Ellicottville Brewing to Open Bemus Point Location April 24

In a surefire sign of spring and summer in Western New York, Ellicottville Brewing is opening their Bemus Point location on April 24. The taproom, located on Chautauqua Lake, will be open Friday, April 24 (4-9 pm), Saturday, April 25 (12-9 pm), and Sunday, April 26 (12-4 pm). And in honor of opening weekend, there will be live music with Jade Giambrone (6-9 pm on Friday), a bar-exclusive Happy Hour from 4-6 pm ($5 draft beer and wine) and EBC Seltzer tasting on Saturday (2–4 pm, 6–8 pm). EBC Bemus Point is located at 57 Lakeside Drive.

Limited Tickets Remain For This Weekend’s CollaBEERation Festival

One of the most unique Western New York beer festivals, CollaBEERation, takes place this weekend, Saturday, April 25, at The Powerhouse, and a limited amount of tickets still remain. The event features craft beer, cider, mead and more created by members of the Buffalo Beer Geeks community, who teamed up with more than 50 participating Western New York craft venues to create innovative beverages for the event. A number of those collaborative brews have been announced and can be found here. You can also find out more about the event on the official preview podcast with WNY Brews. General admission tickets ($70, includes unlimited pours and commemorative glass) can be purchased here.

Thin Man To Brew New Blue Raspberry Minkey Boodle

Thin Man Brewery recently held a March Madness-inspired tournament to choose the next variant of their popular Minkey Boodle fruited sour and Blue Raspberry was the flavor that reigned supreme of the field of sixteen possible flavor combinations. Blue Raspberry beat out Raspberry Grapefruit, Raspberry Blackberry, Raspberry Kiwi, Raspberry Vanilla, Raspberry Kumquat, Raspberry Blueberry, Raspberry Lemon, Raspberry Peach, Raspberry Cherry, Raspberry Plum, Raspberry Strawberry, Raspberry Apricot, Raspberry Mango, and Raspberry Guava. Blue Raspberry Minkey Boodle will be available on cans and in draft at Chandler Street Breweries in May.

Cabin Fever Beer & Wine Fest This Saturday

The Cabin Fever, Beer and Wine Festival returns to the Buffalo Ski Center/Tamarack Lodge in Colden on April 25 (4-7 pm). The event features tastings from breweries such as Resurgence Brewing, Hamburg Brewing, Big Ditch Brewing, 42 North Brewing, Southern Tier, New York Beer Project, Ellicottville Brewing, Pressure Drop Brewing, Rusty Nickel, Mystic Hills, First Line Brewing and more, as well as meaderies, wineries and distilleries, live music from The Young Relics, raffles, giveaways, auctions, food and more. Tickets are $40 presale and $50 day of and include a commemorative tasting glass, access to all tastings and more. Tickets can be purchased here.

Zwanze Day Returns to Buffalo at Moor Room April 25

As if there wasn’t enough great beer happenings on Saturday, April 25, Zwanze Day, the ultimate day of appreciation for the Lambic beer style, is making a return to Buffalo at Moor Room (3 pm). The event was created by world-renowned Brasserie-Brouwerij Cantillon, who are featuring two very special brews this year – Artemis La Blanche, a blend of gentian, coriander, rhubarb root, juniper, sage, Angelica, wormwood and more, blended with Lambic, and Artemis La Rouge, a blend of verbena, marjoram, rose, apple, curry plant, wormwood and other herbs, blended with Kriek. Both beers will be available at Moor Room, along with Cantillon’s Classic Gueuze, Cuvee Saint-Gilloise, Saint Lamvinus and Vigneronne, along with other special brews from around the country. Tickets still remain for $75, which includes a large pour of both Zwanze beers, a 5oz pour of Cantillon Gueuze and Cantillon Vigneronne and a Zwanze day glass.

Five & 20 Brewing Drops New Beers, Launches Mug Club

Westfield’s Five & 20 Brewing has released a trio of draft-only releases at the their taproom, including a Mint Chocolate Cookie Imperial Stout, Spring Fling, a Berliner Weisse with melon-infused black tea, and (I Like It When You Call Me) Big Hoppa, a hazy 5.4% East Coast IPA brewed with wheat and oats, as well as Cascade, El Dorado, Jaryllo and Galaxy hops.

The brewery has also launched a new mug club – open to 50 members. The club costs $75 (plus tax) and you can sign-up online or in the taproom. Perks include discounts on draft beer, 16oz. ceramic mug, extended hours, discounts on packaged beer, spirits, and wine, Mug Club Party invitation, special club renewal price and more. The Mug Club will kick off on May 28.

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).

The post Buffalo Beer Buzz: EBC Bemus Point to Open, CollaBEERation VI, Cabin Fever Fest, Zwanze Day, New Five & 20 Beers, Thin Man Blue Raspberry Minkey Boodle appeared first on Buffalo Beer League.

New York Craft Beer Day Returns on April 11

New York Craft Beer Day, a day to celebrate and honor New York’s more than 500 independent craft breweries who support 22,000 jobs and generate a $4.8 billion economic impact, returns on April 11. It is the perfect opportunity to head to your local brewery or visit a new spot on your bucket list and grab a pint and food and take home some beer. “From this year forward, April 11th will be New York Craft Beer Day, we are honored that the governor created the proclamation in support of the industry,” New York State Brewers Association Executive Director Paul Leone said. You can commemorate the special day with the 2026 Collector’s Glass, available at participating locations while supplies last. For every glass sold, $1 benefits the New York State Brewers Association.

CollaBEERation Announces New Round of Collab Beers

The latest batch of collaborations for the sixth annual CollaBEERation Festival, which takes place at the Powerhouse on Saturday, Apr. 25, has been announced. They include Mountain Roads Brewing Double Jump Juice (Double Dry Hopped IPA), Strangebird Ocarina of Time (Thyme Infused Barrel Aged Saison), Pearl Street Rumbana Rampage (Banana and Rum Pak Aged Dark Lager) and Mystic Hills Finish Him! (Cherry Lime Sour). General admission tickets ($70, including unlimited pours and a commemorative glass) can be purchased here.

Hofbrauhaus Royal Export Barrel Tapping With Buffalo Beer League

Hofbrauhaus is tapping their Royal Export Lager on Thursday, April 2 (6 pm) with the help of the Buffalo Beer League, who will serve as the honorary Burgermeisters. There will be a traditional parade, barrel tapping with members of the Buffalo Beer League and The Sabrehood, as well as live music from Die Haus Band. There will also be a $20.26 Game Day Buffet and Buffalo Sabres puck drop at 7 pm, followed by a viewing party at the brewery of the game against the Ottawa Senators. Royal Export is a golden lager with fruity hop notes and a light bitterness. Reservations are not required, but are recommended.

2026 Buffalo Flight Tour Now Available

The 2026 Flight Tour, which gives you a beer or cocktail flight at seven local breweries, distilleries and bars, is now available for purchase. Each purchase includes seven certificates, each valid for a flight of beer or cocktails (one certificate for each establishment) at Hamburg Brewing (Flying Bison Brewing), Brazen Brewing, Frequentem Brewing, Hamburg Tap Room, Buffalo Distilling, BriarBrothers Brewing and Resurgence Brewing. The cost is $45 (plus $3.50 processing, $48.50 total) and can be purchased here. The 2026 NY Buffalo Flight Tour is a $105 value and less than 200 are available.

Other Half Buffalo Drops New Sabres-Inspired Beer

In case you’ve been living under a rock, the Buffalo Sabres are good again and all in right once again in Western New York. Other Half Buffalo, one of the breweries in closest proximity to KeyBank Center, where the Sabres calls home, are celebrating the team’s resurgence with the release of Swords on Swords, a 6.5% hazy IPA brewed with Citra, Motueka, Krush Cryo, Enigma and Anchovy hops. “This hazy IPA is good, scary good, brewed with massive amount of hand-selected hops giving notes of bright sweet citrus juice, watermelon candy, lychee and tart red berries,” the beer description reads. Swords on Swords in available now on tap and in cans at the brewery.

Kleinhans Rhythm & Brews Fundraiser Returns May 8

Kleinhans Music Hall’s annual fundraiser Rhythm and Brews returns on Friday, May 8 (6 pm). Proceeds from the event will benefit Kleinhans programming, including the Global Grooves music series, as well as building upkeep. The event will feature tastings from local breweries and cideries, food from Schutte Hospitality Group eateries such as Oliver’s, Britesmith, Creekview Restaurant and Marcato by Oliver’s and live music from Dominic Missana & Friends. Tickets include music, all beer and cider tastings, food, commemorative glass and a donation to Kleinhans. General admission tickets ($65) are available online, at the Kleinhans box office, or by calling 715-885-5000.

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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CollaBEERation Festival, which takes place at the Powerhouse on Apr. 25, have begun announcing an ever-growing list of collab brews that will be poured at this year’s event.

The event features craft beer, cider and mead created by members of the Buffalo Beer Geeks community, who teamed up with more than 50 participating Western New York craft venues to create small batch beverages, many exclusively for this event. They were involved in every step of the creative process, from recipe creation to brewing, and everything in-between.

Collab brews include:

• Mountain Roads Brewing – Double Jump Juice (Double Dry Hopped IPA)
• Strangebird – Ocarina of Time (Thyme Infused Barrel Aged Saison)
• Pearl Street – Rumbana Rampage (Banana and Rum Oak Aged Dark Lager)
• Mystic Hills – Finish Him! (Cherry Lime Sour)
• 1927 Brew House – Dunkle-Kong (German Dunkleweizen)
• Brewery Ardennes – Wumpa Fruit Sour (Tropical Fruit Sour)
• Bones & Barely Brewing – Boom Shockalacka (NBA Jam Sour)
• Bee Spit Meadery – Galaxy Gumball (Lychee, Marshmallow and Bubblegum carbonated mead)
• Brazen Brewing – Ms. Pacman Sour (Fruited & Pretzel Sour)
• Buffalo Olde Brewery – Qbert Quencher (Saison/Belgian Table Beer with orange peel)
• Shalooby Loofer – Mana Potion (Magical Color-Changing Blueberry Cream Ale)
• Rising Storm – Banana Slamma  (Cream Ale with banana, caramel, molasses and cinnamon)
• Queen City Meadery – Power Up Potion (Honey Wine with wildflower honey and loganberry)
• Pod City Beer Labs – Beer Pong Pils (German Style Lager)
• OFW Brewing (Gene McCarthy’s) – Eternal Darkness (Black NEIPA)
• Hamburg Brewing/Flying Bison – Black Flag/Black Flag: Assassins Ale (Flying Bison Brindle-inspired Porter – on cask and kegged with coconut and rum chips)
• Lilly Belle Meads – Fixed It Felix: Chai-Napple Punch (Seltzer-style mead with fruit, coconut and chai tea)
• Solitude Brewing – Squatch Gose Cart (Gose with watermelon and coriander)
• Noble Shephard Craft Brewery – Cheat Code (Barrel Aged Mezcal Hot Chocolate Stout with Vanilla Beans and Cinnamon)
• 42 North Brewing – Carrot Quest (Carrot Cake-inspired Sour with Cinnamon, Vanilla and Nutmeg)
• Mortalis Brewing – DK Barrel Drop (Barrel Aged Cream Stout with Banana, Toasted Coconut & Graham Crackers)
• South Wales Brewing – Power Play Porter (Vanilla Porter)
• Big Ditch Brewing – Dark Links Revenge (Black IPA)
• BriarBrothers Brewing – Bananas Among Us (Brown Ale)
• Bullfinch Brewing – Sunset Orangedrive (Orange Sour Ale with Vanilla, Cardamom and Green Tea)
• Butera’s/Village Brew House – Orange Holy Water (NEIPA)
• Chandler Street Breweries – Super Mario Sour (Blue-colored Fruited Sour inspired by Nerds Gummy Clusters)
• Eli Fish Brewing – Diddy Kong: The Reckoning (Banana Root Beer Seltzer)
• First Line Brewing – F’ing Wagon (West Coast IPA)
• Frequentem Brewing – Just Wumpafruit (Wumpa Fruit-inspired fruit sour with Ube and Mango)
• New York Beer Project – Rainbow Road: Gummy Glimmer (Pineapple Blonde Ale with Glitter)
• OSB Ciderworks – Chocolate Cherry Chomp (Chocolate Cherry Cider)
• Resurgence Brewing – Insert Coin. Get Sour (Fruited Sour with Grape and Loganberry, condition on Runtz candies, dried pineapple and lemon peel)

I will continue to update this list as more collaborative beers are announced in the coming weeks.

There will also be many breweries in the VIP section, including Horus Aged Ales, Human Robot, Fidens, Ill Will Brewing, Forager Brewery, Arkane Aleworks, Counterpart Brewing, Transcend Beer Crafters, Garden Path Fermentation and Brewlihan.

After drinking their fill, festival goers can vote for their top collaborations, with the winners taking home the coveted Buffalo Beer Geek Championship Belt. Last year, Frequentem Brewing dethroned reigning and defending back-to-back champions, Bloomfield’s Noble Shepherd Craft Brewery, thanks to their excellent Miami Vice, a fruited sour modeled after the popular tiki bar drink.

New this year, all voting will take place in person. When you receive your glass, you will also receive a voting slip with all breweries listed. You will number your top three breweries and your card will go in the ballot box on your way out.

This year’s CollaBEERation features a video games theme. While not required, guests are more than encouraged to dress up as their favorite video games character from throughout the years.

Erik Coleman, proprietor of Beer By Coleman Beer Concierge, says CollaBEERation is an event by the brewing community that’s for the community.

“CollaBEERation is a unique festival because you have a chance come and taste some unique, one-off specialty beers that you can’t get anywhere else and aren’t out of tap yet, brewed exclusive for this event,” he said. “You also get a chance to meet the actual people who are brewing the beer. The people behind the taps are the brewers, the owners and the people who can tell the story of the brewing company, the meadery, the cidery, as well as the product that they are pouring for you.”

General admission tickets ($70, including unlimited pours and a commemorative glass) can be purchased here. Designated driver tickets are also available. VIP tickets are sold out for the event.

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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Habitat for Humanity Buffalo’s Hammer & Ales at Barrel Factory

Habitat for Humanity Buffalo’s annual Hammer & Ales fundraiser returns to the Barrel Factory on March 26 (5:30pm) and will feature food & drink tastings of local craft beers, ciders, and non-alcoholic beverages, silent auctions, games, and more. Tickets for the event ($50) include admission and tastings and can be purchased here. If you spend $25 or more at either Buffalo ReStore location, you will receive a promo code at checkout for $10 off tickets. You can also bundle your ticket with a 2026 Craft Beer Tour Card, which is good for a free drink at 28 local breweries, distilleries and bars across Western New York, and get $10 off the Beer Tour Card.

New York Beer Project to Introduce Beer Project Lite

New York Beer Project is introducing Beer Project Lite, which the brewery calls “the freshest and most delicious lite beer to hit the taps (and coolers) since forever.” The new light lager will only be $4 a pint at New York Beer Project taprooms, and $12 per 4-pack cans to go.

CollaBEERation Announces First Round of Collab Beers

The first batch of collaborations for the sixth annual CollaBEERation Festival, which takes place at the Powerhouse on Saturday, Apr. 25, has been announced. They include 1927 Brew House Dunkle-Kong German Dunkleweizen, Brewery Ardennes Wumpa Fruit Sour (Tropical Fruit Sour), Bones & Barely Brewing Boom Shockalacka (Raspberry NBA Jam Sour), Bee Spit Meadery Galaxy Gumball (Lychee, Marshmallow & Bubblegum carbonated mead), Brazen Brewing Ms. Pacman Sour (Fruited & Pretzel Sour) and Buffalo Olde Qbert Quencher (Saison/Belgian Table Beer with Orange Peel). General admission tickets ($70, including unlimited pours and a commemorative glass) can be purchased here.

Hofbrauhaus Royal Export Barrel Tapping With Buffalo Beer League

Hofbrauhaus is tapping their Royal Export Lager on Thursday, April 2 (6 pm) with the help of the Buffalo Beer League, who will serve as the honorary Burgermeisters. There will be a traditional parade, barrel tapping with members of the Buffalo Beer League and The Sabrehood, as well as live music from Die Haus Band. There will also be a $20.26 Game Day Buffet and Buffalo Sabres puck drop at 7 pm, followed by a viewing party at the brewery of the game against the Ottawa Senators. Royal Export is a golden lager with fruity hop notes and a light bitterness. Reservations are not required, but are recommended.

7 WNY Breweries Win 10 Medals At 2026 NYS Craft Beer Competition

It was a banner year for Western New York breweries at the 2026 New York State Craft Beer Competition. New York Beer Project and Eli Fish Brewing led the way with three and two medals each, respectively. NYBP won gold for Hazy Train (Hazy IPA) and silver for Righteous Day Drinker (Hazy DIPA) and Hazy Crush (Experimental IPA). Eli Fish grabbed gold for The Red Ale (Strong Ales & Lagers) and a silver for Tiga Spon (Experimental). Rusty Nickel Brewing won gold for Pumpernickel Porter (Porters – Non-Imperial), Resurgence Brewing won silver for Bridge Pilsner (American Lager), Pearl Street Grill & Brewery won silver for Mangia, Mangia! Italian Pilsner (Light Lager – Modern and Contemporary), Brickyard Brewing won silver for Magnetic North (Belgian Farmhouse) and Griffon Brewing grabbed bronze for Oregon High Five (Pale Ale).

Resurgence Brewing Expands Citmo Family of Beers

Resurgence Brewing’s flagship hazy IPA, Citmo, is welcoming some new family members – Super Citmo, Lil Mo and Citmo Charged. Super Citmo is an 8.5% New England-style Double IPA that features notes of citrus, tropical fruit and stone fruit, Lil Mo is a 4.3% Mosaic hopped session IPA that features an earthly crispness, tropical fruit flavors and subtle bitterness and Citmo Charged is a 9% hazy imperial IPA that features bright flavors and aromas of fresh citrus, fruit salad and sweet malt. Super Citmo (16oz. cans, 4-packs), Lil Mo (12oz. cans, 6-packs) and Citmo Charged (19.2oz. cans) can be found at Resurgence’s taproom and wherever great craft beer is sold.

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).

The post Buffalo Beer Buzz: Hammer & Ales, NYBP Lite, Hofbrauahus Royal Export, CollaBEERation, 2026 NYS Craft Beer Competition, Resurgence Citmo Family of Beers appeared first on Buffalo Beer League.

This time of year, the weather outside in Western New York may not be the most agreeable, but the beer (or cider, mead, seltzer, or what have you) in your glass always is. We are entering peak beer event season with a handful of can’t-miss events coming up, which means now is a great time to get out of the house, drink something new and exciting and raise a toast to the Western New York craft scene.

Drink some great craft, listen to live music, eat tasty local food and meet some new friends at these upcoming events. No two events are the same, so make sure you go to a few of them to experience everything they have to offer.

Barrel Jam VI, 42 North Brewing (25 Pine St., East Aurora)

Jan. 24

42 North will host the 6th annual Barrel Jam Festival on Saturday, Jan. 24, a beer festival that celebrates barrel-aged beers with beer samplings, live music and winter sports. A number of beers will be poured at the event, including from 42 North (Barrel Aged Baltic Asylum Porter, BA Blonde Ale), Drowned Lands (Volume 9 – Double BA Imperial Stout aged for 18 months in bourbon barrels and finished in a Ruby Port barrel for 8 months), Eli Fish Brewing (Madam Edna Brett Saison aged in Chardonnay barrels (Peaches and Cherries), Ellicottville Brewing (2025 BA Doppelbock, BA Raspberry Beret) and more. You can view an updated beer list here. Tickets are $40 (3 hours of tasting, complimentary tasting glass). Limited VIP tickets remain (early entry). Purchase tickets here or at 42 North.

Pro tip: If you’re going to go to Barrel Jam, opt for VIP. Not only do you get early access before most everyone else, you get your pick of the litter in terms of beer. Another tip? Start inside the 42 Below Barrel House – it tends to fill up quickly in there, especially once general admission begins and they normally have a number of great 42 North beers and some craft spirits as well.

Buffalo On Tap, Buffalo Convention Center (153 Franklin St., Buffalo)

Feb. 7

The 2026 edition of Buffalo on Tap will return to the Buffalo Niagara Convention Center on Feb. 7. A participating brewery list will be announced soon. The event will also feature live music, craft vendors and food. VIP tickets (12-4 pm, $63, including taxes and fees) include 4 hours of craft beer sampling, access to VIP area with exclusive beer, souvenir sampling glass and more, and General Admission tickets (1 – 4 pm, 5:30 – 8:30 pm, $43, including taxes and fees) include 3 hours of craft beer sampling and souvenir sampling glass. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased here.

Pro tip: Once again, I recommend opting for VIP. Buffalo On Tap has a special VIP section with a different beers (and its normally a pretty solid lineup), but beyond the beer, the VIP section offers additional space and table to relax and escape a bit when the event gets busy.

Kenan Wine & Beer Bash, Kenan Center Arena (195 Beattie Ave, Lockport)

Feb. 21

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 is $65, and includes premier parking, an extra hour of tasting, exclusive wine and beer samples, free Blaster Ball and more. You can purchase tickets here.

42 North Brewski, Knox Farm State Park (437 Buffalo Rd., East Aurora)

Feb. 21

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 benefit The Friends of Knox Farm State Park for their continued maintainance and improvements to the park. Tickets are $25 and can be purchased at 42 North or online.

Pro tip: This one is easy – if you want to go to Brewski, buy your tickets soon, like right now because this event sells out every year. And make sure you check the forecast and dress accordingly.

Brewer’s Invitational, NYBP Beer Lodge (245 Windward Rd., Orchard Park)

Feb. 28

The seventh annual Brewer’s Invitational will take place at the NYBP Beer Lodge in Orchard Park on Feb. 28 (2-5 pm). Tickets are $50 and include a commemorative tasting glass, a $5 food voucher, and access to over 50 brews from 30 local breweries, cideries and meaderies. Designated driver tickets are also available. An exclusive beer list, as well as a list of participating breweries, will be released closer to the event. You can purchase tickets here.

Pro tip: Plan accordingly. Check out the beer list beforehand and make a plan. I know that’s sounds more like something to do before a vacation and not a beer event, but still. There is normally a lot of beer at this event, so make sure you make a list of what you want ahead of time.

The Art of Beer, Niagara Arts & Cultural Center (1201 Pine Ave., Niagara Falls)

March 6

The 2026 Art of Beer will return to the Niagara Arts & Cultural Center on March 6. The 18th annual event will feature beer, wine, and cider tastings, along with culinary pairings, live entertainment on multiple stages, and more. Tickets include a commemorative beer glass, all beer, wine, and cider samplings, food, and more. The Art of Beer also serves as a fundraiser to support the Niagara Arts and Cultural Center. Ticket information will be released soon. You can find more information here.

Pro tip: Do not forget to eat. I myself have been guilty of this many, many times in the past at events and I always regret it. This is an event where you cannot afford to not eat. That made sense, right? The restaurant lineup at Art of Beer is normally stellar, so don’t miss out.

CollaBEERation, The Powerhouse (140 Lee St., Buffalo)

Apr. 25

The sixth annual CollaBEERation Festival will take place at the Powerhouse on Saturday, Apr. 25. The unique event brings together members of the Buffalo Beer Geeks community to partner with more than 50+ participating Western New York breweries, cideries, and meaderies to brew never-before-made libations. There will also be craft vendors, food trucks, and more. Attendees can vote on their top 3 collabs, with the winners taking home the Buffalo Beer Geek Championship Belt. General admission tickets ($70, including unlimited pours and a commemorative glass) can be purchased here. A limited number of VIP tickets ($90) is also still available.

Pro tip: Not to sound like a broken record, but have a plan going in. There is so much incredible beer at this event, many you might not be able to find anywhere else and even more you don’t want to miss out on. Make a list. It may sound dumb for a beer event, but it’s important. Also, make sure to get to the event on time if you’re driving because the parking lot at the Powerhouse fills up quickly. Or grab an Uber or a Lyft. That’s probably the better option.

New York State Craft Brewers Fest, Canalside (44 Prime St, Buffalo)

June 13

The New York State Craft Brewers Festival: Buffalo returns to Canalside on June 13. The New York State Brewers Association and Western New York Brewers Guild produce the annual event. This year, the event will feature fresh craft beer from over 50 breweries from every corner of the state. Attendees can meet the people who make the beer they love while enjoying live music, local food trucks, artisan vendors, and more. You can find more information here.

Pro tip: My pro tips for this event are pretty straight forward – buy VIP to beat the rush and make sure you drink enough water. Simple, effective and important.

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).

The post A Guide to Upcoming Local Beer Festivals appeared first on Buffalo Beer League.

Habitat for Humanity 2026 Craft Brew Tour Cards Now Available

For $40, you’ll get a free drink at 28 Western New York breweries, distilleries and bars, including Buffalo Olde Brewery, Resurgence, Hamburg Brewing, 42 North, Mystic Hills, Brazen Brewing, The Ridge West Seneca, Southern Tier, Butera’s, Pod City Beer Labs, Big Ditch, Hofbräuhaus, Aurora Brew Works, Steelbound, Ellicottville Brewing, Chandler Street Breweries and more. All proceeds will go to benefit Habitat Buffalo in building a home for a family in need. Craft Brew Tour Cards can be redeemed from January 1, 2026, to December 31, 2026. You can purchase online here and at both Habitat Buffalo ReStore locations (after Dec. 9). Presale is available through Monday, Dec. 8 and cards will ship on Tuesday, Dec. 9.

Beer List Announced For Mr. Goodbar’s VIP Cask Night

There will be local cask beer and cider galore at Mr. Goodbar’s annual VIP Cask Fest on Thursday, Dec. 4. Tickets include tastings of cask offerings from Blackbird Cider Works (Barrel Aged Ghost Lantern), 42 North Brewing (Coconut Ninefold Darkness Imperial Stout), Flying Bison (MacBison Scotch Ale), Old First Ward Brewing (Against the Grain Hefeweizen), Smoldered Society (Strike Anywhere Into the Darkness Lager), Big Ditch (Imperial Stout), Community Beer Works (Vanilla Blizzard Kit), Thin Man Brewery (Sponge Candy Porter), Autark Brewhouse (Cozy Dark Mild) and Brickyard Brewing (Just One Before I Die IPA). Tickets also include a tasting glass and food from Hanzlian’s sausage. Tickets are $30 and can be purchased in person at Mr. Goodbar.

Tickets Now on Sale for CollaBEERation Festival VI

Tickets are now available for the sixth annual CollaBEERation Festival, which takes place at the Powerhouse on Saturday, Apr. 25, 2026. The unique event brings together members of the Buffalo Beer Geeks community to partner with more than 50+ participating Western New York breweries, cideries, and meaderies to brew never-before-made libations. There will also be craft vendors, food trucks, and more. Attendees can vote on their top 3 collabs, with the winners taking home the Buffalo Beer Geek Championship Belt. General admission tickets ($70, including unlimited pours and a commemorative glass) can be purchased here. A limited number of VIP tickets ($90) is also still available.

Last Call For Beer In 2025 at Beer Kind Brewing

Beer Kind Brewing is calling last call for their beer and their taproom for the year on Dec. 6 (12-6 pm). Before they close the taproom for the rest of 2025 after a new addition to their family, Beer Kind is opening their doors for a special day of sales – buy two 4-packs for $15 and get a third for $5, $10 mix and match 4-packs of Brass Balls and Old Ben, $5 draft pours with the purchase of any 4-pack or merchandise, free koozie with the purchase of any 4-pack and a free pint glass with a $10+ tap wall tab. Beer Kind will resume normal operations after the New Year.

All Anniversary Everything at Other Half Buffalo

Other Half Buffalo is celebrating its one-year anniversary on Saturday, Dec. 6, with an all-day holiday party. There will be food and drink specials, surprise drink wheel, music from the Gentlemen’s Record Club, All Glizzy Everything hot dog bar with over 20 different toppings (free hot dogs for anyone with a hot dog tattoo), Espresso Martinis and full drink menu from Cloud Cover Coffee (4 pm – close), holiday sweater contest, photo station with holiday backdrop, kegtree lighting at 8 pm,  “This Year’s Favorites” beer flight and more. The event is free and open to the public.

Keg Tree Lighting at Frequentem Brewing Buffalo

Frequentem Brewing’s Buffalo location in the Old First Ward is getting festive on Friday, Dec. 5, with a special keg tree lighting at 6:30 pm. There will also be local draft features, free ornaments while supplies last, best dressed Santa contest, cookie eating contest, Christmas movies playing all night long in the taproom and more. The event is free and open to the public.

Steel Leaf Brewing Launches 5 Golden Rings Challenge

From now through Dec. 21, The 5 Golden Rings Challenge is taking place down on Hertel at Steel Leaf Brewing. Order five of the brewery’s specialty drinks in the taproom to complete your punch card and earn a free drink and entry into a special contest for a number of prizes, including a $50 Steel Leaf gift card, A Day in Ellicottville package and liquor. Winners will be announced on Dec. 22. It is free to take part.

Santoras 1927 Brew House Drops Two New Holiday Stouts

Santoras 1927 Brew House has tapped a pair of festive new stouts just in time for the holiday season – Cherry Cordial Stout and Chocolate Candy Cane Stout. Cherry Cordial, a stout brewed with cherries, clocks in at 4.5% and drinks like a dark chocolate covered cherry, while Chocolate Candy Cane, 4.7%, is a chocolate-forward stout with peppermint. Both stouts are small batch and limited releases and are on tap now at Santoras Pizza Pub and Grill on Transit Road in Williamsville.

Buffalo Olde To Tap Barrel Aged Belgian Tripel

Buffalo Olde Brewery is releasing Tripel Akkoord, an 11.2% version of Coping Strategy Belgian Tripel aged for nine months in Three Chord Bourbon barrels. This beer features notes of spice and honey, complemented by vanilla, coconut, and oak. Coping Strategy is a strong golden ale with notes of malt, honey, sweet fruit, banana, spice, and clove. Tripel Akkoord will be on tap for a limited time.

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).

The post Buffalo Beer Buzz: Craft Brew Tour Cards, Cask Fest, Frequentem Keg Tree Lighting, Other Half Anniversary, CollaBEERation Tickets, Steel Leaf 5 Golden Rings Challenge, 1927 Holiday Stouts, Buffalo Olde BA Tripel appeared first on Buffalo Beer League.

Iron Cedar Brewing Closes, Eyes New Location

Iron Cedar Brewing and Meadery have announced that they are planning to relocate to a new location. Their taproom, located across from the airport at 4345 Genesee Street, which is attached to the Comfort Inn, is temporarily closed. For the time being, they will shift to online retail, continue to brew and offer custom brewing and event packages. “Thank you to everyone who came out and supported us. These last six months have been an amazing experience. We may be down, but we are not out,” owner Nicholas DeMarco said. Iron Cedar opened their doors earlier this year.

Tickets On Sale For CollaBEERation VI, Breweries Announced

Tickets for the sixth annual CollaBEERation Festival – Saturday, Apr. 25, 2026, at the Powerhouse – are set to go on sale next week. VIP tickets will go on sale Nov. 26 (10am) and GA will go on sale Nov. 28 (10am). The unique event brings together members of the Buffalo Beer Geeks community to partner with more than 50+ participating Western New York breweries, cideries, and meaderies to brew never-before-made libations. There will also be craft vendors, food, and more. For 14 hours only, you can get $10 off all general admission tickets. Tickets will be available at Collabeerationfestival.com.

Advent Beer Boxes On Sale Around Western New York

If you want to ring in the holiday season in style, consider picking up an Advent Calendar Beer Box. Each box includes 24 craft beers in a variety of styles, such as lagers, ambers, stouts, IPAs, sours and more. Cans and bottles are individually numbered and are meant to be enjoyed on each of the 24 days leading up to Christmas Day, beginning Dec. 1. You can purchase Advent Beer Boxes right now at Magic Bear Beer Cellar ($119), Fattey Beer ($109.99), Consumer’s Beverages ($89.99, in store), New York State Brewers Association ($149) and Bottle Rocket Beer Reserve ($120). The Consumer’s Box will be available on November 21, and Fattey’s will be available next week.

Annual Cask Fest at Mr. Goodbar Returns Dec. 4

Mr. Goodbar’s annual Cask Fest returns on Thursday, Dec. 4 (7 pm). Tickets are $30 and include unlimited tastings of limited edition cask beers from 42 North Brewing, Flying Bison, Old First Ward Brewing, Smoldered Society, Big Ditch, Community Beer Works, Thin Man Brewery, Autark Brewhouse and Brickyard Brewing. The cask beer list will be announced in the coming weeks. Tickets also include a complimentary tasting glass and food from Hanzlian’s sausage. Tickets can be purchased in person at Mr. Goodbar.

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).

The post Buffalo Beer Buzz: Iron Cedar Closes, Tickets & Breweries For CollaBEERation, Advent Beer Boxes, Cask Fest appeared first on Buffalo Beer League.

The sixth annual CollaBEERation Festival, which will take place on April 25, 2026 at the Powerhouse (140 Lee St., Buffalo), has announced participating breweries, cideries and meaderies.

This year’s theme is video games.

“Put down your controllers, AFK from your PCs and GET OVER HERE to Western New York’s most unique beer festival,” festival organizers said. “Complete your mission and save the princess, all while sampling over 30 unique beers, meads & cider you’ll never taste anywhere else. Bring your gold coins to spend on food trucks, food and merch vendors, and vote on your favorite collab. It’s dangerous to go alone, so bring a friend. Whether you’re on level 6 or a n00b, come see who is the final boss of CollaBEERation 6.”

The event features craft beer, cider and mead created by members of the Buffalo Beer Geeks community, who will team up with more than 50 participating Western New York craft venues to create small batch beverages, many of which will be created exclusively for this event. They are involved in every step of the creative process, from recipe creation to brewing, and everything in-between.

Craft brewers include (more to be announced):

• 1927 Brewhouse
• 42 North Brewing
• Bee Spit Meadery
• Beer Kind Brewing
• Big Ditch Brewing
• Brazen Brewing
• Brewery Ardennes
• BriarBrothers Brewing
• Bones and Barley Brew Co.
• Buffalo Olde Brewing
• Butera’s Village Brewhouse
• Community Beer Works
• Eli Fish Brewing
• First Line Brewing
• Frequentem Brewing
• Hamburg Brewing
• Lilly Belle Meads
• Mortalis Brewing
• Mystic Hills Brewing
• New York Beer Project
• Noble Shepherd Craft Brewery
• Old First Ward Brewing
• OSB Ciderworks
• Pearl Street Brewery
• Pod City Beer Labs
• Queen City Meadery
• Resurgence Brewing
• Rising Storm Brewing
• Shalooby Loofer Brewing
• Southern Tier Brewing
• South Wales Brewing
• Steel Leaf Brewing

More breweries will be added, organizers said, and VIP breweries and an official pour will be available in the coming weeks and months.

After drinking their fill, festival goers vote for their top collaborations, with the winners taking home the Buffalo Beer Geek Championship Belt. In 2025, Frequentem Brewing and their Miami Vice Fruited Sour dethroned two-time defending champs, Bloomfield’s Noble Shepherd Craft Brewery, who  took home the crown for their Pistashio Pudding Sour in 2023 and Spanish Announce Table, a pineapple churro sour, in 2024. Frequentem will look to defend their title in 2026.

There will also be food and artisanal vendors on hand.

For more information, click 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 Twitter (@buffbeerleague), Instagram, Threads and Untappd (@buffalobeerleague), and Facebook (@thebuffalobeerleague).

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CollaBEERation VI Festival Sets for April 2026

The date has been set for the sixth annual CollaBEERation Festival – April 25, 2025. The event will return to the Powerhouse (140 Lee St, Buffalo). Participating breweries, meaderies and cideries, as well as ticket information, will be announced at a later date. If you don’t know how CollaBEERation works, here’s the premise – the event features craft beer, cider and mead created by members of the Buffalo Beer Geeks community, who team up with over 50 Western New York craft venues to create one-off, small batch creations, many created exclusively for this event. They are involved in every step of the creative process. There will also be food and craft vendors on hand. For more information, click here.

Bottles & Bites Returns to Statler Buffalo in November

Bottles & Bites, one of Western New York’s premiere food and craft beverage sampling events, returns on Thursday, November 13 at Statler Buffalo. There will be food tastings from Trattoria Aroma, Chef’s, Hanzlian’s Sausage, Mike’s Subs, Muscoreil’s and more, craft beer samplings from Mystic Hills, Hofbrauhaus, Big Ditch and more, as well as live music from Busted Stuff – Dave & Cyn, vendors and more. VIP tickets ($50 in advance, $60 day of) include early entry, exclusive VIP area, reserve beverage selection and commemorative glass and General Admission ($30 in advance, $40 day of) include all samplings and commemorative glass. The event runs from 6 pm to 8:30 pm with early VIP entry at 5 pm. For tickets, click here.

Monster Beach Brewery & Tiki Bar to Close in November

Fredonia’s Monster Beach Brewery & Tiki Bar has announced that they are closing their doors on November 1. They will be open Wednesday through Saturday for the next two weeks. “This is the hardest post I’ve ever had to make, and it’s been eating me up, but here it goes, the brewery said. “We have been operating Monster Beach for the past year, at a loss, and at tremendous personal costs to our schedules, health, and sanity. We’ve reached a point of loss where we simply cannot continue to operate without putting our own homes and livelihoods at risk.” Click here for more information.

Resurgence Brewing to Host Barrel Aged Celebration

Resurgence Brewing is breaking out the barrels this weekend for their Barrel Aged Celebration on October 25. The event will feature seven barrel-aged beers, including Nothing But Time Imperial Stout, a collaboration with Buffalo Barrel Project, aged in Peach Brandy barrels and Woodford Reserve barrels, and ciders, including BA Ghost Lantern and BA Apricot Cider, specialty flights featuring Woodford Reserve pairings, vendors such as Nickel City Cigars and A&C Jerky, live music from Stephen Babcock, bottle sales (4 barrel-aged bottles for $20) and more. The event is free and open to the public.

Community Beer Works Former 7^th Street Home for Lease

520 7th Street, the former home of the Schaefer & Brother Malt House and, most recently, Community Beer Works, is available for lease. The 11,379 square foot space features a dedicated brewing area, walk-in cooler, warehouse with a loading dock, turn-key taproom with kitchen and mezzanine for offices or private parties, exposed brick, large windows, two outdoor dining areas including a front patio and courtyard beer garden. Schneider Real Estate Services is handling the listing. To view the listing, click here. Moving forward, CBW will join forces with Thin Man Brewery and Smoldered Society to reopen the former Thin Man taproom at 166 Chandler Street, which will now be known as Chandler Street Breweries. They plan to open early next year.

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).

The post Buffalo Beer Buzz: CollaBEERation VI, Bottles & Bites, Monster Beach to Close, Resurgence Barrel Aged Celebration, CBW 7th Street Home For Lease appeared first on Buffalo Beer League.

The date has been set for the sixth annual CollaBEERation Festival – April 25, 2025. The event will return to the Powerhouse (140 Lee St, Buffalo), the festivals home for the past few years.

Participating breweries, meaderies and cideries, as well as ticket information, will be announced at a later date.

If you don’t know how CollaBEERation works, here’s the premise – the event features craft beer, cider and mead created by members of the Buffalo Beer Geeks community, who team up with over 50 Western New York craft venues to create one-off, small batch creations, many created exclusively for this event. They are involved in every step of the creative process.

Festival goers vote for their top collaborations, with the winners taking home the Buffalo Beer Geek Championship Belt. Canandaigua’s Frequentem Brewing are the new defending champions, thanks to Miami Vice, a heavily fruited sour inspired by the beach cocktail. They dethroned Bloomfield’s Noble Shepherd Craft Brewery, who won the belt in 2023 and 2024.

“CollaBEERation was created to bring together local beer enthusiasts and local breweries to create one off beers, ciders and meads that you’ll never be able to taste anywhere besides the event,” event organizer Joe Yager from the Buffalo Beer Geeks said. “You will get unlimited 4oz. pours from over 40 Buffalo and Rochester breweries. We will also have many beer and non-beer related vendors for shopping and multiple food options. The event is at The Powerhouse in Buffalo, a beautiful spot with plenty of parking and space inside.”

There will also be food and craft vendors on hand.

Erik Coleman, proprietor of Beer By Coleman Beer Concierge, who is presenting the event, says CollaBEERation is an event by the brewing community that’s for the community.

“CollaBEERation is a unique festival because you have a chance come and taste some unique, one-off specialty beers that you can’t get anywhere else and aren’t out of tap yet, brewed exclusive for this event,” he said. “You also get a chance to meet the actual people who are brewing the beer. The people behind the taps are the brewers, the owners and the people who can tell the story of the brewing company, the meadery, the cidery, as well as the product that they are pouring for you.”

For more information, click here.

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