NEWSLETTER
Celebrating Over 500 Independent Breweries Statewide
New York State - The 2nd Annual New York Craft Beer Day returns on Saturday, April 11 inviting beer lovers across the state to raise a glass in celebration of New York’s vibrant craft brewing industry.
New York Craft Beer Day was officially proclaimed by Kathy Hochul in 2025 during the New York State Craft Beer Competition awards ceremony in Albany. The proclamation established April 11 as an annual opportunity to recognize and celebrate the contributions of craft breweries across the state.
The statewide event celebrates the people, places, and passion behind New York’s more than 500 independent craft breweries. It’s a day to honor the entrepreneurs whose creativity and dedication fuel the industry, while encouraging consumers to explore local breweries, discover new favorites, and support businesses in their communities.
"New York Craft Beer Day highlights the passion, creativity, and resilience that define New York’s craft brewing industry. From small towns to major cities, breweries continue to bring people together and strengthen their communities." - Dawn Schulz (New York State Brewers
Association, Board President & Co-Owner, Prison City Brewing)
“New York Craft Beer Day is the perfect day to show love and support to your local craft brewery by bringing your friends and family out to enjoy not only great food, but all of the incredible, award-winning craft beer being produced throughout the state.” - Paul Leone (New York State Brewers Association, Executive Director)
New York is one of the top craft beer destinations in the country, ranking as the #2 state in the U.S. for number of craft breweries. The industry includes more than 500 independent breweries that support approximately 22,000 jobs and generate an estimated $4.8 billion in economic impact annually.
From grain grown by New York farmers to pints poured in taprooms across the state, craft beer plays a vital role in supporting local agriculture, tourism, and small business development.
To commemorate the day, a special New York Craft Beer Day Collector’s Glass will be available at participating breweries while supplies last. Each limited-edition glass not only serves as a keepsake, but also gives back. $1 from every glass sold benefits the New York State Brewers Association, supporting its work in advocacy, education, and promotion on behalf of New York’s independent craft breweries.
Consumers are encouraged to celebrate New York Craft Beer Day by:
- Visiting a local brewery, taproom, or brewpub
- Supporting retailers, bars and restaurants that sell New York-made beer
- Trying a new brewery or beer style
- Purchasing NY craft beer to-go
- Purchasing the official commemorative glass
- Checking in at participating breweries on the New York Craft Beer App to unlock a special badge
Additionally a special badge can be unlocked on The Official New York Craft Beer App. The app is the first of its kind, offering a map of every brewery in the state and a passport rewards program. www.thinkNYdrinkNY.com/the-app
A list of participating locations selling the 2026 Collector’s Glass and retail events can be found at www.thinkNYdrinkNY.com/new-york-craft-beer-day
Supporting Links
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About New York State Brewers Association
New York State is the 2nd largest craft beer market in the US with more than 500 licensed breweries. The New York State Brewers Association (NYSBA) is a non-for-profit 501(c) organization that works to unify, propel, and protect the craft beer industry in NY through legislative advocacy, education, and promotion.
Think New York, Drink New York is the consumer facing marketing campaign run by the NYSBA. The association produces a number of events including: New York Craft Brewers Festivals & NYS Virtual Tasting Experiences. NYSBA events are fundraisers whereby profit is used to directly support the craft beer industry.