley LGBTQ+ Center, who will be present at SHIFT that evening to connect with attendees and share more about their work in the community. The public is welcome to attend for free and witness the excitement of the bracket unfold live.

During the event, SHIFT’s regular menu will be available, with donations accepted at the register. The competition will stream live on in-house TVs so people may mingle in the space and still experience the barista battle, Roemhild said. The latte art champ will win a one-night free stay at the Lismore, with additional sponsored prizes awarded to the next two runner-ups.

SHIFT hopes to turn the event into an annual tradition while fostering positive relationships with other area businesses, cultivating community connection, and celebrating local creativity.

“I really love creating events that people want to see again,” Roemhild said. “We want everyone to feel welcome here.”

For more information about the latte art throwdown, visit SHIFT’s Facebook page online. Individuals looking to compete can visit the coffee shop’s website and register.

Discover resources, events, and ways to offer support by visiting the Chippewa Valley LGBTQ+ Center website or social media platforms (@lgbtcommunitycenter).