On April 22, the 2017 DC Beer Fest will return to Nationals Ballpark in Southeast for its eighth iteration. The event will take place throughout the complex, from outdoor areas like Centerfield Plaza to indoor venues like the Budweiser Brew House and the Bud Light Loft. But contrary to the Anheuser-Busch branding, the festival will bring dozens of microbreweries together with selections that will include seasonal specialties. Participating breweries from the DMV-metro area have been invited to devise festival-exclusive beer for a test-kitchen space.

Started in 2013, the fest is held biannually in the spring and fall. First-time additions to the lineup include Black Walnut Brewery, Key Brewing Company, Lickinghole Creek Craft Brewery, Seven Arrows Brewing Company, and Waredaca Brewing Company. In addition to the beer vendors, more than a dozen food trucks will set up shop, including Arepa Zone, CapMac, Peruvian Brothers, and Red Hook Lobster Pound. Local DJs will play music for attendees, and lawn games will be located throughout the fest.

Tickets are available for two sessions: one from noon to 3 p.m. and the other from 5 to 8 p.m. Both sessions cost $45 to attend and give attendees unlimited tastings at all participating breweries; food is sold separately. Tickets for one session can be exchanged for the alternate session until April 15. For more information and tickets, see the DC Beer Fest website: https://www.dcbeerfestival.com/

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