The Hoochenanny Festival is coming to Rochester, NY from August 14-16, 2026! Back for it's second year in Rochester, this years festival is bringing 140 top spirits from 40 distilleries and 23 must-see bands to the Town of Perinton's Center Park West.

Here’s what you need to know before attending the 2026 Hochenanny Festival.

 

The Basics

  • Where: The Hoochenanny Festival is taking place at Town of Perinton's Center Park West
  • When: August 14-16, 2026
  • What time: Friday, August 14: 2:00pm - 10:00pm; Saturday, August 15: 2:00pm - 10:00pm; Sunday, August 16: 2:00pm - 10:00pm
  • Who: This exciting new festival is brought to you by the owners of Iron Smoke Distillery and McCarthy Tents & Events

 

23 Live Music Acts

This 3-day event includes 23 live music acts, including Lit, Modest Mouse, Joywave, Grace Bowers, and more. Night after night the Hoochenanny Festival is delivering live music from the heart of regional renegades and national legends.

Live performances will take place across 2 stages at Rochester’s own Center Park West.

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 40 national and regional distillers during six unique experiences within a more than 14,000-square-foot, air-conditioned tent transformed into an immersive tasting environment.

  • Rickhouse Rendezvous: Step into a one-of-a-kind experience where distillers from across the Empire State unite to showcase New York’s rich whiskey heritage. Explore interactive exhibits, sip, learn, and immerse yourself in a carefully curated collection of unique expressions that have made New York a signature destination in America’s whiskey culture.
  • American Whiskey Journey: Journey coast-to-coast to experience the visions of what American whiskey is and can be in the future. Immerse yourself in the rich culture and heritage of American’s signature spirit.
  • Rarities Bar: The Rarities Bar offers Hoochenanny whiskey fans exclusive access to some truly rare sips. Featuring some of the most sought-after, limited-release expressions from regional and national distillers—including several available only at Hoochenanny—this is the ultimate destination for whiskey enthusiasts looking to discover something extraordinary.
  • Libations Lounge: The Libations Lounge sits at the heart of the World of Whiskey, a cocktail bar experience designed for discovery and a moment to unwind. Step up to the bar and explore cocktails crafted with spirits from featured distilleries, all served in proper glassware.
  • Fireside Chats: These relaxed, audience-focused sessions explore the stories, craftsmanship and culture behind the pour, with topics ranging from barrel-strength whiskey, blending and finishing to food pairings, emerging trends and the bottles behind the bands.
  • Burboun Broadcast: Go behind the mic with Buffalo Happy Hour as the two hosts record their whiskey-focused podcast live at Hoochenanny. Each video and audio session will bring together multiple guests from the national bourbon industry for candid conversations, expert insight and stories from behind the bottle.

Click here to learn more about World of Whiskey.

 

Whiskey Auction

The Hoochenanny Whiskey Auction is back for 2026, presented by Bill and Rhonda Goodrich and benefitting the Lou Gramm Foundation, Make-A-Wish Western New York and Friends of Perinton Recreation and Parks.

Learn more about the auction here.

 

FAQs

Is this a 21+ event?

  • Hoochenanny is welcoming to guests of all ages, and this year’s festival will feature an even more family-friendly atmosphere. Children 10 and under may attend for free when accompanied by a ticketed adult who is 21 or older. All other attendees must purchase a pass for entry. All guests under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.

What part of the festival is free?

  • Admission on Friday, August 14 is free for guests of all ages. Advance registration is required, and space is limited. Entry will be granted on a first-come, first-served basis once registered.

Are food and drinks available?

  • There will be a variety of food vendors and a selection of whiskey tastings, along with other alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.

Is parking available?

  • On-site parking is available for $20 per car per day. Attendees are encouraged to use ride-sharing services or public transportation. For more parking details, please check our website as the event approaches.

If I'm from out of town, where should I stay?

Is this a pet friendly event?

  • No pets are allowed. Service animals are permitted in accordance with Federal ADA regulations. Only animals that meet the ADA definition of a service animal will be allowed. Emotional support animals, therapy animals, and pets will be turned away at the gate.

What are your accessibility accommodations?

Hoochenanny is designed to be accessible for all guests. Some areas of the festival grounds may have slightly inclined terrain, so please exercise caution and don’t hesitate to ask for assistance if needed. ADA restrooms will be available throughout the venue. The festival is committed to ensuring everyone, regardless of ability, has access to all amenities and experiences. If you require ADA accommodations, please contact us at info@hoochenanny.com prior to the event.

Find answers to additional FAQs here.

 

Visit the Hoochenanny’s website to learn more and start planning your visit to the Hoochenanny Festival at Center Park West. Be sure to share the fun with us using #VisitROC!