The Hoochenanny Whiskey & Music Festival is coming to Rochester, NY from August 8-10, 2025! For it’s first year in Rochester, the festival brings over 150 top spirits, whiskey tastings, craft cocktails, and immersive events, all while celebrating the rich heritage of whiskey-making.
Here’s what you need to know before attending the Hochenanny’s debut year in the Flower City.
The Basics
-
- Where: The Hoochenanny Whiskey & Music Festival takes place at Camp Eastman in Rochester, NY
-
- When: August 8-10, 2025
-
- What time: Friday & Sunday 2:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. and Saturday 12:00 p.m., – 10:00 p.m.
-
- Who: This exciting new festival is brought to you by the owners of Iron Smoke Distillery and McCarthy Tents & Events
18 Live Music Acts
This 3-day event includes 18 live music acts, including Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, Dark Star Orchestra, The Old 97s, The Record Company, Moe., and more. Whether you’re an Americana and outlaw country fan or a punk and alternative rock fan, the Hoochenanny Festival has the live music you’re looking for.
All this live music will take place across 2 stages at Rochester’s own Camp Eastman.
Find more details on the Hoochenanny’s live music here.
World of Whiskey
During World of Whiskey at the Hoochenanny visitors can explore the offerings of around 30 national and regional distillers. It features five unique experiences across the 16,000-square-foot tent.
-
- Rickhouse Rendezvous: Presented by the New York State Distillers Guild, this event features distillers from across New York State. Immerse yourself in interactive exhibits and a curated collection of expressions that have helped make New York a pillar of America’s Whiskey culture.
-
- American Whiskey Journey: Explore the full range of American whiskey, from coast to coast. Featuring top-tier whiskey from Kentucky, Tennessee, Washington, Colorado and many more.
-
- Rarities Bar: This experience offers visitors excusive access to some rare sips. If you’re a whiskey enthusiast looking to try some limited release options, this is a can’t miss event.
-
- Libations Lounge: In this experience veteran mixologists take you on a journey through whiskey, from pre-prohibition classics up to modern innovations.
-
- Fireside Chats: Experience conversations among nationally recognized whiskey media personalities along with a rotating lineup of industry experts and Hoochenanny master distillers, blenders, and ambassadors.
Click here to learn more about World of Whiskey.
Lager Land
Presented by Keystone Custom Decks, with support from Genesee Brewing Co. and T.J. Sheehan Distributing, Lager Land features 12 of the Northeast’s finest lagers, all poured inside a 3,000-square-foot tent with a view of the main stage.
This walk-up tasting offers five free tastings with the option to grab another flight of five for just $10. Learn more about Lager Land here.
Whiskey Auction
This online auction launches on Saturday, August 8 and offers those to enter a chance to win rare, collectible, and legendary bottles of whiskey, along with a guitar signed by Rochester’s own Lou Gramm, front man of Foreigner.
Some items up for bid include
-
- Pappy Van Winkle’s Family Reserve 15 Year
-
- Old Rip Van Winkle 10 Year
-
- Blanton’s Single Barrel Bourbon
-
- George T. Stagg Bourbon
-
- Hirsch Selection 28 Year
Learn more about the auction here.
Visit the Hoochenanny’s website to learn more and start planning your visit to the Hoochenanny Whiskey & Music Festival’s first year in Rochester now. Be sure to share the fun with us using #VisitROC!
