The Fireside Festival

The Fireside Festival is an annual outdoor music festival held at Rock Stream Retreat just outside of Watkins Glen in New York’s Finger Lakes region. The festival welcomes visitors from across New York and throughout the country for a full day of entertainment featuring live music, local wineries, food vendors, camping, tailgating, games, raffles, contests, a massive bonfire, and a spectacular fireworks display. Headlined by multi-platinum country music artist Darryl Worley, the 2026 festival brings together regional and national performers in a scenic outdoor setting surrounded by the natural beauty of the Finger Lakes. Often described by attendees as a “backyard field party on steroids,” the festival combines the energy of a major concert event with the welcoming atmosphere of a hometown gathering creating a unique experience for music fans and visitors alike. Created by Alex Hoag in honor of his father, Dean Hoag, The Fireside Festival traces its roots back to the original Fireside Chat, a popular live music venue in Bath, New York that became a gathering place for music lovers throughout the region. Today, the festival continues that tradition of bringing people together through music, hospitality, and community. Whether you’re visiting for the music, Finger Lakes wine tasting, camping, or a memorable summer weekend near Watkins Glen, The Fireside Festival offers an affordable, family-friendly experience that keeps guests returning year after year.