San Leandro Brewery On Tap For Great American Beer Fest 2020

SAN LEANDRO CA — For those looking for a unique way to relax and raise a pint amid the coronavirus pandemic, this year’s Great American Beer Festival is going virtual.

The 39th annual event, planned Oct. 1-18, will feature more than 900 craft breweries, including 21st Amendment Brewery in San Leandro.

Online events are planned Oct. 16-17 for anyone who purchases event tickets.

Online programming for the festival will cover a variety of topics including tips and tricks to enhance beer knowledge and enjoyment, stories from standouts in the craft beer industry, and how to create the best flavors through beer and food pairings.

Online events kick off the night of Oct. 16 with the Great American Beer Festival awards ceremony, which is open to the public. The presentation will also be broadcast on The Brewing Network.

Festival organizers plan to publish the final list of breweries Sept. 15.

For now, bars and local breweries remain closed in Alameda County. If that changes you may take advantage of the deals by purchasing a $20 passport, which acts as a “digital savings book” and is valid throughout the festival. The passport also allows you access to online events.

See this year’s full list of discounts and specials.

The Great American Beer Festival is organized by the Brewers Association, a nonprofit organization that promotes American craft beer and brewers. This year’s event was initially scheduled for Sept. 24-26 at the Colorado Convention Center in Denver.

— Written by Patch editor Megan VerHelst and additional reporting by Bea Karnes