Sour Power Returns to Pizza Plant Transit

Pizza Plant’s celebration of all things sour beer, Sour Power, returns to their Transit Road location on April 12 (12pm). The event will feature more than 20 sour beers on draft and in bottles and cans, including Oude Quetsche Tilquin (2019), Prairie Tropical Esses, The Referend Bier Blendery The Name of the Rose, Foam Brewers #1 Hit Jam, Lodgson Farmhouse Ales Peach ‘n Brett, Cantillon Kriek (2024), Mortalis Hydra Sangria, and more. There will be flight specials, 20% off all sour bottles and Tums antacids to all those who may need them. Sour Power is free and open to the public.

Tickets On Sale For New York State Craft Brewers Fest

The New York State Craft Brewers Festival: Buffalo returns to Canalside on June 13 and tickets are on sale. This year will feature craft beer from over 50 breweries, live music, artisan vendors, food truck rodeo, keg toss, games and more. GA tickets are $45 (souvenir tasting glass, all samplings), GA+ is $65 (1 hour early entry, access to exclusive VIP beers, souvenir tasting glass, all sampling, $5 NYSBA merch coupon) and VIP is $100, which includes an exclusive Beer & Wing Pairing at Southern Tier Buffalo before the fest and special perks including upgraded festival glassware and early entry (100 spots available). Get tickets online here or save $10 when you purchase tickets at Resurgence Brewing Company ($40 – cash only).

Dude Hates Cancer Homebrew Competition Set for August

The 12th annual The Dude’s Homebrew Competition, which raises money for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, will take place Aug.9 at Resurgence Brewing, where homebrewers will serve samples of dozens of homebrews to attendees, who will then vote for their favorite beer, which will be judged by a panel of local brewers. The winning beer will be brewed at Resurgence Brewing.

5th Annual Fundraiser for Summit Center at Brazen Brewing

The 5th annual fundraiser for The Summit Center will take place on Saturday, April 11 (12 pm) at Brazen Brewing. The event will help to raise money for autism awareness. In honor of the event, WNY Beer Trail has partnered with Brazen on Breakaway Kölsch, which will be on tap and in 4-packs to go, with a portion of the sales going to The Summit Center. In addition to the beer release, there will be basket raffles, a silent auction and prizes, including autographed Buffalo Bills and Buffalo Sabres jerseys, signed pucks and baskets from Tim Hortons, Sunmed CBD, Resurgence Brewing, Brazen, Wingnutz and more. The event is free to attend and open to the public.

Tap That Tap Room To Close At End of May

Tap That Tap Room is closing at the end of May, but, as they say, they are not going out quietly. They will be hosting a Tap Room Funeral, or as they call it, “one wild weekend to say goodbye,” May 29-31. There will be an “open casket viewing,” a Book of Regrets guest book to share your favorite memories of Tap That, beer specials, the coffin cooler and more. Black attire is encouraged, but not required. “It is with mild emotional confusion and very full kegs that we announce the untimely passing of our beloved taproom,” Tap That said. “Come raise a glass, say your goodbyes, and help give this place the sendoff it deserves.” Tap That Tap Room opened in April 2023 in Tonawanda at 363 Delaware Ave.

New York State Craft Beer Day at Eli Fish Brewing

In honor of New York Craft Beer Day on April 11, a day to celebrate and honor New York’s more than 500 independent craft breweries, which support 22,000 jobs and generate a $4.8 billion economic impact, Eli Fish Brewing wants you to drink everything on their draft board, literally. All day, they will be offering $6 flights (with an upcharge for barrel-aged beers) and the $40 24-beer massive flight (two people minimum, no substitutions). Beer-themed food specials will also be available throughout the day. The event is free and open to the public. Reservations are required for parties of more than six.

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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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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Golf Buffalo Expo 2026 Comes to Pearl Street

The Golf Buffalo Expo is coming to Pearl Street Grill & Brewery (third and fourth floors) on March 14 (3-6 pm) with a beer and spirits tasting, a market of local golf brands and a Players Championship Viewing Party. Tickets are $35 and include beer and spirits tastings from 10 craft brands, commemorative tasting glass, Players Championship Watch Party, local golf market featuring small and independent golf brands and more. Tickets can be purchased here. Kids under 16 get in free.

New York Craft Beer Day Returns on April 11

The second annual New York Craft Beer Day will take place April 11, a day to celebrate and honor New York’s more than 500 independent craft breweries that support 22,000 jobs and generate a $4.8 billion economic impact. 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. The New York State Brewers Association will release a limited edition commemorate pint glass in honor of the event, available at participating breweries, which will be announced soon. Visit https://thinknydrinkny.com/ for more information.

Buffalo Bisons Offering New Craft Beer Game Ticket Pack

The Buffalo Bisons and Southern Tier Brewing are once again teaming up for the Southern Tier Craft Beer Pack. This ticket pack features two undated game tickets (excludes specially-priced games) and four craft beer vouchers for $64. Sahlen’s Field regularly features a number of local craft beer options from the likes of Resurgence Brewing, Southern Tier Brewing, Hamburg Brewing, Big Ditch Brewing and more throughout the ballpark. You can purchase your STBC Craft Beer Pack here. The Bisons will kick off their 2026 season on March 27 against the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Rail Riders.

Wildflower Meadery Celebrates First Anniversary

Wildflower Meadery, located inside the Niagara Frontier Food Terminal (1500 Clinton Street, Unit 167), will celebrate their first anniversary on Feb. 28 (4 – 10 pm). The anniversary party will features two new taproom exclusive meads on tap and will serve as the launch of their all new Buzz Club. The taproom features a full selection of meads on tap, as well as in cans and bottles, non-alcoholic offerings like NA meads and mocktails, a limited food menu and packaged mead to go.

Brewery Owner To Open New Venture at Former Froth Taproom

Shamsher “Elvis” Singh, who also owns Everest Brewery in Niagara Falls, is planning to open a new nightclub, Peppers, at the former Froth Brewing taproom, located at 700 Military Road. Singh says that he envisions a bar with live bands, a DJ, dancing, full bar and dinner service, including American and continental cuisine during dinner hours, and drinks, dancing and other food options in the later hours, according to Buffalo Business First. A tentative spring opening is planned. Froth Brewing closed their taproom on Feb. 1 after 7 years.

Pizza Plant’s Belgian Beer & Chocolate Event Is Back

Pizza Plant’s annual Belgian Beer and Chocolate Festival returns on Feb. 11 (6 pm) to their Transit Road location. The event will feature a fine selection of Belgian beers, including Scaldis Noel, Ommegang Nitro Three Philosophers and Manhattan Shine, Brewery Ardennes Single and Oak Aged Triple, Delirium Tremens and more. Representatives from Ommegang will be on hand as well for the event with sweets and swag to giveaway. All flights will include samples of Belgian chocolates and there will be Valentine’s Day chocolates from Sweets by Em available to take home. The event is free and open to the public.

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

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The second annual New York Craft Beer Day will take place on April 11, a day to celebrate and honor New York’s more than 500 independent craft breweries, which support 22,000 jobs and generate a $4.8 billion economic impact. New York is one of the top craft beer destinations in the country, ranking as the #2 state in the U.S. for the number of craft breweries.

NYS Brewers Association Executive Director Leone says that NYS Craft Beer Day was created for craft beer drinkers, a way to increase awareness for small businesses, breweries and craft beer. Leone hopes that all fans of craft will visit their local brewery for a pint or two, or drink something local at the very least. In short, New York State Craft Beer Day is a day to celebrate how far the New York state craft beer scene has come over the years.

“New York State Craft Beer Day was created to bring consumer awareness to the incredible beer that small craft breweries (also small and local businesses) are producing throughout the state,” Leone said. “It’s a day we hope every craft beer drinker will visit their local NYS brewery, many of which will be offering special events and discounts to commemorate the day.”

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. Given the current business climate and state of the scene, a day like this has never been more important, given all of the brewery and beer bar closures that have been happening as of late.

“[This is] the perfect day to show love and support to your local craft brewery by bringing your friends and family out to enjoy not only great food, but all of the incredible,
award-winning craft beer being produced throughout the state,” Leone said. “With so much economic uncertainty lately, there couldn’t be a more perfect time to support these small businesses and help them stay in business.”

By empowering small producers, strong local supply chains and a community that values creativity and diversity, New York is setting a new standard for what craft brewing can be. Whether you’re a hophead, lager lover, or casual sipper, there’s never been a better time to explore what New York breweries have to offer.

To commemorate the day, a special New York Craft Beer Day Collector’s Glass will be available at participating breweries while supplies last. Each limited-edition glass not only serves as a keepsake, but also gives back. $1 from every glass sold benefits the New York State Brewers Association, supporting its work in advocacy, education, and promotion on behalf of New York’s independent craft breweries.

A list of participating locations selling the 2026 Collector’s Glass and retail events can be found at www.thinkNYdrinkNY.com/new-york-craft-beer-day.

“New York Craft Beer Day highlights the passion, creativity, and resilience that define New York’s craft brewing industry. From small towns to major cities, breweries continue to bring people together and strengthen their communities,” Dawn Schulz, New York State Brewers Association board president and co-owner, Prison City Brewing, said.

Additionally a special badge can be unlocked on The Official New York Craft Beer App. The app is the first of its kind, offering a map of every brewery in the state and a passport rewards program. Click here for more information.

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 New York Craft Beer Day Returns on April 11 appeared first on Buffalo Beer League.

Gov. Kathy Hochul has officially declared April 11 as New York Craft Beer Day, a day to celebrate and honor New York’s more than 500 independent craft breweries that support 22,000 jobs and generate a $4.8 billion economic impact.

Hochul made the proclamation at last month’s New York State Craft Beer Conference in Albany. She was in attendance to present the Governor’s Cup, awarded to the beer in NYS (Brooklyn’s Grimm Artisanal Ales won for their Grimm Weisse).

“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.

Leone says that NYS Craft Beer Day was created for craft beer drinkers, a way to increase awareness for small businesses, breweries and craft beer. Leone’s hope is that all fans of craft will visit their local brewery for a pint or two, or drink something local at the very least. In short, New York State Craft Beer Day is a day to celebrate how far the New York state craft beer scene has come over the years.

“New York State Craft Beer Day was created to bring consumer awareness to the incredible beer that small craft breweries (also small and local businesses) are producing throughout the state,” Leone said. “It’s a day we hope every craft beer drinker will visit their local NYS brewery, many of which will be offering special events and discounts to commemorate the day.”

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. Given the current business climate and state of the scene, a day like this has never been more important given all of the brewery and beer bar closures that has been happening as of late.

“With so much economic uncertainty lately, there couldn’t be a more perfect time to support these small businesses and help them stay in business,” Leone said.

By empowering small producers, strong local supply chains and a community that values creativity and diversity, New York is setting a new standard for what craft brewing can be. Whether you’re a hophead, lager lover or casual sipper, there’s never been a better time to explore what New York breweries have to offer.

Happy New York State Craft Beer Day to one and all!

Visit https://thinknydrinkny.com for more information.

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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