Craft beer week events have been a staple in major cities all over the U.S. since the early 2000s. While the themes, events and locations may be different, they all share a common goal: to highlight their region’s craft beer producers. Now, WNY breweries are looking to reimagine beer week and put an emphasis on exploring the many craft breweries that call Western New York home.
WNY Craft Brewery Week 2021 will take place Monday, September 27 through Friday, October 1. The new event is hosted by the WNY Brewers Guild, which currently represents over 30 local craft breweries. By dividing the participating breweries into five zones (City, Northtowns, Southtowns, East, and Southern Tier), the event hopes to encourage craft beer lovers to visit a brewery they haven’t been to before. Three distinct events will take place during WNY Craft Beer Week 2021.
The first will be Monday, September 27 at Big Ditch Brewing Company showcasing the great breweries and taprooms that the city of Buffalo has to offer. The “Beerie County Fair” will feature brewers from Community Beer Works, Resurgence Brewing, SATO Brewpub, Old First Ward Brewing, Big Ditch Brewing Company and Pressure Drop Brewing. Beer from each of the producers will be available during the event. You can purchase of a pint or flight to receive a ticket to play a carnival game operated by one of the beer-makers for a chance to win prizes from the breweries.
The second event will take place on Tuesday, September 28 at Lilly Belle Meads in Lancaster. Brewers from the East, including Eli Fish Brewing, West Shore Brewing Company, 12 Gates Brewing Company, TIL Brewing and Britesmith Brewing will be hosting a Brewer’s Karaoke Night, which is open to the public. Products from each of the breweries and food will be available during the event.
WNY Craft Brewery Week will wrap up with “Southtowns Live” on Wednesday, September 29 at 42 North Brewing Company in East Aurora. Guests are invited to join brewers from Hamburg Brewing Company, First Line Brewing, 1927 Brew House, Rusty Nickel Brewing and 42 North, while they produce a new collaboration American Stout. Local maltsters and hop producers will be featured, along with live music and a live brew talk.
The brewers of Western New York would like to ask all community members of age to consider supporting their local breweries during the event. Visiting tasting rooms, purchasing goods from breweries, engaging with local breweries on social media and wearing branded apparel are great ways to get involved in the spirit of WNY Craft Brewery Week.
More information on all events and other ways to get involved in WNY Craft Brewery Week are available here.
