Hofbrauhaus Buffalo to Celebrate Five Year Anniversary

It’s been half a decade of all-things German beer, food and music at Hofbrauhaus Buffalo, and the brewery will celebrate the special milestone on Sunday, September 21 (4-7 pm). The party will feature live music from Die Haus Band, $10 Bavarian Buffet (pre-purchase here, free for Stein Club members and investors), all-ages Bavarian Bingo: PROST edition (5 pm), and plenty of authentic German beer and food to go around. Reservations are required and can be made here.

Pumkingfest 2025 Returns to Southern Tier Buffalo

Southern Tier Brewing Buffalo will celebrate Pumkingfest 2025 all day on September 20, starting at 11 am. There will be a number of specials during the event including a shot and beer combo (12oz. Pumking and shot of Pumking whiskey), Pumking flight, Pumking cocktails, games upstairs such as cornhole, giant Jenga and more, limited edition Pumking merchandise, giveaways, three ‘legendary’ Pumking releases and two variants and more. The event is free and open to the

3^rd Annual Oktoberfest at Wayland Brewing

Oktoberfest is coming to Wayland Brewing, September 19-21. All weekend long, beer steins are $30 (includes first fill) and $12 additional fills of Oktoberfest, Waylander and Especial. There will be live music by Frankturers (7-9 pm) Friday and a Stein Holding Contest, Pugtoberfest, face painting and live music by The Polka Boys: Die Haus Duo (6-9 pm) Saturday and an Artisan Market in Wayland Hall, Stein Holding Contest, axe throwing by Hachet & Hops, face painting and live music by VOYGR (2-4 pm) on Sunday. There will also be food specials. The event is free and open to the public.

Breweries Announced for Fourth Annual Tap & Craft Festival

Breweries have been announced for the fourth annual Tap & Craft Festival, Saturday, Oct. 4 at Buffalo Riverworks. Set to pour at the festival are Other Half, BriarBrothers, Brewery Ardennes, Mortalis, Eli Fish, Imprint Beer, Heavy Reel, Urban Artifact, Trillium, Drekker, Dancing Gnome, Resident Culture, Maine Beer, Strangebird, Rising Storm, The Drowned Lands, Evil Twin, Brazen, Spotted Octopus, Pearl Street and more. There will also be live music from Buffalo Dead Alliance. VIP tickets ($45, pre-sale only) include tasting glass, four hours of sampling, VIP-only tastings, pretzel necklace and more, and General Admission ($35, pre-sale, $50, day of) include tasting glass and samplings. Designated Driver tickets are available for $10. You can purchase tickets here.

Dude’s Homebrew Competition at Resurgence Brewing

The 11^th annual Dude’s Homebrew Competition, which raises money every year for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, will take place September 21 (12-3pm) at Resurgence Brewing. Homebrewers will serve samples of their beer to attendees, who will vote for their favorite beer, which will be judged by a panel of local brewers. For a $30 donation to blood cancer research, you can taste dozens of homebrewed beers and receive a free tasting glass. To purchase tickets, and to get more information, click here.

Big Ditch Tap Takeover at Nickel City Cigars

Big Ditch Brewing is taking their talents to Nickel City Cigars for a special tap takeover on Friday, September 19 (7-10 pm). There will be a meet & greet with Kate from Big Ditch, flight and pint specials on Big Ditch beers, raffles, free food , giveaways, including complimentary Big Ditch pint glasses, cigar deals, cigar/beer pairing menu, DJWho (9 pm-midnight) and more. The event is free for Nickel City Club members and $5 for non-members. Nickel City Cigars is located at 284 Franklin Street in Buffalo. You can find more information here.

Fattey Beer Co. Opens New Amherst Location

Fattey Beer Co. has opened a new location in Amherst, located at 1260 Sweet Home Road. The 2,200 square foot space, located in a building that also houses John Shaflucas Architects, features Fattey’s signature craft beer bar and bottle shop, as well as an outdoor patio. The new site is dog-friendly, and features a small food menu, including their signature chicken sandwiches and a new cheeseburger. Fattey Beer Amherst is open daily; 12-10:30 pm. Fattey Beer also operates locations in Buffalo, Hamburg, Kenmore, Lancaster, Orchard Park, Westerville, Ohio, Rochester, and North Tonawanda. You can find more information at https://fatteybeer.com.

Fall Tasting Event at Bev Depot

Bev Depot in Cheektowaga is hosting a Fall Tasting event on September 20 (12-3 pm). The event will feature samplings from Mortalis, Big Ditch, Hofbrauhaus, Thin Man, Eli Fish, 42 North and more. There will also be hard seltzers, malt beverages, non-alcoholic options and more. Bev Depot is located at 2190 Walden Avenue and features more than 2,000 SKUs of beer, including a large selection of local options and a create-your-own 4-pack section. Bev Depot also offers some food options, mixers and soda. Bev Depot is open Monday – Sunday, 9 am – 10 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).

The post Buffalo Beer Buzz: Hofbrauhaus Anniversary, Bev Depot Fall Tasting, Pumkingfest, Wayland Oktoberfest, Tap & Craft Fest, Dude’s Homebrew Competition, Big Ditch Takeover at Nickel City, Fattey Beer Amherst appeared first on Buffalo Beer League.

Big Ditch Deep Cut DIPA Is Coming Back

Big Ditch Brewing’s Deep Cut Double IPA is making a comeback and will be available at both taproom, on draft and in 4-packs to-go, on Friday, May 23. Deep Cut was originally brewed in 2017, it’s been a few years since the brewery brought back this fan favorite, an 8.2% double IPA with notes of citrus, tropical fruit and wild berry, along with punchy hops, a moderate bitterness and a smooth, dry finish. A reference to, what else, the Erie Canal, Deep Cut is named for a hand dug 7 mile section of the canal 40 feet deep between the Flight of Five in Lockport and Lake Erie.

Other Half Buffalo Introduces New Happy Hour

Other Half has launched a new happy hour at their Buffalo taproom, every Tuesday-Friday, 4-6pm, in the taproom or the beer garden. There will be $6 select draft beers, $8 signature cocktails and pours of Annuelle wine, 6 chicken wings for $6 and $7 smash burgers. If you didn’t know, Other Half has moved into a new taproom at Seneca One, which features more seating and televisions, including a massive projection screen, pinball, foosball, darts, 18 taps and a food menu featuring vegan and vegetarian options.

Resurgence Brewing The Surge on Sale at Consumers

Resurgence’s The Surge IPA is now available at all Consumer’s Beverages for $8.99 per 4-pack. The Surge is a 6.5% New England style IPA is smooth and creamy with big citrus and tropical fruit notes. Resurgence president Jeff Ware says that the brewery was looking for a way to offer ‘a great beer at a great price in this time of prices being crazy.’ “Great, fresh beer at inflation buster pricing!” Ware said. The Surge is available in limited quantity at all Consumers locations now.

Rusty Nickel to Officially Open Beer Garden May 28

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 28, when the beer garden opens for the season. Rusty Nickel will have season brews and cocktails, there will be yard games like cornhole to place, and there will be fire pits and s’mores to enjoy. In the event of severe weather, a rain date will be announced.

Hoppy Hour Free Tasting Event at Bev Depot

Bev Depot in Cheektowaga is hosting a special Hoppy Hour tasting even ton May 24 (12-3pm). The event will feature 15 beer samples from craft breweries, exclusive in-store deals and more. Bev Depot is located at 2190 Walden Avenue and features more than 2,000 SKUs of beer, including a large selection of local options and a create-your-own 4-pack section for $15.99. In addition to beer, cider and mead, Bev Depot offers some food and snacks, mixers and soda as well. Bev Depot is open Monday – Sunday, 9 am – 10 pm.

Smoldered Society Tap Takeover at Magic Bar Beer Cellar

Smoldered Society is teaming up with Magic Bear Beer Cellar for a tasting on May 23 (6-8pm). The Smoldered Society team will be on hand sampling their wares, including their flagship Czech Pilsner, Strike Anywhere, Mass Delusion IPA (Nelson Sauvin, Motueka, Nelson Sauvin Hop Kief, Motueka Kief), Automotive Sentience (West Coast-style IPA brewed with Ekuanot, Amarillo and El Dorado hops and dry hopped with Nectaron, Mosaic Cryo and Simcoe Cryo), and more. The event is free and open to the public.

Rails & Ales at Rochester & Genesee Valley Railroad Museum

Rails & Ales is back at the Rochester & Genesee Valley Railroad Museum on Saturday, May 24 (12–3pm). At this unique event, guests can ride vintage trains to visit two craft beer stations on the museum’s grounds with tastings from more than a dozen breweries, including Sager Beer Works, Stoneyard Brewing, Watershed Brewing, Talking Cursive, Irondequoit Brewing and more. Tickets include unlimited train rides between stations, souvenir glass and full access to the museum. Tickets are $35 ($40 at the door) and can be purchased here. Refreshments will also be available for purchase (free soft drinks for Designated Drivers).

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: New Beer at Big Ditch & Resurgence, Rails & Ales, Rusty Nickel Beer Garden, Other Half Happy Hour, Bev Depot Tasting, Smoldered Society x Magic Bar appeared first on Buffalo Beer League.

Buffalo has a new beer store as Bev Depot opened shop at 2190 Walden Avenue in Cheektowaga.

The 6,000 sq. ft. store features more than 2,000 SKUs of beer, including a large selection of local options. They also offer create-your-own 4-packs for $15.99 with many local options, including cans from Wayland Brewing, Buffalo Brewing, Brazen Brewing, Froth Brewing, Thin Man, Resurgence Brewing and more, along with more regional options from Other Half, K2 Brothers, War Horse and more. According to owner Herman Singh, they are adding new beers to the section every day.

“Our commitment to supporting local breweries is at the heart of our business philosophy,” Singh said. “We believe in promoting the smaller, independent brewers who add so much character and variety to the beer landscape. This commitment extends to our pricing strategy, where we ensure that our offerings are not just diverse but also accessible, maintaining the lowest prices in the area.”

They also plan to host events in the future, including tastings and vendor showcases with food trucks and giveaways.

“Beyond sales, Bev Depot is committed to being a community hub,” Singh added. “We [plan to] host beer tastings, brewery meet-and-greets and educational events that bring together like-minded individuals who are passionate about beer. These events are opportunities for our customers to deepen their knowledge, meet the makers, and experience new and exciting brews firsthand.”

In addition to beer, cider and mead, Bev Depot offers some food and snacks, mixers and soda as well.

“The interior of our store reflects our passion for beer, with thoughtful design elements that make shopping both a visual and sensory experience,” he said. “From the layout of our aisles to the detailed information provided about each beer’s origin and flavor profile, every aspect of Bev Depot is crafted to enhance customer satisfaction and engagement.”

Bev Depot is open Monday – Sunday, 9 am – 10 pm. You can find more information on Facebook, Instagram and at https://bevdepot.org. You can search their entire inventory on their website, which is highly customizable. You can search by brand, item, country of origin and more.

“We believe that Bev Depot is a testament to the spirit of Buffalo — a city known for its rich history, resilience, and, of course, its love for good beer. We are excited about the future and continuing to serve our community by bringing the best of the beer world to our customers,” Singh said.

Brian Campbell is a 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 Bev Depot Beer Store Opens On Walden Avenue appeared first on Buffalo Beer League.

Community Beer Works Pulls Out of Elmwood-Bidwell Project

Nearly two years after announcing plans to open a new taproom at 976 Elmwood Avenue, Community Beer Works has pulled out of the project, CBW’s Director of Operations Chris Groves says. In a statement, Groves told WKBW that the brewery actually hasn’t been a part of the project for over a year. He says the brewery will now shift their focus to ‘optimizing’ their Chandler Street facility as well as their other existing locations and adds they are not ready to say what’s next just yet. There are currently no plans to reopen their taproom on 7th Street.

Tickets Remain for CollaBEERation V at The Powerhouse

Limited general admission tickets are still available for the fifth annual CollaBEERation Festival at the Powerhouse, April 5 (2-6pm). The event brings together the Buffalo Beer Geeks community to partner with Western New York breweries, cideries, and meaderies to brew unique collabs. There will also be food and artisanal vendors on hand, including Pizza Plant, the Britesmith food truck, Brisket Love BBQ, Rationales, Prohibition Pie, Jenny & Cat’s Candy and Fat Daddy’s. This year’s CollaBEERation features a “Hollywood” theme. While not required, guests are more than encouraged to dress up as their favorite Hollywood movie or TV character. General admission tickets ($70, includes unlimited pours and commemorative glass) can be purchased here. DD tickets are also available.

Win Free Beer For A Year At Tap That Tap Room

In honor of their first anniversary, Tap That Tap Room in Tonawanda is giving away free beer for an entire year to 10 lucky customers. To enter, you just need to follow them on Facebook or Instagram, share the contest post and tag a friend. Tap That will celebrate their first anniversary on Saturday, April 5 with live music from Sonic Legacy (4-7pm), pizza from Orso Nero (5pm) and a Buffalo Bandits watch party (9pm) with giveaways. Tap That Tap Room is Western New York’s first female-owned self-pour taproom.

Buffalo What? IPA & Bandits Watch Party at Rusty Nickel

Rusty Nickel Brewing is set to drop the second entry in their lacrosse-themed beer series, Buffalo What? IPA, on April 5 (8pm). This balanced and lightly hopped American IPA will be available in 16oz. 4-pack cans to go and on draft, as will To The Box Lager, its predecessor. Along with the beer release, the brewery is hosting a special Buffalo Bandits watch party (faceoff is at 9pm) for their game against the Colorado Mammoth. The event is free and open to the public.

Bev Depot Beer Store Opens On Walden Avenue

Buffalo has a new beer store as Bev Depot has opened up shop at 2190 Walden Avenue in Cheektowaga. The 6,000 sq. ft. store features more than 2,000 SKUs of beer, including a large selection of local options. “We’re proud to support local breweries and offer the lowest prices in Buffalo,” Bev Depot said in a social media post. “Whether you’re a craft beer aficionado or just looking to try something new, we have something for everyone. Stop by and explore our diverse range—from local favorites to international bestsellers!” You can find more information on Bev Depot on Facebook, Instagram and at https://bevdepot.org.

Kleinhans Rhythm & Brews Fundraiser Returns in May

Kleinhans Music Hall’s annual fundraiser Rhythm and Brews returns on Friday, May 9 (6:30-9 pm). Proceeds from the event will benefit Kleinhans programming, including the Global Grooves music series, as well as building upkeep. The event will features tastings from local breweries and cideries, while food will be available from Oliver’s, Britesmith, Creekview Restaurant and Marcato by Oliver’s. Musical guests will be announced soon. Tickets include tastings and commemorative Belgian beer glass. General admission tickets ($45) and VIP tickets ($85) are available online, at the Kleinhans box office, or by calling 715-885-5000. VIP includes early admission, first tastings and reserved table seating.

Science After Hours: To Infinity And Beer-ond

The WNY Brewers Guild is presenting the inaugural Science After Hours: To Infinity And Beer-ond at the Buffalo Museum of Science on April 25 (6-9pm). The special event will feature tastings from Big Ditch Brewing, Brazen Brewing, Rusty Nickel Brewing and Spotted Octopus Brewing, while you explore interactive astronomy stations at the museum, taste freeze-dried delicacies, make your own custom mission patches and more. In addition to tastings, there will be a cash bar with beers, wine, cider, and seltzers. Tickets are $39 and can be purchased online. All additional 30-minute planetarium shows have sold out. The event is 21+.

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).

The post Buffalo Beer Buzz: CBW Elmwood-Bidwell, CollaBEERation, Rhythm & Brews, Tap That Free Beer, Bev Depot Opens, Rusty Nickel Bandits Beer, Science After Hours: To Infinity And Beer-ond appeared first on Buffalo Beer League.