ROCHESTER, N.Y.—July 25, 2025—With just two weeks to go until the Hoochenanny Whiskey & Music Festival opens its gates, organizers today announced several new additions to this year’s lineup of immersive experiences, including the debut of a new festival-exclusive beer, a full list of vendors for the Artisans Bazaar, and the official schedule of Fireside Chats inside the World of Whiskey.
Rohrbach’s Czech Pils debuts exclusively at Hoochenanny
Organizers have partnered with Rochester’s own Rohrbach Brewing Co. to unveil a limited-edition Czech-style pilsner available exclusively at Hoochenanny. Brewed with traditional Pilsen malt for a smooth, clean malt flavor and straw color, the beer includes a generous late-boil addition of Czech Saaz hops, imparting a touch of bitterness along with the variety’s signature floral and spicy aroma. At 5% ABV, the result is a crisp, refreshing lager crafted to pair perfectly with a glass of whiskey and a backdrop of live rock ’n’ roll. The pilsner will be available by the can throughout the weekend.
Artisans Bazaar Reveals Full Vendor Lineup
The Artisans Bazaar at Hoochenanny features independent vendors offering a curated selection of handmade goods, vintage finds, art, apparel, and accessories. This vibrant marketplace adds a creative, shopping-friendly dimension to the weekend’s festivities, showcasing talented makers and small businesses from across the region. The Artisans Bazaar will be open from 2 to 8 p.m. Friday, August 8; noon to 7 p.m. Saturday, August 9; and 2 to 8 p.m. Sunday, August 10.
For the full list of vendors and more details, visit: For more details, visit: hoochenanny.com/artisans-bazaar.
World of Whiskey Fireside Chats schedule announced
Fireside Chats are moderated discussions featuring whiskey media professionals, distillers, blenders, brand ambassadors and other industry experts. Each 45-minute session covers a specific topic related to whiskey production, blending, aging or collecting, with time for audience questions. Whiskey Trivia is a one-hour interactive session. Chats take place inside the World of Whiskey tent and are open to Tasting and VIP passholders.
Friday, August 8
- 4 p.m. – Bourbon vs. Whiskey: What’s the Difference, Really?- A breakdown of the legal and production differences between bourbon and other whiskeys.
- 5 p.m. – It’s All Rye – A look at how regional styles are shaping America’s rye revival.
- 6 p.m. – Whiskey Next: Emerging Styles and Future Trends – A discussion on innovation, rapid aging and the future of whiskey.
Saturday, August 9
- 3 p.m. – Behind the Stills: The Copper Kings of American Whiskey – A look at still manufacturing and its role in modern whiskey production.
- 4 p.m. – The Bourbon Blend: The Art and Science of Whiskey Blending – An overview of blending techniques and how producers create complex flavor profiles.
- 5 p.m. – Is Older Better? The Great Age Debate – A conversation on age statements, aging methods and changing perceptions of quality.
Sunday, August 10
- 3 p.m. – Finish Me – An introduction to barrel finishing methods, from sherry to toasted oak.
- 4 p.m. – The Whiskey Collector: Building the Perfect Bourbon Library – Tips on collecting, storing and selecting bottles at every budget level.
- 5 p.m. – Whiskey Trivia – A live trivia game covering whiskey history, production and culture.
For more details, visit hoochenanny.com/
Site Production Underway
Festival production at Camp Eastman began last week as crews started installing fencing and building out the site’s infrastructure, including tent structures and staging areas. The buildout will continue over the next two weeks to transform the space into a fully immersive festival environment.
Passes are on sale now with advance pricing available through Thursday, August 7.
General admission passes are $55 for one day, $95 for two days or $135 for three days, plus fees. These include access to all music stages, food vendors, the Artisans Bazaar, beer tastings, cocktail areas and covered seating. All ages are welcome, with 21-and-older areas marked on site.
Tasting passes include everything in general admission, plus entry to the World of Whiskey for 20 curated whiskey tastings. Prices are $85 for one day, $150 for two days or $215 for three days, plus fees.
VIP passes include tasting access and additional amenities such as exclusive stage views, VIP lounges, private bars, luxury restrooms, sit-down dining and on-site parking. Prices are $160 for one day, $310 for two days or $430 for three days, plus fees.
For full details and to purchase passes, visit hoochenanny.com.
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, Cristina Vane, Checks & Exes, Johnny Hart and the Mess
Saturday, August 9: Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, The Record Company, Tommy Brunett’s All-Star Cavalcade of Scoundrels featuring Andy Kim, The Jack Knives, Vandoliers, Mike Powell and The Echosound, The Isotopes, The Medicinals
Sunday, August 10: moe., Dark Star Orchestra, Galactic featuring Anjelika “Jelly” Joseph, Eggy
World of Whiskey Expands With 150+ Spirits and 30 Distillers
This year’s whiskey lineup triples in size, featuring more than 150 spirits from local, regional and national distilleries.
The World of Whiskey Tasting Experience will take place inside a 16,000-square-foot tent and include sampling stations, educational sessions and meet-the-maker opportunities with over 30 distillers. Guests can explore five themed tasting areas: Rickhouse Rendezvous, American Whiskey Journey, Rarities Bar, Libations Lounge and Fireside Chats.
Participating brands include Jefferson’s Bourbon, Iron Smoke Distillery, Starlight Distillery, Castle & Key, Pinhook, WhistlePig, Woodinville Whiskey Co. and dozens more.
For a full list of distillers and tasting details, visit hoochenanny.com/whiskey.
Barrel Bistro Food Lineup
The Barrel Bistro, presented by OneDigital, will feature a selection of local food vendors and trucks located directly within the festival grounds, making it easy for guests to grab a bite without leaving the event. All vendors will offer walk-up service throughout the three days of the festival, unless otherwise noted, and guests can enjoy their selections at designated seating areas, including both covered and uncovered spaces.
Food vendors at the Barrel Bistro will include Compané Trattoria, Eat Greek Food Truck, Ice Cream Factory, Jaime’s Dreams Bakery, Rio Tomatlán, The Sheffield Tavern, Swan Market, Swilly’s and Whiskey River Pub & Grill.
Lager Land Beer Lineup
Lager Land will feature a selection of 13 of the Northeast’s best lagers, served inside a 3,000-square-foot tent located near the main festival area, with a view of the stage. Designed as a walk-up tasting experience, it will offer the first five tastings free, with additional flights of five available for $10.
Lager Land will feature pours from 3HB (Three Heads Brewing), Allagash Brewing Company, Frequentem Brewing Co., Genesee Brewing Co., Irondequoit Beer Company, Jack’s Abby Craft Lagers, Meier’s Creek Brewing Company, Prison City Brewing, Steuben Brewing Company, Strangebird Beer, Swiftwater Brewing Co., Tröegs Independent Brewing, and Von Trapp Brewing.
Festival Site Expands With New Experiences and Amenities
The 2025 festival will feature expanded experiences across the grounds, including two music stages, upgraded lounges, tasting areas and more.
The Highball Stage and Fermenter Stage, presented by Harv’s Harley-Davidson, will feature national, international and regional music acts throughout the weekend.
VIP passholders will have access to the Ide Family of Dealerships VIP Loft presented by Skrewball, a two-story space offering stage views, exclusive whiskey tastings, cocktail bars, a cigar lounge, sit-down dining and climate-controlled restrooms.
Additional amenities include the 5,000-square-foot Concert Pavilion with seating, live music, bar service and merchandise; the Stageview Cocktail Lounge presented by Indus Hospitality, a craft cocktail bar with main stage views; and Lager Land, offering complimentary and paid beer tastings from 13 local breweries.
Festivalgoers can also explore food offerings at the Barrel Bistro presented by OneDigital and shop local at the Artisans Bazaar.
Hoochenanny Teams Up With Make-A-Wish, Lou Gramm Foundation and Endless Highway
This year, the festival is partnering with Make-A-Wish, the Lou Gramm Foundation and Endless Highway to support local impact through a charitable whiskey auction. The auction will feature rare and limited-edition bottles, signed music memorabilia and a guitar autographed by rock legend Lou Gramm. All proceeds will benefit the three nonprofit organizations.
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