I can proudly say that I’ve hit just about every major festival in Buffalo, but if there’s one that I truly regret never having attended, it’s Buffalo Brewfest.

The annual beer festival, scheduled for Aug. 10, has added approximately 50 new craft brews to its 2012 beer lineup—that’s about 150 beers total for your tasting pleasure, with more breweries being added daily. With that in mind, it’s safe to say the event is a sure-shot crowd-pleaser for adventurous beer aficionados.

“That’s the real focus—to try to have as many unique brews as possible,” festival representative Dan Mecca said.

Sadly, I’ll once again have to miss the event due to vacation plans. But I encourage you to get to First Niagara Center, 1 Seymour H. Knox III Plaza in Buffalo, to drink a few on my behalf, and tweet your favorites at me.

In addition to more beers, there will be more space to get your drink on. The festival has expanded outdoors and will extend to First Niagara Center’s Alumni Plaza, Mecca said.

Try local brews and others from far-off cities. Buffalo breweries Flying Bison, Pearl Street and Community Beer Works will be pouring all the WNY favorites, FYI. Check out this growing list of participating breweries and featured brews for a better idea of what to expect.

Brewfest beers start flowing at 5:30 and run through 9:30 p.m. Tickets, $30 in advance or $35 at the door, are available through Tickets.com, at the Sabres box office or at any Craft Beer Exchange at APlus location. (Tip: buy your tickets at Craft Beer Exchange and avoid service and convenience charges.)

Purchase of ticket includes admission to the event, a souvenir tasting glass, program and 20 tasting tickets. One ticket can be redeemed for one 3-oz. beer sample. Additional tickets are available for $1 each.

The sample sizes may seem small, but all those fluid ounces add up. Be sure to arrange to have a designated driver to get you home—or wherever you’re going—safely. According to the festival website, there will also be designated drivers available. Plan accordingly.

It’s also smart to snack while drinking, so the festival will offer a special menu for the event. From popcorn and soft pretzels to burgers and bratwurst, a variety of bar foods will be available to order, costing from $5 to $8.

Proceeds to benefit Buffalo Hearing & Speech Center Foundation.

Buffalo Brewfest 2011 from Man Alive Productions on Vimeo.