Napa Valley Weekender
Welcome to Napa Valley Features’ Weekender. Every Friday morning, we provide a selection of activities and experiences around the region that has been curated by the Napa Valley Features team. Our goal is to provide at least a few free or low-cost events and to cover every town in our valley. This is an eclectic list, ranging from theatrical readings to musical concerts, from wine celebrations to art gallery tours, from charitable events to astronomical marvels. Our goal is for both locals and visitors to find this list valuable, engaging and complete with sufficient details to eliminate the need for extensive searches for times, locations or any associated costs.
Before we get to this week’s activities, though, we’d like to offer Anne Ward Ernst’s report of a recent event, Heritage Fire, at St. Helena’s Charles Krug Winery.
Sacramento chef wins ‘Heritage Hero’ title at Charles Krug Winery
ST. HELENA, Calif. — The aroma of roasting meat that wafted through the air at Charles Krug Winery was enough to draw in the hungry during the Heritage Fire event on Aug. 20, but there was also wine to be consumed, bean bags to be thrown and axes to be tossed.
Dozens of California chefs showcased their own brand and style of cooking over an open flame as they competed to be named “Heritage Hero,” the creator of the bite deemed the best of the day by attendees. That title went to Greg Desmangles Jr. of Urban Roots Craft Brewery and Smokehouse in Sacramento for his pork belly bossam.
The Best Beef Dish went to Dennis Sydnor of Café FED, another Sacramento-based eatery, for his pastrami sausage. Heritage Fire celebrates locally sourced meats and produce in 14 cities across the country from Miami to Los Angeles.
Anne Ward Ernst is a journalist who loves covering the Napa Valley. She received complimentary admission to the event.
This Weekend
American Canyon
Explore American Canyon trails and Glass Beach. Take a free, self-guided hike and explore the trails of American Canyon along the Napa River, with a particular focus on Glass Beach, where currents have deposited large amounts of sanded glass to create a multicolored shoreline. The full four-mile loop, which takes about one to two hours to complete, offers opportunities for birdwatching, observing other local fauna like rabbits, and walking or jogging along diverse paths. While the event is free, parking is available at the Landfill Loop Trailhead, and guests are advised to arrive early due to limited parking spaces. For more information, visit the Landfill Loop Trail, American Canyon.
Calistoga
The 17th Annual Reflect & Rejoice Gala will take place on Friday, Sept. 8, from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. at the Castello di Amorosa, located at 4045 St. Helena Hwy., Calistoga. Guests will enjoy a fine dinner, have the opportunity to participate in a live auction, and contribute to the "fund-a-need" initiative, all in support of the community health services provided by the Providence Community Health Foundation. Though pricing information is not provided on the site, reservations are mandatory. Additionally, an online auction featuring a variety of items and experiences is available for bidding until Saturday, Sept. 9. For more information or to make a reservation, interested parties can call 707-254-4157.
Sunrise Horse Rescue Annual Dinner and Auction: After a three-year pause, this widely attended event is back, celebrating the 16th anniversary of Sunrise Horse Rescue. The Saturday, Sept. 9 event is set to take place at Blossom Creek Farm in Calistoga. Prices start at $225, with all proceeds earmarked to support regional horse-rescue initiatives.
Buster’s BBQ Jazz and Blues: Enjoy free music (tips appreciated!) every Sunday from 3 to 6 p.m. Listen to jazz and blues on the back patio at Buster's Southern BBQ, weather permitting.
Calistoga Farmers’ Market: This year-round market is open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Saturday. The Calistoga Farmers’ Market, managed by a Market Advisory Committee under the umbrella of the Calistoga Chamber of Commerce, is full of fresh vegetables, local fish, arts, crafts, baked goods and music. It's located on Washington Street adjacent to the Community Center and across from City Hall.
Napa
The Napa Farmers Market is held from 8 a.m. to noon on Saturdays at 1100 West St. at Pearl, also on Tuesdays at the same time and place.
The Napa County Main Library, 580 Coombs St., Napa is celebrating International Literacy Day with various activities on Friday, Sept. 8.
-From 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., the library holds an open house with light refreshments
-1 to 3 p.m., drop in crafts, create a mini book and play literacy bingo
-3:30 to 3:45 p.m., Pass the book, experience the joy of communal reading by reading a chapter or two and passing the book on to your neighbor
-4 to 5:20 p.m.: Screening of “The Right to Read” documentary. Produced by Levar Burton, this recent documentary shares stories of a courageous activist, teacher and two families who fight to provide our youngest generation with the most foundational indication of lifelong success: the ability to read. Families are welcome. Refreshments will be served.
Open Studios Napa Valley Preview at Jessel Gallery: Friday, Sept. 8, 5 to 8 p.m. The Jessel Gallery is hosting a preview reception for the upcoming Open Studios Napa Valley event. The preview offers art enthusiasts a sneak peek at works from several artists who will be participating in Open Studios. This is a month-long show where attendees will have the opportunity to meet the artists and experience weekend demonstrations. Admission is free. Parking is available on-site and no reservations are required. The Jessel Gallery is located at 1019 Atlas Peak Road, Napa.
“Love Letters” by A.R. Gurney will be presented for one night only, a benefit for the Michael Leonardi Foundation, by Justin-Siena High School at 8 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 9 in the Justin-Siena High School Dining Hall, 4026 Maher St. in Napa. “Let’s Get Loud,” is at 6:30 p.m., a pre-show reception and music featuring Noetic Pause and Julia Leonardi. General admission is $25, students younger than 18 are $10. Tickets here.
The Suicide Loss Support Group, hosted by Community Health Napa Valley, is an in-person, closed, 12-week program offered twice a year in February and May. Meeting every Tuesday from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., the group aims to provide a structured environment for learning and group support for those navigating the emotional landscape of suicide loss. While pricing information is not available, registration is a requisite for participation. For more details or to register, interested individuals can contact Xavia at 707-258-9080 or via email at xavia.hendriksz1@providence.org.
St. Helena
Waitlist only, but definitely interesting: "Paint the Town at Markham Vineyards" is scheduled for Friday, Sept. 8, from 6:30 to 9 p.m. at 2812 St. Helena Highway North in St. Helena. Guests will be guided through creating a fall-inspired painting, all while enjoying Markham's award-winning wines. The evening takes place in the Historic Stone Cellar and promises an interactive and fun atmosphere, where attendees can take home their own art creations. Ticket prices are set at $60 for club members and $75 for general admission, which includes the painting lesson, materials, a glass of wine and small bites. Additional wine options are available for purchase by the bottle or glass.
A classic jazz trio concert will be presented at 2 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 10, at St. Helena’s Cameo Cinema. If you are a fan of the classic jazz trio — established by Nat King Cole in the late 1930s — this is the concert you’ve been dreaming about. Larry Vuckovich, one of the most versatile jazz pianists, returns to the Cameo Cinema with bassist Doug Miller and guitarist Kai Lyons for an afternoon of jazz. The concert will feature the music of Cole, Oscar Peterson, Ahmad Jamal and Vince Guaraldi. Tickets are $40. Cameo Cinema, 1340 Main St., St. Helena, (707) 963-9779.
Frog’s Leap Winery, 8815 Conn Creek Road in Rutherford (not St. Helena, but close!), will screen a new documentary, “The Art of Eating: The Life of M.F.K. Fisher,” from local film director Gregory Bezat at 6 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 9. Bob Thompson will moderate a Q&A panel discussion that includes Bezat; Fisher’s daughter, Kennedy Golden; Jerry Anne di Vecchio; and Antonia Allegra. It is presented in association with the Napa Valley Wine Library Association. Tickets are $75 at frogsleap.com.
Vitalant is planning a St. Helena Community Blood Drive from noon to 3 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 13 at the Napa Valley Masonic Lodge #93, 1335 Main St. in St. Helana. For appointments visit donors.vitalant.org.
Wood Forms: New Work by Sébastien Pochan will be on display from Friday, Sept. 15 to Oct. 15 at Carter and Co, 1231 Main St., St. Helena. The opening reception for the exhibition will be held on Sept. 15, from 4 to 6 p.m. Sébastien Pochan's work explores the intricate possibilities of wood as an artistic medium, and his latest collection will be showcased at Carter and Co, a store known for its carefully curated selection of stoneware, dinnerware and artful objects. The event is free to the public and does not require reservations. For more information visit the website or check in at Carter and Co.
The St. Helena Farmers’ Market is on Fridays from 7:30 a.m. to noon from May through October in Crane Park, 360 S. Crane Ave.
Yountville
The Yountville Summer Concert Series is set for Sunday, Sept. 10 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Veterans Memorial Park, located at 6465 Washington St. Attendees are invited to bring their lawn chairs, blankets and beverages for an evening of live music featuring local artist Shane Soldinger and his band “Radio Bobcat.” The event also hosts Phat Salads & Wraps as the featured food truck for the evening. This is a free event.
Glow in the Dark Pickleball is organized by the Town of Yountville Parks and Rec Department and is taking place on Friday, Sept. 8, from 8 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. at Vineyard Park, located at 1800 Oak Circle. The event allows participants to enjoy a game of pickleball under black lights while listening to music and snacking. The cost for participation is $25 and those older than 21 will receive a wristband for two drinks. Note that equipment is not provided, although some extra paddles may be available for borrowing. While it is not specified whether the event is exclusive to residents, it's open viewing for anyone looking for an entertaining evening.
Every Friday from 6 to 10 p.m., Hotel Villagio in Yountville hosts live music in its lobby. This week, a multi-genre vocalist Coyote Creates, known for her jazzy rock covers and performances at high-profile events, will perform. The free event takes place at 6481 Washington St.
Upcoming Events
2023 Harvest Dinner & Auction: The Harvest Dinner and Live Auction, organized by the Napa Valley State Parks Association (NVSPA), is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 30, from 5:30 to 9 p.m. The event will be hosted at the historic Bale Grist Mill and features an evening filled with live music, cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, live auction bidding and a dinner catered by Elaine Bell. The event aims to raise funds to support the NVSPA's mission to maintain and enhance the three state parks in Napa Valley: Bothe Napa Valley State Park, the Bale Grist Mill State Historic Park, and Robert Louis Stevenson State Park. Individual tickets are priced at $250. Online Auction: Runs from noon on Friday, Sept. 15 to 9 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 1. Event often sells out quickly. For donations or sponsorships: auction@napavalleystateparks.org
Napa Valley youth, ages 13-19, join Nimbus Arts and Mentis Teens Connect in their first Mosaic Stone Stacking Workshop on Wednesday, Sept. 13 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at Crosswalk Church, 2590 First St. in Napa. Work with professional artists to create your own mosaic artwork, learn about the ancient, meditative and spiritual activity of stacking stones into cairns, and explore the connection between mental wellness and art. Learn more and sign up for this free event at Stone Stacking Workshop.
The Calistoga Cat Action Team of Napa and Sonoma Counties presents Cat Bingo from 4 to 8 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 16 at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, 1504 Myrtle St. in Calistoga. Tickets are $49 per person and include bingo games, wine, dinner, refreshments, prizes and a live auction. Pay online at www.calicat.org, click on the purple DONATE button, select PayPal and how many tickets you need; mail a check to CCAT, P.O. Box 952, Calistoga, CA 94515. Walk-ins welcome.
Grammy Award-winning rock bands Stone Temple Pilots and +LIVE+ will co-headline the Saturday, Sept. 16, concert at the Fortinet Championship golf tournament at the Silverado Resort. For more information on the Fortinet Championship, visit fortinetchampionship.com.
Open Studios Napa Valley: Save the dates, Sept. 16 to 17, and Sept. 23 to 24, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. throughout the Napa Valley. Many artists also exhibit at the Art Gallery Napa Valley, 1307 First St., Napa. For more info, visit their website.
On Sept. 24, the St. Helena Historical Society hosts its 19th annual Spirits of St. Helena Cemetery Discovery Walk with tours at 1 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. Collaborating with St. Helena High School’s drama students, the event will focus on Irish settlers buried in the St. Helena Public Cemetery. The scripted tours will share immigration stories of early settlers like the Greers and Fealys, shedding light on their challenges upon arriving in Napa Valley. Tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for children and can be purchased at the gate.
The American Canyon Chamber of Commerce’s Coffee Chat is from 9 to 10:30 a.m., the fourth Thursday of every month at different locations. The next coffee chat, featuring networking, coffee and light breakfast treats, is Sept. 28 at the chamber’s offices, 3860 Broadway St. No. 103 in American Canyon. It is hosted by Michelle Ryan, Del Sur Mortgage. It is free and open to the public.
Jessel Gallery Writers’ Salon: Oct 7, from 5 to 8 p.m. $10 at the door and reservations required. This event is growing in popularity and demand for seats, so reserving a spot soon is mandatory if you want to participate in listening to some of Napa Valley’s finest writers read their work. Call (707) 257-2350 for more info.
On Saturday, Oct. 7, the 13th annual Napa Blues, Brews & BBQ event returns to the Napa Valley Exposition at 575 3rd St. in Napa. The one-day festival runs from noon to 6 p.m. and is free to enter. The event features live blues music, a variety of barbecue food vendors, arts and crafts stalls and a specialty microbrew beer garden with over 40 unique beers. This year, the event is partnering with local charity Feeding it Forward and offers a $60 Beer Garden bracelet for unlimited beer tastings and exclusive stage performances. Attendees must be 21 or older to enter and on-site parking is available.
What about Lake Berryessa? Had a great day out on the lake yesterday. Weather was perfect.
www.LakeBerryessaNews.com
What an amazing list of wonderful events. Thank you so much for putting this all together for everyone to enjoy.