Article Contributed by Gratefulweb
Published on 2026-09-03
Photo: Courtesy of Hoochenanny Festival
ROCHESTER, N.Y., Sept. 3, 2026 — Organizers of the third annual Hoochenanny Festival, presented by IDE Family of Dealerships, announced today that the festival welcomed 18,000-plus attendees to its new home at the Town of Perinton’s Center Park West in Fairport, up from 8,000 in 2025.
Attendees came from more than 30 U.S. states and Canada for the Aug. 14 to Aug. 16 celebration of music, whiskey, American craftsmanship and uncommon culture. All 23 scheduled concerts took place on schedule, Saturday VIP tickets sold out, and Friday’s free General Admission ticket allotment reached capacity.
The Hoochenanny Whiskey Auction raised a total of $18,690 for Make-A-Wish Western New York, the Lou Gramm Foundation and Friends of Perinton Recreation and Parks. The total includes proceeds from the online auction along with contributions from auction sponsors Bill and Rhonda Goodrich and McCarthy Tents & Events. The auction closed Aug. 31.
“We came to Fairport with a big idea and a clear vision for creating something distinctly our own,” said Sean McCarthy of Hoochenanny Festival. “The town gave our vision a home and welcomed us with enthusiasm from the beginning. Seeing Center Park West filled with incredible music, exceptional craft drinks, talented artisans and people who embraced the entire experience was incredibly rewarding. I’m grateful to the community, our partners and everyone who believed in what we were building. What we created together exceeded our expectations, and I’m excited about where we take it next.”
“Hoochenanny is what happens when great music, serious craftsmanship and a whole lot of personality share the same stage,” said Tommy Brunett, co-founder and co-owner of Hoochenanny Festival and co-owner of Iron Smoke Distillery. “The bands delivered, the distillers poured exceptional craft spirits, the artisans brought their best and the crowd embraced every part of the experience. Fairport welcomed the whole thing with open arms. I’m proud of what we created, grateful to everyone who made it happen.”
“Hoochenanny brought thousands of visitors to Perinton and showcased the local businesses, organizations, and people that make our community special,” said Perinton Town Supervisor Jenn Townsend. “We’re grateful to everyone who helped make the weekend possible and to the organizers for their commitment to giving back locally.”
Pictured above L-R: Hoochenanny Festival co-owners Tommy Brunett and Sean McCarthy, photo by Jeff Gerew.
The festival presented 23 concerts featuring My Morning Jacket, Modest Mouse, Lit, Toadies, Cracker, Guster, Joywave, Amigo the Devil, Tommy Brunett’s All-Star Cavalcade of Scoundrels featuring John Petrucci and Gary Lewis, Grace Bowers, Karina Rykman, Rudy Nuño & The Broadcasters, Losers Club, Prophets & Thieves, Smilo and the Ghost, The Isotopes, Ocular Panther, Candy, Mt. Juliet, Drew Kiddoo and The Blackouts, Head to the Roots, Public Water Supply, and The Beard and The Bird.
The World of Whiskey, presented by FSI Construction, brought 40 brands and more than 140 spirits to a 15,000-square-foot, air-conditioned tent. Six experiences included the American Whiskey Journey, Rickhouse Rendezvous, Rarities Bar, Libations Lounge, Fireside Chats and Bourbon Broadcast. Participating distilleries represented New York, Kentucky, Tennessee, Minnesota, Vermont, Indiana, Georgia, Idaho and other whiskey-producing regions.
Saturday VIP tickets sold out, reflecting enthusiastic demand for the festival’s elevated hospitality experiences. The two-story VIP Loft, presented by IDE Family of Dealerships, featured stage views, exclusive food and drink offerings, a cigar bar and a VIP viewing bridge. The GA+ Stageview Lounge, presented by Design Pool & Spa, offered elevated viewing, shaded seating, craft drinks and interactive experiences, while the Concert Pavilion, presented by Colonial Fire Protection, provided a comfortable gathering space open to all ticket holders.
Lager Land, presented by Keystone Custom Decks, showcased 14 regional breweries in a 3,000-square-foot tent overlooking the Premium Mortgage Highball Stage. The Artisans Bazaar, presented by ADMAR, featured 17 independent makers offering jewelry, art, clothing, books, custom goods, small-batch foods and interactive experiences. The Barrel Bistro, presented by Indus Hospitality, brought together 12 local food and beverage vendors in the festival’s central dining destination.
The Hoochenanny Whiskey Auction featured rare and collectible bottles donated by distilleries, businesses, collectors and whiskey supporters. Proceeds support Make-A-Wish Western New York, the Lou Gramm Foundation and Friends of Perinton Recreation and Parks.
