HillTAP Festival Returns to Holiday Valley with Live Music, Craft Brews, and Outdoor Fun
HillTAP Festival Returns to Holiday Valley with Live Music, Craft Brews, and Outdoor Fun
HillTAP brings live bands, local brews, and outdoor fun back to Spruce Lake for its fifth year.
From the chairlifts gliding over Holiday Valley to the shops along Washington Street, Ellicottville is alive with activity. With summer in full stride, festival season continues to bring a wide variety of music and entertainment to the area. One of the most highly anticipated events returning this year is the 5th Annual HillTAP Festival.
HillTAP showcases live music from three bands, craft drinks by 42 North and 1911 Cider, food trucks from Fat Bob's BBQ and Dina's at Spruce Lake, paddleboards from All Waters Environmental Club, axe throwing from Hatchets & Hops, and mountain bike/ e-bike demos brought to attendees by Holiday Valley. The event will also have a vendor village featuring Mud, Sweat n' Gears, WNYMBA, Tom's Pro Bike, Brewhouse Bikes, and Snow Child Adventure Gear. Ranked as one of the most beautiful areas in the region, Holiday Valley is the place to be on Saturday, July 26th!
The idea of HillTAP originated from John Cimperman, founder of 42 North Brewing Company. 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. 42 North Brewing Company, a brand synonymous with outdoor adventure, saw Holiday Valley as the perfect location to host the festival. Cimperman notes the Valley’s one-of-a-kind charm. “The setting of Holiday Valley is very special,” he said in an interview with ellicottvilleNOW. “It’s a beautiful venue for a festival. Plus, it’s the only music festival in the country where you can take the chairlift from one stage to another.”
Holiday Valley’s Marketing Director, Dash Hegeman, explained to us that John Cimperman approached the resort over five years ago with the idea for a day-long outdoor music festival at Spruce Lake. “John is a huge fan of Holiday Valley and has a ton of experience with music festivals,” Hegeman told us, “so his experience made it an easy decision to partner with him in order to see what kind of audience could be built for an annual event like this.”
As 42 North Brewing Company already has a strong following in the town of Ellicottville, events like HillTAP aid them in enhancing their presence among the community.
With a focus on Americana, Roots, and Country music, the three bands playing at the 2025 HillTAP Festival are carefully selected each year. The Leroy Townes Band will be performing at this year’s event at Spruce Lake from 1:00-4:00pm. Then, down below on the Tannenbaum lawn, a stage will be set up where Kody and Herren will be playing from 4:00-5:30pm, followed by Uncle Ben's Remedy from 6:00-8:30pm. “What is really cool this year is each of the bands know each other. They are all good friends,” said Cimperman, anticipating potential on-stage collaborations during the festival. The live music element of the festival is crucial to enhancing the overall experience for attendees, and as Cimperman hopes, it may be the first time hearing them, with many more to come.
Attendees can expect an adventure-packed but relaxing atmosphere. HillTAP is a family-friendly festival as children under 10 are granted free admission accompanied by a paying adult. “Guests can take part in the activities, or they can choose just to sit back and enjoy the food, drinks, and music,” said Hegeman. “Also, Spruce Lake is a beautiful location, so it makes for some fantastic photo opportunities for your social media.”
Cimperman offers a few insider tips to guests: “Dress comfortably. Bring a few chairs. And don’t be afraid to try out a mountain bike or stand-up paddleboard.” It is advised that guests park at or near Tannenbaum Lodge and take the chairlift up to Spruce Lake to start their festivities.
When asked what event he is most looking forward to, Hegeman illustrates his excitement: “Each year this festival grows, so I’m really looking forward to seeing how many people come out this year and take part in HillTAP. It's such a unique event in this area... anyone who is a fan of live music should really be encouraged to check it out.”
A highlight that Cimperman shares his excitement towards is the performance of Uncle Ben’s Remedy. “I expect them to bring a ton of energy and fans to the festival.”
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 in nature. With great music, local flavors, and outdoor adventures around every corner, guests can expect a day packed with high-vibing energy. Grab your friends - and your chairs - and make your way to Holiday Valley on July 26th. HillTAP is a festival you won’t want to miss!