Habitat for Humanity 2026 Craft Brew Tour Cards Now BOGO

Habitat for Humanity’s Craft Brew Tour Cards are now buy–one–get–one–free. For $30, 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 to help build a home for a family in need. Craft Brew Tour Cards can be redeemed through Dec. 31, 2026. You can purchase online here and at both Habitat Buffalo ReStore locations.

The Arc of Erie County Ale Trail Returns for 2026

The 6th annual Arc Erie County Ale Trail, a fundraising event benefitting The Arc Erie County New York, a local non-profit that serves children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, will take place on Sept. 24 (4:30 pm) at 30 Wilson Road in Williamsville. The Ale Trail will feature local beer, wine, cider and craft spirits spread out along The Arc Erie County’s wooded walking trail in Williamsville from Community Beer Works, Smoldered Society, Big Ditch, Thin Man, Mystic Hills, Ellicottville Brewing, Eli Fish, Hamburg Brewing, Bee Spit Meadery, Pearl Street, New York Beer Project and more. There will also be food trucks, live music, vendors, cigars and more. You can purchase tickets here for $40.

Drink Beer Out of a Pumpkin at Resurgence Brewing

Resurgence Brewing is throwing its annual Oktoberfest on Sept. 26 (12-6 pm), headlined by the 2nd Annual Pumpkin Chug (3 pm). After you reserve your pumpkin by clicking here (admission is $8 or $25 if you want to add a T-shirt), you’ll grab a cleaned-out pumpkin, fill it with beer and chug it. Resurgence’s Oktoberfest will also include seasonal beer, food, live music by the Polka Boyz, pumpkin smashing, Stein Hoisting competitions and kids’ pumpkin painting. The Pumpkin Chug is a ticketed event, but Oktoberfest is free to attend and open to the public.

Tap & Craft Festival Comes to Riverworks in October

The Tap & Craft Festival returns to Buffalo Riverworks on Friday, Oct. 23, featuring more than 30 craft breweries, cideries, wineries and distilleries. There will also be live music from The Brass Machine, food, artisan vendors, games and more. There are several ticket options, including Tap Tier ($75, includes an exclusive festival can release, a Tap & Craft pretzel necklace, and a Lock Tender sticker), VIP ($65, includes VIP-only pours and an extra hour), General Session ($50, access to the 6:30-9 pm tasting session), and Designated Driver ($12, includes bottled water). You can purchase tickets at Tapandcraft.com. In-person tickets will be available beginning Sept. 4 at The Lock Tender with no Eventbrite fees.

Spotted Octopus to Open at 500 Seneca This Month

Spotted Octopus Brewing will open its new Buffalo home at 500 Seneca Street, the former home of Dobutsu and Compass Run, this month. The new location features a large taproom with space for up to approximately 120, full bar with 8 taps (the brewery plans to add more), as well as cocktails, mocktails and dirty sodas, food from Flow Food Buffalo (smashburgers, garbage plates, hot dogs, Flowrritos, salads and more), outdoor patio overlooking the building’s courtyard, street and lot parking, and more. All beer will continue to be brewed at their Rochester location. Spotted Octopus hopes to open in the next few weeks.

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).

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Habitat for Humanity Buffalo is excited to announce the return of its most anticipated fundraiser of the year—the 9th Annual Hammer & Ales! Scheduled for March 26 from 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm at The Barrel Factory (65 Vandalia Street, Buffalo, NY), this event promises an unforgettable evening of community spirit, leisure & love, and impactful fundraising.

“Our Hammer and Ales fundraiser is a one-stop-shop for all things fun; it’s Buffalo’s premier event for craft beer lovers, food enthusiasts, and anyone who has a passion for bettering their community,” said Lynn O’Connor, executive director at Habitat Buffalo. “Every ticket sold is a direct investment in building safe, affordable homes for families in need. With every sip and every bite, you’re helping us create stronger neighborhoods through the House That Beer Built campaign.”

Event Highlights Include:

• Games & Activities: Enjoy fan favorites like the wine toss and stein-stamina, plus new
  activities designed to entertain.
• New Feature Game: Introducing our new feature game, “Nailed It”. Select a mystery hammer
  and go home with a unique prize. Every player wins!
• Food & Drink: Savor local craft beers, ciders, and a variety of delicious bites, including fun
  options from Fat Bob’s Smokehouse, Meraki Collective, Lloyd Taco, Imperial Pizza, Cheesy
  Chick, Paula’s, and more!
• Tasting Experience: Every ticket includes a commemorative tasting glass with access to
  sample beers from Buffalo’s finest local breweries.
• March Madness Watch Party: Support Habitat Buffalo while keeping your March Madness
  bracket hopes alive – drink a beer, eat tasty food, and watch some Sweet Sixteen.

Tickets:

• General Admission: $50

Don’t miss out—secure your ticket today and be part of Buffalo’s ultimate event for beer lovers, food enthusiasts, and community-minded supporters. WNY Craft Beer Tour Cards will also be for sale at the fundraiser, which allows the purchaser access to a free pint at 28 participating Western New York breweries, making them a perfect addition for craft beer enthusiasts looking to explore the local scene.

“Hammer & Ales offers a unique blend of great beer, incredible food, and interactive games—all while enabling the construction of homes for those in need,” said O’Connor. “It’s a one-of-a-kind event where every ticket helps build a stronger community.”

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.habitatbuffalo.org/get-involved/events.

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42 North Brewing‘s Barrel Jam This Saturday

42 North Brewing 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.

Habitat for Humanity 2026 Craft Brew Tour Cards

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.

Buffalo On Tap Returns Saturday, February 7

The 2026 edition of Buffalo on Tap will return to the Buffalo Niagara Convention Center on Feb. 7, 2026. 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.

Brickyard Brewing Drops New Blended Barrel Aged Beer

Brickyard Brewing has added a new beer to their barrel aged lineup, Maelstrom, a 11.7% rich and warming blend of barrel aged ales that features notes of toffee, dark chocolate, candied dates and bourbon. Maelstrom is a small batch release and 500ml bottles are available at the brewery while supplies last.

Brewer’s Invitational Returns to NYBP Beer Lodge

The seventh annual Brewer’s Invitational will take place at the NYBP Beer Lodge in Orchard Park on Feb. 28, 2026 (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.

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 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).

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In short: Craft Brew Tour Cards are more than coupon books — they are a curated craft-beer adventure across a region with a rich brewing tradition. Every pint redeemed and every card purchased is also a brick in someone’s future home. In a world where many charities compete for attention, programs like this channel the energy and passion of local beer culture into something real, concrete, and long-lasting.

Craft beer for a good cause – plain and simple. Real, tangible change in our own backyard, our own communities, all fueled by the beer, cider, or spirit in your glass.

For $40, you’ll get a free drink at 28 Western New York breweries, distilleries, and bars, including:

Breweries:

• Buffalo Olde Brewery
• Resurgence Brewing Company
• Hamburg Brewing Company
• 42 North Brewing Company
• Mystic Hills
• Windy Brew
• Brazen Brewing
• The Ridge West Seneca
• Southern Tier Brewing Company
• Butera’s Craft Beer & Craft Pizza
• Pod City Beer Labs
• Big Ditch Brewing Company
• Hofbräuhaus Buffalo
• Flying Bison Brewing Company
• Chandler Street Breweries
• Steelbound Brewery and Distillery
• Ellicottville Brewing Company

Cideries:

• Blackbird Cider Works

Bars and Brewpubs:

• The Barrel Factory Distilling + Kitchen
• Pizza Plant Italian Pub
• Fat Bob’s Smokehouse
• Gypsy Parlor
• Glen Park Tavern
• Aurora Brew Works
• Keglers Sports Bar & Grill
• WingNutz

All proceeds will go to benefit Habitat Buffalo’s efforts to build a home for a family in need.

“By purchasing a 2026 Craft Brew Tour Card, you’re doing more than just treating yourself or a loved one to a fantastic local beer experience – you’re making a direct impact on our community,” Habitat for Humanity said. “All proceeds from the sale of these cards go directly to building a house for a family in need right here in Buffalo. With your support, we’re turning your love for craft beverages into something truly meaningful: a safe, affordable home for a deserving family. It’s a win-win—you get to enjoy drinks at amazing local spots, and together, we get to build a house with beer!”

If you love craft beer, local flavor, or just want to see Buffalo’s brewing community thrive — Habitat For Humanity’s 2026 Craft Brew Tour Card gives you a fun, meaningful way to show that love. You get to explore the best of Western New York’s craft drinks, support small businesses, and most importantly, help provide a safe 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 in Buffalo and Tonawanda (after Dec. 9). Presale is available through Monday, Dec. 8 and cards will ship on Tuesday, Dec. 9.

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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