Top Annual Events in Napa Valley

  • Events
  • by WINECOUNTRY COLLECTIVE
  • on MARCH 7, 2024
  • 8860
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Events

Top Annual Events in Napa Valley

By WineCountry Collective March 7, 2024

Napa Valley is a year-round playground of fun, with each month bringing its own unique flavor of excitement. From sun-soaked summer festivals and lively concert series to fall harvest celebrations and gourmet gatherings, there’s never a dull moment in Wine Country.

To help you plan an unforgettable visit, we’ve curated a list of some of our favorite annual events happening throughout the region. So, if you’re dreaming up a trip to Napa Valley, why not elevate your getaway by lining it up with one of these annual events?

SPRING/EARLY SUMMER EVENTS

Bottlerock
BottleRock Napa Valley, Photo courtesy of BottleRock

Napa Valley Expo

May 24 – 26, 2024
Cost: $233 to $5,995

Held every year over Memorial Day weekend, BottleRock is the largest music festival in Napa Valley. Thousands of music and wine lovers flock to Wine Country to jam out, feast on delicious food, and sip world-renowned wines. The music line up is typically a healthy mix of genres and artists. From Stevie Nicks’ raspy melodies to Ed Sheeran’s infusion of pop, rock, and folksy tunes, there’s truly something for everyone. If you’re in it for the vin-o alone, some of the participating wineries include Robert Mondavi, Mumm Napa, and Bonita Bonita, just to name a few.

575 Third Street, Napa, CA 94559

Various Locations

May 31 – June 1, 2024
Cost: Tickets go on sale in March

The Napa Valley Wine Auction is a legendary event that raises millions of dollars and has everyone raising glasses for a good cause: proceeds support Napa Valley’s youth mental health programs. The weekend kicks off with a barrel auction, followed by case auctions the next day. Over 50 different wineries from across Napa auction off specialty wines and unique varietals, drawing in everyone from collectors to restaurant owners. Aside from wine itself, attendees can also bid on Wine Country trips, jewelry, private concerts, and everything in between.

SUMMER EVENTS

Blue Note Jazz Festival, Photo courtesy of Blue Note Jazz Festival

Silverado Resort / Meritage Resort and Spa

Blue Note: July 2025 / Black Radio Experience: August 2024
Cost: Tickets go on sale in March

From popular artists like Mary J. Blige to up-and-coming greats, the Blue Note Jazz Festival is an event dedicated to discovering new music while simultaneously experiencing old favorites. Originating in New York City, Blue Note aims to combine the smooth rhythms of jazz, a convivial community atmosphere, and an inspirational spirit to the small town feel of Napa Valley. While Blue Note is taking a hiatus in 2024 (it will be back in 2025), the Festival’s Black Radio Experience is an excellent alternative. Celebrating the rich tapestry of Black culture and the power of music to transcend boundaries, this fun event—to be held at the Meritage Resort and Spa—is sure to bring all the great music, food, and vibes.

Fuller Park, Downtown Napa

July 2025
Cost: Free

Napa Porch Fest is a wonderful event dedicated to Napa Valley musicians playing on—you guessed it—front porches in the historic Fuller Park neighborhood of downtown Napa. This fun, family-friendly gathering takes place on the last Sunday in July, paying tribute to the lazy, hazy days of summer. Best of all, Napa Porch Fest is completely free to attend! While the event is on pause this year, be on the lookout for Porchfest’s return in 2025!

560 Jefferson Street, Napa, CA 94559

Various Locations

July 6 – 21, 2024
Cost: Daytime concerts are free; evening concerts are $35; patron experiences range from $1,550 to $12,000

Festival Napa Valley is a spectacular 10-day extravaganza of musical arts, held across various locations in Napa Valley. This cultural extravaganza features an array of performances, including opera, orchestral concerts, and ballet. In addition to the musical delights, attendees can savor the Taste of Napa event and the Arts for All Gala, showcasing the immense talent of Napa’s residents. Dozens of wineries participate through vintner’s luncheons and patron dinners, so you know there will be plenty of good food and drink to fuel your experiences. While tickets for the special patron events come with a premium price tag, the proceeds are put to good use, supporting youth arts programs, free community concerts, and scholarships. Did we mention that the Festival Napa Valley concludes with a special guest artist?

Facebook | Napa Town & Country Fair
Photo courtesy of Facebook: Napa Town & Country Fair

Napa Valley Expo

August 8 – 10, 2024
Cost: $15 for adults; $12 for seniors, youth, and military; free for children 5 and under. Parking is $10. Tickets can also be purchased in advance online for a $5 discount.

It wouldn’t be summer in the U.S.A without a visit to the county fair, and Napa Valley’s own Town & Country Fair is a quintessential celebration held at the Napa Valley Expo. This annual event embraces all the traditional county fair elements, including a livestock show, agricultural displays, carnival rides, and arts and crafts contests. But, since this is Wine Country after all, the Vintners Wine Lounge adds a sophisticated twist, offering a selection of local wines to complement the festivities. Live music and nightly firework displays complete the Americana vibes.

575 Third Street, Napa, CA 94559, (707) 253-4900

Various Napa Valley Wineries

August 2 – 25, 2024
Cost: $85+ per night

Imagine a chorus of string instruments and voices rising from rolling vineyards during golden hour. Sounds delightful, doesn’t it? Music in the Vineyards is a highly regarded Chamber music festival that takes place in the heart of Napa Valley Wine Country each summer. The festival unfolds in the elegant settings of Napa Valley’s acclaimed wineries, from the picturesque landscapes of Silverado Vineyards to the historic grounds of Charles Krug and Inglenook, among others. Music in the Vineyards is renowned for its focus on nurturing emerging talent and showcasing young musicians. Aside from sultry music and beautiful Napa Valley scenery, tickets also include a wine tasting to enjoy during intermission.

FALL EVENTS

Photo courtesy of Shutterstock

Various Locations

September 21 – 22 & 28 – 29, 2024
Cost: Free

If you’re passionate about art and wine, why not indulge in both at the same time? Open Studios Napa Valley is a complimentary event that shines a spotlight on local artists and art galleries. Whether you’re an art enthusiast or a seasoned collector, you can meander through artists’ studios and exhibitions, marveling at the array of creative expressions including paintings, sculptures, glasswork, and more. And if you find a piece that speaks to you, the satisfaction of purchasing directly from the artist adds an extra layer of joy.

September 2024
Cost: $95+ per person, $55 per person for Club Members

At this festive annual event at Merryvale, you’ll immerse yourself in the vibrant ambiance of the harvest season, savoring premium wines and barrel tastings while indulging in mouthwatering BBQ delights. Enjoy carnival-style games between tastings and live music that sets the rhythm for a day to remember in Wine Country.

1000 Main Street, St. Helena, CA 94574, (707) 963-2225

Napa Valley Film Festival | Bob McClenahan
Napa Valley Film Festival, Photo courtesy of Bob McClenahan

Various Locations

(Dates and ticket prices not listed yet)

Napa’s own miniature version of Sundance is the Napa Film Festival, which takes place over five days in November and showcases over 100 films. The roster of mostly independent films features some of Hollywood’s best alongside burgeoning stars. Although anyone can attend, celebrity sightings aren’t an unusual occurance, so you could find yourself rubbing shoulders with movie stars, like past attendee John Travolta. Top chefs and wineries also participate in the event, making it a red carpet premiere to remember.

WINTER / OFF-SEASON EVENTS

Unsplash
Photo courtesy of Unsplash

Napa Valley Restaurant Week

Various Locations

January 2025
Cost: Meals range anywhere from $18 to $75 and up

Napa Valley is a renowned destination for foodies and gourmands alike, and there’s no better time to descend on Wine Country for all things good eating than Napa Valley Restaurant Week. Every January, an array of restaurants, wineries, bars, and even food trucks come together to showcase their culinary prowess, each offering a multi-course meal that’s perfectly paired with Napa Valley wines. The cherry on top? You won’t have to pay up the big bucks, because most of the menus are offered at approachable price points. To ensure you don’t miss out on this gastronomic celebration, be sure to make reservations well in advance, or consider opting for the lunch offerings for a more casual experience.

Various Locations

January 2025
Cost: Free admission at the Festival Marketplace, although some events are ticketed

You don’t have to visit Italy to experience truffles at their finest. Napa’s own claim to fungi fame is the Perigord black truffle, and the annual Napa Valley Truffle Festival is dedicated to them. From hunting down these delicacies with truffle-sniffing dogs to the Truffle and Wine Dinner and seminars on growing them yourself, there’s no shortage of gourmand inspiration. And, of course there are plenty of opportunities to pair truffle-covered bites with delicious Napa wines. Throughout the weekend, happenings and tastings are held at the Festival Marketplace in Oxbow Public Market, where you can purchase your very own local truffles. Yum!

Silverado Trail from Calistoga to Napa

March 3rd, 2024
Cost: Free to attend, $55 to $205 to run depending on distance

Why not balance your wine tastings and food explorations by running the Napa Valley Marathon? Known for its breathtaking route along the Silverado Trail, this marathon is often hailed as one of the most scenic in the United States. As you traverse the course, you’ll be treated to views of some of California’s most renowned wineries, with picturesque vineyards and idyllic countryside vistas surrounding you. Exciting events are held on the weekend of the marathon as well, including the annual Pasta Dinner at the Meritage Resort. Whether you decide on the 5K or the full 26.2 miles, reward yourself with a well deserved glass of Cabernet Sauvignon and a soak in Calistoga’s hot springs.

Calistoga to Napa

Conclusion

Festivals, balls, and fairs, oh my! Napa Valley is a community steeped in wine and food traditions, and there’s no better way to embrace this devotion than by attending one of the region’s annual celebrations. Taking the opportunity to partake in these festivities will reveal not only what makes Napa a beloved destination, but also why both its hospitality, food, and wines are world-renowned. And be sure to check out our Napa Valley Event Calendar for a weekly list of fun regional events.