An annual weekend event formerly known as the Kulov Tea Festival is celebrating its 12th year, from May 4-27, with caffinated herbs, dainty cookies, sake tastings and the Royal/T shenanigans we've grown to love. The renamed Tea Lovers Festival will incorporate film screenings, tea studies, chef battles and more.

“It [the new name] was a gradual change for the past two years,” said Kulov, the festival's founder. “I wanted a more universal name, without 'Kulov' being part of it, and one which reflects that it's no longer a small personal project.”

Workshops include making chai, pairing teas and chocolate, discovering what's in your teabag, the world of herbal teas, tea and meditation, Japanese tea ceremonies and tea lab competitions. The festival features a screening of the documentary All In This Tea, music from Tom Schnabel of KCRW and the exhibition “The Art of Cooking.” It's kid-friendly, too. A “Kids Love Tea Too” program includes tea etiquette, painting with tea, performances and more.

Admission is free; $10 for film screenings; $15-$20 for tea tastings and tea studies; $25-$45 for tea labs. For tickets and more information, visit tealoversfestival.com.

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