Wines in the Wild Returns to the Buffalo Zoo
Wines in the Wild makes its return to the Buffalo Zoo on June 18 as part of their 150th anniversary. The event will feature beverage and food sampling from the local wineries, breweries, and eateries, as well as live music, special appearances from the Zoo’s animal ambassadors and more. Funds raised from Wines in the Wild will go directly to supporting the Buffalo Zoo’s mission of creating connections and saving wildlife. Tickets are $45 and can be purchased here.
Kleinhans Rhythm & Brews Fundraiser This Weekend
Kleinhans Music Hall’s annual fundraiser Rhythm and Brews returns on Friday, May 9 (6:30-9 pm). Proceeds from the event will benefit Kleinhans programming, including the Global Grooves music series, as well as building upkeep. The event will features tastings from local breweries and cideries, while food will be available from Oliver’s, Britesmith, Creekview Restaurant and Marcato by Oliver’s. Musical guests will be announced soon. Tickets include tastings and commemorative Belgian beer glass. General admission tickets ($45) and VIP tickets ($85) are available online, at the Kleinhans box office, or by calling 715-885-5000. VIP includes early admission, first tastings and reserved table seating.
Genesee Brewery’s Mango Peach Kolsch Returns
Genesee Brewery’s Mango Peach Kolsch is back, just in time for summer. This cousin of fan-favorite Ruby Red Kolsch is crisp and subtly sweet with balanced flavors of mango and peach. Mango Peach Kolsch is available at retail in 12-packs of 12-ounce cans and on draft at the Genesee Brew House and other select locations for a limited time. For more information, visit www.geneseebeer.com.
Resurgence Brewing Lager for Osteria 166, Hops for HOPE
Did you know that Resurgence Brewing makes the house lager for Osteria 166? It’s called Cin! Cin!, an Italian Pilsner that features crisp notes of biscuity malt, bread crust and just the right amount of spice from the hops to add some zesty punch. Cin! Cin! can be found on draft right now at Osteria 166.
Catholic Charities of Buffalo’s second annual Hops for HOPE is a week-long celebration that kicks off May 16 and runs through May 23. It features events such as the Kick-Off Happy Hour, informative brewing session, Knights’ Night, HOPE Day Sponsor Appreciation Day and Hops for HOPE Last Call. Cans of Hops for HOPE Summer Ale will be available at Resurgence with a portion of the proceeds from each can and 4-pack sold going to benefit Appeal 2025 in support of Catholic Charities and the Fund for the Faith.
Resurgence at Canalside to Open for Season on May 9
Resurgence at Canalside, Resurgence Brewing’s seasonal waterfront destination, will open for the season on Friday, May 9. In addition to Resurgence food and beer, the new location features live music, outdoor games, and sports leagues, alongside the Buffalo Waterfront’s regularly scheduled events. “This summer, Canalside will be the ultimate destination, featuring weekly programming designed to keep people by the water all season long, said Jeff Ware, owner and president of Resurgence Brewing. “Resurgence at Canalside will be serving up refreshing brews and delicious new food offerings, including pretzel poppers and charcuterie boxes, to accompany the waterfront views and entertainment.” More information, including hours of operation, can be found here.
Woodcock Brothers to Reopen, Reimagine Wilson Taproom
Woodcock Brothers Brewery is planning to reopen their Wilson location, which has been closed for most of the winter season, as a “reimagined taproom experience.” Moving forward, the taproom will serve Woodcock beer brewed at their Wurlitzer brewhouse, limited domestic beer and seltzer options (there won’t be serving liquor or wine), along with a reduced food menu as Wilson will not feature a full kitchen. The brewery hopes to reopen the space on May 15.
Big Ditch Throwing Block Party for 10th Anniversary
“Don’t be fooled by the bocks that they got, they’re still, they’re still Big Ditch from the block.” Big Ditch Brewing is turning 10 and they are throwing a block party on May 31 (1pm) to celebrate a decade of slinging great beers. They are shutting down East Huron Street with live music from Steven Babcock and XOXO Pop Band, 4 throwback beers (Excavator Brown Ale, Citraburner IPA, FC Session Wheat Ale, Shipshape Pilsner), raffles and giveaways, outdoor stage and massive tent, 10th anniversary commemorative koozie and BOGO beer coupon. GA tickets are $20 and VIP ((1-4:30pm, $60, 5:30-9pm, $75) features access to upstairs Brewers Lounge including open bar, pizza and wings buffet, and private bathrooms. You can purchase tickets here.
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).
