With just two weeks until the Hoochenanny Festival, presented by IDE Family of Dealerships, takes over Center Park West in Fairport, organizers today unveiled a host of new attractions for the Aug. 14 to Aug. 16 event, including immersive whiskey experiences, an expanded lineup of artisans and craft breweries, sponsor giveaways, additions to the charitable Whiskey Auction and a comprehensive parking and transportation plan.
Crews are already building the festival’s custom tent structures and preparing the 11-acre site for three days of live music, whiskey, craft beverages, food and independent artisans.
This year’s festival takes place at its new home at Center Park West, 1100 Ayrault Road, Fairport, in the Town of Perinton.
Hoochenanny will feature more than 20 national and regional music acts, approximately 40 whiskey distillers, more than 140 whiskeys and spirits, craft beer, local food, independent artisans and custom-built hospitality experiences.
Friday general admission tickets and Saturday VIP tickets are sold out.
Media Credential Deadline Is July 31
Working members of the media interested in covering Hoochenanny Festival must apply for credentials by 5 p.m. Friday, July 31. Media representatives may review the guidelines and apply at hoochenanny.com/media-application.
Music Lineup of 23 Concerts
The 2026 festival will deliver a dynamic mix of alternative, rock, indie and genre-bending artists across three days.
Friday, Aug. 14: Lit, Toadies, Cracker, Rudy Nuño & The Broadcasters, Losers Club, Prophets & Thieves
Saturday, Aug. 15: My Morning Jacket, Guster, Tommy Brunett’s All-Star Cavalcade of Scoundrels featuring John Petrucci and Gary Lewis, Grace Bowers, Smilo and the Ghost, The Isotopes, Ocular Panther, Candy
Sunday, Aug. 16: Modest Mouse, Joywave, Amigo the Devil, Karina Rykman, Mt. Juliet, Drew Kiddoo and The Blackouts, Head to the Roots, Public Water Supply, The Beard and The Bird
Altamar Brands/High N’ Wicked Whiskey (KY), Augusta Distillery (KY), Baker’s Bourbon (KY), Barrelhouse 6 Distillery (NY), Basil Hayden (KY), Battle Rattle by Empire State Distillers (NY), Birdseye Hollow Farm & Distillery (NY), Booker’s Bourbon (KY), Breuckelen Distilling (NY), Bubba’s Secret Stills Whiskey (ID), Castle & Key Distillery (KY), Do Good Spirits (NY), Fiddler Bourbon (GA), Finger Lakes Distilling (NY), Fort Hamilton Distillery (NY), Iron Smoke Distillery (NY), Jefferson’s Bourbon (KY), Keeper’s Heart Whiskey (MN), Knob Creek (KY), Lock 1 Distilling Company (NY), Maker’s Mark (KY), Michter’s (KY), Nashville Barrel Company (TN), NULU Whiskey Co. (KY), Old Grand-Dad Bourbon (KY), Old Scotland Road Distillery (NY), Pinhook Bourbon (KY), Saint Lawrence Spirits (NY), Smokin’ Tails Distillery (NY), Springbrook Hollow Farm Distillery (NY), Starlight Distillery (IN), Taconic Distillery (NY), Tenmile Distillery (NY), WhistlePig Whiskey (VT) and Willett Distillery (KY). New York distilleries are presented in partnership with the New York State Distillers Guild.
World of Whiskey Presents Six Unique Experiences
The World of Whiskey, presented by FSI Construction, will transform a more than 14,000-square-foot, air-conditioned tent into six distinct experiences exploring the people, places, craftsmanship and stories behind America’s signature spirit:
- American Whiskey Journey: A coast-to-coast tasting adventure exploring the traditions, regional influences and evolving styles of American whiskey.
- Rickhouse Rendezvous: Presented by the New York State Distillers Guild, this Empire State-inspired experience will celebrate the craftsmanship and character of New York whiskey through tastings, interactive exhibits and conversations with participating distillers. Guests may also purchase bottles and leave them with the Whiskey Valet for pickup when exiting the festival.
- Rarities Bar: A curated selection of limited releases, aged expressions and barrel-strength whiskeys available for purchase while supplies last, including:
- Iron Smoke: CASKet Strength Bourbon, 120 proof; Double Oaked Bourbon, 100 proof; and Special Barrel Reserve Bourbon, 90 and 120 proof.
- Michter’s: Bomberger’s Declaration Bourbon 2025; Shenk’s Homestead Sour Mash 2025; Toasted Barrel Finish Sour Mash 2025; and 10 Year Single Barrel Rye 2026.
- Nashville Barrel Company: The Compromise Bourbon-Rye Blend; 12 Year Single Barrel Rye; Founders Fourteen; and 21 Year Single Barrel Tennessee Bourbon.
- Knob Creek: 12 Year and 18 Year.
- Old Grand-Dad: 7 Year, 114 proof.
- Libations Lounge: A cocktail bar inside the World of Whiskey serving drinks crafted with spirits from participating distilleries. Beer, water, soda and two signature mocktails will also be available. The cocktail menu will include the bourbon-and-apple Peacemaker; the tropical Brisket Queen; the sweet-and-spicy Hot Honey Hoochenanny; a refreshing Bourbon Mule with lime and ginger beer; and the Basil Hayden 75 with Golden Rye, lemon and sparkling bubbles.
- Fireside Chats: A series of engaging, educational panel conversations held inside the World of Whiskey experience moderated by nationally-recognized whiskey media personalities and featuring master distillers, blenders, distributors, and brand ambassadors from participating distilleries. The complete schedule and session details are available at hoochenanny.com/fireside-chats
. - Bourbon Broadcast: A live podcast experience hosted by Buffalo Happy Houroutside the World of Whiskey, offering where patrons and fans a lively, brand-specific, in-depth conversations with distillery representatives, music artists, and whiskey fans.
Whiskey Auction Supports Three Nonprofit Organizations
The Hoochenanny Whiskey Auction will open Friday, Aug. 14, with all proceeds benefiting Make-A-Wish Western New York, the Lou Gramm Foundation and Friends of Perinton Parks & Recreation.
The growing collection of rare and distinctive donations includes:
- Redbreast 27 Year Old Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey, Dewar’s Double Double 27 Year Old Blended Scotch Whisky and Shibui 18 Year Old Sherry Cask Single Grain Japanese Whisky, donated by Jim Lepore of Chili Liquor.
- Weller 12 Year Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, donated by Slade of Georgetown Liquor.
- Preservation Pot Stilled Kentucky Wheated Limited Edition First Run, aged 6.7 years, donated by Bonnie & Clyde.
- Pappy 10 and Pappy 12, donated by Billy Broomfield, known as “Team Broomy,” and Lisa’s Liquor Barn.
- Anderson County Reserve, Weller 12 Year, Weller Full Proof, Stagg and Doc Holliday 10 Year Straight Bourbon Whiskey, donated by Lisa’s Liquor Barn.
- Old Forester Single Barrel Barrel Strength, Weller Full Proof and Blanton’s Single Barrel, donated by Greg Jackson and CHM Liquors.
- Pinhook Straight Rye Whiskey 2025, donated by SCN Hospitality.
Additional bottle donations are being accepted. Individuals, collectors and businesses interested in contributing new, unopened bottles may contact [email protected].
Contests and Giveaways Announced
Festival sponsors will offer several interactive experiences and giveaways throughout the weekend.
DAVE Digital Audio Visual Environments will give away two 85-inch Samsung televisions valued at $1,200 each. Festivalgoers may enter beginning Friday and throughout the weekend at DAVE’s booth at the festival. One television will be awarded Saturday before My Morning Jacket takes the stage, and the second will be awarded Sunday before Modest Mouse performs. Entrants must be at the festival to enter and must be present at the time of the drawing to win.
Design Pool & Spa, the official sponsor of the GA+ Stageview Lounge, will give away a luxury Hydropool hot tub valued at $10,000. The winner may choose between the Serenity 6610 and Serenity 4510 models. Ticket holders may enter at the Design Pool & Spa booth at the festival each day, with additional entries earned for attending multiple days. There is no online entry. The winner will be announced at the festival Sunday, Aug. 16, and must be present to win. Delivery is limited to a location within 50 miles.
Lager Land to Showcase 14 Regional Breweries
Lager Land, presented by Keystone Custom Decks, will bring together 14 breweries inside a 3,000-square-foot tent overlooking the Premium Mortgage Highball Stage. The 21-and-older walk-up tasting experience is open to GA, GA+ and VIP guests. Flights include five tastes for $10 and a custom Hoochenanny tasting glass to keep. Lager Land will be open from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday and 3 to 7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
Participating breweries are:
- DeWolf Brewing Co., Victor
- Faircraft Brauhaus, Fairport
- Gem Creek Brewing Co., Canandaigua
- Jack’s Abby Craft Lagers, Framingham, MA
- Meier’s Creek Brewing Co., Cazenovia
- Other Half Brewing, Bloomfield
- Prison City Brewing, Auburn
- Sloop Brewing Co., Hopewell Junction
- Steuben Brewing Co., Hammondsport
- Stoneyard Brewing Co., Brockport
- Strangebird, Rochester
- Three Heads Brewing, Rochester
- Tröegs Independent Brewing, Hershey, PA
- von Trapp Brewing, Stowe, VT
Artisans Bazaar Brings Together Independent Makers
The Artisans Bazaar, presented by ADMAR, will feature independent artists, makers and specialty vendors offering jewelry, permanent jewelry, custom woodwork, resin art, letterpress prints, illustrations, books, gifts, clothing, tie-dyed apparel, tarot readings, pet portraits, fairy hair, tattoos and small-batch foods.
The 2026 artisans are:
- Boho Dangles
- Fool’s Eye View Tarot
- Freedom Season
- Great Lakes Stonery
- JCD FluidArtWorks
- JoLuxe Permanent Jewelry
- Love Made Simpler
- Peters Pickled Peppers
- Pretty Little Edges
- Sad Scribbles
- Shimmering Wings Fairy Hair
- Shop Peppermint
- Splitts Creek Tie Dye Co.
- The Land of Paradux
- Type High Letterpress
- Yokshi Ink
Barrel Bistro Features Local Food and Drink
The Barrel Bistro, presented by Indus, will serve as the festival’s central dining destination, offering covered and open-air seating with walk-up service from local food and beverage vendors throughout the weekend.
The 2026 food and drink vendors include 546 Chicken & Waffles, Big Papa Tacos, Cookie Coma, Eat Greek, Ice Cream Factory, Macarollin’, Mr. Squeeze Lemonade, Rob’s Kabobs, SALT. Local Drink & Eatery, Swan Market, The Chai Guy and The Sheffield.
Tickets On Sale Now, Note Low Ticket Alert
General admission (GA) – Includes access to live performances on the Premium Mortgage High Ball Main Stage and Harv’s Harley-Davidson Fermenter Stage, Barrel Bistro, Concert Pavilion, Artisans’ Bazaar and Lager Land.
- Free Friday GA tickets are sold out.
- One- and two-day GA tickets start at $80 plus convenience fees and taxes.
GA+ – Includes everything in General Admission, plus access to the World of Whiskey tasting experience, the new Stageview Lounge, upgraded restrooms and a side-stage viewing area.
- Very limited GA+ tickets remain for Friday, Aug. 14.
- One-, two- and three-day GA+ tickets start at $40 plus convenience fees and taxes.
VIP – Includes everything in General Admission, plus access to the World of Whiskey tasting experience, the two-story VIP Loft, the VIP Bridge viewing platform, complimentary parking, upgraded restrooms and unlimited re-entry.
- Very limited VIP tickets remain
- Saturday VIP tickets are sold out.
- One- and three-day VIP tickets start at $125 plus convenience fees and taxes.
Expanded Festival Experiences
The 2026 festival will feature an expanded range of experiences, including two performance stages, premium hospitality spaces, beverage experiences, food vendors and artisan shopping.
The High Ball Stage presented by Premium Mortgage will feature national headliners, and the Fermenter Stage presented by Harv’s Harley-Davidson will showcase national, regional and local acts in an amphitheater setting.
Premium hospitality options include the VIP Loft Double Decker, presented by IDE Family of Dealerships, a two-story tent with catering, lounge seating, a cigar bar, exclusive whiskey tastings and elevated views of the main stage, along with upgraded restroom amenities and access to a VIP viewing bridge.
The Concert Pavilion, presented by Colonial Fire Protection, offers covered seating, lounge areas and a large bar serving Genesee and Rohrbach beers, Modelo, Rootstock cider, Lake Hour and −196 canned cocktails, Graham + Fisk wine, nonalcoholic beer, hop water, soda and bottled water. Festival and band merchandise will also be available.
The GA+ Stageview Lounge, presented by Design Pool & Spa, provides GA+ ticket holders with a dedicated viewing area, patio-style seating and a cash bar serving Genesee and Rohrbach beers, Modelo, Rootstock cider, Lake Hour and −196 canned cocktails, Graham + Fisk wine, nonalcoholic beer, hop water, soda and bottled water.
Parking and Shuttle Information
- On-site parking will be available at the Perinton Community Center, 1350 Turk Hill Rd., for $20 per vehicle, per day, cash. Parking is first-come, first-served and available while space lasts.
- Free parking and shuttle service will be available from Fairport High School, 1 Dave Paddock Way (Ayrault Rd.), approximately 1 mile from the festival grounds and Perinton Square, 6720 Pittsford Palmyra Road, approximately 1.5 miles from the festival grounds.
- A designated ride-share drop-off and pickup area will be available near the Perinton Community Center off Turk Hill Rd.
- Complimentary motorcycle parking, presented by Harv’s Harley-Davidson, will be available at Perinton Community Center off Turk Hill Rd.
- Bicycle racks will also be available outside the festival grounds at the Ayrault Rd. and Turk Hill Rd. entrances.
- Accessible parking and shuttles: Parking near the festival entrance at Center Park West on Ayrault Road is reserved for guests arriving with wheelchairs, scooters or other mobility devices. Accessible parking for other vehicles displaying valid permits will be available at the Perinton Community Center, Fairport High School and Perinton Square. Wheelchair-accessible shuttle buses will serve each free shuttle lot.
- Parking attendants will be available to direct vehicles and assist guests upon arrival.
Entry and Ticket Information
AXS is the exclusive ticketing partner of Hoochenanny Festival. All official tickets are sold and delivered through the AXS platform and will be scanned at the gate using the AXS mobile app.
Festivalgoers should download the app, sign in and confirm that their tickets are visible before traveling to the festival. Screenshots and printed tickets will not be accepted. The AXS app is available through the Apple App Store and Google Play. Guests should sign in using the same email address associated with their tickets.
The festival will be open from 4 to 10 p.m. Friday, Aug. 14, and 2 to 10 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 15, and Sunday, Aug. 16. The box office will be open from 3 to 8:30 p.m. Friday and 1 to 8:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Subject to availability, tickets may still be purchased online through AXS after the box office closes.
Guests are encouraged to arrive early to enjoy the full festival experience and not miss a drumbeat of the music.
