Kenan Wine & Beer Bash returns Feb. 21 to support youth programs

Kenan Center Press Release & Graphic

The Kenan Center will host the 2026 Kenan Wine & Beer Bash on Saturday, Feb. 21, bringing together craft wineries, breweries, live music, and community spirit for one of the center’s largest annual fundraisers. The event takes place inside the Kenan Center Arena, 433 Locust St., Lockport.

A staple Kenan Center event now well into its second decade, the Wine & Beer Bash celebrates the local craft beverage scene Western New York is known for while raising funds to support future Kenan ACRES youth programs. Guests can enjoy all-you-can-taste wine and beer samplings, live music, raffles, and a lively party atmosphere throughout the evening.

VIP admission runs from 3-7 p.m., offering early access and preferred parking. General admission runs from 4-7 p.m. Live music will be provided by The Uptown Groove, performing crowd-favorite covers and keeping the energy high for most of the event. Food will be available for purchase separately.

“This event is always one of the highlights of our year,” said Bill Patti, CEO of the Kenan

Center. “We’re proud to showcase the incredible craft beverages Western New York is known

for while bringing our community together for a night that’s both fun and meaningful. Fundraisers like this allow us to keep Kenan ACRES programs affordable and accessible, ensuring that thousands of kids each year can explore the arts, sports and educational opportunities that help them grow and thrive.”

The 2026 Kenan Wine & Beer Bash is presented by Cornerstone CFCU and held in partnership with The Lock Tender, which will host a wine garden at the event, and the Tap & Craft Festival, helping to elevate this year’s celebration of local flavor. Participating wineries and breweries will be announced soon.

Proceeds from the event directly benefit Kenan ACRES, the Kenan Center’s flagship youth initiative focused on arts, culture, recreation, education and sports. Each year, Kenan ACRES serves thousands of children by providing opportunities to learn new skills, build confidence, and discover new passions in a welcoming environment.

Tickets are available now. General admission tickets are $45, VIP tickets are $65, and designated driver tickets are $10. Admission includes access to all tastings and live entertainment. Tickets may be purchased online at https://www.ticketleap.events/tickets/kenancenter/kenan-wine-and-beer-bash-654327900 or at the door on the day of the event.

Free parking is available on campus, with overflow parking nearby. Guests are encouraged to carpool, as parking areas may fill quickly. The Kenan Arena is fully accessible, and the event will take place rain or shine as a fully indoor celebration. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.kenancenter.org.

More about the Kenan Center: The Kenan Center provides a safe place for people of all ages to come together and explore our interests, challenge our assumptions, and learn the meaning of community. With year-round programming that gets our hearts racing, our minds thinking, and our hands playing, the Kenan Center offers something for everyone.