NewzKINGSTON, Jamaica — The 15th annual Putnam County Wine and Music Festival takes place at Putnam County Veterans Memorial Park in Carmel, New York on August 22–23, offering a family-friendly event with a mix of live music, wine and culinary tasting. Festival founder, Lauren Drummond, said the spotlight will also be on Carmel, an historic town which is near to Connecticut. “Promoting our community and bringing people together through this festival remains one of my greatest passions,” she said.
“What sets our festival apart is its strong family-oriented focus and its celebration of diverse cultures through food, music, arts, and community engagement.” An eclectic music line-up will entertain fans. It includes Mike Risko & Miriam Risko Duo, The Cross Purpose Band, the Bourbon and Britches Band, the Sundad Band, the Carrie Zazz Band, DJ Saggi, Gratefully Yours, Simone G, Ricki Eric, and the Ras Droppa and Skankin Band. Vincent Tropepe, a chef who specialises in Italian food, will give a culinary demonstration.
His nonprofit, the Hospitality Mental Awareness Initiative USA, is the 2026 Putnam County Wine and Music Festival’s charity. Drummond, a Jamaican, noted that the event’s diverse offering embodies the spirit of the United States, which is celebrating its 250th anniversary as an independent nation. “It’s that same spirit, resilience, cultural richness, and a deep sense of belonging that festivals like Putnam County’s strive to capture,” she said.
Summary from source