When the weather’s glorious, it’s time to head outside. From live music in the vineyards to BBQ eating contests, Napa Valley is all about celebrating the sweet vibes of summer. Whether you add one of these outdoor events to your Napa Valley itinerary, or plan your entire vacation around it, we hope to see you making the most of Napa’s diverse summer events — glass of wine in hand.
July 13, 2019, 11 AM – 3 PM
Cost: $75 per person
Taste of Napa, which is part of the Festival Napa Valley, is set to transform the Village Lawn at Vista Collina Resort into a gourmet wonderland, bringing over 70 local wineries, restaurants, and top artisans together for a fun celebration in Wine Country. Sip world-class wine as you savor the delectable creations of famed Napa Valley chefs and listen to live music from cover band Wonder Bread 5, for what promises to be a memorable (and tasty) experience under the California sun.
Insider tip: In the mood to keep the eating and drinking going? The Village at Vista Collina is home to nine tasting rooms, an artisan market, and a food and wine center offering a variety of unique cooking classes, so you don’t even have to venture off property to indulge.
July 27, 2019, 6:30 – 9:30 PM
Cost: $109 Members (up to 2 tickets), $129 Non-Members
Taking place under the oak trees at V. Sattui Winery, Festa Italiana is an Italian-inspired evening that celebrates the good life in Wine Country. This enchanting, outdoor festival — which takes a page out of the villages of Toscana and Lombardia, Italy — is sure to charm with its lively atmosphere, mouthwatering food, and, of course, plentiful V. Sattui wines. Indulge in hearty homemade pastas, roasted wild boar, salads, and tiramisu, then dance the night away under the stars.
Insider tip: If Festa Italiana gets you in the celebratory spirit, V. Sattui features a variety of event spaces, both indoors and out, available for hosting your own special event, such as a wedding or family reunion.
September 7, 2019, 4 – 7 PM
Cost: $75 per person
This 4th annual wine tasting event brings over 30 wineries from the Calistoga AVA to an idyllic park setting in Calistoga. Sample wines grown and produced in the Calistoga region, which was rated “one of the top 10 wine destinations in the world” by Wine Enthusiast Magazine, poured by the winery owners and winemakers themselves. Gourmet bites from local chefs and live music round out the event, making for a one-of-a-kind tasting experience oenophiles and wine lovers won’t want to miss.
Insider tip: While Calistoga Harvest Table (held the next day) might’ve sold out, visitors can still enjoy the 4:30pm wine bar social and strolling down main street.
June 7 – August 23, 2019, 6:30 – 10:00 PM
Cost: Free
This summer concert tradition takes place every Friday night in the renovated Veterans Memorial Park Amphitheater, offering terraced seating and spectacular views of the Napa River from which to enjoy live performances of jazz, rock, country, world music, pop, blues, and folk. Concerts start on June 7 and run through Aug. 23, with each evening concert featuring three different acts.
Insider tip: The Amphitheater is located along the Napa River Promenade, just half a mile from the Oxbow Public Market. Plan to stop there first to load up on picnic provisions, then snag a spot by the river to enjoy an al fresco dinner performance.
June 13 – August 22, 2019, 6:30 – 8:30 PM
Cost: Free
Gather your friends and the whole family, along with blankets, chairs, and a picnic dinner, for this fun summer tradition in Calistoga. This free concert series, scheduled every Thursday evening, brings the community together to enjoy the sounds of regional musical performers highlighting everything from Latin dance to jazz to pop covers.
Insider tip: What’s a summer concert in Wine Country without a bit of wine? Not only are you allowed to bring your own adult beverages (if over 21), but local wines are available for purchase, with a different winery highlighted each week.
June 13 and 27, July 11 and 25, August 8 and 22, 2019, 6 – 8 PM
Cost: Free
It just wouldn’t be summer without another excuse to get outdoors and enjoy live music, now would it? Like Calistoga, St. Helena has its own summer concert series, occurring the second and fourth Thursday of every month from June through August. Pack your picnic and bring the whole family down to Lyman Park to groove to the music as the sun goes down.
Insider tip: Not only does the St. Helena Summer Concert Series welcome people of all ages, but there’s also food trucks, farmers’ market vendors, wine, and even complimentary desserts available for concert goers.
July 12 – July 21, 2019
Cost: Free for some events, various prices for ticketed events
Since its inception in 2006, Festival Napa Valley has continued to draw thousands of guests from all over the world to experience music, wine, food, and cultural enrichment over the course of nearly two weeks each summer. From jazz, opera, and classical music performances to dance, theater, and film, Festival Napa Valley offers the chance to enjoy the bounty and beauty of Napa Valley through the arts. This year, Grammy Award-winner Seal headlines Wine Country’s biggest arts charity event at HALL Napa Valley, Broadway legend Patti LuPone will perform at Calistoga Ranch, and legendary jazz fusion band The Yellowjackets is set to perform a free Community Concert at Napa Valley College — just to name a few.
Insider tip: In addition to the big names in music, Festival Napa Valley is a great opportunity to watch rising stars, such as cellist Sophia Bacelar and violinist Charlie Siem, as well as performances by the next generation of classical music artists during the Bouchaine Young Artist Series.
July 28, 2019, 12 – 6 PM
Cost: Free
Local favorite Porchfest is back on the last Sunday in July, bringing dozens of bands and soloists to play from a variety of house porches in neighborhoods throughout Napa. Stroll from porch to porch as you enjoy the music, or post up with a blanket or lawn chair to listen and relax, but be sure to bring your appetite to take advantage of the tasty eats at the food truck roundup at Fuller Park.
Insider tip: Pick up a convenient three-pack crowler (can/growler) at Fieldwork Brewing inside the Oxbow Public Market. They even come with a carrying case for easy transport between porches.
July 31 – August 25, 2019
Cost: Various prices
It’s not often that one gets the chance to hear musicians of an exceptionally high caliber like of those who will converge upon the Napa Valley in August. World-renowned in their field as soloists, chamber musicians, orchestra musicians, and master teachers, a select group of new and returning musicians are hand-picked for Music in the Vineyards. Now in its 25th year, Music in the Vineyards celebrates achievements in music while highlighting the beauty of Wine Country. Nearly two dozen wineries throughout Napa will play host to the musical programs all summer, along with a 25th Anniversary Gala at Charles Krug Winery on Saturday, August 10.
Insider tip: Unable to make the weekend dates or looking for something less formal? You’re also invited to drop into their four free open rehearsals on Thursday afternoons.
August 16 – 17, 2019, 5 – 8:30 PM on Friday, 10 AM – 3 PM on Saturday
Cost: Free
Love yourself some classic rides? Step back in time for the Main Street Reunion, a classic car show in downtown Napa where you can catch a glimpse of cars from before 1976 at two different events. On Friday, visit Show and Shine to see 150 vintage cars, then be sure to return for the main event on Saturday, when there will be 400 antique vehicles to view. Along with plenty of food, beer, wine, and live music all weekend, Main Street Reunion brings more nostalgia than you can shake a stick at.
Insider tip: Looking to make a full weekend of it? The event takes place just steps from the Westin Verasa Napa, where a stay includes complimentary breakfast, daily afternoon wine receptions, and plenty of other luxe amenities.
August 24, 2019, 12 – 6 PM
Blues, Brews, and BBQ — the name says it all! This annual festival attracts world-class beers and blues musicians in equal measure. Throw in master BBQ chefs and you know you’re in for a rockin’ good time. This year’s event will showcase American Blues music on three stages, featuring some of the Bay Area’s best blues musicians, 40 hard-to-find micro-brewed beers, and finger lickin’ BBQ food from 15 chefs, plus the famous annual rib eating contest that you don’t want to miss!
Insider tip: Admission is free and the event is open to the public, so be sure to make the most of it by arriving early to enjoy a full day of music, food, and fun in downtown Napa.
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