Western New York has become a destination for craft beer enthusiasts. That combined with its beautiful waterfront makes Buffalo the perfect city to host one of New York State’s premier craft beer festivals.

The New York State Brewers Association has partnered with the Western New York Craft Brewers Guild to host the 5th Annual New York State Craft Brewers Festival at Buffalo on Saturday, June 22 at Canalside.

With over a decade of experience, New York State Craft Brewers Festivals are produced with the highest level of care and professionalism, aiming to provide an authentic craft beer experience for all. In addition, these festivals are the only local events hosted by the brewers themselves, giving attendees a unique opportunity to meet the creators of their favorite beers.

“I love pouring at the New York State Craft Brewers Festival in Buffalo because I get to share our craft with other beer enthusiasts – both the event attendees and my fellow brewers,” said Dawn Schulz, co-owner of Prison City Brewing. “New York’s craft beer industry is tightknit, and this event allows the community to celebrate together and talk beer.”

Over 50 New York State breweries will travel from every region of the state to share their unique brews with ticket holders, offering something for both novice and advance beer enthusiasts alike. Many participating breweries were awarded medals in the New York State Craft Beer Competition, including Heritage Hill Brewhouse, winner of the 2024 best NY Farm Beer.

“Whether you’re a seasoned enthusiast, or brand new to the craft beer scene, Think NY, Drink NY produced festivals offer a unique opportunity for everyone to experience and learn something new,” Chloe Kay, marketing manager, NYSBA, said.

The New York craft brewing industry has a $5.4 billion economic impact that extends beyond beer. This unique event highlights the meaningful relationship between breweries and local communities, celebrating craft culture. For the first time, it will feature professional wrestling matches by Grapple Pro, adding an exhilarating new experience. Buffalo’s premium 90’s tribute band Mayday will perform live while ticketholders can also test their skills at the beer puppet game.

“Above and beyond the award winning and world class New York State craft beer being sampled this year, we’ve decided to take this event to the next level by being the first in the state to add professional wrestling to a beer festival. It was important to us that we add even more entertainment and value to all those attending this year’s festival, and by adding Grapple Pro and music by Mayday, we’ve certainly made this a unique and can’t miss event at Canalside.”

General admission tickets are $45 and include festival access from 5-8 p.m., a 7-ounce souvenir tasting glass, the freedom to enjoy unlimited 3-ounce beer samples and the opportunity to meet the masters behind attendee’s favorite craft beers. Pre-sale General Admission Plus tickets are $65 and include the same benefits, plus an additional hour of festival access from 4-5 p.m. There are only a limited number of GA+ tickets available, so these ticket holders get an intimate hour to converse with brewers and brewery owners before the rest of the attendees are admitted.

Tickets for the New York State Craft Brewers Festival in Buffalo may be purchased on the Think NY, Drink
NY website.

Attendees can save $10 by purchasing hard copy tickets (cash only) at:

  • Resurgence Brewing Company
  • Big Ditch Brewing Company
  • Wayland Brewing Company
  • Britesmith Brewing

Proceeds will benefit the New York State Brewers Association and Western New York Brewers Guild, nonprofit organizations that support the craft brewing industry through advocacy, education, and promotion.

In addition $1 per ticket will benefit P.U.N.T. Pediatric Cancer Collaborative.

A full list of participating breweries and more information can be found here: http://www.thinkNYdrinkNY.com/buffalo/#breweries.