From traditional Japanese ceremonies to creative teacup painting, this year’s Tea Fest in Milton offers much more than just a cup of tea. The festival is a celebration of global cultures, brought together by one of the world’s oldest and most beloved beverages.

Coffee enthusiasts, make way — Tea Fest is returning to Milton!

Now in its second year, the event is organized by the Milton Public Library and will take place on Saturday, May 3, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Sherwood Community Centre (6355 Main St.).

Visitors can explore a bustling marketplace featuring over 30 local tea vendors, offering samples and selling a variety of blends. Throughout the day, there will also be free demonstrations and talks centered around tea traditions and culture.

Attendees will have the chance to create crafts and dive deeper into the role tea plays across different cultures around the world.

Natalie Haid, manager of the Sherwood Library Branch and Tea Fest organizer, emphasized the importance of highlighting the cultural traditions associated with tea.

“Originally, we wanted to host a Japanese tea ceremony as a standalone program,” Haid explained. “But after speaking with potential contributors, we realized there was significant interest. We thought, why not create a larger event that draws more people and showcases a wider range of tea traditions?”

Among the highlights are Japanese, Chinese, and Vietnamese tea ceremony demonstrations, teacup painting activities, and honey tastings designed to complement the tea experience.

“This is an opportunity for people to engage, ask questions, and learn about traditions they may have always been curious about but never knew how to explore,” said Haid.

Given its focus on East Asian tea traditions, Tea Fest fittingly aligns with Asian Heritage Month celebrations.

Momo Yoshida, owner of Momo Tea and returning vendor, expressed her excitement about sharing her culture at the event.

“I feel honoured when people take an interest in my heritage. It’s wonderful to see that response here in Canada,” Yoshida said.

Yoshida, who will lead the Japanese tea ceremony demonstration, founded Momo Tea after noticing a lack of high-quality, reasonably priced Japanese tea options in Canada.

“There was either very expensive, high-end Japanese tea or low-quality varieties. I wanted to offer good, fresh Japanese tea that people could enjoy every day without breaking the bank,” she explained.

Having grown up immersed in Japanese tea traditions, Yoshida studied at the Urasenke school of Chanoyu (tea ceremony) to formally learn the practice’s intricate etiquette.

“I was fortunate to grow up surrounded by tea culture — my grandmother and aunt practiced the ceremony, so it’s part of who I am,” Yoshida shared.

At the festival, Yoshida will offer a selection of Japanese teas, including Sencha (green tea), Genmaicha (brown rice tea), and Hōjicha (roasted green tea). She encourages visitors to sample the teas before purchasing, mirroring the way she personally selects the teas she sells.

Tea Fest is not just a celebration of tea’s flavours but also an opportunity to explore its rich cultural roots and history — all while discovering new favourites.