Wines in the Wild Returns to the Buffalo Zoo

Wines in the Wild returns to the Buffalo Zoo on June 18 (5-8 pm). The special event features beverage and food sampling from local wineries, cideries, meaderies and breweries, as well as live music, special appearances from the Zoo’s animal ambassadors and more, all spread throughout the grounds of the Buffalo Zoo. Funds raised from Wines in the Wild will go directly to supporting the Buffalo Zoo’s mission of creating connections and saving wildlife. Ticketing information will be announced in the coming weeks. You can find more information at Buffalozoo.org.

Maifest Returns to Spring Garden Park in East Aurora

Maifest returns May 24 (12 pm) to Spring Garden Park, located at 3838 Two Rod Road in East Aurora, will feature a specially brewed Maibock, a German lager that is paler and more hop-centric than traditional bock beers, from Buffalo Brewing Company. There will be a keg tapping ceremony at 1:15 pm, a special guest appearance by The Caledonian Pipe Band and SGTV Edelweiss Dancers, and live music from The Beer Fest Boys at 2 pm. The park opens at noon and food will be available at 1 pm. Admission is $6. Visit springarden.com for more information.

Resurgence Brewing 2026 Pints in the Park Schedule

Resurgence Brewing is bringing back Pints in the Park for the 2026 season beginning on Saturday, May 30. This free event series features pop-up beer gardens in parks around Western New York with Resurgence’s mobile beer trailer serving beer, cider, seltzer, and more, food trucks, live music, lawn games, vendors, and family-friendly activities. Pints in the Park will take place on select Fridays and Saturdays throughout the summer. A full schedule can be found here. Guests are encouraged to bring a blanket or lawn chair.

42 North Brewing Brings Back Wallonia Wit

One of 42 North Brewing’s classic brews, Wallonia Wit, is back at the brewery. The return of the 5.4% Belgian Wit features a new twist featuring New York State ingredients, pilsner malt, wheat, and NYS Vista hops. “Our brewery customers have requested we bring this back for years and with the growing trend of lower AVB, but still flavorful, beers, it was time to return back to our roots,” 42 North owner John Cimperman said. Wallonia Wit is available at 42 North taprooms on draft, as well as in cans wherever great craft beer is sold.

Rusty Nickel to Officially Open Beer Garden May 20

One of the true jewels of the Western New York craft beer scene can be found out back behind Rusty Nickel Brewing in West Seneca. The brewery has put a lot of effort into upgrading their backyard over the years, making it a great place to enjoy a pint. You can experience the space for yourself beginning on May 20 (6-9 pm), when the beer garden opens for the season. Rusty Nickel will have seasonal brews and cocktails, yard games such as cornhole, and fire pits and s’mores to enjoy. In the event of severe weather, a rain date will be announced. The event is free and open to the public.

Big Ditch Brewing Drops New Rice Lager

Big Ditch Brewing has released a new limited release Yuzu Rice Lager. This beer, originally brewed as a pilot batch for the brewery’s 9th anniversary party, is brewed with rice for a light body and ultra-crisp finish with a vibrant lift from the addition of yuzu, which adds bright citrus character and subtle white grape notes. Yuzu Rice Lager is available on tap at both Big Ditch taprooms.

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).