Hoochenanny Whiskey & Music Festival organizers Tommy Brunett and Sean McCarthy announced today the first 12 musical acts and more than 30 whiskey brands that will blend world-class live music and whiskey at the second annual event.
The three-day experience takes place from Friday, Aug. 8, to Sunday, Aug. 10, 2025, in a new and expanded location on 14 beautiful acres at Camp Eastman in Irondequoit, New York. Live music will be presented on two outdoor stages, while numerous whiskey experiences, including samples, bottle shops, craft cocktails, a rarities bar and more, will be hosted in seven custom-built tent structures. Additional regional music acts will be announced later.
General admission and VIP one, two, and three-day passes go on sale Friday, March 28, with early bird pricing available through Saturday, May 31.
Festival grounds will be open Friday, August 8, from 2 to 10 p.m., Saturday, August 9, from noon to 10 p.m., and Sunday, August 10, from 2 to 10 p.m. Ample parking is available for $10 per car each day.
Music Lineup
The 2025 festival will feature an expanded music lineup with international, national, and regional artists performing across two stages, delivering a dynamic mix of Americana, rock, alternative, punk, outlaw country and rockabilly.
Friday, August 8: Charles Wesley Godwin, Old 97’s, The English Beat
Saturday, August 9: Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, The Record Company, Tommy Brunett’s All-Star Cavalcade of Scoundrels, The Jack Knives, Vandoliers
Sunday, August 10: moe., Dark Star Orchestra, Galactic featuring Anjelika Jelly Joseph, Eggy
Regional music acts will be announced at a later date.
Whiskey Lineup
This year’s whiskey programming will be triple the size of the inaugural festival, showcasing more than 150 of the finest spirits from local, national and regional distilleries.
The World of Whiskey Tasting Experience will showcase more than 30 national and regional distillers areas inside an 8,700-square-foot structure tent. The tasting experience will offer interactive sampling stations, educational sessions, and opportunities to meet the distillers behind the brands, with samples ranging from classic bourbons to unique craft expressions.
The five unique Tasting Experience areas are:
- Rickhouse Rendezvous is a prohibition-style rickhouse-meets-speakeasy presented by The New York State Distillers Guild, it will highlight distillers from across the Excelsior state along with interactive exhibits and educational displays.
- American Whiskey Journey is a coast-to-coast experience showcasing whiskey-producing states and distilleries across the country. Patrons will be immersed in the rich culture and heritage of American’s signature spirit, and presented visions of what American whiskey is and can be in the future.
- Rarities Bar offers Hoochenanny whiskey fans exclusive access to some truly rare sips – exclusive, limited-edition whiskeys, from local, regional and national distillers, including several exclusive to Hoochenanny.
- Libations Lounge offers a selection of craft whiskey cocktails from veteran mixologists, allowing guests to experience pre-prohibition classics up to modern innovations. Patrons can mix their neat whiskey into a specialty cocktail, or explore a menu of non-whiskey spirits to craft the perfect drink.
- Bourbon Broadcast is a fireside chat featuring a nationally recognized whiskey media personality along with a rotating lineup of industry experts and Hoochenanny master distillers, blenders and ambassadors.
Participating brands include:
- Balcones Distilling
- Black Button Distilling
- Bubba’s Secret Stills Whiskey
- Den of Thieves
- Great Jones
- Iron Smoke Distillery
- Michter’s
- Pinhook
- Stranahan’s Colorado Whiskey
- Tin Cup Mountain Whiskey
- Woodenville Whiskey Co.
19 additional whiskey brands will be added to the lineup and announced at a later date.
More Expanded Festival Experiences
The 2025 festival will offer a variety of immersive experiences, including:
- Main Stage - Featuring performances by top international and national music groups.
- Side Stage - Showcasing top international and national music groups, along with the best local and regional talent.
- VIP Loft Double-Decker - This premium ticket option offers exclusive access to a two-story, 5,000-square-foot oasis with a bird’s-eye view of the festival stages or access to the VIP bridge for the best main stage experience. The experience includes sit-down dining, a full cash cocktail bar, plush seating with a cigar bar, and exclusive whiskey tastings. Climate-controlled luxury restrooms provide comfort while guests enjoy the ultimate festival experience.
- Concert Pavilion - This 10,000-square-foot covered space offers views of the main and local stages, with ample seating and lounge areas. It can comfortably accommodate 1,000 patrons and features an 80-foot bar serving beer, wine, and seltzer. Festival and band merchandise will also be available to browse while enjoying live music in a relaxed atmosphere.
- Stageview Cocktail Lounge - An exclusive bar with a prime view of the main stage, offering specialty drinks at a cash bar. Relax in a laid-back atmosphere under a 1,650-square-foot tent, where guests can enjoy craft cocktails served in real glasses. The space, available on a first-come, first-served basis, accommodates about 300 people.
- Lager Land - A complimentary beer-tasting area showcasing approximately 15 local craft brews poured to perfection inside a 1,800-square-foot tent just steps from the action. Open from 2 to 5 p.m. Friday and Sunday and from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, the area provides an opportunity to sample local beers alongside the festival’s music and whiskey offerings.
- Barrel Bistro - This collection of food vendors will offer unique culinary experiences. A variety of local vendors will provide food to complement the festival. Local vendors can visit the website for more information on how to apply.
- Artisans Bazaar - This marketplace will feature unique creations of local artisans and handcrafted goods. Meet the makers and learn their stories. Applications for vendors will open soon.
Festival Ticket Information – Early-bird pricing (1-3 Day Passes)
good from March 28 to May 31
VIP Passes
One-day $150, Two-day $285, Three-day $400
Access the exclusive VIP Loft Double-Decker Tent, a two-story hospitality space with lounge seating, sit-down dining, a full-service cash bar, and premium food options available for purchase. VIP guests can enjoy private whiskey tastings not available in the World of Whiskey, plus indulgent extras like hand-rolled cigars. A raised bridge connects to a stage-side party deck with prime views of the headlining acts. Includes access to all other festival experiences.
General Admission Tasting
One-day $75, Two-day $130, Three-day $190
For whiskey aficionados, this pass grants access to the exclusive World of Whiskey Tasting, featuring five unique tasting sessions, plus the Lager Land Beer Tasting. In addition to the tastings, this pass includes access to standard festival offerings such as the Main and Local Stages, Artisans Bazaar, The Barrel Bistro Food Experience, and the Concert Pavilion Tent with beer, wine, and seltzer. Tasting Pass holders also gain exclusive access to the Stageview Cocktail Lounge.
General Admission
One-day $50, Two-day $85, Three-day $120
Access the Main and Side Stages, the Artisans Bazaar, and The Barrel Bistro Food Experience. Enjoy the Concert Pavilion Tent with a selection of beer, wine, and seltzers, along with unique experiences curated by the Hoochenanny creators. This pass is ideal for designated drivers, younger festival-goers, or those seeking a more laid-back experience with a drink or two at the cash bars.
Quotables
Tommy Brunett, Founder and Owner of Hoochenanny and Iron Smoke Distillery
“Hoochenanny isn’t just another music festival – it’s a full-throttle celebration of America’s whiskey heritage and its exciting future,” says Tommy Brunett, founder of Hoochenanny. “With a genre-spanning lineup that ranges from Americana and rockabilly to alternative, punk, and outlaw country, we’re gearing up for an even bigger second year. We’re proud to help put Rochester on the map as a top destination for unforgettable live music and immersive cultural experiences.”
Sean McCarthy, Owner of Hoochenanny and McCarthy Tents and Events
“Building on the success of Tommy’s inaugural event in 2023, Hoochenanny 2025 is set to take the festival experience to new heights. With two stages of incredible live music and immersive experiences, Camp Eastman will be transformed into a raucous destination where music, whiskey, and unforgettable moments come together for an epic weekend of entertainment and libations. At the heart of Hoochenanny is hospitality — we want every guest to feel comfortable, welcomed, and relaxed, ensuring it’s a place where everyone can fully enjoy the experience,” said Sean McCarthy, Hoochenanny event producer.
Peter Wehner, Deputy Supervisor and Board Member of the Town of Irondequoit
“We are excited to welcome the Hoochenanny Whiskey & Music Festival to Irondequoit: a celebration of music, craft, and community. After years of hosting beloved community events, it feels truly special to see Camp Eastman back in the spotlight, serving as the perfect backdrop for such an unforgettable experience,” said Peter Wehner, deputy supervisor and board member of the Town of Irondequoit. “This festival is more than just entertainment; it’s about bringing people together, supporting local vendors and talent alongside national acts, and creating lasting memories. We’re deeply grateful to the event coordinators for choosing Irondequoit and for involving us in this incredible opportunity. On behalf of the Town of Irondequoit, we can’t wait to share this amazing experience and the beauty of our town with all of you. We’re excited to see you there and to be a part of something truly special.”
Rich Ide, Vice President of Ide Family of Dealerships
“At Ide Family of Dealerships, we’ve always believed in supporting what makes our community unique. That’s why we’re so excited to be part of this incredible Hoochenanny Whiskey & Music Festival. It’s not just about great tunes and amazing drinks; it’s about coming together, celebrating our roots, and supporting local talent and businesses, which has always been one of our core values. As a family-owned dealership, we’re proud to continue building strong relationships within our community, and we can’t wait to enjoy this fantastic event with all of you!” said Rich Ide, vice president of Ide Family of Dealerships.
County Executive Adam J. Bello
“We’re excited to welcome the Hoochenanny Whiskey & Music Festival to Monroe County this year,” said County Executive Adam J. Bello. “Hoochenanny will be a great addition to our summer festival season, bringing whiskey enthusiasts and music lovers from far and wide together to enjoy beautiful Camp Eastman and explore all that Monroe County has to offer.”
Call for Food Vendors to Participate in the Barrel Bistro
The Barrel Bistro is set to be a standout feature at this year’s Hoochenanny Whiskey & Music Festival, offering a curated collection of food vendors that will provide unique and delicious culinary experiences. Hoochenanny organizers are seeking regional and local food businesses that specialize in diverse, flavorful dishes to complement the festival’s raucous atmosphere. Food vendors interested in participating can apply now at hoochenanny.com/vendor-application. The deadline for submissions is June 30.
Seeking Unique Vendors for the Artisans Bazaar
Vendors are invited to showcase unique, one-of-a-kind goods at the festival, focusing on rare, quirky, and unconventional items. This is an opportunity for artisans and creators to offer festivalgoers something extraordinary. Applications for vendors will open soon, and those interested in participating are encouraged to visit hoochenanny.com to learn more.
Call for Local Bands to Apply
The 2025 Hoochenanny Whiskey & Music Festival is offering Rochester area musicians the opportunity to join the lineup of national headliners in a unique celebration of whiskey, music, and craft culture. To apply for a spot, musicians may submit Electronic Press Kits (EPK), including bio, photos, music samples, and live performance videos by Monday, March 24, to bookings@hoochenanny.com.
Hoochenanny Teams Up with Make-A-Wish, Lou Gramm Foundation, Endless Highway to Make an Impact
This year, the festival is partnering with Make-A-Wish, the Lou Gramm Foundation, and Endless Highway, uniting to bring hope and change to our community. Details on how these organizations will be involved in this year’s festival will be announced soon.
