Summary
The Hoochenanny Whiskey Music Festival, held annually at the scenic Genesee Valley Park in Rochester, NY, combines the soulful energy of live music with the rich tradition of whiskey craftsmanship. This immersive festival features nationally recognized musical acts, a curated selection of whiskey tastings, local food vendors, and interactive experiences. With its growing popularity, the Hoochenanny has established itself as a standout event in the region, attracting both music lovers and whiskey connoisseurs.
The Hoochenanny Whiskey & Music Festival is back in 2025 with a larger-than-ever celebration of music, whiskey, food, and artisan culture. Set against the scenic backdrop of Camp Eastman in Rochester, New York, this one-of-a-kind event will run from August 8 to 10, offering an expanded lineup, immersive whiskey experiences, and dynamic entertainment for music lovers and spirit enthusiasts alike.
Overview: A Festival Where Craft Meets Culture
The Hoochenanny Festival is not merely a musical event—it is an immersive cultural experience that brings together award-winning musicians, top-tier whiskey brands, craft brewers, and culinary artisans in a festival atmosphere that celebrates American tradition and innovation. Organized by renowned local producers Tommy Brunett and Sean McCarthy, the event is designed to spotlight the finest in Americana, punk, outlaw country, rock, and alternative music, paired with the most sophisticated whiskey tastings in the Northeast.
Festival Dates and Location
- Dates: August 8, 9, and 10, 2025 (Friday to Sunday)
- Venue: Camp Eastman, located on the shores of Lake Ontario in Rochester, NY
- Admission Options: General Admission (GA), VIP Passes, and Tasting Packages
Camp Eastman offers a unique setting with wide-open green space, shaded groves, and proximity to the lake—making it an ideal location for a multi-day festival.
Music Lineup: Genre-Spanning Talent Across Three Days
The 2025 lineup is set to feature 18 live acts across multiple stages, showcasing both national headliners and local rising stars. The diversity of genres ensures there is something for every musical taste.
Headlining Artists Include:
- Joan Jett & The Blackhearts – Rock legends known for “Bad Reputation” and “I Love Rock ‘n’ Roll”
- Dark Star Orchestra – Celebrated Grateful Dead tribute band delivering powerful jam sessions
- Charles Wesley Godwin – Country-rock storytelling at its finest
- Old 97’s – Alt-country pioneers with a loyal cult following
- The Nude Party, Sarah Shook & The Disarmers, Bella White, and many more
The full lineup is scheduled across three days, with evening headliners and daytime performers ensuring a continuous flow of live music.
World of Whiskey: A Curated Tasting Experience
The World of Whiskey returns as the festival’s central attraction for spirit lovers. Spanning 16,000 square feet, this expertly curated whiskey tasting pavilion brings together nearly 30 distilleries from New York and across the U.S.
Highlights Include:
- Tasting Flights of small-batch and limited-edition whiskies
- Master Distiller Meet & Greets
- Rare Pour Bars featuring hard-to-find aged spirits
- Fireside Conversations on distilling, blending, and flavor profiling
- Interactive Whiskey Booths with sensory experiences and educational stations
Whether you’re a seasoned whiskey enthusiast or a curious newcomer, the World of Whiskey offers something for everyone.
Lager Land and Barrel Bistro: Food and Craft Beer
In addition to its whiskey focus, the festival introduces Lager Land, a dedicated area for craft beer tasting, and Barrel Bistro, a hub for gourmet festival fare.
Barrel Bistro Features:
- Rotating menus from top Rochester food trucks
- BBQ, wood-fired pizza, artisanal sausages, vegan eats, and more
- Locally sourced ingredients highlighting upstate New York’s agricultural bounty
Lager Land Includes:
- Complimentary beer tastings for attendees 21+
- Breweries from across the Northeast and Midwest
- Education sessions on hops, fermentation, and pairing beer with food
Together, these zones ensure that culinary culture is at the heart of the festival.
VIP Experience: Luxury and Access Combined
For those seeking an elevated festival experience, VIP Passes unlock exclusive amenities that go beyond standard admission.
VIP Perks:
- Access to a double-decker VIP loft with premium stage views
- Air-conditioned VIP lounges with private bars
- Exclusive whiskey tastings unavailable to GA ticket holders
- Reserved parking close to the festival entrance
- Early access to the festival grounds each day
VIP options sell out quickly and are highly recommended for attendees who want the best the festival has to offer.
Artisans Bazaar and Local Vendors
The Artisans Bazaar brings a local touch, featuring handcrafted goods, vintage wares, and bespoke lifestyle products. Shoppers can explore stalls curated by independent makers, including:
- Hand-poured candles
- Custom leather goods
- Vintage apparel and vinyl records
- Art prints, woodwork, and jewelry
The bazaar reflects the ethos of the Hoochenanny brand—local, authentic, and passionately made.
Community and Sustainability Focus
In 2025, the Hoochenanny Festival is doubling down on its community partnerships and sustainability efforts:
- A portion of ticket sales supports local music education programs
- Recyclable drinkware and zero-waste initiatives reduce the environmental footprint
- Partnerships with local farms and distilleries emphasize regional support
Festival organizers are committed to making the event both culturally impactful and environmentally responsible.
Ticketing and Entry Information
Tickets for Hoochenanny 2025 are available online through the official website. Multiple tiers are offered:
- Single-Day GA Passes – Access to concerts and bazaar
- Weekend GA Passes – All three days of music and activities
- Whiskey Tasting Packages – Entry to World of Whiskey sessions
- VIP Weekend Passes – All-inclusive access with added privileges
Children under 10 are admitted free with a paying adult, and ADA accommodations are available.
Travel and Accommodations
Located just 20 minutes from downtown Rochester, Camp Eastman is accessible by car and public transport. Free and paid parking options are offered, and nearby hotels are already accepting bookings.
For those traveling from outside the region, Rochester’s Frederick Douglass Greater Rochester International Airport offers convenient flight options.
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Final Thoughts
The Hoochenanny Whiskey & Music Festival 2025 is shaping up to be the premier cultural event in upstate New York this summer. With a carefully curated lineup, immersive whiskey and beer experiences, and a strong commitment to local craft and sustainability, it offers far more than a standard music festival. Whether you’re coming for the music, the spirits, or the overall atmosphere, Hoochenanny promises a memorable experience where tradition meets creativity.
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