The weather is downright frigid and you’re looking for some way to pass the time and warm up while you’re at it right? One of our favorite ways to solve the problem of cold toes and nothing but Netflix is drinking. And not just drinking at a bar – save that for a hot summer night and head to one of these legit alcohol centric events to raise your spirits this winter.
Niagara Ice Wine Fest
1/15 – 1/31
Niagara Falls, Canada
For three weekends in January, hit the Niagara Region for a winter wonderland event celebrating Ontario Icewine! “From Gala evening toasts to chestnut roasts, ornate ice bars, ice skating and winery tours, the 21st Annual Niagara Ice Wine Festival offers plenty for every taste.” The Discovery Pass for this event is $40.
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The Frozen Pub Crawl
1/23, 1/30
Canalside, Buffalo
Every Saturday in January, hop on a Frozen Pub Crawl led by Buffalo History Tours. The 90 minute pub crawl starts in Canalside and don’t worry, there’s only a good 20 minutes where you’re actually outside. The rest takes place at two pubs (hence why it’s on this list) where you’ll enjoy drink specials, historic narration, and a brewery tour at Pearl Street Grill. Tickets are $10 per person.
Continue the party at Swannie House and LagerHaus 95 or Lockhouse Distillery & Bar in the Cobblestone District.
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Beer Dinner at The Roycroft Inn
1/21
Roycroft Inn, East Aurora
Ahhh January, the month of beer dinners. Call The Roycroft and have them reserve you a spot at this collaborative evening between Chefs Andrew and Jon of The Roycroft and the brewers at 42 North Brewing Company. You’ll show up, find a seat, hopefully get to know your neighbors, and taste multiple courses of food & beer pairings. It’s the perfect relaxing, flavorful evening out. Tickets are $30.
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Adventures in Food: Pig Roast
1/25
The Lodge Bar + Grill, Buffalo
This Pig Roast themed “dinner” event is hosted by yours truly (SOB) and The Lodge. We’ve put together an evening out that is sure to stuff you full of great pig roast foods and beverages from your favorites breweries, wineries, and distilleries like 1911 Spirits, 40 Creek Whisky, Cold Spell Whiskey Colorado, Southern Wine & Spirits of New York, and Honeoye Falls Distillery. Your ticket also includes a signature cocktail from The Lodge and tip. Hope to see you there! Tickets are $60.
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Niagara Wine and Beer Tasting Festival
1/30
Kenan Center Arena & Grounds
This 5th Annual event gives you the chance to check out more than 30 wineries, breweries, food vendors, and specialty food exhibitors. Admission includes a tasting glass, tasting journal, and a $5 food voucher. Tickets are $25.
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Kegs & Eggs
2/14
Resurgence Brewing Co.
Nothing says Happy Valentine’s Day more than a day date at one of the coolest breweries in town. This semi-annual breakfast and beer event means a release of a whole slew of one-off beers that are available just for the day. Plus Saturday Morning Cartoons WILL be playing. Because Saturday Morning. Stay tuned here for more details to come.
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Arts Crafts & Drafts
2/25
Resurgence Brewing Co., Buffalo
On February 25th, RBC is hosting their annual Arts, Crafts & Drafts where they invite local arts and crafts vendors to the brewery to sell their wares from 5 – 8pm. This will also serve as the kick off to their local music series. The best part? You don’t have to browse empty handed! #beer Stay tuned here for more details.
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Art of Beer
3/4
Niagara Arts and Cultural Center, Niagara Falls
Friday, March 5th from 6pm – 9pm, join the Niagara Arts and Cultural Center for The Art of Beer. The event will showcase over 20 local breweries and restaurants with food and beer samples. Advance tickets are $30, $35 at the door.
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WNY Winter Brewfest
3/5
The Conference & Event Center, Niagara Falls
Looks like the first weekend in March is going to be a doozie! (Perfect prep for St. Patty’s Day.) This craft beer festival (recently moved to NF from Buffalo) features hard to find craft beers, fun stuff to do (think a cornhole tournament, Giant Jenga, Beer Pong), music, and more! The event runs from 1pm – 4pm and 7pm – 10pm with two sessions. Tickets are around $37.
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WNY Wine About Winter Festival
3/5
The Conference & Event Center, Niagara Falls
Basically a continuation of the WNY Winter Brewfest (see above), but for people that are more into wine than they are beer. The festival will feature wine sampling, a painting party, coloring party, grape stomping, music, food, and more. The event runs from 1pm – 4pm and 7pm – 10pm with two sessions. Tickets are around $27.
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Beerology
3/5
Buffalo Museum of Science, Buffalo
Join the Buffalo Museum of Science on Saturday, March 5, 2016 from 7pm to 10pm to learn about the science of beer and have your science on tap! Beerology guests can sample beers and other brews from some of the best micro breweries in the area, snack on beer-friendly foods, and enjoy presentations on home brewing and a variety of beer-related topics by the Niagara Association of Homebrewers, Sultans of Swig, Buffalo Beer Goddesses, and more. Admission includes 10 drink tickets good for one beer tasting each as well as a commemorative beer mug, food samples, live entertainment, and access to the Museum’s exhibits and galleries. Tickets are $40.
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Buffalo Bloody Mary Fest
3/6
Shea’s Performing Arts Center, Buffalo
The most epic Sunday Funday you may ever encounter hosted by Step Out Buffalo at Shea’s on March 6th from 12pm – 3pm. We’ve lined up some of our favorite bars and restaurants to showcase their Bloody Mary’s under one roof. You can look forward to a Bloody Mary taste from each of the ten hand-picked bars, food samples from local vendors, and a great time! While the event is officially SOLD OUT, there will be a few chances to win tickets in the upcoming weeks. Follow Step Out Buffalo on Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat (@stepoutbuffalo), Twitter (@stepoutbflo), and of course StepOutBuffalo.com to find out how to win!
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Brewing Buffalo Bus Tour
2/6, 2/20, 3/5, 4/9, 4/23
Starts at Gene McCarthy’s, Buffalo
This year Explore Buffalo is offing a bunch of chances to get on one of their awesome beer-based tours! The four-hour bus tour showcases Buffalo’s brewing history, present, and future with stops at four craft breweries for interior tours and product samples. Light apps are provided at the last stop. Reservations are a must and tickets cost $60.
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