Free Canalside Shuttle Runs Through Sept. 28

Explore everything Buffalo’s waterfront has to offer with Canalside’s free shuttle service, which runs through Sept. 28. There are eight stops along the shuttle route – Perry Street and Commercial St., Lloyd St. and Prime St., Prime and Perry (Resurgence Brewing at Canalside), Michigan St. and Scott St. (Hofbrauhaus), Scott and Washington St. (Southern Tier Brewing Buffalo, Pizza Plant / Pod City Beer Labs, Other Half Brewing Buffalo, Pearl Street Brewery), Marine Drive and Wilkeson Way. The shuttle runs in a continuous loop with an estimated 15 minutes between stops. The shuttle runs Friday through Sunday, 12 – 10 pm.

Hofbrauhaus to Tap Hopfenweizen for June

June’s barrel tapping at Hofbrauhaus Buffalo will feature the return of their Hopfenweizen on June 4. If you’re new to this style, this is a 6.5% hazy beer with a thick white head, fruity and tropical aromas, and notes of pithy orange and pineapple juice with a clean bitterness. The hops used are all new-world (Citra, El Dorado and Simcoe) and the yeast is Hofbrauhaus’ hefeweizen yeast, which has been manipulated to mute the bubblegum, banana and clove character. Julie Starr of Buddy’s Second Chance Rescue will serve as the honorary Burgermeister – a traditional parade through the beer hall will begin at 6 pm, followed by a barrel tapping. There will also be a special dog adoption event in the Biergarten. Reservations can be made via Resy or www.hofbrauhausbuffalo.com.

Batavia’s Eli Fish Brewing Turns 8 This Weekend

Eli Fish Brewing is turning eight on May 30 and the brewery is pulling out all the stops to celebrate. Starting at 11 am, the first 100 people will receive free “Beer For A Year,” there will be food specials, live music from The Brewers, pong and cornhole tournaments, the annual Great Fish Race (4 pm), and plenty of fresh beer to fill your glass. Special anniversary beer releases include Octodecim Ascendant (19.2% Double Barrel Aged Imperial Stout), Josephine (6% Barrel Aged Rustic Farmhouse Saison), Barrel Aged Heavy Maple 2025 (11.5% Maple Wee Heavy aged in Hollerhorn Maple Spirit Barrels), Mango Pillow Talk (5.5% Saison with Mango), Talking Walls (7% New England IPA with Cascade, Citra, Chinook, and Centennial hops) and Azacca What I Need (6% NEIPA with Azacca and Citra hops). Eli Fish will also have 6-pack 12oz. cans of Reel Lite American Light Lager for sale. The anniversary party is free and open to the public.

Water Street Brewing Coming Soon To Jamestown

Water Street Brewing Company is coming soon to Jamestown at 137 Water Street. While there isn’t much information as of yet on the new space, construction is currently ongoing. The brewery said on Facebook, “We’ve been busy creating a place centered on craft beer, good food, and a moody, yet elevated, atmosphere. There’s plenty more to share with you as we get closer…construction is still underway and we will keep sharing progress as we go.” There is currently no timeline for opening. Stay tuned for updates on Water Street Brewing’s Facebook page.

Rusty Nickel Brewing’s 11th Anniversary Party

Join Rusty Nickel Brewing on June 6 (12 – 11 pm) as they celebrate the beginning of their second decade in business in West Seneca. The 11th Anniversary Party will feature live music, local vendors, exclusive beer, including fan favorites from the past and seasonal releases, tastings, food specials, including a chicken BBQ, new summer merchandise and more. The live music lineup includes performances from UnderCover and more. The event is free and open to the public. Reservations are not required, as plenty of seating will be available, but they are recommended for bigger parties. Those can be made by calling (716) 608-6155.

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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Picture this – the sun is shining, there’s an ice-cold local lager in your hand, you walk up to the tee box, rip a swig, pull out your driver and blast a drive right down the middle of the fairway. Or in my case, you slice your drive to the right and immediately get upset. But I digress.

What says summer in Western New York more than local craft beer and golf?

There is so much great beer and so many great golf courses right here in our backyard. That’s no secret. And there are so many opportunities to do both this summer – that’s where craft beer golf tournaments come in. It’s a standard round of golf, usually in a scramble format, with craft beer tasting stations at various holes. Players sample beer from local breweries. It’s as lovely as it sounds.

Why should you join a craft beer golf tournament soon, you ask? I’ll tell you.

Breweries set up tasting stations at multiple holes, there are long drive contests, closest-to-the-pin and putting challenges, more beer than you could ask for, food, awards, prizes and more. And best yet – it’s perfect for casual golfers and craft beer aficionados alike.

Here are a few upcoming craft beer golf tournaments you can still get a foursome together for.

What: WNY Brewers Guild Annual Charity Golf Tournament

Where: August 24

When: Chestnut Hill Country Club

Tickets: www.WNYBrewersGuild.com

The WNY Brewers Guild Charity Golf Tournament is an annual event that offers golfers and craft beer enthusiasts an opportunity to play a round of golf, in addition to enjoying food, local beer, hole challenges, raffles and more. You’ll get a chance to meet and play with brewers and raise money for local charities. The cost to participate is $1275 per twosome ($525 per foursome) and includes golf, breakfast, lunch, steak dinner and food and drinks on the course. The 4-person scramble tournament will start at 10 am with a light breakfast and registration at 9 am.

What: 3rd Annual NYS Craft Beer Open Golf Tournament

Where: Midvale Country Club in Penfield

When: August 10

Tickets: https://nys-craft-beer-open.perfectgolfevent.com/

Mortalis Brewing and the New York State Brewers Association have come together to host the third annual New York State Craft Beer Open tournament, with 100% of the proceeds benefiting the NYS Brewers Association. The cost to enter is $200 per person ($800 per foursome), which includes access to the driving range, greens fees, golf cart, lunch, tee gift, reception and awards ceremony, craft beer and refreshments on the course and more.

What: Nickel City Brewz 2nd Annual Golf Tournament

Where: Elma Meadows Golf Course

When: September 19

Tickets: https://www.nickelcitybrewz.com/

Nickel City Brewz will host their second annual golf tournament at Elma Meadows Golf Course. The cost to participate is $120 per golfer ($480 per foursome) and features a tee gift, 18-hole scramble, on course contests, prizes, open bar with burgers, hot dogs and salads at Nickel City Brewz following the event (2-4 pm). A portion of the proceeds will go to benefit the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention – Western NY Chapter.

So grab your clubs, crack a few cold ones and remember – a bad day of golf is better than a good day at work.

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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I remember it like it was yesterday, a regret I still have to this day – it was a November day in 2024 when my friend, New York Beer Project Beer Lodge head brewer John Hyman, texted me to see if I wanted to come hang out while he filled the koelschip in Orchard Park for the very first time. Well, I couldn’t make it (stupid work), and I’m still kicking myself for not being there.

Fast forward nearly two years and the reward for all of that hard work on that fateful autumn day has finally arrived – Peche Spon 2024, a spontaneously fermented lambic-style ale and the first beer to ever come from NYBP’s koelschip.

Quick side note – a koelschip is an open-top vessel used to rapidly cool hot wort via evaporation, allowing ambient wild yeasts and microorganisms to inoculate the wort and resulting in a spontaneously fermented beer. It is traditionally used in European brewing.

Peche Spon is a wild ale inoculated with native Orchard Park wild yeast and microflora, which then underwent a spontaneous fermentation in Red Zinfandel barrels for another 12 months before select barrels were blended and conditioned on fresh, whole Niagara County-grown peaches for an additional six months in an American oak foeder.

“This beer was then bottle conditioned to perfection, resulting in a continuously evolving, beautiful and elegant beer with distinguishable funk and complexity and delicate notes of ripe peach,” New York Beer Project says. “Many years in the making – this glorious beer was uniquely crafted for special occasions and to be enjoyed with friends and family, and true beer aficionados!”

Peche Spon was perhaps the best beer I had earlier this year at the Brewer’s Invitational beer festival at the Beer Lodge and I have been bugging John for a proper release ever since. That sneak peek was more of a tease, as I had to wait nearly three months for more.

The resulting beer is funky, light bodied and approachable, with flavors of juicy peach backed by tart lemon, to go along with underlying notes of horse blanket, wet hay, acid and brett.

Peche Spon 2024 is available on tap and in bottles at all of the brewery’s New York locations.

In my opinion, we need more beers like Peche Spon locally and I am happy as hell to have NYBP investing the time and effort to bring them to light. Looking forward, John tells me that the plan is a Raspberry version, along with a Kriek (cherry) in the future. I’ll see you all at the bar when those get released.

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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The New York State Craft Brewers Festival returns to Canalside on Saturday, June 13, bringing together the best of New York’s craft beverage scene for an afternoon of beer, food, music, and community.

Hosted by the New York State Brewers Association, in partnership with the Western New York Brewers Guild, the renowned event will feature more than 50 breweries from across New York State, showcasing unique and award-winning beers of all flavors, providing offerings for both seasoned enthusiasts and those new to craft beer alike.

“The WNY Brewers Guild and the NYS Brewers Association are excited for our annual brewers festival at Canalside in Buffalo in June. We hope to have great weather again and look forward to seeing lots of our friends from all over Western NY enjoying the beer we make.” Said Rob Haag, president of the WNY Brewers Guild. “Most of you know that so much great beer is brewed right here in our backyard. But this festival is also a reminder that it is all brewed by your family, your friends and by your neighbors! Come out and not only support WNY beer, but those hard-working folks who make it as well.”

“One of my favorite events of the year. Great craft beer right on the waterfront!” Jeff Ware, vice president, New York State Brewers Association and CEO, Resurgence Brewing Company.

“We love Canalside and love the craft beer culture in Buffalo, this is why breweries from all over the state travel to this festival to support NYS Craft Beer in Western NY.” Said Paul Leone, executive director, New York State Brewers Association. “This is not your ordinary beer festival, it’s a celebration of community with friends and a time to explore even more award winning beer being made right here”.

Many participating breweries have recently earned top honors at the New York State Craft Beer Competition, including the winner of the 2026 Governor’s Craft Beer Cup, Wild East Brewing Company.

With more than a decade of experience producing festivals across the state, the NYSBA delivers authentic, high-quality craft beer experiences (hosted by the brewers themselves) giving attendees a unique opportunity to meet the people behind the beer.

In addition to craft beer, attendees can also enjoy live music, a food truck rodeo, games, and vendors, plus craft beverage alternatives including hard seltzer, cider, mead, and spirits.

What to Expect:

• 50+ NYS breweries with unlimited samplings
• Unique and award-winning beers from across the state
• Craft beer alternatives including hard seltzer, cider, mead, and spirits
• Meet the brewers and owners
• Live music by The Flannel Mafia
• Food Truck Rodeo
• Games and interactive experiences

Ticket Options:

• VIP Experience ($100): Includes a guided Beer & Wing Pairing at Southern Tier Brewing Company before the festival (1 pm), early festival entry (2 pm), exclusive beers, VIP swag and an upgraded festival tasting glass.
• GA Plus ($65): Early entry at 2 pm with additional perks
• General Admission ($45): Entry from 3-6 pm, souvenir tasting glass, unlimited samples

A full list of participating breweries, tickets, and additional event details can be found at http://www.thinkNYdrinkNY.com/buffalo.

Festival goers can SAVE $10 when they purchase GA tickets at Resurgence ($40, cash only (price includes tax)).

Proceeds benefit the New York State Brewers Association and the Western New York Brewers Guild, supporting the craft brewing industry through advocacy, education, and promotion.

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42 North Brewing Company, in partnership with Erie County Parks, is hosting a “Pints in the Park” event to celebrate National Tails Day at Sprague Brook Park on Saturday, June 6. The event begins at 1 pm with a full day of activities featuring craft beverages, food, and live music.

Attendees are encouraged to spend the morning on the trails and then head over to the park’s casino for a great afternoon. In addition to 42 North Brewing Company, Fat Bob’s Smokehouse and Maine Bite will bring their food trucks to the park. And, beginning at 1 pm, PA Line will hit the stage.

“This event officially kicks off summer and there is no better place than Sprague Brook Park. We encourage folks to enjoy the park and join us for a great afternoon of music”, said John Cimperman, 42 North’s founder.

Additionally, outdoor recreation vendors will be on-site with product demonstrations and information to get you ready for the summer. Vendors include Kissing Bridge, Tom’s Pro Bike, Erie Parks Rangers, and Erie Cattaraugus
Rails to Trails.

The Western New York Mountain Biking Association (WNYMBA) is also hosting a trail maintenance day at the park. Volunteers are welcome to join WNYMBA at 10 am at the main parking lot.

The family-friendly event is free to attend. Dogs on a leash are also welcome.

Sprague Brook Park is located at 9674 Foote Road in Glenwood.

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Resurgence at Canalside and Buffalo Waterfront are officially kicking off the 2026 summer season with a full weekend of waterfront programming on Saturday, June 6 and Sunday, June 7, featuring live music, family activities, local vendors, community organizations, food and drinks, and entertainment for all ages.

The weekend celebration begins with the Resurgence at Canalside Kickoff event on Saturday, June 6, 12-7 pm, followed by the first Sunday Social at Canalside of the season on Sunday, June 7, 10 am to 4 pm.

Together, the two events are designed to celebrate the return of summer at Buffalo’s waterfront while highlighting local businesses, nonprofits, artists, attractions, and family-friendly experiences.

“We’re excited to kick off another summer season at Canalside and create a weekend that feels welcoming, fun, and uniquely Buffalo,” said Madeline Mulholland, community engagement manager at Resurgence Brewing Co. “From live music and local vendors to family activities and waterfront attractions, these events are all about bringing the community together and celebrating everything that makes Buffalo summers special.”

Saturday, June 6: Canalside Kickoff Event

Saturday’s kickoff event will feature live performances from Buffalo musicians Grace Lougen, 12-3 pm and Nico Zarcone, 4-7 pm.

Food and beverage offerings will include ice cream from Charlap’s Ice Cream, and food, beer, cider, canned cocktails, and more from Resurgence at Canalside.

Family-friendly activities will include:

• Bounce house and slides
• Family-friendly sports games
• Lawn games
• Balloon art from Balloon Brothers
• Face painting by Funky Faces by Sarah
• Interactive activities and educational programming from Shakespeare in Delaware Park

Community organizations and local vendors onsite will include Buffalo Niagara Waterkeeper, Not A Basic Bleach, and Fate Fell Collective. Guests can also enjoy Canalside attractions throughout the day, including the Buffalo Heritage Carousel, BFLO Harbor Kayaks, Water Bikes of Buffalo, the Maritime Center, and the Longshed Exhibit.

This event also marks the beginning of Buffalo Niagara Waterkeeper’s “Waterkeeper Week” series. Throughout the day, they’ll be on site with a variety of interactive activities, including a trivia wheel with prizes, a Canalside scavenger hunt, and a water safety demonstration. They’ll also share information about their mission and volunteer opportunities, along with offering branded Silipints and dry bags for sale.

Resurgence at Canalside will also be partnering with Explore & More Children’s Museum for a special promotion during the event. Guests who show a Resurgence at Canalside receipt at the museum will receive $3 off admission and 10% off in the gift shop. Guests who show an Explore & More receipt at Resurgence at Canalside will receive 10% off their order. This offer is valid only on Saturday, June 6.

Sunday, June 7: Sunday Social at Canalside

The summer kickoff weekend continues on Sunday, June 7 with the season’s first Sunday Social at
Canalside from 10 am to 4 pm.

Sunday Social is a community-focused waterfront series that combines shopping, local vendors, food trucks, family-friendly programming, live entertainment, and outdoor activities in a relaxed boardwalk-style atmosphere. Additional Sunday Social events will take place on July 5 and August 2 throughout the summer season.

Both events are free and open to the public.

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Raise a glass, grab your leash, and join the SPCA Serving Erie County for an evening of drinks, food, music, and furry friends at Wine, Wags & Brews, taking place Wednesday, June 10,  5 p.m. – 8 p.m. at the SPCA Serving Erie County (300 Harlem Road, West Seneca).

This one-of-a-kind social event brings together animal lovers and food enthusiasts for a memorable night featuring samples from more than 60 local wineries, breweries, restaurants, bakeries, food trucks, and pet-themed vendors, all while supporting the animals in the SPCA’s care.

Guests can sip wine and craft beverage samples, enjoy food tastings from local culinary favorites, browse unique vendors, and participate in raffles, games, and a Mystery Wine Pull throughout the evening. Attendees will also have the opportunity to visit adoptable animals at the SPCA. Music will be provided by Buffalo’s own Nicholas Picholas.

Best of all, pet dogs are welcome to attend (but of course are not required).

All ticket options include event tote bags, sampling/shopping opportunities, water stations, and more. Designated Driver admission is $30 and includes sampling stations of non-alcoholic beverages along with food stations. General admission is $50 and VIP admission is $80 and includes early event entry, access to a VIP tent with unique sampling opportunities and appetizers.

Proceeds from Wine, Wags & Brews directly benefit the SPCA Serving Erie County and help provide shelter, medical care, enrichment, and second chances for animals in need.

For tickets and additional event information, visit YourSPCA.org/WWB or contact the SPCA Serving Erie County at (716) 875-7360, ext. 227.

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Big Ditch Brewing Brings Back Lock IPA Series Favorite

New York Beer Project Releases First Ever Lambic-Style Ale

Surge Into Summer at Resurgence Brewing

Olean’s Four Mile Brewing to Relaunch in June

Flying Bison Night at the Ballpark at Sahlen Field

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Wines in the Wild Returns to the Buffalo Zoo

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

Maifest Returns to Spring Garden Park in East Aurora

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

Resurgence Brewing 2026 Pints in the Park Schedule

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

42 North Brewing Brings Back Wallonia Wit

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

Rusty Nickel to Officially Open Beer Garden May 20

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

Big Ditch Brewing Drops New Rice Lager

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

Brian Campbell is co-founder and Brand Manager of the Buffalo Beer League, and writes the weekly Buffalo Beer Buzz column. If you have beer news that should be included in the Beer Buzz, Brian can be reached at brian@buffalobeerleague.com, on X (@buffbeerleague), Instagram, Threads and Untappd (@buffalobeerleague), and Facebook (@thebuffalobeerleague).

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Genesee Summer Brew is back for a limited time, making its long-awaited return after more than a decade. First introduced in 1997, this golden lager is brewed with real New York State honey and delivers a crisp, clean and balanced taste with a touch of natural sweetness.

“Our fans show up every day and put in the work. Genesee Summer Brew captures that same spirit and shows up as a classic, easy drinking warm weather beer,” said Jaime Polisoto, Genesee brand director. “Bringing back Summer Brew isn’t just about reviving a fan favorite—it’s about honoring what our loyal drinkers have been asking for and delivering it with the same pride and quality they expect from us.”

Genesee Summer Brew is available now for a limited time, while supplies last.

The reintroduction of Summer Brew also marks the debut of updated brand packaging that will extend across the Genesee specialty and classics portfolio.

“The updated Summer Brew packaging reflects where we’re headed—modern, bold, and unmistakably Genesee—while staying true to the heritage that’s made this brewery a staple for generations,” continued Polisoto.

The modern, updated Genesee can and pack designs feature brewer’s notes and illustrations that celebrate the people and stories behind the beer. The refresh sharpens and elevates Genesee’s most recognizable elements, including the iconic “red eye” and heritage details expected to stand out on shelves.

The refreshed cans and packs are rolling out now at retail and convenience stores throughout the Northeast, with full integration expected by end of 2027.

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