Waldfest: Festival in the Woods Returns to East Aurora

It’s that time of year again – time to gather together in the woods and toast giant mugs of traditional German beer. Yes, you guessed it – it’s once again time for Waldfest, the annual Festival in the Woods, which takes place on July 19, 12-7 pm, at Spring Garden Park (3838 Two Rod Road, East Aurora). The German American Musicians and the Polka Boyz will provide authentic German music and food will be available on-site as will plenty of authentic German beers. There is also free parking. Tickets are $15 in advance or $30 at the gate. For tickets and more information, visit SpringGarden.com. This is a rain-or-shine event. You can purchase tickets online this year here.

Sample Erie County Fair Home Brew, Cider at Hamburg Gaming

The Home Brew and Hard Cider Best of Show winners of the Erie County Fair Home Brew and Cider competitions will be on display at Hamburg Gaming for the 2026 Tap That Barrel event. The Best in Show Cider is Black Cherry Vanilla Cider from Chuck Privitera and the Best in Show Home Brew is Wish You Were Here, Red IPA from James Krell. Guests can enjoy samples, as well as light snacks, live music from Brother James, and meet the beer and cider makers. Both the winning beer and cider will be available on draft throughout the fair, as well as in cans at Hamburg Brewing and BlackBird Cider Works.

Elmwood’s The Beer Keep To Close July 28

After five years in business, Elmwood beer bar The Beer Keep has announced plans to close on July 28 with a final party planned for July 25. “What started as a little neighborhood craft beer bar became so much more for us: “The Keep” has been a place to celebrate, bring your dog for a patio visit, grab a glizzy and an ice-cold lager, laugh at one too many ridiculous videos, and catch up with old friends while making new ones. We’re so lucky to have been a beat in the rhythm of the Elmwood Village – it’s an experience that we’ll always carry with us,” The Beer Keep said. “Thank you to the Elmwood Village for five unforgettable years. It’s been an absolute honor to be your neighborhood beer bar.” More details on the “final rager” will be released soon.

Resurgence Brewing, Consumer’s Team on New Promotion

Consumer’s Beverages and Resurgence Brewing have teamed up on a new promotion and all you have to do is buy beer and receive free beer in return. If you visit any participating Consumer’s location and purchase a Resurgence Fridge Filler mixed 12-pack (Bridge Pilsner, Citmo IPA, Lil Mo Session IPA, Flats & Drums Pale Ale) or Summer Pack (Summer Ale, Summer Shandy, Loganberry Wit), you will receive a $15 gift card to the brewery. Each 12-packs cost $20.99. You can also purchase two 6-packs or two 4-packs of Resurgence beer to receive the free gift card as part of the promotion, which runs while supplies last.

Ellicottville Brewing Releases Fall-Themed Lager Pack

It may only be July, but Ellicottville Brewing is already thinking about fall with the release of their Lager Pack, a mixed 12-pack featuring three cans each of Pretzel Bender Dunkel, Monroe Street Pilsner, Fall Festival, and Ellicottville Bock. The Lager Pack is available now at the brewery, as well as wherever great craft beer is sold.

Ten Lives Club Announces Partnership with BriarBrothers Brewing

Ten Lives Club Cat Rescue is partnering with BriarBrothers Brewing to release the first-ever Ten Lives Club beer. On Friday, August 7, BriarBrothers will release “Mission Pawsible,” a beer inspired by Ten Lives Club’s campaign for its new state-of-the-art cat shelter. “Mission Pawsible” is a light beer brewed to purr-fection, and as guests enjoy the new pint, they’ll also be helping cats in need. Proceeds from beer sales will benefit Ten Lives Club. Guests can also enjoy live music, basket raffles, a 50/50 raffle, Ten Lives Club merchandise, and the opportunity to meet adoptable Ten Lives Club cats. The event is free and open to the public.

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).

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Ten Lives Club Cat Rescue is excited to announce a partnership with BriarBrothers Brewing Company to release the first-ever Ten Lives Club beer.

On Friday, August 7, from 4 – 8 p.m., the community is invited to join the cat rescue at BriarBrothers Brewing Company for the release party of the new brew, named “Mission Pawsible.” The beer’s name is inspired by Ten Lives Club’s capital campaign for its new state-ofthe-art cat shelter. “Mission Pawsible” is a light beer brewed to purr-fection, and as guests enjoy the new pint, they’ll also be helping cats in need.

Proceeds from beer sales will benefit Ten Lives Club in support of the capital campaign.

Guests can also enjoy live music, basket raffles, a 50/50 raffle, Ten Lives Club merchandise for sale, and the opportunity to meet adoptable Ten Lives Club cats.

Ten Lives Club has been rescuing and saving feline lives for the past 25 years. During that time, the organization has rescued more than 50,000 cats. Ten Lives Club is currently expanding its shelter to help even more cats throughout Western New York.

For more information about the event, adoptions, volunteering, or donating, please contact Ten Lives Club at info@tenlivesclub.com or (716) 646-5577 ext. 1.

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Shalooby Loofer to Become Local Hollow Brewing

Shalooby Loofer Brewing is becoming Local Hollow Brewery. Owner Eon Verrall has made the decision to sell the brewery after they celebrate their third anniversary in August, in order to focus more on family and other professional obligations. Local Hollow will be led by Hilary Dollinger. “What started as a simple three-car garage became something far greater—a magical gathering place filled with friendship, laughter, and unforgettable memories. That is because of you. I couldn’t be more grateful, and I’m confident that this special place will continue to thrive under Hilary’s leadership,” Verrall said. Shalooby Loofer will celebrate its third anniversary and will say goodbye on August 8.

Beerlympic Games Coming to The Lock Tender

Grab your favorite drinking partner and get ready for the inaugural Lock Tender Beerlympics on July 25 (4 pm). This ultimate summer tournament features Cornhole, Knöggle, and Beer Pong out on The Lock Tenders patio. Entry is $35 per two-person team and the champions receive a $75 Lock Tender Bar Tab and the Official Lock Tender Beerlympics Trophy. The tournament is double elimination, and every team is guaranteed to compete in all three games. Register (no ticket fees) at www.thelocktender.com/events.

Wayland Brewing Lancaster Grand Opening on July 9

Wayland Brewing will open its new Lancaster satellite taproom, located inside the former Lilly Belle Meads, on July 9 (11 am). The grand opening will feature beer from Wayland Brewing and food from Buffalo Burger Bros. Lilly Belle Meads vacated the space last year after partnering with Rusty Nickel Brewing. The 2,400 sq. ft. space will operate as a traditional taproom with 16 taps and a food menu similar to Buffalo Burger Bros. location in the Village of Hamburg with smashburgers, chicken sandwiches, and more. The site features seating for about 40 inside and another 30 outside, with plans to add more. Lilly Belle closed this past December and moved all mead production to West Seneca at Rusty Nickel.

Five & 20 Brewing Debuts New Summertime Brew

Five & 20 Spirits and Brewing have tapped a brand new sunny day brew – Summertime Scream, a 5.2% strawberry lemon shandy. “An utterly crushable interpretation of the classic Continental blend of beer and lemonade – fresh lemon juice and strawberry puree are added to a wheat beer base, resulting in a light, slightly tart drink which screams summertime,” Five & 20 said of the new beer. “Sparkling carbonation lends a brisk and refreshing texture to this beer, and it goes down so easy in the heat.” Summertime Scream is available on draft at their Westfield taproom.

Thin Man Brewery Introduces Mafia Light Lime

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Thin Man’s Minkey Day Is Back This Year

Minkey Day, a celebration of Thin Man Brewery’s flagship raspberry sour, Minkey Boodle, is back this year at Chandler Street Breweries on July 18 (12 pm). There will be four special Minkey collaborations with Frequentem Brewing (Tiki Boodle – Painkiller-inspired sour with raspberry), Prairie Artisan Ales (Minkey Stardust – Raspberry sour with pink Starburst candies), Bellwoods (Jelly Boodle – Raspberry  and Sicilian Lemon Sour) and Atrium Brewing (Banana Boodle Boy – Frozen chocolate raspberry and banana sour), as well as special Minkey Day merchandise, giveaways, food specials and more. This year, the event is free and open to the public.

Hofbrauhaus Buffalo To Tap Barrel Of Pils

On July 2, Hofbrauhaus Buffalo will hold a keg tapping of their HB Pils with a ceremonial parade throughout the beer hall, followed by a tapping of the barrel at 6 pm. According to the brewery, “this Bohemian-style pilsner is golden in color with a kicked-up presence of both malt and hops. The malt profile is slightly sweet and toasted, with a biscuit-like, bread character, balanced with crisp and clean noble hops. Refreshing and satisfying…perfect for summer.” Die Haus Band will perform following the parade. You can make reservations at www.hofbrauhausbuffalo.com.

Celebrate the Fourth of July With Fresh, Local Beer

The Fourth of July falls on a Saturday this year, which means there’s no better time to properly raise a toast to our country with fresh, local beer. And there are several patriotic brews to choose from. Resurgence Brewing’s Citmo IPA got a red, white, and blue makeover to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary (cans available at the brewery), Brickyard Brewing has brought back their fan-favorite blueberry ale, Red, White & Blueberry (limited quantity of cans available at the brewery, select Wegmans locations and DiMino’s Lewiston Tops), and First Line Brewing not only has their Star & Stripes IPA, they have also brought back Freedom Hard Seltzer: Bomb Pop and debuted America 250 Lager (cans and draft available at the brewery). Happy Independence Day to one and all!

Buffalo Brewing Simon Pure Case Sale This Week

If you’re looking to stock up for the holiday weekend, look no further than Buffalo Brewing Company. The brewery has launched a special case sale for all of their Simon Pure products – Simon Pure, Simon Light, Simon Bock and Old Abbey Ale. This week only, all Simon cans are just $25 per case (plus tax and deposit). “Raise a can to America’s 250th birthday! Stock up for the holiday, fire up the grill, and keep your cookout going strong with the perfect beers for summer,” the brewery says. The case sale is only available at the taproom.

Other Half Buffalo Rolls Out 2026 Green City Collabs

While Other Half’s Green City Festival has come and gone this year, you can still get your hands on three special collaboration beers at their Buffalo taproom. Starting July 2, a trio of collabs – Buckle Down Imperial IPA (Parish Brewing & Pinthouse Brewing), brewed with Riwaka, Peacharine and Dolcita hops, Dankest Days Imperial IPA (Finback, Fidens & Hop Butcher), brewed with Columbus Cryo, Nectaron Cryo, Nectaron, Strata and Nelson Sauvin hops, and Pacific Power Imperial IPA (Great Notion, Monkish & Uchu Brewing), brewed with Nelson Sauvin, Peacharine, Citra, Citra Cryo, Amarillo and NZH109 hops – will be available on draft and in cans at the taproom.

BriarBrothers Brewing Fourth of July Case Sale

BriarBrothers Brewing is holding a case sale to make sure all of our fridges are stocked for the long holiday weekend with a special can sale – 24 mix-and-match BB cans for $100. “Whether you’re firing up the grill, spending the day on the water, heading to a family gathering, or relaxing with friends, make sure your cooler is stocked with BriarBrothers,” the brewery said. “Build your own case with all your favorites and keep the beer flowing all weekend long. It’s the perfect chance to stock up before the celebrations begin.” This special is available Wednesday through Sunday.

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).

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Following the judging of the entries submitted for the 2026 Erie County Fair Home Brew and Cider competitions, the Best of Show winners have been selected and will be professionally reproduced and distributed by Try-It Distributing to select retail locations and the Erie County Fair this summer.

Best in Show Cider | Chuck Privitera of Eden

Winning Cider: Black Cherry Vanilla

Privitera has been named the 2026 Erie County Fair Best in Show Cider winner for Black Cherry Vanilla, a semi-sweet fruit cider that combines crisp apple character with rich black cherry flavor and smooth vanilla notes. Inspired by a friend’s request for a black cherry cider, Chuck crafted the award-winning recipe using high-quality natural flavorings to create an authentic fruit-forward taste.

Chuck has been making cider for eight years and has been homebrewing and winemaking since 1997. A member of the Stumblin’ Falls Homebrew Club, he is no stranger to the winner’s circle, having also earned Best in Show Cider honors at the Erie County Fair in 2023 and 2025.

The Best in Show cider will be professionally reproduced by Blackbird Cider Works, and will be available on tap at the 2026 Erie County Fair and sold in select retail stores.

A complete listing of cider winners is available at www.ECFair.org/cider.

Best in Show Home Brew | James Krell of West Seneca

Winning Beer: Wish You Were Here

James Krell of West Seneca takes home the 2026 Best in Show Home Brew title for his Red IPA, Wish You Were Here. Brewed with German and Red X malt, the beer delivers a rich malt character balanced by floral hop notes and a smooth finish.

Krell began homebrewing 11 years ago after receiving a brewing kit from his brother for his 40th birthday. An active competitor in the Erie County Fair Home Brew Competition, he earned a silver medal in 2025 for his Maibock and received an honorable mention in 2024 for a German Altbier.

The winning recipe is a refined version of a beer Krell previously entered in a competition benefiting leukemia and lymphoma research, a cause that holds special meaning following the loss of his mother to leukemia. Through careful adjustments and lessons learned from earlier batches, he developed the balanced Red IPA that ultimately earned Best in Show honors.

His award-winning lager will be professionally brewed by Hamburg Brewing Company and available at the Fair and sold in select retail locations this summer.

Full list of beer winners can be found at www.ECFair.org/homebrew.

Celebrate the Winners at Hamburg Gaming on July 21

Join the Erie County Fair for Tap the Barrel, a special sampling event featuring the 2026 Best in Show Cider and Home Brew on Tuesday, July 21 at Hamburg Gaming. From 4 to 7 p.m., guests 21 and older are invited to enjoy samples of the winning beer and cider, light snacks, and live music from Brother James. Don’t miss this chance to raise a glass to local talent and meet the makers of the Fair’s award-winning home brew and cider.

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Spotted Octopus Moving to 500 Seneca Street

Spotted Octopus Brewing has announced plans to relocate from 41 Edward Street to 500 Seneca Street, the former Dobutsu and Compass Run. The new location will have more space, a full restaurant, a bigger outdoor patio, and parking. “We are thrilled to be relocating to a larger venue that will allow us to enhance our offerings and create a welcoming environment for everyone,” said Domenic Nicotera, co-owner of Spotted Octopus. “Our customers can look forward to enjoying their favorite brews along with an upgraded dining experience.” The new taproom is expected to open in early August 2026. Before they make the move, the brewery is saying goodbye to their current home and needs help drinking the bar dry on July 3-5.

William Mattar Offering Free Uber Vouchers for Fourth of July

William Mattar Accident Lawyers is once again helping Western New Yorkers get home safe with their Safe Ride Home 4 the 4th of July program. The initiative provides eligible participants with a $20 rideshare discount voucher to help them get home safely after their celebrations. Vouchers may be used between 12 pm on July 4 and 2 am on July 5. You can register at WilliamMattar.com now through 12 pm on July 1, or until all vouchers have been claimed. For complete program details and registration information, visit WilliamMattar.com.

Big Ditch’s Deep Cut Double IPA Returns

Big Ditch Brewing’s award-winning Double IPA, Deep Cut, will make a return this Friday, June 26. The 8.2% DIPA features dank hops, citrus, orange and tropical fruit. “The final obstacle in constructing the Erie Canal was leveling a 7 mile section of the canal 40 feet deep – by hand – between the Flight of Five in Lockport and Lake Erie. Our Deep Cut Double IPA is equally ambitious. It’s layered with citrus, tropical punch, and wild berry flavor, with moderate bitterness and a dry finish. Hopheads will truly appreciate this 8.2% ABV beer,” Big Ditch says. Deep Cut will be available in cans ($14.90 per 4-packs 16oz. cans) and on draft at both Big Ditch locations (Buffalo, Lockport).

Resurgence Brewing Releases Mojito Ale

Resurgence Brewing is putting a new spin on a classic summer cocktail, the Mojito, blending cucumber and mint for a light-bodied and easy-drinking beer, Mojito Ale. “Perfect for relaxing sunny days and vibrant patio nights alike, this cocktail-inspired ale is a unique new summer drink you won’t want to miss!” the brewery says of the new beer. Mojito Ale is on tap and available in cans at Resurgence’s Chicago Street taproom now.

Erie County Fair Homebrew, Cider Winners Announced

The Home Brew and Hard Cider Best of Show winners of the Erie County Fair Home Brew and Cider competitions have been selected. For the second straight year, the Best in Show Cider comes from Chuck Privitera of Eden. Privitera also won for Most Creative Cider at this year’s competition. It will be produced by Blackbird Cider Works. The Best in Show Beer comes from West Seneca’s James Krell for his Red IPA. It will be brewed and released by Hamburg Brewing. Both the winning beer and cider will be available on draft throughout the fair, as well as in cans at Hamburg Brewing and BlackBird Cider Works. Stay tuned for more details.

Southern Tier Rolls Out New Beers For NHL Draft

With the 2026 NHL Draft coming to town this weekend, just steps from Southern Tier Brewing Buffalo, the brewery is rolling out a pair of new hockey-themed beers – Pineapple Powerplay, a tart 4.5% tropical fruit sour with notes of pineapple and citrus, and River Hockey Light Lager, a 4.2% American light lager that’s crisp, clean, smooth and refreshing. Both beers can be found at the brewery on tap. The NHL Draft takes place June 26-27 at KeyBank Center.

Wayland Brewing Lancaster to Hold Special Preview

If you have been patiently waiting for Wayland Brewing to open its new Lancaster location inside the former Lilly Belle Meads, this weekend is your chance. The brewery is hosting a special sneak peek at the outside of the space on June 26 (4-10 pm) and June 27 (1-11 pm) with can pours available from Wayland and food from Buffalo Burger Bros. The event is free and open to the public. Lilly Belle Mead vacated the space last year after partnering with Rusty Nickel Brewing. The 2,400 sq. ft. space will operate as a traditional taproom with 16 taps and a food menu similar to Buffalo Bros’ location in the Village of Hamburg with smashburgers, chicken sandwiches and more.

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).

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Gardens Buffalo Niagara’s (GBN) summer season is heating up with new events and experiences that invite visitors to get outside and enjoy the creativity of our region. After a day of garden exploring, visitors can cool down with
Pollinator Pils, a benefit beer brewed by Smoldered Society and available at Lexington Co-op and Chandler Street Breweries.

Proceeds support free public programs including Garden Walk Buffalo, the East Side Garden Walk, Urban Farm Day, and Conservation Day, while also funding Lunenfeld Beautification Grants for neighborhood and community improvement projects.

Gardeners and garden lovers can also enjoy Pollinator Pils at Blooms & Brews, GBN’s first annual summer  fundraiser. Taking place on Wednesday, July 22, at Chandler Street Breweries, the event will bring together Buffalo’s gardening community and visitors for an evening of connection, celebration, and fun during the height of the garden season. Tickets include two drink tickets, food, access to basket raffles, a cork pull, and a special Garden Walk-themed beer brewed exclusively for the occasion. Tickets available here.

Known for Garden Walk Buffalo, America’s largest garden tour, Gardens Buffalo Niagara offers a full season of programming that includes garden tours, public art, urban agriculture, conservation initiatives, and community beautification projects throughout the region.

2026 Season of Events:

• Artists in Gardens – Throughout July, visit ArtistsinGardens.com for locations
• Garden Art Sale – Saturday, June 27 (10 am – 4 pm) & Sunday, June 28 (10 am – 3 pm)
• Conservation Day – Saturday, July 11 from 8 am-1 pm
• East Side Garden Walk – Saturday & Sunday, July 18 & 19 from 10 am – 4 pm
• Blooms & Brews (Tickets required) – Wednesday, July 22
• Garden Walk Buffalo – Saturday & Sunday, July 25 & 26 from 10 am-4 pm

Open Gardens

• Standard Tour – Thursdays & Fridays, July 9 & 10, 16 & 17, 23 & 24, and 30 & 31.
• Night Lights Tour – Friday, July 31, 7-11 pm
• Night Lights Open Gardens Bus Tour (Tickets required) – Friday, July 31, 5–10 pm
• Urban Farm Day – Saturday, August 15 from 10am-4pm

View GBN’s upcoming season schedule at GardensBuffaloNiagara.com.

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Waldfest: Festival in the Woods Returns to East Aurora

It’s that time of year again – time to gather together in the woods and toast giant mugs of traditional German beer. Yes, you guessed it – it’s once again time for Waldfest, the annual Festival in the Woods, which takes place on July 19, 12-7 pm, at Spring Garden Park (3838 Two Rod Road, East Aurora). The German American Musicians and the Polka Boyz will provide authentic German music and food will be available on-site as will plenty of authentic German beers. There is also free parking. Tickets are $15 in advance or $30 at the gate. For tickets, and more information, visit SpringGarden.com. This is a rain-or-shine event. You can purchase tickets online this year here.

Buy a Nickel City Brewz Gift Card For 50% Off

If you’ve yet to check out Nickel City Brewz in Depew, or are just looking for a great reason to stop back in for a few pints, Daytime Buffalo is giving you the chance to do so by offering a $50 gift certificate to the craft beer bar for only $25 (you will receive two $25 certificates). “Nickel City BrewZ combines the best traits of a craft-beer bottle shop, a neighborhood bar, and a social hangout,” the offer says. “Their rotating taps and to-go options make it flexible and fun to experience the best of the Buffalo brewing community.” You can purchase yours here while supplies last.

Buffalo Barrels & Brews at Butera’s With Buffalo Distilling

Butera’s, Buffalo Distilling and the Village Brew House are teaming up to host a special night of craft beer, food and whiskey – Buffalo Barrel & Brews – on June 30 (6 pm). There will be complimentary bourbon tastings from Buffalo Distilling and beer samplings from Village Brew House, as well as a presentation exploring the history of bourbon and brewing in Buffalo. Throughout the evening, there will be featured bourbon cocktails, draft beer specials and more. The event is free and open to the public – reservations are encouraged as seating is limited.

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. The event will feature Brazen Brewing, Mortalis Brewing, Lilly Belle Meads, Rusty Nickel, OSB Ciderworks, and more. Funds raised from Wines in the Wild will go directly to supporting the Buffalo Zoo. General admission tickets are $55, designated drivers tickets are $25 and VIP are $75 (early entry). You can purchase tickets here.

Flying Bison Night at the Ballpark at Sahlen Field

Flying Bison Brewing is hitting the field on June 18 for Flying Bison Night at the Ballpark at Sahlen Field on Thursday, June 18. The festivities start at 5:30 pm with a beer sampling with Flying Bison founder and Godfather of Buffalo craft beer, Tim Herzog, at the Fattey Craft Beer Corner before he throws out the ceremonial first pitch. Then, as the Buffalo Bisons take on the Charlotte Knights at 6:35 pm, fans can purchase 16oz. Buffalo Lager cans at Concessions 116, 100, and 111 throughout the game. Tickets for the game are $10 and can be purchased here.

The Pickle Party at The Lock Tender

The Lock Tender is celebrating all things pickle at The Pickle Party on June 20. The event will feature more than 30 sour, pastry sour, fruited beer and cider tastings from Mortalis, Drekker, Prairie Artisan Ales, Other Half, Urban Artifact, Spyglass, Heavy Reel, Dewey, Beer Tree, Rising Storm, Prison City, Big Ditch and more. Tickets are $30 and include 12 4-ounce tasting samples, commemorative tasting glass, one $5 draft beer and 15% off food and to-go beer purchases. There will also be a special pickle-themed menu, tapping of The Lock Pickler, a new collaboration with Talking Cursive Brewing, and live music from the FAR Trio. Tickets can be purchased at www.thelocktender.com/events.

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).

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Two hometown organizations with national reach are joining forces to support the fight against ALS.

Southern Tier Brewing Company and the National Comedy Center have partnered to launch Bit by Bit Blonde Ale, a limited-release 5.1% Blonde Ale created to raise funds and awareness for ALS research. The beer is now available at Southern Tier Brewing Company taprooms and the National Comedy Center, as well as select local retailers, with proceeds benefitting ALS Therapy Development Institute (ALS TDI) and the Sean M. Healey & AMG Center for ALS at Massachusetts General Hospital.

Throughout the campaign, Southern Tier Brewing Company will donate $1 from every draft pint sold and $1 from every four-pack purchased to-go to support ongoing ALS research efforts.

“We’re honored to be partnering with the National Comedy Center for Bit by Bit,” said Brandon Hank, Brand Manager at Southern Tier Brewing Company. “Craft beer has always been about community, so having the ability to raise funds for a great cause with another organization born in Chautauqua County is truly special.”

The beer’s name, Bit by Bit, draws inspiration from the comedy “bits” that have brought people together for generations while also reflecting the incremental progress being made every day in the fight against ALS. Just as breakthroughs in research happen bit by bit, every pint and four-pack sold contributes to advancing critical research and bringing hope to those impacted by the disease. The collaboration was created to celebrate community while supporting a cause that affects thousands of families across the country.

The initiative carries a personal connection for the National Comedy Center and the broader Jamestown community. National Comedy Center Board Member Jon Albro, a Jamestown native, was recently diagnosed with ALS, underscoring the importance of supporting organizations working to advance research, improve treatments, and ultimately find a cure.

“At the National Comedy Center, we see every day how comedy brings people together, creates connection, and helps people navigate life’s challenges,” said Gary Hahn, Vice President, Marketing and Communications at the National Comedy Center. “We understand the power of laughter to inspire hope and build community, and this partnership reflects that spirit while supporting a cause that has touched our National Comedy Center family.”

“On behalf of the ALS community, I would like to thank Sara DeMink of Southern Tier Brewing Company for her leadership & friendship, the Southern Tier Brewing Company marketing team, and Journey Gunderson and the National Comedy Center team. The region is extremely fortunate to have two world-class organizations that contribute so much to the community. I’m very proud of this effort and thank everyone for participating,” stated National Comedy Center Board Member Jon Albro.

Through Bit by Bit Blonde Ale, Southern Tier Brewing Company and the National Comedy Center hope to inspire guest to support ALS research while celebrating the power of community, laughter and local partnerships.

ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease, is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. Nearly 30,000 Americans are currently living with ALS, and every 90 minutes someone is diagnosed with the disease. Through the Ales for ALS program, breweries across the country help fund critical research and raise awareness for those impacted by the disease.

In addition to the beer release, Southern Tier Brewing Company will host a series of comedy-themed events and fundraising activities throughout June at its taproom locations, including a classic comedy movie night to be held June 16 at Southern Tier’s Buffalo taproom, followed by Comedy Trivia night on June 25 at The Empty Pint in Lakewood, bringing together guests for evenings of community, entertainment and fundraising.

The campaign will also include opportunities for guests to participate in special giveaways, including a chance to win tickets to the National Comedy Center’s Lucille Ball Comedy Festival and a two-night stay at the Chautauqua Harbor Hotel.

Guests can learn more about the campaign, make donations, view event schedules, and enter giveaways by visiting: https://stbcbeer.com/bitbytbit/.

The Bit by Bit campaign will run through July 6.

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Spotted Octopus to Relocate and Expand in Buffalo

Spotted Octopus Brewing has announced plans to move to a new, larger location in Buffalo. According to the brewery, the new venue will accommodate up to 120 guests and will feature a full-service restaurant operated by Flow Food. It will also include an outdoor patio and dedicated parking. “We are thrilled to be relocating to a larger venue that will allow us to enhance our offerings and create a welcoming environment for everyone,” said Domenic Nicotera, co-owner of Spotted Octopus. “Our customers can look forward to enjoying their favorite brews along with an upgraded dining experience.” The new taproom is expected to open early August 2026.

Hamburg Brewing Introduces The Cluck Bucket

It’s no secret that beer and wings are a perfect pairing, and Hamburg Brewing is celebrating that holiest of unions with the Cluck Bucket, a new taproom special that pairs twenty chicken wings with a bucket of five Lil Guy IPAs, a light bodied 3.9% session IPA ($45 plus tax). Hamburg offers a number of wings flavors, including Hot, Medium, Mild, Carolina BBQ, Chipotle Lime Dry-Rub, Buffalo Lemon Pepper Dry-Rub, General Tso, Mango Habanero, Garlic Parm, and Spicy Honey. The Cluck Bucket Combo is only for on-site consumption at Hamburg Brewing.

Southern Tier Teams With National Comedy Center To Fight ALS

Southern Tier Brewing is joining the fight against ALS and is teaming up with the National Comedy Center on Bit by Bit Blonde Ale, a collaboration to support Ales for ALS. This 5.1% blonde ale is available at all Southern Tier taprooms and will be rolled out with a series of special events across all taprooms this month. The beer’s name, the brewery says, “draws inspiration from the comedy ‘bits’ that have brought people together for generations while also reflecting the incremental progress being made every day in the fight against ALS.” On June 16, Southern Tier Buffalo will host a special screening of John Candy’s “Canadian Bacon” in the taproom. A portion of the proceeds from every pint of Bit by Bit Blonde Ale will support Ales for ALS and help fund critical ALS research. Southern Tier will donate $1 from every pint sold and $1 from every four-pack purchased to-go to ALS research efforts. The beer is now available at Southern Tier taprooms, the National Comedy Center, and select local retailers.

Burgers and Beers on the Patio at The Ridge Giveaway

Step Out Buffalo and The Ridge West Seneca are teaming up to give away a $100 Burgers and Patios on the Patio experience. This prize includes a $100 gift card to The Ridge West Seneca. All you have to do is click here and enter your name and email address. The contest runs through Friday, June 12. You can also head to @stepoutbuffalo on Instagram for more chances to enter. When you win, you can order any number of burgers from The Ridge’s menu, including the Bacon Jam Smash, Rustler Burger, Classic, Sunrise Smash, Turkey Burger and more. You can also grab beers from the main bar or at the self-pour tap wall.

Three New York Beer Project Releases This Week

In honor of the World Cup kicking off this week, New York Beer Project is releasing a pair of new beers on Thursday, Emperor Japanese Rice Lager and Brazilian Hurricane Sour, as well as Baby Crush Hazy IPA, a session version of the brewery’s award-winning Hazy Crush IPA, which returns after a limited initial run. Emperor is crisp, smooth, and light-bodied at 4.7%, with a floral hop note and a dry finish. The Brazilian Hurricane Sour is 6% and brewed to mimic the popular Hurricane cocktail and features passion fruit, Valencia orange and tart cherry. Both Emperor and Baby Crush will be available at all NYBP New York locations (Lockport, Victor, Orchard Park), while Brazilian Hurricane Sour will be released at all taprooms, including Orlando.

42 North Brewing Drops New Hazy IPA

42 North Brewing has released a new hazy IPA, Trailhaze, brewed with Citra, Mosaic and Idaho 7 hops, “perfect for outdoor adventures and getting lost in nature.” The 6% IPA features notes tropical fruit, soft citrus and a well-balanced finish. The beer recently made its debut at Sprague Brook Park for National Trails Day and will be featured this Saturday, June 13, at the Heart of Music Festival at 42 North’s East Aurora taproom, an all-day event that will feature live performances from the West Falls Kids Group (1 pm), Doug Yeomans & Friends (2 pm), Leroy Townes (4 pm) and Uncle Bens Remedy (6:30 pm).

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).

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