Back in 2007, a group of friends in Santa Cruz, California—led by Jesse Avshalomov—had a simple idea: create a day to celebrate beer and the people who make it happen. What started as a local gathering has exploded into a global phenomenon, with celebrations now happening across 80+ countries and six continents in August.

The concept was straightforward—gather with friends, enjoy great beer, and give props to the brewers and servers who make it all possible. Nearly two decades later, that grassroots spirit is alive and well, and frankly, we can’t think of a better place to experience it than right here on the ROC/FLX Craft Beverage Trail.

Why Our Trail Hits Different

Let’s be honest—you could celebrate International Beer Day anywhere. But the twelve breweries along our trail offer something you won’t find just anywhere: a genuine connection to both the craft and the community behind it.

Take Other Half Brewing, which brings their Brooklyn street cred to two spots along our trail—Finger Lakes and Lakeshore. They’ve built a cult following for good reason, and experiencing their beer in the Finger Lakes setting adds a whole new dimension to what they’re doing.

Then there’s Engine 14 Brewery, where the local firefighter connection isn’t just marketing—it’s part of the fabric of what they do. Or Naples Brewing Company, where owners Trevor and Dan literally brew in their basement on Main Street. They’re the smallest brewery in Ontario County—possibly one of the tiniest you’ll find anywhere—but they’ve maximized every square inch of their converted print shop. It’s the kind of scrappy, all-hands-on-deck operation that embodies what craft brewing is really about.

Meanwhile, spots like New York Beer Project show just how innovative the local beer scene can be. These aren’t just taprooms—they’re test kitchens for bold flavors and fresh ideas that reflect the Finger Lakes spirit.

And that’s just a taste.

What Makes This Worth Your Time

International Beer Day isn’t about beer snobbery or deciphering tasting notes—it’s about connection. Good beer, made by good people, enjoyed in good company. The breweries on our trail get that. They take their craft seriously, but not themselves.

Whether you’re into hazy IPAs, crisp lagers, malty reds, or curious to try a seasonal experiment, you’ll meet brewers who are excited to share what they’re pouring and why they love it. That kind of authenticity is exactly what helped a small California idea turn into a worldwide tradition.

How to Celebrate on August 1st

Luckily, International Beer Day falls on a Friday this year—perfect for a relaxed afternoon or a full-on trail adventure. Visit a few breweries, take your time, and strike up a conversation with the folks behind the bar. Ask about their favorite brew, what’s new on tap, or how they got into beer in the first place.

Each stop has its own vibe, story, and specialties—from waterfront hangouts to cozy village spots to modern industrial taprooms. You’re not just sampling beers—you’re getting a true taste of what makes each community unique.

The Heart of It All

Jesse Avshalomov and his friends probably didn’t envision their small gathering turning into a global movement. But they understood something simple and powerful: good beer brings people together. It starts conversations. It creates memories.

And that’s exactly what you’ll find along the ROC/FLX Craft Beverage Trail.

So this August 1st, skip the generic selections and crowded chains. Instead, raise a pint with the makers, movers, and fans of real craft beer. Celebrate where it matters—with local flavor, friendly faces, and the kind of connection that only great beer can spark.