After a successful inaugural event in 2023, the Hoochenanny Whiskey and Music Festival is back in 2025, expanding with more music, more whiskey, and a new focus on delivering a high-energy, multi-sensory experience.
Formerly known as the Hoochenanny Whiskey Festival, the rebranded event reflects an expanded focus on both music and whiskey.
The 2025 festival will span three days, August 8 to 10, 2025, and will move to a new location, Camp Eastman, at 1301 Lakeshore Blvd, Rochester, NY 14617. The Festival was previously a two-day event held in the Village of Geneseo. Camp Eastman will accommodate two stages in a larger and more versatile space to host more than 25 nationally renowned music artists and top regional talent.
In addition to the music, whiskey will remain at the heart of the festival, with expanded offerings and curated tasting experiences. As its tagline, “Cultivate the Uncommon,” conveys, its mission is to create a gathering where tastemakers, music lovers, and whiskey enthusiasts can enjoy unique, one-of-a-kind experiences that showcase crafted whiskey, food, culture, education, and craft cocktails in an immersive atmosphere.
L-R: Tommy Brunett, co-owner of the Hoochenanny Whiskey and Music Festival and co-owner of Iron Smoke Distillery, and Sean McCarthy, co-owner of the Hoochenanny Whiskey and Music Festival and owner of McCarthy Tents and Events; Photo by Tomas Flint.
Sean McCarthy, owner of McCarthy Tents and Events and new co-owner of Hoochenanny, joins founder Tommy Brunett, co-owner of Iron Smoke Distillery, to expand and elevate the festival’s vision and execution. A seasoned veteran in the special events industry, McCarthy is also the co-owner and co-founder of Roc Holiday Village and is renowned for producing large-scale events with seamless operations, exceptional guest experiences, and strong audience engagement.
“I’m excited to join forces with Tommy to take the Hoochenanny to the next level,” said McCarthy. “With my experience in special events and Tommy’s unmatched creativity and passion for whiskey and music, we’re excited to deliver an unforgettable experience at this new location.”
“This is a big step forward for the festival,” added Tommy Brunett. “Sean’s expertise in event production, combined with our shared love of whiskey and music, is going to make this year’s Hoochenanny truly special. Camp Eastman provides the perfect backdrop to bring our vision to life.”
The Town of Irondequoit will serve as title sponsor and host of 2025 Hoochenanny Whiskey and Music Festival.
“The Town of Irondequoit is excited to announce a partnership with the Hoochenanny Whiskey and Music Festival. This addition fills a long-standing gap in our community’s festival lineup, bringing a world-class music event to our beautiful Camp Eastman. We are confident that the festival will be a spectacular experience for everyone and will become a cherished annual tradition. We look forward to celebrating this year and for many years to come,” said Andraé Evans, Irondequoit’s town supervisor.
The festival will feature:
Music – Live music featuring regional and national musical acts will perform across two stages, offering a diverse and memorable music experience.
Whiskey – Attendees will experience the rich flavors and traditions of whiskey and other fine spirits, celebrating the artistry of local, and national craft distillers.
Culture – The festival will highlight the traditional and innovative aspects of maker culture, giving attendees the opportunity to engage with the people and trends shaping the industry.
Education – For those looking to deepen their knowledge of whiskey, the “World of Whiskey Tasting Room” will offer a hands-on experience and the opportunity to learn from industry experts, as well as discover the rich history of whiskey and its future.
Festival-goers can also enjoy:
Main Stage Area – A major stage featuring top-tier production for 6,000 attendees.
VIP Loft – A two-story tent offering luxury amenities, including sit-down dining, a full-service bar, and more.
World of Whiskey Tasting Room – A space dedicated to the history and future of whiskey.
NY Cask and Craft Beer Tasting Room – Featuring regional brews.
Festival Beverage Centers – Including the Concert Pavilion, Stageview Cocktail Lounge, and Undercover Spirits Speakeasy.
Food and Art – Enjoy a vibrant food scene with Rochester’s finest culinary offerings and unique arts from local makers.
The Hoochenanny Whiskey and Music Festival is also committed to making a positive impact through its philanthropic efforts. In partnership with Make-A-Wish and other non-profits, the festival will give back to the community while providing an unforgettable experience.
Additional details, including ticket on-sale dates, musical lineups, and whiskey programming, will be announced in the coming months.
Submissions Now Open for Local Rochester Bands to Perform
Rochester-based bands can now apply to perform at the 2025 Hoochenanny Whiskey and Music Festival on the local stage.
Interested bands should submit their electronic press kits (EPKs), including a biography, photos, music samples, and live performance videos to [email protected].
The submission deadline is Saturday, February 15, at midnight Eastern time.
Selected bands will showcase their music in a dynamic festival environment, earning a spot on the lineup and giving audiences a chance to discover new local talent.
