Beer is the answer to all of life's questions and the solution to all of life's problems. It's the hoppy medicine for your thirsty, lonely soul.
Instead of hunkering down for the winter with a case or two of the nectar of the gods, how about you buy a ticket, throw on your beer blanket, and head out to some of these incredible boozy brew festivals in and around NYC?
At these beer festivals, you have the opportunity to try excellent craft beers from all over the country.
Whether you're a hoppy IPA lover or a thick stout fiend, you're sure to find the brew just for you at one of these events. Hell, you may not even recognize how much you love a saison until you try just the right brewery.
So string up those pretzel necklaces, grab your ID, and get your tickets ready to these amazing winter beer festivals.
1. 2016 Syracuse Winter Brewfest in Syracuse, NY (January 16th)
After the hustle and bustle of the holidays in New York City, you probably need an escape. You need to spend this weekend in Syracuse for their 2016 Syracuse Winter Brewfest, housed at the Oncenter Convention Center from 1:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
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The tickets, which sell for $33.64, allows you entry to sample beers, play games like cornhole, giant Jenga, and beer pong, as well as take home a commemorative glass.
2. Hibrewnation Festival of Beer in Gettysburg, PA (January 16th & February 20th)
rozanski_33 Had a great day at hibrewnation with the best bud 🍺🍻#hibrewnation #farmshowcomplex #harrisburg #beer #beerfest #vip
This beer festival, happening this Saturday and on February 20th, is happening at Allstar Complex in Gettysburg, PA from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Tickets are on sale for $55 for a VIP ticket, $40 for general admission, and $20 for a designated driver ticket (where you will get a t-shirt, water, sodas, and floats).
This amazing event will keep the craft beers flowing, emphasizing brews that you've probably never even heard of and probably can't find without some pretty extensive research. Your ticket includes limitless samples in a souvenir pint glass... unless you get flagged. Don't get flagged.
You can buy tickets for this weekend's event here, and tickets for February 20th here.
3. Opening Bash Cruises (February 20th)
captlawrence SAVE THE DATE!! For the first time ever, the NYC Opening Bash hits the seas! Come join 30 of NY State’s premier breweries, along with 5 NYC Restaurants aboard the Nautical Empress for a floating beer festival and harbor tour. Fully enclosed and yes heated, the Nautical Empress will tour the NYC harbor, with views of the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, The Brooklyn Bridge and the NYC skyline. All with beer. Lots of it. Space is limited, so get your tickets early. And yes, obviously @captlawrence will be on board!
Most New Yorkers never take the opportunity to see their home city from the water. Here's the perfect chance for you to enjoy a booze cruise while sailing the high seas... or just the Hudson. Organized by NYC Brewer's Guild, the Nautical Empress Boat leaves Pier 36 with tons of beer from 30 NY breweries.
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Tickets are a bit pricey, but because you are basically spending 7 hours on a boat around NYC's best landmarks while you sip on incredible beers, it's more than worth the price.
4. NYC Brewer's Choice (February 24th)
nybeerguide We had an amazing time at #NYCBrewersChoice last night! There were so many incredible beers by some of the most talented brewers in the region. Our recap is coming soon, but for now it's on to more #nycbeerweek events. We'll be at @gloriettabaldy tonight for the New Breed Event. Cheers!
The 6th Annual NYC Brewer's Choice festival at Sanders Studio in Brooklyn falls smack in the middle of the New York City Beer Week (February 19-28). With over 36 different breweries attending, this is a brew fest you really do not want to miss. They'll have food, unlimited tastings, awards, and speakers.
Some of the breweries will be using NY State malts and local ingredients (SMASH beers), including Bronx Brewery, Brooklyn Brewery and Rockaway Brewing Co. Grab your ticket to this event here.
,5. Beer Week Cask Fest and Awards Gala (February 27th)
Are you a true beer connoisseur? Don't miss out on the opportunity to taste incredible beers from the State of NY directly from the cask. Your ticket to the Beer Week Cask Fest and Awards Gala at the Altman Building will get you unlimited 4 oz. samples.
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With over 150 casks of beers from NY, you'll certainly have a good time. There will also be light food from some top NYC restaurants, and a special Brewers Lounge where you can pick the brains of your favorite brewers. Get your ticket here.
6. Hops & Props (February 27th)
duff_large #hopsandprops2015 blew through @ballastpointbrewing #VictoryAtSea and #Sculpin in under an hour. Gonna need to bring more beer next year to @museumofflight.
Head out to the Cradle of Aviation Museum in Garden City for the Hops & Props Craft Beer Fest on February 27th. As an all draft beer fest, Hops & Props will also have food like cheesesteaks, empanadas, bacon, ribs, nachos... as in the best food for a boozy day.
For tickets ($65 for general admission and $85 for VIP), you can drink amongst jets and planes from aviation history. Make sure you get your tickets soon.
7. NYC Craft Beer Festival (March 25th - 26th)
potlickerkitchen Always a great time! Looking forward to the next #nyccraftbeerfest. 🍻 #potlicker #beerjelly
Proclaimed as "the best beer bash in the city," this NYC beer festival will have over 75 breweries bringing 150 beers, ciders, and meads, including the largest selection of seasonal brews in NYC. Your ticket includes a tasting glass, unlimited 2 oz. tastings, and access to the craft concierge center.
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The NYC Craft Beer Festival takes place at the Lexington Avenue Armory on Friday, March 25 and Saturday, March 26. You can purchase your VIP or general admission tickets here.
8. Cask Ales Festival to benefit Barton Center for Diabetes Education (March 26)
Want to drink for a great cause? Buy your tickets to the Cask Ales Festival being held on Saturday March 26th at The Mill Roadhouse in Westhampton Beach.
ALL of the proceeds will be donated to The Barton Center for Diabetes Education Campership which improves the lives of children with insulin-dependent diabetes.
The beers (which have all been donated) will include cask ales from local Long Island breweries like Long Ireland, Blue Point, Blind Bat, Port Jefferson, Brickhouse, and Allagash. Purchase your $27.37 ticket here.
Check out 8 Best NYC Bars to Warm Up Your Winter Nights.
[Feature Image Courtesy Instagram]