The Napa Valley Weekender
NAPA VALLEY, Calif. — Welcome to Napa Valley Features’ Weekender. Before diving into the array of upcoming activities in the valley, we want to clarify the purpose of this Friday post.
We sometimes receive feedback that we've "overlooked" an event or that there are recurring activities like farmers markets. The goal of the Weekender is to focus on intriguing, often affordable and frequently lesser-known events in the valley. We also highlight activities that both our editorial team and subscribers wish to share with the Napa Valley Features community.
However, the Weekender is not meant to serve as an all-encompassing guide to local events. Those in search of a more exhaustive list can turn to resources such as local chambers of commerce, regional "visit" websites, including Visit Napa Valley, or publications such as Paul Franson's NapaLife.
That said, if you've identified an event you think deserves broader attention, we encourage you to use our straightforward event submission form so that we can include it in upcoming Weekenders. We're enthusiastic about spotlighting such gatherings for the benefit of our community.
American Canyon
Full Moon Walk will take place on Saturday, Oct. 28, from 5:30 to 7:29 p.m. at Wetlands Edge Trail, located at 2 Eucalyptus Drive, American Canyon. The event features a fall social walk along the Wetlands Edge Trail under the light of the Hunter's Moon. American Canyon Community & Parks Foundation staff and volunteers will guide attendees on a 1.5-mile loop trail that is a flat, loose gravel path suitable for all ages. Participants should bring a flashlight and dress in layers for maximum comfort. The event is part of ACCPF's “Social Hikes” series, which aims to combine social time with neighbors and outdoor exploration. For more information, visit the website or call (707) 647-4360.
Napa-Vallejo Flea Market: Open Sundays from 5 a.m. to 5 p.m. year-round, this may be the largest and longest-lived flea market in Northern California. If you haven’t been, think community garage sale on steroids. 303 S Kelly Road, American Canyon, 707-226-8862.
Calistoga
Calistoga’s Picayune Cellars & Mercantile will host a unique custom hat bar experience from 5 to 7 p.m., Friday, Oct. 27, at 1440 Lincoln Ave. We will have beautiful hats from Van Palma, Pendleton and American Hat Makers! All of these are beautiful on their own, but we will have all the accessories and branding tools here for you to customize your hat and make it your one-of-a-kind creation. Our wine will be flowing to increase those creative juices.
The Moonshine at Mount View Hotel, located at 1457 Lincoln Ave. in Calistoga, offers a weekend of classic films on Friday, Oct. 27, and Saturday, Oct. 28, opening its doors at 5 p.m. both nights. On Friday, the venue will screen the 1953 romance/comedy "Roman Holiday," starring Gregory Peck and Audrey Hepburn, followed on Saturday by its season finale, the 1962 war/drama "Lawrence of Arabia," featuring Peter O'Toole and Alec Guinness; both films start at 6 p.m. Tickets are $5 and can be purchased either at the door or on Eventbrite, with food and drinks available for additional purchase. For private screenings or other event inquiries, the venue can be reached at (707) 942-6877.
Elaine Jennings, a jazz vocalist, will perform at Romeo Vineyards in Calistoga on Saturday, Oct. 28, from 1 to 4 p.m., accompanied by pianist David Austin. The event unfolds in a restored 1800s carriage house at Romeo Vineyards, where guests can enjoy selections from the Great American Songbook amid gardens framed by ancient redwoods and cedars. There is no cover charge, but wine purchase is required. Payments are accepted via credit or debit card only. Reservations are required for parties of six or more and recommended for all due to limited space. Complimentary non-alcoholic beverages and water are available for non-drinkers, and leash-well-behaved dogs are welcome.
Live music every Friday from 6 to 8 p.m. at Calistoga’s Picayune Cellars, 1440 Lincoln Ave. We are serving our wines by the glass and culinary goodies from our kitchen. No cover, always fun and delicious. Check out the line up or reserve your Plat du Jour ($25 per person, with or without wine) here. For details call (707) 341-3410 or visit picayunecellars.com.
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.
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.
Karaoke at Maria Concetto Winery, every Sunday from 7 to 10 p.m. Located at 1367 Lincoln Ave. in Calistoga, the winery opens its stage for aspiring soloists and groups looking for a night of musical fun. Admission is free and attendees can purchase wines available by the glass or bottle while enjoying a variety of dining options brought in partnership with Bricco Osteria.
Napa
Evil Vines Cemetery, 2110 Euclid Ave. in Napa, is a free Halloween yard display featuring handmade props and spooky fun scares for all ages. Display lights on daily dusk to 10 p.m. Spooky path open from 7 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 28. 3D walk-through, spooky path and trick-or-treating is from 6 to 9 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 31. Visit here for details and potential schedule changes due to weather. We're dying to see you!Susie’s Halloween party will be from 10 p.m. to 1:30 a.m., Saturday, Oct. 28, at the famed Calistoga cocktail bar, 1365 Lincoln Ave. DJ Cali B will be spinning tunes all night and a costume contest will be held at midnight.
Circo Hermanos Caballero will be performing through Monday, Oct. 30, at the Napa Valley Expo, located at 575 3rd St., Napa. The circus marks its 20th anniversary with a series of shows featuring awe-inspiring stunts, acrobatics and clowns that embody Latino-inspired entertainment. Originating in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico, the circus aims to become a family tradition in San Jose. Ticket prices range from $20 to $50 and children under 10 can attend some shows for free. For more information, visit the Napa Valley Expo or call for ticket details. Friendly dogs are welcome. For further information, contact Romeo Vineyards at 1224 Lincoln Avenue, Calistoga, or call (707) 942-8239.
Napa Valley College Performing Arts, in partnership with Cafeteria Kids Theater, brings "The Wizard of Oz" to the main stage this weekend. This classic tale of a Kansas farm girl who travels to Oz, faces flying monkeys, a wicked witch, makes fantastical friends and finds the magical power of "home" has been entertaining audiences for generations. In this co-production, the cast is comprised of local youth actors, Napa Valley College students, community actors and alumni artists. All performances are accompanied by a live orchestra. Directed by Aimée Guillot and Olivia Cowell with music direction by Dr. Christina Howell. Performances are 7 p.m. Friday Oct. 27 and Saturday Oct. 28, and 2 p.m. Sunday Oct. 29. Tickets are $25 general, $20 for students, seniors and military and $15 for youth younger than 12. Performances include double casts (ruby and emerald). For tickets visit here.
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.
St. Helena
Come join Lang & Reed’s annual harvest party, Saturday, Oct. 28, from 1 to 4 p.m. at Spring House, 1244 Spring St. in St. Helena. The Skupny Family invites you to experience the flavors of the harvest season, featuring Lang & Reed Napa Valley’s latest vintages and library selections, complemented by bites from La Saison. Guests can also enjoy live music by Coyote Creates with a variety of spaces to relax, including the scenic front porch and the board room dedicated to Georgia Bulldogs fans. Tickets are $65 per person, with Lang & Reed wine club members receiving two complimentary passes. Contact: 707-963-7547 or email megan@langandreed.com. Tickets at Eventbrite.
At Cameo Cinema, 1340 Main St., St. Helena, Nyad is showing from Friday, Oct. 27, to Sunday, Oct. 29, with showtimes at 2 p.m., 5 p.m. and 7:45 p.m., excluding the 7:45 p.m. slot on Sunday. The film documents Diana Nyad's ambitious attempt to swim from Cuba to Florida at the age of 60. General admission is $10, with various discounts available. Another feature includes a Sunday 2 p.m. screening of SOMM: A Cup of Salvation, ($20) accompanied by a Q&A and wine tastings. For more information, call the box office or visit 1340 Main St., St. Helena.
The second weekend of UpStage Napa Valley’s third annual playwright festival, “PlayFest,” is slated for the weekend of Oct. 27-29. The performances will take place in Newton Hall at Grace Episcopal Church, 1314 Spring St., St. Helena. Over the course of two weekends, nine 15-minute original plays will be showcased, focusing on various social issues. Artistic director Sharie Renault emphasizes that the festival aims not just to entertain but also to engage and heal through theater. Tickets are available at $35. Group rates of $30 per person apply to parties over 10, and student tickets are available for $25 each. The performance on Friday is at 7:30 p.m., while Saturday and Sunday feature matinees at 2:30 p.m. Tickets can be purchased here or at the door.
Jazz vocalist Elaine Jennings and pianist David Austin are slated to perform a special concert at Rianda House in St. Helena on Tuesday, Oct. 31, from 5 to 6 p.m. Elaine Jennings, known for her performances featuring selections from the Great American Songbook, will collaborate with David Austin for an evening designed to enrich the lives of older adults. Rianda House serves as a senior activity center that focuses on enhancing physical, mental and social health through a range of activities and services. Although there is no charge for the event, reservations are suggested. For more information or to make a reservation, contact Rianda House at 1475 Main Street, St. Helena, or call (707) 963-8555. Additional details can also be obtained by emailing Elaine Jennings at elaine@elainejennings.com or by calling her at (415) 596-3447.
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 annual Wizards of Elixirs Cocktail Competition, hosted by The Perfect Purée of Napa Valley, Charbay Distillery and Napa Valley Museum Yountville, is set for 6 to 8:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 30, at the museum's Tiki Dreams Exhibition Hall, 55 Presidents Circle, Yountville. Over a dozen of wine country's top bartenders will compete for the People’s Choice Award, crafting cocktails with Tequila Tapatío and Perfect Purée flavors. Tickets are $40 in advance or $45 at the door, and include cocktail tastings and one raffle ticket; additional raffle tickets can be purchased for $5 each or 5 for $20, benefiting the 501(c)(3) Napa Valley Museum Yountville. Halloween costumes are encouraged, and food will be available for purchase from Difilippo Wood-Fired Pizza and Local Q 707. For more information, visit the website.
Valley Players presents “Men on Boats” by Jaclyn Backhaus at the Yountville Community Center from now through Sunday, Oct. 29. Performances are at 7 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. on Sundays. Advance tickets are $25. Tickets are also available at the door for $28. Join us for this immersive experience that is the true(ish) history of an 1869 expedition when a one-armed captain and a crew of insane yet loyal volunteers set out to chart the course of the Colorado River. Visit our website, email valley.players.napa@gmail.com or call (707) 948-6273 for tickets and more information.
Every Friday and Saturday from 6 to 10 p.m. Hotel Villagio in Yountville hosts live music in its lobby. The free event takes place at 6481 Washington St.
Sunrise yoga at Bardessono Hotel and Spa rooftop pool deck: The event takes place every Saturday from 7:30 to 8:15 a.m. This morning yoga session focuses on breath work and meditation, providing a serene start to the weekend. The cost is $30 per person, and reservations are required due to limited space. For more information or to make a reservation, contact the Bardessono front desk.
Upcoming Events
For an excellent list of upcoming, Halloween-focused events around the valley, check out Visit Napa Valley’s comprehensive list, which can be found here.
A reminder for readers: Daylight Saving Time ends on Nov. 5. The saying "spring forward, fall back" can help you remember to set your clocks back one hour.
Sky Watch for November 2023 offers a range of celestial events throughout the month. The planetary lineup includes Jupiter coming into opposition on Nov. 3, a conjunction between the crescent Moon and Venus on Nov. 9, and a sighting of Uranus on Nov. 13. Additionally, the "Taurids" meteor shower peaks on the night of Nov. 11–12, followed by the "Leonids" on Nov. 18–19. The Full Moon, known as the "Beaver" Moon, will peak on the morning of Nov. 27 at 4:16 a.m.
Napa High Choral Boosters present “An Evening of Wine and Song,” 6 p.m., Friday, Nov. 3, at the Napa Valley College Performing Arts Center. A fundraising event for choral music in our public schools. Tickets are $75 and available here.
Grgich Hills Estate's annual Festival of the Bells will be held from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Friday, Nov. 3 at CIA Copia, 500 First St. in Napa. The event is in support of the outstanding work being done by Roots of Peace to support farmers in war-torn lands while combatting climate change. The event consists of two parts; the first titled “Symposium: Cultivating Peace Through Agriculture,” in which distinguished experts from around the world, including Nobel prize laureates and diplomats, will convene in support of farmers as they strive to nourish their communities in the face of expanding global challenges. The second part is “Ring Out! Celebratory Lunch and Live Auction.” Following the panel, attendees enjoy a celebratory luncheon of multicultural food, dancing, music, and a live auction supporting farmers and agricultural workers impacted by war. Tickets are $150 per person. Those interested in attending can call (707) 963-2784, email festivalofthebells@grgich.com or visit our website.
Calistoga First Saturday Art Walk occurs on the first Saturday of each month, including Nov. 4 and Dec. 2, from 3 to 6 p.m. The free event includes 10 local galleries and aims to foster community engagement while showcasing local art. No special parking or reservations are required. For further details, contact the Calistoga Chamber of Commerce.
“Feed Your Soul – A Daylong Wellness Retreat in Wine Country” will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 5, at Harvest Inn, 1 Main St. in St. Helena. Cultivate a full day of relaxation and renewal while soaking up exquisite vineyard views alongside the glorious Mayacamas Mountains. Harvest Inn provides an idyllic oasis amid vineyards, mountains and redwoods — your perfect destination for a full day of wellness activities curated to nurture your soul. The cost for the full day-long retreat is $175 per person and includes rental yoga mats (or you’re welcome to bring your own), beverages, lunch and a mindful wine tasting experience. The Feed Your Soul daylong retreat will be led by yoga/meditation teacher and wine expert, Tamara Stanfill, of PartOfTheSOULution.com. Space is limited so RSVP early to guarantee your place here.
Mount Veeder Wine Tasting is scheduled for Friday, Nov. 10, from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at Casino Del Sol, 5655 W. Valencia Road. The tasting showcases wines from eight Mount Veeder AVA Napa Valley wineries and includes gourmet bites. Tickets are $100 in advance, with only 100 available, and $200 at the door. To purchase tickets or for more information, call (707) 266-1296 or visit the website.
The 29th Annual Angel Bazaar fundraiser, hosted by Napa’s St. Apollinaris Catholic Church, will be from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 11, and from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., Sunday, Nov. 12, at 3700 Lassen St. in Napa. You will find gorgeous themed baskets, a silent auction that includes high-end Napa Valley wines and some fun surprises. Get a jump start on your Christmas, Hanukkah and other gifts for family and friends. You might even find something special for yourself. Take a break to enjoy some goodies and coffee or tea at the Heavenly Café or get something from the food truck to sustain your shopping energy. Admission is free.
Live Kai Lyons Afro-Caribbean Quintet, Sunday, Nov. 12, at 2 p.m. at the Cameo Cinema, 1340 Main St. in St. Helena. The concert promises an afternoon filled with world-class music led by San Francisco native guitarist Kai Lyons and featuring the powerhouse vocals of Christelle Durandy. The Afro-Caribbean Quintet, including artists raised in diverse cultures from Haiti to Mexico, delivers a mix of Afro-Caribbean and jazz genres, exploring the wide-ranging musical energy of the African diaspora. The ensemble also features Jeff Pierre on percussion/drums, Julio de la Cruz on bass, Miguelito Martinez on flute, and Einar “Tito” Leliebre on vocals and bongo. Tickets are priced at $40 and the event lasts for 130 minutes. Box office phone: 707-963-9779.
Celebrate Beaujolais Nouveau 2023! Alliance Française de Napa Valley and Outer Space Wines invite you to take a tasting tour of France (with a nod to Nouveau) from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 16, at Outer Space Wines, 974 Franklin St. in Napa. Dan Dawson, owner of Outer Space, will take you on the best tasting tour in the galaxy — beginning with a Nouveau from the venerable Georges DuBoeuf, then venturing into other parts of Beaujolais and beyond! Come savor a grand French tradition and explore delectable offerings from La Belle France. Tickets are $30 for AF Napa members and $40 for non-members. To purchase tickets, go here. Questions? Contact Sally Seymour at sallyseymour@mac.com.
The Napa Chamber of Commerce will host its Economic Outlook Conference on Thursday, Nov. 16, from 8 a.m. to 12 noon at the Silverado Resort. Aimed at equipping attendees with insights into economic trends and strategies, the conference will feature experts such as keynote speaker Dr. Christopher Thornberg. Topics to be discussed include workforce development, the economic value of tourism and emerging market opportunities. Admission is open to all but the fee is expensive at $190 per person. For more details, visit the website or contact the Napa Chamber of Commerce at (707) 226-7455.
Music in the Vineyard’s California Festival Concert, curated by artistic director Daria Adams, is set for Saturday, Nov. 18, at 5 p.m. at Napa Methodist Church, 625 Randolph Street. The one-hour program will showcase a diverse array of compositions, featuring works by Hildegard von Bingen, Michi Wiancko, John Dowland, J.S. Bach and Caroline Shaw. Tickets are priced at $40, with a discounted rate of $10 for students and those under 18. For more information, contact Napa Methodist Church or visit www.cafestival.org. The concert is part of the 2023 California Festival – A Celebration of New Music, which runs from Nov. 3 to 19.
The Rotary Club of Calistoga will host its 83rd Annual Calistoga Community Bingo Night on Saturday, Nov. 18, at the Boys and Girls Club located at 1401 North Oak St. Doors open at 4:30 p.m. and the games kick off at 6 p.m. Keegan Barrett will serve as the Bingo caller for the evening, which also features raffles, silent auctions and casual food and drinks available for purchase. The cost to play all 12 games is $40 for the first Bingo packet and seating is limited to 300; therefore, advance reservations by purchasing the first Bingo packet are recommended. All packets will be available for pickup at the will call table on the day of the event. Email bobbifrioli@gmail.com for more info.
Yountville’s Community Thanksgiving 2023 is set for Wednesday, Nov. 22, for prep and setup and Thursday, Nov. 23, for the main event that includes setup, delivery service and cleanup. The event will consist of home deliveries and a sit-down lunch that relies on donations and volunteer efforts for food, wine and monetary contributions. The event aims to bring the community together during the holiday season and is seeking contributions ranging from home-cooked cranberry sauce, hors d’oeuvres and desserts to larger donations from restaurants and businesses such as turkey, vegetables, stuffing and more. Monetary donations may be made out to the Yountville Community Foundation. Special information: This is a community event and not a town-sponsored occasion. Please direct all questions, reservations or donations to Jeff Durham to streamline the process. For further details or to contribute, email him at jeff@theyountvillian.com or text 415-706-6011.
The first annual Cameo Day will take place on Monday, Nov. 27, from 3 to 5 p.m. at the Cameo Cinema, 1340 Main St. in St. Helena. The event is focused on promoting the mission of the Cameo Cinema and aims to familiarize attendees with upcoming 2024 programming. Guests can meet board members of the Cameo Cinema Foundation and enjoy complimentary popcorn and fountain drinks. Admission is free and no tickets or reservations are necessary. Contributions to the 2023 Annual Fundraising Campaign made during the event will be acknowledged with a movie pass and a Cameo button. Budget-friendly monthly pledges are encouraged as a sustainable way to support the cinema's diverse array of programs. For more details, contact the Cameo Cinema Foundation at info@cameocinema.com or visit their website.
The annual Calistoga Lighted Tractor Parade is set for Saturday, Dec. 2, from 7 to 8 p.m. The event will take place on Lincoln Avenue in downtown Calistoga, offering an evening where vintage tractors illuminate the night as a tribute to the town's agricultural and historical roots. The parade is a community affair, attracting both locals and visitors. Participation in the parade requires filling out a form, which can be found on the Calistoga Chamber of Commerce website. Those interested in sponsorship opportunities can also find a form on the same site. For further inquiries, contact the Calistoga Chamber of Commerce at (707) 942-6333 or jenna@calistogachamber.com.
Bel Canto Napa Valley will host “The World at Christmas,” a holiday concert with performances on Friday, Dec. 1, at 7:30 p.m. at Napa Methodist Church and Sunday, Dec. 3, at 3:30 p.m. at Mont La Salle. The concert promises an eclectic mix of music, featuring everything from traditional carols and Bach to hip-hop-inspired new works and even a dash of rap. A cappella and instrumental performances will round out the festive occasion. Tickets are priced at $35 for adults and $15 for students and can be purchased at belcantonv.org. Due to limited seating that tends to sell out quickly, early ticket purchase is strongly recommended. For more information, reach out to belcantonv@gmail.com.