Now in its fourteenth year, the Summer Hoot music festival will be held Friday, August 28 through Sunday, August 30, 2026. Produced and hosted by folk-roots musicians Mike & Ruth Merenda of The Mammals, this beloved celebration of music, food, nature, and community features exciting local and nationally acclaimed performers, plus outdoor activities for the whole family. The festival takes place in Ulster County at the Ashokan Center, located at 477 Beaverkill Road in Olivebridge, NY.
In addition to live music on two outdoor stages, the Hoot offers a rich and immersive experience for all ages. Attendees can enjoy morning gong baths, daily kids’ parades, garden walks with smoothie tastings, an instrument petting zoo, yoga classes, guided hikes to Cathedral Gorge, wigwam and pollinator garden walks, intimate acoustic Pewter Shop Sessions, and informal campsite jam sessions where spontaneous music-making keeps the energy flowing day and night.
“Mike and I were inspired by the smaller music festivals we attended around the country—gatherings where you could really get to know people and spend a few days together,” says festival co-founder Ruth Ungar Merenda. “We wanted to create something that felt intimate, welcoming, and accessible to everyone. We’re proud that people of all ages and backgrounds feel at home at the Hoot, and that no one is turned away for lack of funds.”
“The challenge is always finding that sweet spot between intimacy and growth,” adds Mike Merenda. “Even when we bring in larger acts, we work hard to keep the vibe personal and connected. It’s about curating not just the music, but the experience—creating opportunities for people to connect with artists, with nature, and with each other.”
The Hoot was created for the community and strives to remain accessible to everyone, with “give what you can” tickets available at the gate and a welcoming atmosphere that brings together people from all walks of life.
The Hoot also reflects a deep commitment to living in sync with nature. The Ashokan Center is powered by solar energy, with composting systems and reusable stainless-steel cups helping reduce festival waste. All profits are reinvested into the Ashokan Center’s mission to inspire learning and build community through shared experiences in nature, history, music, and art. The Ashokan Center is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization.
PERFORMANCES BY
THE MILK CARTON KIDS • TUBA SKINNY • THE MAMMALS • GAIL ANN DORSEY • THE BIG TAKEOVER • JAY UNGAR & MOLLY MASON • JIM KWESKIN & SAMOA WILSON • CHATHAM COUNTY LINE • JOHNNY IRION • JORDAN HAMILTON TRIO • KARA MCKEE • THE NEXT GREAT AMERICAN NOVELIST • KATRINA DICRASTO • THE MOON SHELLS • ANDALUCÍA • FURNACE MOUNTAIN • THE CITY STOMPERS • NATE THE GREAT • THE GOLDEN HOURS • THE SPRINGTAILS • BUGS ON A LOG • PICNIC COMMITTEE • LOVE WAVES • ARM OF THE SEA THEATER • AND MORE!
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