Thanks to COVID-19, this year’s Great American Beer Festival (GABF) is an online affair, taking place on October 16-17. But starting on October 1, there are some very real deals to be had at area breweries. Here’s how it works.

Purchase virtual admission to GABF via a $20 “passport,” then show that at participating breweries. In DC, the passport gets you 20% off purchases at DC Brau, 10% off cases at Right Proper, and exclusive beer pairings at Red Bear. The latter two will also offer 10% off merchandise for passport holders.

In Maryland, 7 Locks is offering your choice of free beer delivery or a 10 oz pour on-site, and Virginia has deals galore, including buy-one-get-one (BOGO) flights at Caboose, a free sampler at Fair Winds, and 20% off to-go sales of past GABF winners–Optimal Wit, Monumental IPA, and Porter –at Port City. Rocket Frog is deeply discounting flights, too, and the best deal of all comes from Front Royal Brewing: BOGO pints and 4-packs!

As you can see, the passport might pay for itself, and you’ll be able to attend GABF, which is featuring locals like 3 Stars, pairing its Peppercorn Saison with dumplings from ChiKo and Anju chef Danny Lee at 4pm on Saturday the 17th. All in all, over 1,000 breweries have signed up to participate in the passport program at GABF. Get on it.

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