When’s the last time you visited your local brewpub? It should be pretty easy to find one, considering that about half of the more than 2,000 U.S. breweries are considered brewpubs.

To celebrate this growing tradition of locally brewed beers enjoyed straight from the source, the 2012 Great American Beer Festival will feature a Brewpub Pavilion, located in the central area of the festival hall. The Brewpub Pavilion will include approximately 24 breweries representing all regions of the country and will offer bite-sized snacks for purchase. Stay tuned for more details on this new addition to the festival.