Article Contributed by Gratefulweb
Published on 2026-05-07
Photo: Courtesy of Hoochenanny Festival
Hoochenanny Festival is turning up the volume with ten regional bands joining this year’s expanded lineup, bringing fresh energy, hometown pride, and unforgettable live performances to the stages at Center Park West in Fairport, New York.
The newly announced regional lineup includes:
Friday, August 14
Losers Club
Prophets & Thieves
Saturday, August 15
Smilo and the Ghost
The Isotopes
Ocular Panther
Candy
Sunday, August 16
Drew Kiddoo and The Blackouts
Head to the Roots
Public Water Supply
The Beard and The Bird
“One of the things we’re most proud of at Hoochenanny is being able to showcase regional artists alongside national touring acts,” said festival co-founder Sean McCarthy. “The response from Rochester and the surrounding region this year was incredible. We received more than 150 applications from bands wanting to be part of the festival, which made the selection process extremely difficult. There’s so much talent in this scene right now, and we’re excited to give these artists a stage at Center Park West and let festivalgoers discover some amazing bands this summer.”
“Hoochenanny was built for the bands that know how to shake the dust off the walls and stir the soul,” added festival co-founder Tommy Brunett. “The excitement around Hoochenanny this year damn near knocked us over. There’s a fire burning in Rochester’s music scene right now, and you can hear it in every one of these artists.”
Festival organizers also announced one final in-person ticket sale on Friday, May 8. Fans can purchase tickets in person without paying convenience fees from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at McCarthy Tents & Events, 80 Sovran Dr., Webster, and from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Iron Smoke Distillery, 111 Parce Ave., Fairport.
Tickets are on sale now at hoochenanny.com/passes, with early-bird pricing available through Sunday, May 10.
Hoochenanny Festival takes place Friday, Aug. 14 through Sunday, Aug. 16, 2026, at Center Park West in the Town of Perinton, Fairport, New York. The festival will feature 22 music acts, more than 30 whiskey distillers, two stages, six custom-built tented experiences, private hospitality spaces, food trucks, and artisan vendors. More than 8,000 people from over 30 U.S. states and Canada attended the 2025 festival.
Music Lineup
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
Grace Bowers
Smilo and the Ghost
The Isotopes
Ocular Panther
Candy
Sunday, Aug. 16
Modest Mouse
Joywave
Amigo the Devil
Karina Rykman
Drew Kiddoo and The Blackouts
Head to the Roots
Public Water Supply
The Beard and The Bird
Hoochenanny Festival offers three ticket tiers: General Admission, GA+, and VIP.
General Admission (GA) tickets include access to live performances, food, drinks, shopping, and more. Friday admission is free. Early bird one-, two-, or three-day passes range from $0 to $130 plus fees and taxes.
GA+ includes access to the World of Whiskey tasting experience, a dedicated lounge area, upgraded restrooms, and premium viewing areas. Early bird one-, two-, or three-day passes range from $40 to $190 plus fees and taxes.
VIP includes access to the World of Whiskey tasting experience, a two-story hospitality space with lounge seating, dedicated food options, a full-service bar, exclusive whiskey tastings, complimentary parking, upgraded restrooms, and premium viewing areas. Early bird one-, two-, or three-day passes range from $125 to $405 plus fees and taxes.
For more information and to purchase tickets, visit hoochenanny.com.
Whiskey Lineup
The World of Whiskey tasting experience will feature approximately 30 national, regional, and local distilleries inside a 13,500-square-foot tent, with sampling stations, educational sessions, and opportunities to meet the makers behind the brands. Access is available to GA+ and VIP ticket holders age 21 and older.
Participating distilleries include Iron Smoke Distillery, Bubba's Whiskey, Nashville Barrel Company, Nastucky Whiskey Co., Michter's, Jefferson's Bourbon, Battle Rattle, Birdseye Hollow Farm & Distillery, Do Good Spirits, Hudson House Distillery, Old Scotland Road Distillery, Saint Lawrence Spirits, Smokin' Tails Distillery, and Taconic Distillery, with additional distilleries to be announced soon.
Inside the World of Whiskey tent, the five tasting areas include:
Rickhouse Rendezvous — a New York State Distillers Guild experience highlighting Empire State distillers
American Whiskey Journey — showcasing whiskey-producing regions across the country
The Rarities Bar — featuring limited and specialty pours
The Libations Lounge — offering craft cocktails
Bourbon Broadcast and Fireside Chats — featuring industry experts, distillers, and whiskey media personalities
A full schedule of tasting experiences and educational sessions will be announced soon.
