The Ultimate Guide to Celebrating Spring with Craft Beer in NY

Spring in New York brings warmer weather, blooming landscapes, and the perfect excuse to enjoy craft beer in fresh and exciting ways. Whether you’re switching up your beer styles, visiting scenic breweries, or attending lively festivals, there’s no shortage of ways to embrace the season. Here’s how to make the most of spring with craft beer in NY.

1. Refresh Your Beer Selection

Leave the heavy winter stouts behind and opt for something crisp and refreshing. Spring is all about light, bright flavors that complement the season’s warmth and outdoor vibes. Here are a few styles to try:

• Pilsners: Crisp, clean, and incredibly refreshing. Ideal for sunny afternoons on a patio.

• Hefeweizens: Smooth and slightly sweet, with hints of banana and clove, making it a perfect springtime sip.

• Sour Ales: Tart, fruity, and vibrant, often featuring seasonal ingredients like berries or citrus.

• Brown Ales: A great middle ground between rich winter beers and lighter spring selections, offering malty sweetness with nutty undertones.

Not sure where to start? Check out our Spring Craft Beer Bundle, featuring a hand-picked selection of refreshing brews perfect for the season. Grab yours before it’s gone!

2. Visit Breweries with Outdoor Patios & Seating

As the weather warms up, there’s nothing better than enjoying a cold beer outside. Here are a few standout breweries with excellent outdoor seating options:

• Brewery Ommegang (Cooperstown, NY) – This Belgian-style brewery features spacious outdoor seating with scenic mountain views and plenty of room to relax.

• Drowned Lands Brewery (Warwick, NY) – Nestled in a historic farm setting, this brewery offers an expansive outdoor patio and beautiful rural scenery.

• Threes Brewing (Brooklyn & Long Island, NY) – Their Brooklyn location features a lively outdoor courtyard, while their Long Island outpost offers a relaxing beer garden.

• Saranac Brewery (Utica, NY) – Enjoy their spacious outdoor patio, complete with fire pits and plenty of seating, making it the perfect spot for springtime gatherings.

3. Attend a Spring Craft Beer Festival

Spring in New York is packed with craft beer festivals celebrating local breweries, innovative brews, and community spirit. Here are a few can’t-miss events:

• CollaBEERation Festival
  Date: Saturday, April 5, 2025
  Location: The Powerhouse, Buffalo, NY
  Details: One of the most unique beer events in the state, this festival brings together the Buffalo Beer Geeks community to develop, name, and brew a never made before drink.

• 2025 Grapes and Hops Festival
  Date: Saturday, April 26, 2025
  Location: Northwest Arena, Jamestown, NY
  Details: This one-day event showcases some of the best craft beer, wineries, and distilleries from across New York State.

• DAS BOCK!® New York’s Original Lager Festival
  Date: Saturday, May 17, 2025
  Location: Plattduetsche Biergarten, Long Island, NY
  Details: Featuring over 45 breweries, this festival highlights traditional lagers and craft beer innovations, offering a rare opportunity to sample a wide range of styles.

There’s no better time than spring to dive into New York’s vibrant craft beer scene. From sipping seasonal brews in a sun-soaked beer garden to discovering new favorites at a bustling festival, the possibilities are endless. So, raise a glass, rally your friends, and toast to a season filled with fresh flavors and great company. Cheers to spring!