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New York State Craft Brewers Festival

What do you get when you combine New York’s longest-running and most prestigious craft beer festival with one of the state’s most historic and iconic venues?

The New York State Craft Brewers Festival – SYRACUSE at the Landmark Theatre!

Now in its 12th year, this signature event takes the stage on Saturday, November 22, 2025, celebrating the very best of New York craft beer inside a theatre that has hosted some of the most legendary performances of the 20th and 21st centuries.

The talent, of course, is the more than 45 craft brewers from across this amazing state who will be “performing” for you as they, the brewery owners and representatives, pour and discuss their unique and award-winning brews just for you, their select audience. Sample beers of all styles, from fruited sours to traditional lagers and everything in-between, this festival has a flavor for every palate.

The focus is on the craft beers produced at New York’s 500 craft breweries, but there will also be samples of other craft beverages produced across the state. New York State has been truly blessed with a climate suited to growing all the ingredients – from apples to grapes to hops and barley – needed to create a wide variety of “craft” beverages for us to enjoy, along with plentiful clean water uniquely suited to brewing and distilling.

When you bring together “performers” like these, and put them on a legendary space, you’ve truly created a “landmark” event!

The Landmark Theatre itself has, in its storied history, featured the likes of Bob Dylan, Greta Garbo, B.B. King, Buster Keaton, Jack Benny and Milton Berle. Jerry Seinfeld, Gregory Peck and Bonnie Rait have performed there. The list reads like a who’s who of show business. Films, concerts, stage plays, and world premiers are part of its legacy. And while sitting in the audience of this exquisite and venerated theatre is a thrill, this unique Festival brings you right up on stage to enjoy the view, and the brews!

In addition to the incredible NYS craft beverages, attendees can purchase savory eats from a host of food vendors, and, if you’re feeling adventurous, you might want to try out the second annual “Rock, Paper, Scissors” contest! The game starts with the field of entrants facing off, two-by-two to play the iconic “guessing” game until the ultimate winner takes all. Sign up at the stage when you arrive, and if you win you take home bragging rights plus a custom gold medallion!

“New York has been home to brewing since at least 1612 – before it was even officially a state – when Dutch colonists Adrian Block and Hans Christiansen created a private brewery on the southern tip of Manhattan – New Amsterdam as it was then – and 20 years later the first commercial brewery was established by Dutch West India Company on Stone Street in Lower Manhattan,” said Paul Leone, New York State Brewers Association Director.

He added that at last year’s event, he met at least a couple of dozen visitors who had made their annual trip from neighboring states just to take part in what has swiftly become “the go-to event” for craft beer fans.

For New York State, Central New York, and craft beer aficionados alike, The Brewers Festival is perfect way to round out the celebrate CNY Beer Week – a week, from November 16-22, that celebrates the art of brewing, and the pleasure of enjoying, one of our favorite “local” quaffs! Local brewers and craft beer retailers alike take every opportunity during this special week to share their passion for the beverage they love. And the Festival is its – cap!

Leone also noted that the festival is a great way to kick off your holiday season, and a perfect way to entertain friends and family with a relaxing and fun-filled afternoon/evening.

The NYS Craft Brewers Festival is brought to you by the New York State Brewers Association, an organization dedicated to the support and marketing of the brewers located here in New York. Their mission is to make craft brewing a win-win for New York – happy beer lovers enjoying the dedication and art of brewing craft beers by New Yorkers, for New Yorkers. Cheers!