Buffalo Beer Buzz: Kenan Wine & Beer Bash, Brewski, One-Eyed Cat & Steel Lead to Close, Sabrehood Bar Network, First Line Foundations Beer

Celebrate WNY Craft Beer At Kenan Wine & Beer Bash

The 2026 Kenan Wine & Beer Bash is coming to the Kenan Center Arena on Feb. 21 (4-7 pm). The event will feature samplings from local craft breweries, wineries, distilleries, cideries, and restaurants, along with live music from The Uptown Groove, food, and more. This year’s event is being held in partnership with the Tap & Craft Festival, with a wine garden presented by The Lock Tender. General admission tickets are $45, and VIP tickets are $65, which includes premier parking, an extra hour of tasting, exclusive wine and beer samples, a free Blaster Ball, and more. You can purchase tickets here.

42 North Brewing’s Brewski Returns to Knox Farm

42 North will host the 2026 Brewski on Feb. 21 at Knox Farm State Park. Participants will traverse a two-mile course while sampling some of 42 North’s latest craft creations along the way. You will receive five beer samples, a complimentary beer at the brewery, and a commemorative tasting mug. Additionally, Brewski will feature a number of regional vendors offering demo equipment. Following the event, 42 North will host a post-party (4-7pm) with live music by The Blue Faces. A portion of ticket proceeds benefits The Friends of Knox Farm State Park for their continued maintenance and improvements to the park. Tickets are $25 and can be purchased at 42 North or online.

One-Eyed Cat Crafthouse Announces Closure

One-Eyed Cat Crafthouse, formerly known as One-Eyed Cat Brewing, has announced its closure after four years. “After 4 incredible years, it’s time,” OEC said. “And to everyone who packed the bar — summer nights, winter storms, and everything in between — thank you.” The brewery will be throwing one last bash this weekend with a special guest bartender and drink specials on Friday night. They will also be open on Saturday until 10 pm. Early last year, they stopped brewing and shifted focus to serving local beer on tap and craft cocktails made with local spirits and food from Pork Bellies BBQ.

Steel Leaf Brewing To Close This Month

Steel Leaf Brewing has announced plans to close its doors at the end of this month. The brewery, located at 1488 Hertel Ave., will close on Feb. 28 and have numerous specials planned. “After much reflection, and long conversations with family and friends, we’ve made the decision to close Steel Leaf Brewing Company,” the brewery said. “The current climate has shifted in ways that make continuing forward no longer the right path for our family. This decision was not made lightly. It comes with heavy hearts, but also with deep gratitude.” Steel Leaf opened back in 2022 in Williamsville at the Eastern Hills Mall before moving to their current location on Hertel.

First Line Brewing, Summit Center Team On New Beer

First Line Brewing and the Summit Center are releasing a new beer in honor of Autism Acceptance Month – Foundations, a dry-hopped American lager brewed for a good cause. Foundations features a light body and notes of berry and citrus from Strata hops. During Autism Acceptance Month, a portion of the proceeds will be donated to The Summit Center to provide support for individuals with autism. Foundations 4-packs are $16 each and will be available for pickup April 1-18 at First Line. You can preorder here until March 8.

Johnson’s Landing Joins Sabrehood Bar Network

Johnson’s Landing has been named as one of 10 bars and restaurants around Western New York in the Sabrehood Bar Network, which will show Buffalo Sabres games on TVs around the brewery with volume. Each participating bar will receive t-shirts, tickets, and Beer Sabres (while supplies last) to give away during games throughout the final two months of the season. The brewery will also host a watch party, which will include sweepstakes, alumni appearances, giveaways, and more, on Saturday, March 21 at 4 pm, when the Sabres take on the Los Angeles Kings.

Brian Campbell is co-founder and Brand Manager of the Buffalo Beer League, and writes the weekly Buffalo Beer Buzz column. If you have beer news that should be included in the Beer Buzz, Brian can be reached at brian@buffalobeerleague.com, on X (@buffbeerleague), Instagram, Threads and Untappd (@buffalobeerleague), and Facebook (@thebuffalobeerleague).