Hoochenanny Music & Whiskey Festival 2025

Alexa M.
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Get ready: from August 8 to 10, 2025, Camp Eastman in Irondequoit (just north of Rochester) is gearing up to host the raucous second edition of the Hoochenanny Whiskey & Music Festival.

This ain’t a slick corporate gig—expect a three-day, two-stage bash that celebrates American craftsmanship in liquid and lyrical form. Spread across 14 acres, the festival blends gritty whiskey culture with raw, big-hearted music in a way that feels both epic and homegrown .

Music Lineup That Hits Like a Freight Train

Joan Jett on stage with a guitar
Photo via The Current

This year’s roster reads like a jam-session fever dream:

  • Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, the Queen of Rock & Roll herself
  • Folk-funk legends Galactic
  • Alt-country icons Old 97’s
  • Americana acts like Charles Wesley Godwin, The Record Company, moe., Dark Star Orchestra, and plenty more.
    Over 25+ national and regional bands will keep the vibes alive, plus a dedicated local stage featuring Rochester favorites like Checks & Exes, Johnny Hart and the Mess, The Isotopes, Mike Powell and The Echosound, and The Medicinals.

With music kicking off each day at 2 or noon and closing around 10 pm, your ankles better be ready .

Whiskey Wonderland

Hoochenanny brochure
Photo via Hoochenanny

The “World of Whiskey” tasting hall is the heart of this festival. General‐Admission passes score up to 20 tasting tokens, or upgrade and sip as much as you like—on-site purchases available too.

Expect everything from New York craft juice to hard-to-find rare blends, all set up in themed tasting zones, including bourbon deep-dives, expert-led demos, and even cask-barrel experiences.

Passes + VIP Perks

People gathered in front of a stage at the music festival
Photo via IloveNY

Pass types are as flexible as your tastebuds:

  • General Admission for $55/day (early bird) or $60 at the door
  • General+Tasting (includes whiskey access) at $85/day (early)
  • VIP Loft Passes start at $160/day and include luxe perks: two-story climate‑controlled tent, top‑shelf tastings, sit‑down dining, cigar lounge, private restrooms, and free parking.

Passes also grant access to the Concert Pavilion bar, Stageview cocktail lounge, Lager Land beer station, Artisan Bazaar, Barrel Bistro dining, and covered seating spots—and kids 10 and under get in free with a ticketed 21+ adult

Bigger Than Before (But Still Feels Small)

Musicians on stage at the festival
Photo via Visit Rochester

This year’s festival is pumped up but not lost in the shuffle:

  • New location: Camp Eastman replaces the old Geneseo grounds, giving organizers room for more stages and immersive zones.
  • New co-owner: Sean McCarthy (McCarthy Events, Roc Holiday Village) joined Tommy Brunett (Iron Smoke Distillery) to up the scale and polish.
  • Local partnerships: Support from Irondequoit town and collabs with nonprofits (Make‑A‑Wish, Lou Gramm Foundation, Endless Highway) keeps the vibe rooted and community‑minded.

Tips for a Legendary Weekend

  1. Buy early—hop on early-bird pricing before May 31 for the best deal.
  2. Bring layers—August nights by Lake Ontario can get crispy.
  3. Stay local: Rochester’s foodie scene is solid—grab a barrel-aged bite nearby to complement those pours.
  4. Plan your sessions: join the World of Whiskey demos or hit up lesser-known distillers for unique sips.

Hoochenanny 2025 is promising a delicious heady brew: fiery performances, barrel-fresh whiskey, and a spirited, craft-forward atmosphere. It’s a festival that throws down with style, roots for locals, and still lets you kick back and soak in the soul of summer rebellion.

Whether you’re a music junkie, whiskey nerd, or just in it for the experience—Hoochenanny’s got something for your spirit. Will we see you there?

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Alexa M.

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