Weekend of Vino and Summer Sounds at August 16-17 Festival in Carmel

Putnam County Wine & Music Fest features family-friendly activities, local bands and artisanal spirits

Hey Baby Band is one of the featured performers in the festival’s lineup. (Putnam County Wine & Music Fest)

By Ariana Almeida-Martínez, [email protected]

August 7, 2025

The Wine Festival will take place at Veterans Memorial Park in Carmel. (Putnam County Wine & Music Fest)

Two days of live music, wine tastings, and outdoor games will fill Veterans Memorial Park in Carmel — about 18 miles from Peekskill — on Saturday, August 16, and Sunday, August 17. The event, known as the Putnam County Wine & Music Fest, will run from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday and from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. The agenda combines tastings from New York State’s craft wine, cider, and spirits producers, live stage performances, and family-friendly activities.

Lauren A. Drummond, founder and organizer of the event, confirmed that Heather DeLuca from local radio station 100.7 WHUD will attend Saturday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., alongside the Family Fun Crew. They will welcome guests, hand out giveaways, and lead cornhole games for attendees. Nearby, the stage will host performances by Brianna Barbosa, Julie Corbalis, School of Rock Beacon, Jason Gisser, and Jungle Love.

On Sunday, the fun continues with a similar formula: wine, music, and family entertainment. During the same hours as Saturday, radio station Peak 107.1 will bring their crew and activities to the park. On the artistic side, the stage will feature Anker, Andrea & The Armenian Rug Riders, Hey Baby Band, and DJ Saggi — delivering a mix of reggae, pop, and country sounds to fill the air.

Advance tasting tickets cost $20 and include a commemorative wine glass. General admission is $5; the designated driver pass is also $5. Children under 16 enter free.

In addition to wine, attendees will find a Beer Tent featuring beverages from local brewery 6 Degrees or Less, food trucks, fresh produce from Toms County Farm, crafts, and cooking demonstrations. Children’s activities include face painting, sand art, and games. Guests may bring blankets or chairs to set up near the stage.

Local event platforms estimate the festival attracts over 5,000 visitors annually. Reviews are generally positive, highlighting the variety of beverages, organization, and family-friendly atmosphere. For more information about tickets, volunteering, or vendor space, visit the official event website.

About the Contributor

Ariana Almeida-Martínez, Events Reporter

Ariana is an Ecuadorian journalist with over 15 years of experience in both print and digital media. Throughout her career, she has covered a wide range of topics, including community issues, judicial affairs, entertainment, refugees, and human rights. She has reported and written for two prominent newspapers in Quito, Diario Hoy and Diario Extra. In 2023, Ariana moved to Peekskill in pursuit of new professional challenges, with the aim of captivating the readers of the Peekskill Herald with her engaging stories.