The Napa Valley Weekender

NAPA VALLEY, Calif. — More than 100 special events are going on in the Napa Valley over the next few days. And there are plenty of places where you can access information on each of them, such as Visit Napa Valley, the various town-specific sites and their chambers of commerce. Of course you can always also become of member of Paul Franson’s go-to NapaLife, which has tons of info and was recently acquired by Highway 29 Publishing, although Franson is still actively involved. But Napa Valley Features’ “The Napa Valley Weekender” intends to be something different.

Napa Town & Country Fair will happen later this month - Bob McClenahan Photo

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 walks 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.

This Weekend

Napa

Valley Players' Summer Staged Reading Series: The Valley Players will present its "Summer Staged Reading Series” with new plays every performance at 7 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 4, and 2 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 5, at CrossWalk Community Church, 2950 First St., Napa. The weekend will feature six plays encompassing comedies and dramas, with topics ranging from drug-addicted family members to prehistoric board meetings. A donation of $10 is suggested.

A Grand Night for Singing: The Jarvis Conservatory, located at 1711 Main St., Napa, will host a monthly celebration of song at 7 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 5. The event will feature a variety of music, from opera to Broadway, with accordion music during the intermission. Tickets are priced at $20.

Guided Tree Walk: The UC Master Gardeners of Napa County will conduct a free guided tree walk from 10 a.m. to noon on Sunday, Aug. 13, at Fuller Park, Oak and Jefferson streets, Napa. Individual registration is necessary and the event is limited to 15 attendees. Register here.

Bubbles and Barks Pop-Up: This charitable pop-up event supports three local animal-welfare organizations: Compassion Without Borders, Jameson Humane and Napa Humane. You can treat your pets to a day of luxury, swag and treats while enjoying the effervescent flavors of Paula Kornell Sparkling Brut. The event will be held at the Kitchen Door, 1300 First St., Suite 272, Napa, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 5.

Jameson Humane volunteer and his rescue dog - Tim Carl Photo

American Canyon

Love and Hiking Date for Couples: Enjoy a self-guided hike and digital activities in Newell Open Space Preserve in American Canyon. This event will occur from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 4, Saturday, Aug. 5, and Sunday, Aug. 6. Access to a Digital Date Nite Box requires a mobile device with an internet connection.

Calistoga

Self-Guided Art Gallery Tour in Calistoga: Art enthusiasts can participate in a self-guided tour through local art galleries in Calistoga on Saturday, Aug. 5, from 3 to 6 p.m. Traverse a creative path through the work of local and regional talents, meet artists and artisans, explore galleries and engage with gallery owners.

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 Barbecue, 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 is managed by a Market Advisory Committee under the umbrella of the Calistoga Chamber of Commerce, and it 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.

Yountville

Napa Humane’s Walk for Animals: Animal-lovers will gather in Yountville on Sunday to promote animal welfare. Registration and festivities begin at 8 a.m., and the walk starts at 9 a.m. Adult registration is $50, with an option to add a charcoal-gray T-shirt for $20. Children 10 and under can participate for free. All funds raised will benefit Napa Humane — serving Napa Valley pets and their people.

Sunrise Yoga: This event, featuring breath work and meditation, will be held on the Bardessono Hotel and Spa Rooftop Pool Deck. The event will run from 7:30 to 8:15 a.m. every Saturday from Aug. 5 to Nov. 11. The cost is $30 per person, and reservations are required.

St. Helena

Tim Carl Photo

St. Helena Farmers’ Market: This event, which runs from May to October, is held from 7:30 a.m. to noon every Friday at Crane Park, 360 Crane Ave. Crane Park is a community asset with amenities that include a redwood grove, picnic areas, large children's play area, skateboard park, popular bocce courts, and tennis and sand volleyball courts.

Mindful Meditation and Yoga: The Harvest Inn offers morning wellness practices every Saturday from 9 to 10 a.m., May through November, on the Vin Rose Lawn (weather permitting). Classes are free for resort guests and $25 for non-resort guests. Private sessions can be scheduled with at least two weeks' advance booking.

Rutherford

Congressman Mike Thompson’s 31st Napa Valley Summertime Dinner: U.S. Rep. Mike Thompson will host this longstanding event, offering fine dining, excellent wine and engaging conversation in a picturesque setting at Inglenook Winery, 1991 St Helena Highway, Rutherford. The event will take place from 5 to 7:30 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 6, with a VIP reception from 4:15 to 5 p.m.

Upcoming Events

Napa Town & Country Fair: The 2023 Napa Town & Country Fair is slated for Aug. 10-13 at the Napa Valley Expo, 575 Third St., Napa. The gates will open at 2 p.m. on Thursday and Friday and at noon on Saturday and Sunday. Returning favorites include the Napa Valley Vintners Wine Lounge, The Umpqua Bank Kid Zone and Playspace, Clover Stornetta Ag Alley, The Makers Market, Adult and Junior Arts and Crafts Exhibits, crafters demonstrations, livestock exhibits, camel rides, karaoke contests and selfie spots. New to the fair is an expanded carnival, boasting two roller coasters and five additional kid rides. Other attractions are Cooks Racing Pigs, pony rides and a petting farm. The livestock auction is scheduled for Saturday.

Perseids Meteor Shower: The Perseids, one of the most visible meteor showers annually, is anticipated to peak between Aug. 12 and 16. Named after the constellation Perseus, the meteors seem to originate from this particular constellation. Optimal viewing will be from a dark location post-midnight.

Milky Way over the vineyards - Tim Carl Photo

Behind the Camera at St. Helena’s Cameo Cinema: Ruth de Jong, the production designer for “Oppenheimer” and noted for her work on films such as “NOPE” (2022), “US” (2019) and “Manchester by the Sea” (2016) as well as the popular TV series “Yellowstone,” will share her insights on Aug. 24 following a viewing of “Oppenheimer.” The event will commence at 5 p.m., and the cost is $30.

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 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.

St. Helena's Market Restaurant’s 20th Anniversary Celebration: A special event marking the 20th anniversary of St. Helena's Market restaurant is scheduled for Aug. 28. As this event celebrates two decades of the restaurant's impact on the local food scene, it's advisable to contact this favored local destination soon to secure your reservations.