Calling all whiskey and music lovers! There’s a new festival coming to Geneseo on Oct. 20 and 21, and it’s called Hoochenanny. This two-day extravaganza, created by Iron Smoke Distillery founder and musician Tommy Brunett, is a must-attend event for anyone who enjoys good whiskey, great music, and a fun-filled atmosphere. Presented by Iron Smoke Distillery, this festival aims to celebrate the Finger Lakes region and promote tourism in the area.

The festival kicks off on Oct. 20 with a lavish VIP opening event from 6 to 10 p.m. at the historic Wadsworth Homestead. This sip-and-stroll event will showcase the Best of New York, with delicious food from The Normal, Rio Tomatlan, Park Inn, Crisp, Zweigles, Hotel Canandaigua, and The Strathallan Hotel & Spa. There will also be complimentary tastings and special concoctions from O-Neh-Da Vineyard, Point of the Bluff Vineyards, Iron Smoke Whiskey, Hinny Hard Seltzer, and Rohrbach Brewing Co. And to set the mood, The Lipker Sisters, Katy Strong, and the Sam Grisman Project will provide some intimate live music.

But that’s just the beginning. On Oct. 21, the festival will continue at the Geneseo Village Park, with the headline act being the high-energy British rock band, The Struts. Before they take the stage, there will be a lineup of fantastic acts to keep everyone entertained. Starting at 12:30 p.m., you can enjoy performances from indie Americana act Public Water Supply, indie rock duo Beau, the Sam Grisman Project paying tribute to David Grisman and Jerry Garcia, instrumental rock band Los Straitjackets, and the eclectic group of surprise guests gathered by Tommy Brunett himself. It’s going to be an unforgettable day of music and fun in the heart of Geneseo.

But the festival isn’t just about the music. Throughout the day, there will be street performers, including tarot card readers, palm readers, and quick sketch artists, adding to the festival’s vibrant atmosphere. If you’re in the mood for some shopping, you can stop by the maker’s fair, open to the public from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Here you’ll find locally sourced products and get a chance to see the incredible work of the region’s artisans. And of course, there will be plenty of food trucks and bars serving up delicious whiskey cocktails and spirits. Hinny Hard Seltzer will be the exclusive seltzer at the festival, so you won’t want to miss out on trying their refreshing flavors.

For those looking for a more exclusive experience, VIP tickets are available. With a VIP ticket, you’ll gain access to The Rickhouse Rendezvous, a whiskey experience built around the atmosphere of a Prohibition-era speakeasy. It’s going to be a unique and immersive experience where you can taste 10 spirits of your choice, with industry veterans on hand to answer any questions you may have. And don’t forget about the specialty cocktails available exclusively at The Rickhouse Rendezvous.

If you’re a whiskey enthusiast, then you won’t want to miss the educational sessions happening throughout the day. From learning about the evolution of craftsmanship during Prohibition with Jon Spacher from Fee Brothers, to discovering where whiskey is headed with Brad Williams, an expert in spirits purchasing and merchandising, there’s something for everyone. Mike Sherman from Vendome Copper & Brass Works will take you behind the scenes of the whiskey industry, and the New York State Distillers Guild will host a session on the Whiskey History of New York, featuring representatives from Great Jones Distilling Co. and Finger Lakes Distilling.

Speaking of the New York State Distillers Guild, Hoochenanny is proud to partner with them for this event. Participating guild members include 1911 Established, Black Button Distilling, Finger Lakes Distilling, Hudson Whiskey, Lock 1 Distilling Co., Old Scotland Road Distillery, Southern Tier Distilling Co., Springbrook Hollow Farm Distillery, The Better Man Distilling Co., and New Scotland Spirits. Brian Facquet, president of the NYSDG, expressed his excitement about bringing the craft of distilling to this incredible festival.

Tickets for Hoochenanny are available online at hoochenanny.com, with prices starting at $49.97 for a one-day pass to the event on Saturday, Oct. 21. This festival promises to be a weekend filled with fantastic music, delicious whiskey, and a celebration of the Finger Lakes region. Don’t miss out on this unforgettable experience. Grab your tickets now and get ready for a Hoochenanny like no other!

Hey there, fellow music and whiskey enthusiasts! Are you ready for an unforgettable weekend filled with good music, great vibes, and of course, whiskey galore? Then mark your calendars because the Hoochenanny whiskey and music festival is coming to Geneseo, NY!

Picture this: a beautiful day at Geneseo Village Park, located at 132 Main St., surrounded by lush greenery and good company. Sounds like a dream, right? Well, get ready to turn that dream into reality because the Hoochenanny festival is all set to make your summer a memorable one.

Now, let’s talk tickets. For those of you looking to elevate your experience to the next level, why not splurge a little and grab a VIP ticket? Trust me, it’s totally worth it! A Saturday VIP ticket will set you back $112.24 (including fees), but it comes with a bunch of perks like access to the exclusive Rickhouse Rendezvous and a private viewing area and bar. Now that’s what I call VIP treatment! If one day just isn’t enough for you, don’t worry, there’s a two-day VIP ticket available for $372.05 (including fees). This not only includes all the VIP benefits mentioned earlier but also grants you access to the VIP event at the historic Wadsworth Homestead on Friday. Talk about a weekend to remember!

Parking is always a concern, but fear not, because complimentary parking is included for both days of the festival. And let’s not forget, carpooling is highly encouraged, so round up your friends and head on over to Geneseo Village Park in style!

Now, here’s the important stuff. Rain or shine, the Hoochenanny festival will go on. So, make sure to come prepared and embrace whatever Mother Nature has in store. Oh, and one more thing, tickets are non-refundable, so once you make your purchase, get ready to dance, sing, and sip to your heart’s content!

When it comes to transactions, cash is so last century! The festival will only accept credit and debit cards, so make sure to bring yours along. But hey, no need to worry if you run out of cash, because paid and street parking options are available around the village of Geneseo. Easy peasy!

So, mark your calendars, gather your friends, and get ready to have the time of your life at the Hoochenanny whiskey and music festival in Geneseo, NY. Trust me, you don’t want to miss this epic event! This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle, and we couldn’t be more excited to spread the word about this incredible festival. See you there!