7th Annual Brewer’s Invitational at New York Beer Project Lodge Set For 2026

Craft Beer Festivals in Buffalo, NY for 2026 are right around the corner.  The 7th Annual Brewer’s Invitational returns on Saturday, February 28, 2026, at the New York Beer Project Beer Lodge in Orchard Park. Hosted by New York Beer Project, this annual tasting event has become a favorite winter gathering for Western New York craft beer fans and typically runs from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM.

🍺 What to Expect

Guests can sample offerings from 30+ local breweries, cideries, and meaderies, all in one place. Each ticket includes a commemorative tasting glass and a food voucher to use during the event. For those not drinking, designated driver tickets are available at a reduced price. An official list of participating breweries and beers is usually announced closer to the event date.

🎟️ Tickets & Details

Tickets are currently on sale at Event Brite here.  Standard VIP tickets are $50 plus tax and fees, while reduced Designated Driver tickets for entry also available.

🍻 Why It’s a Must-Attend

The Brewer’s Invitational is known for its relaxed, festival-style atmosphere and diverse beer selection, making it a standout event on the local craft beer calendar and a great way to sample a wide range of producers in a single afternoon.

More on the Event Venue, The New York Beer Project Lodge

New York Beer Project Lodge is a large craft brewery, gastropub, and event destination located in Orchard Park, NY and just three miles from the Buffalo Bills’ Highmark Stadium.  Known for its expansive beer selection and energetic atmosphere, the Lodge offers a versatile space for dining, entertainment, and gatherings of all sizes.

🍺 What It Is

The Beer Lodge serves as a destination brewery and gastropub, featuring New York Beer Project’s rotating lineup of fresh craft lagers, ales, sours, and seltzers. A full food and drink menu makes it just as suitable for a casual meal as it is for celebrations and group outings.

TVs galore at NYBP Lodge to watch sporting events

🍽️ Atmosphere & Experience

The interior combines multiple bars and dining rooms. As one side offers a relaxed brewery feel with ample seating and large video walls ideal for watching sports.  While the other side a more While the Outdoor areas with lawn games add to the experience, making it a popular choice for weekends and larger groups.

Come for some corn hole during the warmer months

Outside service bar for patio

🎉 Events & Private Spaces

In addition to its main taproom, the Beer Lodge functions as a full-scale event venue. Several themed and private spaces—including the New York Botanical Garden Room, Barn on the Hudson Room, and Four Seasons Ballroom—are available for weddings, private parties, corporate events, and seasonal celebrations.

🍻 Beer & Brewing Highlights

As part of the New York Beer Project family, which also includes locations in Lockport and Victor, the Orchard Park Lodge is known for both its broad tap selection and award-winning beers. Notably, Hazy Crush IPA earned a gold medal at a national beer competition.

🍔 Main Dishes & Favorites

The kitchen at New York Beer Project Lodge serves a variety of pub-style entrees and comfort classics, including classic and creative burgers topped with BBQ, bacon, and specialty ingredients, all served with fresh-cut fries. Hearty sandwiches range from Buffalo beef on kimmelweck and Nashville hot chicken to brisket melts and Italian-style hoagies. The menu also features tacos and cantina-style dishes, such as Baja fish and shrimp tacos with bright, flavorful toppings.

🍲 Seasonal & Specialty Plates

Guests can expect rotating seasonal specials and chef-driven dishes, including items like a deconstructed chicken pot pie with vegetables and mashed potatoes, salmon or birria bowls served over rice, and holiday-inspired offerings such as specialty burgers and egg rolls.

🍕 Pizzas & Shareables

The Lodge also offers a selection of artisanal pizzas, including classic red sauce and Buffalo-style varieties, along with popular shareables like fried pickles and quesadillas—ideal for groups.

East Village Nachos at New York Beer Project Lodge

🧀 Comfort & Lighter Fare

For lighter options or familiar comfort food, the menu includes classic and Buffalo-style mac & cheese, a variety of salads and rice bowls, and staples like chili, house salads, fries, and seasonal vegetables.

NYBP Wedge Salad

🍟 Sides & Extras

A full lineup of sides rounds out the menu, featuring classic, sweet potato, and truffle-parmesan fries, along with pretzel bread add-ons and rotating seasonal sides.

🍽️ Overall, New York Beer Project Lodge delivers a casual, approachable gastropub menu with seasonal twists and plenty of shareable options, making it a strong complement to their extensive beer lineup.

About Me.

My name is Joe. You’ve stumbled upon this website probably because we share a common interest, that being craft beer! For me, it’s about beer, but it’s as much about the hunt. Finding new craft beer and craft beverage destinations across this great country, each one unique in its own right. It’s also about meeting new people, especially those that help produce and serve great craft beverages. While also experiencing the sites, nature and communities around these craft beverage destinations with people you enjoy. So yeah, I’m a beer tourist. Sound familiar?

For me, home is Buffalo, NY. Where I’ve also worked in the tourism and hospitality industry for almost thirty years. Currently on a sabbatical from bartending after my last stint of five years at Rusty Nickel Brewing Company.  I am also a Level I Cicerone Certified Beer Server.

When not working, I’m usually exploring the picturesque Finger Lakes Region of New York State with my wife and three dogs. Searching for new breweries, wineries, cideries and distilleries to enjoy and add to our travels. We love the Finger Lakes Region so much, and all that it offers in craft beverages and scenery, that we have a little retreat near Keuka Lake. With the multi award-winning Keuka Brewing Company just down the road, we’ve designated it as our official Finger Lakes home base.  Hence, my self moniker as “The Upstate Beer Tourist.”