HillTAP Festival Returns to Holiday Valley July 26 with Local Flavor and Music!
HillTAP Festival Returns to Holiday Valley July 26 with Local Flavor and Music!
The 5th Annual HillTAP Festival lands at Holiday Valley on July 26, bringing a full day of live music, locally crafted brews, food trucks, and mountain adventure to Ellicottville.
One of the most anticipated events of the season, the 5th Annual HillTAP Festival returns to Holiday Valley this Saturday, July 26th. Founded by John Cimperman of 42 North Brewing Company, the festival blends live Americana and country music with outdoor adventure, local food, and craft beer. With 42 North’s strong following in Ellicottville, HillTAP continues to deepen its roots in the community. Tickets to the event can be purchased at the gate of Tannenbaum Lodge.
MUSIC
Cimperman’s avid music enthusiasm, love for the outdoors, and his hours spent at Spruce Lake fueled the vision of the perfect venue for live music and family-friendly adventures at Holiday Valley. Three bands are on the bill this year…
Leroy Townes is an Americana group rooted in Western New York, combining vintage folk-rock vibes with country flair. Drawing inspiration from artists like Neil Young and Bob Dylan, they deliver original songs with warm acoustic tones and soulful lyrics. A staple of Buffalo’s live music scene, the Leroy Townes Band has lit up stages at local favorites has performed alongside musicians from the Dave Matthews Band and Peter Case. The Leroy Townes Band will be performing at Spruce Lake from 1:00-4:00pm.
Down below on the Tannenbaum Lodge lawn, a stage will be set up where Kody and Herren will be playing from 4:00-5:30pm. Based in Springville, New York, Kody & Herren are a duo of multi-instrumentalists who blend rich roots music with the vibrations of guitar, violin, harmonica, mandolin, and more. Their original songs highlight powerful harmonies and a vibrant onstage energy. Audiences are drawn in by their intricate harmonies and lively musical storytelling that make each performance unforgettable.
Kody and Herren will be followed by Uncle Ben’s Remedy from 6:00-8:30pm. Uncle Ben’s Remedy packs the spirit of small-town Western New York through country-rooted rock, rich harmonies, and high-energy performances. Ben Westlund, Harmony Griffin, Shawn Huestis, Brendan O’Connor, and Josh Mullin rose from back porch jams to regional honor, fueled by local airplay and ambitious touring in their converted school bus. With standout tracks like “Fire in the Field” and albums like Yesterday’s Clothes, UBR has earned their place on major festival stages and remains a crowd favorite wherever they play.
FOOD & DRINK
Attendees can expect more than live entertainment and outdoor adventure - 42 North Brewing will be on-site, keeping guests refreshed by pouring their locally crafted beers throughout the event.
Rooted in the brewing traditions of New York’s 42nd parallel, 42 North channels the region’s historic hops with an outdoor approach to their brand. Known for its commitment to craftsmanship and authenticity, 42 North positions itself as a community hub - partnering with local farmers, craft producers, and names like Holiday Valley to build a culture around great beer and shared experiences.
Fat Bob’s Barbecue will have a food truck stationed at Spruce Lake for attendees hungry for adventure and classic Western New York Barbecue. Since 1999, Fat Bob’s Smokehouse has been a staple of Buffalo’s Allentown neighborhood. In 2020, the restaurant expanded its reach by partnering with 42 North Brewing Company in East Aurora, opening Fat Bob’s @42North. The collaboration pairs authentic smokehouse fare with local craft beer. From scratch-made menu items and house BBQ sauces to its popular macaroni and cheese, Fat Bob’s has earned its reputation as one of WNY’s top culinary destinations.
Dina’s will also have a food truck stationed at the lake, creating a harmonious plate that guarantees delight. Sourcing local products, Dina’s believes in drawing from seasonal fresh foods that are harvested from the surrounding area. Dina’s is a local favorite food destination, keeping flavor always original and always fresh since 1991.
ACTIVITIES
One of the most memorable aspects of HillTAP is the interactive demos it offers to the community. The All Waters Environmental Club will bring the paddleboards to the event, allowing each individual to push their way around the pond. The environmental Club was founded in September 2019 and has quickly grown into one of WNY’s leading volunteer stewardship organizations. United by a deep love for water - whether oceans, creeks, beaches, or hideaways - they provide hands-on opportunities like clean-ups, invasive species removal, and educational outreach to promote environmental awareness. From solo adventures to group events, accompanied by the launch of their very own paddleboard/kayak goodwill race team, The All Waters Environmental Club is taking their mission to the water in style.
Axe throwing will be another interactive activity for festival goers, brought to attendees by Hatches & Hops. Hatchets & Hops offers structured axe-throwing events for social, corporate, collegiate, and league groups, led by trained instructors through organized two-hour tournaments focused on safety and skill-building. Located in Buffalo, they offer competitive energy with camaraderie, paired with a local selection of craft beers. Participants must be 21 or older. Hatchets & Hops delivers a high-energy experience grounded in safety and spirited fun.
Holiday Valley will also be showcasing their own lineup of demos at the event, giving attendees a hands-on opportunity to explore both mountain bikes and E-bikes. Riders of all levels can test the equipment, gain insight from Holiday Valley staff, and experience the terrain firsthand. Whether you're looking for speed, stability, or an eco-friendly upgrade, it’s a chance to discover the right ride.
VENDOR VILLAGE
Featured in the Vendor Village will be Mud Sweat n’ Gears. Since 2000, Mud Sweat n’ Gears has thrived through expert service, passion for the slopes, and a love of community. Their loyal team of skiers and snowboarders brings deep knowledge, energy, and heart to every action, from gear and rentals to personalized service that goes beyond expectations. In 2018, Mud Sweat n’ Gears added a second location in East Aurora, each offering unique service and top-tier gear. They have even earned national recognition, including Ski Magazine’s “Gold Medal Ski Shop” and “Expert Ski Shop” honors.
Also making an appearance is the Western New York Mountain Bicycling Association, a non-profit association whose mission is to create, enhance, and preserve trail opportunities in Western New York State for mountain bikers and hikers everywhere to enjoy. Part of elevating that experience for the mountain biking community is the scheduling of group campouts, rides, trips, and more. From their trail upkeep to their ambitious spirit, WNYMBA is driven by the thrill of the outdoors and dedicated to enhancing the mountain biking experience.
Along the trail of mountain biking, Tom’s Pro Bike will also have a place in the Vendor Village. A family run business since 1997, Tom’s Pro Bike holds high praises for one of the most reliable bike vendors in the Western New York Area. To them, it is essential that each customer is guaranteed a bike that meets their personal needs and fits to their lifestyle to ensure the safest and most thrilling riding experience.
Formerly known as Growler Bikes, Brewhouse Bikes will also be present with their product geared to optimize the riding experience for any individual in the market. Founded in 2015, they have made it their mission to engineer their product to compete at the pinnacle of the sport. Whether it’s a bike to rip-up the trail on or cruise the beach, Brewhouse Bikes has the gear to suit your style.
Cultivated by the love for the temperate climate and a childhood nickname, Snow Child Adventure Gear was founded in 2017 for all who crave adventure in nature. From hiking gear to product for everything snow, it has been their calling to foster the passion and love for the great outdoors in all of their customers. They’ll round out this year’s Vendor Village.
ARE YOU READY?
HillTAP promises not just entertainment, but an immersive experience that captures the spirit of summer in Ellicottville. The natural setting of the resort is the perfect way to allow people to have an unforgettable experience outside. With great music, local flavors, and outdoor adventures around every corner, guests can expect a day jam-packed with energy. HillTAP is a family-friendly festival as children under 10 are granted free admission accompanied by a paying adult. Grab your friends, pack your chairs, and make your way to Holiday Valley July 26th. HillTAP is the festival you won’t want to miss!