The Napa Valley Weekender
NAPA VALLEY, Calif. — 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 walks to astronomical marvels. We hope both locals and visitors find this list valuable, engaging and complete with sufficient details to eliminate the need for extensive searches for times, locations or any associated costs.
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
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.
(If you know of any other American Canyon events please add them to our online form so that we can add them here next week. )
Calistoga
Calistoga’s Picayune Cellars has released its live music line up for December, every Friday from 5-7 p.m. Wines by the glass and small bites available for purchase. Dec. 8, Ricky, alternative rock; Dec. 15, Crush 29, rock ’n’ roll; Dec. 22, Swollen Pines, country and Dec. 29, Jacob Philip Benning, acoustic rock. For details visit here.
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.
All are invited to Maria Concetto Winery’s Karaoke Night every Sunday from 7 to 10 p.m., at 1367 Lincoln Ave., Calistoga. Admission is free. Our wines available by the glass or by the bottle. Feeling hungry? We've partnered with Bricco Osteria to bring you Italian meals right to Maria Concetto Winery Tasting Salon.
Napa
Holiday Happenings, Dec. 8-9 at 7 p.m., Studio Theater at Napa Valley College. This world premiere play by Jennifer Le Blanc, directed by Jennifer King, offers a series of vignettes reminiscent of "Love, Actually" and "Almost Maine," capturing the holiday spirit through human connections. Tickets are $25 for general admission, with discounts for students, seniors, military, youth under 12 and groups. For tickets and to learn more about all these upcoming events, visit Napa Valley College Performing Arts.
NoMa Sleighing It Celebration! From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 9, District 1 Supervisor Joelle Gallagher invites you to join in a free community event and celebration to support businesses on the north end of Main Street in downtown Napa and Napa Valley Community Organizations Active in Disaster. Participating businesses are offering a wide range of activities for children and adults — take a picture with Santa, make a holiday card, get your face painted, make a botanical holiday ornament, indulge in yummy treats, learn how to better prepare for disasters and visit with Supervisor Gallagher. Visit all of the participating shops and win an opportunity to participate in a drawing. Participating businesses include Juniper Station, Color Theory, The Q Restaurant, Dovetail, Shackford's Kitchen, No Love Lost Wine Co. and Napa Valley COAD. More information can be found at https://www.facebook.com/NapaValleyCOAD.
Karen Winograde Pottery Annual Holiday Open Studio will be held Saturdays and Sundays, Dec. 9-10 and Dec. 16-17, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The event showcases the artist's newest work in functional pottery, suitable for table, kitchen, floral and garden use. Visitors can enjoy snacks and libations at this free event while browsing the pottery collection. The studio is located at 2394 Big Ranch Road, Napa.
The Second Annual Cookies and Carols Concert, Sunday, Dec. 10 at 2 p.m., on the main stage at Napa Valley College’s Performing Arts Center. Conducted by Dr. Christina Howell, the NVC Chorale celebrates the holiday season with carols, crafts and cookies. Tickets range from $15 to $25, with discounts for students, seniors, military and groups. For tickets visit Napa Valley College Performing Arts.
Toys for Tots Benefit Concert will be Wednesday, Dec. 13 from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at Blue Note Napa. It will feature the Terry Family, a local Bay Area band. The event encourages attendees to bring an unwrapped toy to support the Toys for Tots program. The evening includes a happy hour from 6 to 7 p.m., with the kitchen open until 8 p.m. Napa County residents, upon showing a local ID, receive free admission, while others must purchase tickets. Prices vary and seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. The event, suitable for ages 8 and older, has a two-drink minimum policy and does not allow babies. For reservations and additional details, contact Blue Note Napa, 1030 Main St., Napa, at (555) 123-4567 or visit the website.
The Meritage Resort, 875 Bordeau Way in Napa invites guests to its Winter Wonderland event, running from Friday, Nov. 17, through Sunday, Jan. 7. This seasonal transformation includes an ice-skating rink and offers beer and wine from onsite tasting rooms, along with the option to reserve an igloo or fire pit for a more intimate experience. Ticket prices for ice skating are $25, which includes skate rental and a 90-minute session. Hours of operation vary, with the rink open from 4 to 10 p.m. now and extended hours during the winter holiday break from Dec. 16 to Jan. 7. Additional attractions include s'mores fire pits, rinkside igloos and Santa's Story Time on weekends until Dec. 25.
The Silverado Resort in Napa offers a festive Santa Train experience on Saturdays and Sundays from Nov. 25 to Dec. 24, between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Families can enjoy a magical journey around the Mansion Circle. The train rides are complimentary, adding to the holiday spirit. The Silverado Resort is located at 1600 Atlas Peak Road, Napa. (707) 257-5400.
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 Grill at Silverado Resort in Napa invites families to breakfast with Santa Claus every Saturday from Nov. 25 until Dec. 23. The event features two sessions, one from 9 to 10 a.m. and another from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. In addition to Santa's presence for family photos, the buffet menu includes a variety of breakfast options. The cost for adults is $24 and $12 for children, not including an 18% service gratuity charge and sales tax. Reservations can be made online. The Grill is located at 1600 Atlas Peak Road, Napa. (707) 257-5400.
From Friday, Nov. 24 to Friday, Dec. 22, Cuvaison vineyard in Napa offers a festive experience with its "Bright Nights" event. Every Friday and Saturday from 4 to 6 p.m., guests can enjoy the enchanting view of the vineyard adorned with thousands of twinkling lights. The experience is available for $50 per person and can be booked online. 1221 Duhig Road, Napa. (707) 942-2455.
St. Helena
Join us this weekend at the St. Helena Winter Market! It is from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 9-10 at the Native Sons Hall, 1313 Spring St. in St. Helena. The market will offer a selection of new work by Richard Carter of Carter and Co. dinnerware and lots of great gift options. The market will showcase more than 24 designers and makers including JB Blunk Estate, Obi Kaufmann, Callidus Guild and Studio Ahead. Purchase a freshly cut Silvertip Christmas tree at the market’s tree lot, meet the designers and makers and get a festive start on the holiday shopping season! Admission is free.
We Care Animal Rescue’s Ribbon Cutting and Open House will be held from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 9, at their St. Helena facility at 1345 Charter Oak Ave. Special guests will be Vice Mayor Eric Hall, councilmember Anna Chouteau, Stephanie Iacobacci from the St. Helena Chamber of Commerce and our Board of Directors, Sean McVity and Robin Ishmael. The ribbon will be cut at noon to open the new cat-rescue facility. Guided tours will follow, allowing everyone to explore the sanctuary. Treats and wine will be served. No tickets needed, but please RSVP at shelter@wecareanimalrescue.org or call (707) 963-7044.
Join us from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 9, at the historic Bale Grist Mill State Historic Park for “Old Mill Holidays,” a 19th-century style holiday celebration. Enjoy making a clove pomander or wreath of rosemary for your home, string popcorn and cranberries for the tree, write a letter to Santa in calligraphy and seal with red wax, and pursue other activities to help get in the holiday spirit. Children especially enjoy decorating gingerbread cookies or cutting paper snowflakes. There are demonstrations throughout the day on skills like lace-making, wool-spinning, waxed-egg decorating and milling demonstrations. Cookies and cider will be served, too. The Bale Grist Mill is located at 3369 St. Helena Highway, St. Helena, halfway between Calistoga and St. Helena.
Upstage Napa Valley will conduct auditions for both its upcoming winter and spring 2024 productions on Monday, Dec. 11 from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. at Westminster Hall, First Presbyterian Church, 1428 Spring St. in St. Helena. If you are an experienced or amateur actor interested in joining our creative team this season, please come to the auditions. Headshot and resume are not necessary, but please bring if you have them. Sides (chosen scenes from plays we are casting) will be given to read. Winter performances will take place weekends, Feb. 24 through March 10. The company will present “Dead Accounts” by Theresa Rebeck. Spring performances will take place weekends from May 3-19. The company will present “The Sound Inside” by Adam Rapp. If you cannot make these auditions, we can arrange another time for you to read. For more information, please visit here.
Gott’s Roadside is gearing up for the Dungeness crab season debut in December, featuring their popular Dungeness crab sandwich and crab and shrimp Louie options. Alongside the crab dishes, they are reintroducing the festive candy cane shake, blending organic vanilla ice cream and milk with crushed candy cane, topped with organic whipped cream. These offerings will be available in-store only. Visit their Napa Valley locations in St. Helena and Napa’s Oxbow Public Market.
Every Tuesday from 4 to 5 p.m., Ric Morgan will be playing music at the Rianda House, 1475 Main St. in St Helena. "Music With Ric" is a nostalgic journey through the tunes of the 1930s to the 1960s. For more information, call the Rianda House, (707) 963-8555.
Yountville
Hill Family Estate in Yountville offers a grapevine wreath-making class on Saturdays between Nov. 25 and Dec. 23, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Participants will learn how to craft wreaths using grapevine canes from the estate's vineyards. The class includes a glass of Hill Family wine and breakfast pastries. The price is $40 per person and can be booked online. 6512 Washington St., Yountville. (707) 947-7218.
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.
Hanukkah celebrations:
Dec. 7-14: St. Helena hosts nightly menorah lighting at Lyman Park, inviting the community to participate each evening at 6 p.m.
Dec. 8: Hanukkah Shabbat Service and Dinner at Congregation Beth Shalom
Dec. 14: Latke Throwdown at Yountville’s Bardessono
Dec. 22: Veterans Park Menorah Lighting at Napa
(If you know of any other holiday-related events please add them to the comments below or via our online form so that we can update next week.)
Donation and Volunteer Opportunities (new section)
The Napa Valley Features Friday Weekender introduces a special section dedicated to giving back to our community. It highlights local volunteer and donation opportunities, allowing you to contribute meaningfully to Napa Valley. If you're aware of or organizing volunteer or donation events, please inform us at napavalleyfeatures@gmail.com. Your participation will enhance our content and strengthen community ties.
Donation opportunities
Celebrate the holidays with the Drink and Donate Wine Club's Holiday Case from Outer Space Wines. For $250 you'll receive six hand-picked, small-production wines, perfect for festive gatherings. With each purchase, $25 is donated to a local nonprofit or school of your choice. This unique offer combines the joy of fine wines with the spirit of giving. Discover more at Outer Space Wines, 974 Franklin St., Downtown Napa. (707) 657-7401.
Another donation opportunity in Napa Valley is the 2023 Give!Guide campaign, organized by Napa Valley CanDo. This initiative, running from Nov. 1 to Dec. 31, supports 76 local nonprofits covering a broad range of causes that include animals, arts and culture, community, education, environment, health and wellness, and support for seniors and youth. The campaign has been instrumental in raising nearly $5 million for Napa nonprofits to date. The Give!Guide offers a user-friendly website where you can browse nonprofits by category, view an alphabetical list of all participating organizations or download a donation form for mailing in contributions. Donations start at $10, allowing everyone to participate according to their capacity, and are tax-deductible. The real-time ticker on the website displays current donation totals, bringing a dynamic aspect to the giving process.
Volunteer opportunities
Festival Napa Valley: Festival Napa Valley offers a range of volunteer roles, from community housing hosts for summer educational programs to concert ushers, ensuring public events run smoothly. They value the unique skills and backgrounds of their volunteers and are committed to providing a positive experience. Volunteers are essential for the success of their programs and events. For more information or to volunteer, you can fill out an online form on their website or contact them at volunteers@festivalnapavalley.org.
Napa Parks and Recreation: Napa Parks and Recreation offers various volunteering opportunities fitting different schedules and interests. Whether it's assisting with a park clean-up, tree planting, acting as a park docent/guide, coaching a sports team, teaching a class, assisting with special events, or being a Napa Lighted Art Festival Ambassador, there's something for everyone. To find the right fit for you, complete their online Volunteer Interest Form.
VolunteerMatch, established in 1998, is an online platform that connects thousands of nonprofits with volunteers, fostering community engagement. VolunteerMatch currently highlights a few local opportunities like those at Molly's Angels in Napa Valley, a vital organization offering transportation to those in need.
Local upcoming events
The grand opening of the Bicycle Skills Course will be Saturday, Dec. 16, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Skyline Wilderness Park in Napa. The Napa Open Space District is offering food, drinks and fun in the park. The celebration includes live bike demos and a chance to ride the course, also known as a pump track. Entrance fees waived from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. for attendees of this event. The Napa County Regional Park and Open Space District is funded in part by the generous support of the Napa County Board of Supervisors.
Akemi Adams’ handmade studio pottery winter sale is 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 16-17 at 1652 Voorhees Circle, St. Helena. Adams has wood fired works from Japanese style anagama and train kiln she fired in recent years. They are fired with locally harvested wood for natural ash glaze, which makes each piece one of a kind and rustic. She also has glazed functional pottery with home-made glaze. For details, send an email to demachidesign@comcast.net or call (707) 292-9019.
The 2nd Annual Greystone Winter Faire, scheduled for Sunday, Dec. 17, from noon to 3 p.m., offers a festive family experience at the Culinary Institute of America at Greystone. The event features holiday music, hot drinks, festive food and a range of activities suitable for all ages, including cookie-decorating and a visit with Santa. Attendees can explore the Barrel Room, enjoy seasonal offerings, and shop from local vendors and artisans. Admission is $25, with free entry for children 6 and younger. Guests are encouraged to participate in the Toys for Tots raffle by bringing a new unwrapped toy. 2555 Main Street, St. Helena. (707) 967-2530.
Grove 45's High Tea, taking place on Sunday, Dec. 17, from 2 to 4 p.m., offers afternoon tea for tea enthusiasts. Guests can experience blending their own tea, complemented by a selection of sandwiches and olive oil-infused desserts. Rosé from Museion by Napa will be available for purchase by the glass or bottle. Priced at $65 per person, this event promises a relaxing and tasteful experience. Grove 45's High Tea will be a recurring event, held on the third Sunday of every month. The event takes place at Grove 45, located at 965 Silverado Trail North, Calistoga.
Handel's Messiah: A St. Helena Christmas Concert will take place on Saturday, Dec. 16, at 4 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 17, at 2 p.m. Celebrating Craig Bond's 50 years of musical service, the St. Helena Choral Society will perform Handel's “Messiah,” featuring the Chamber Singers, a local chamber orchestra and renowned soloists at the Performing Arts Center, St. Helena High School. Tickets are available for $25 in advance at Napa Valley Roasting Co. or online, with a limited number at the door for $30, and student/youth tickets for Saturday at $15 online. Parking is free, with the venue located at 1401 Grayson Ave., St Helena. For more information, contact director Craig Bond at craigbond007@yahoo.com or (707) 963-7712.
Elaine Jennings presents “Jazz pour Noël” Jazz for Christmas and the holidays with Elaine Jennings, jazz vocalist and Wayne de la Cruz on piano from 7 to 10 p.m., Friday, Dec. 22 at The Saint, St. Helena’s chic restaurant and boutique wine lounge, 1351 Main St. Join us for an evening of holiday jazz classics. For more information call (707) 302-5130. Jennings writes that she will be announcing some big news in 2024 and is excited about new musical developments. She'll be appearing in several new venues and is launching a new musical performance throughout Napa Valley and beyond. Stay tuned to the website.
Clif Family Winery’s Annual RejuVINation Brunch. Shake off the late night and welcome the new year, wine country style. Join us from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday, Jan. 1 for a RejuVINation brunch featuring handcrafted espresso beverages, an indulgent brunch menu from the Clif Family Food Truck and delicious Clif Family wine pairings. RejuVINation Brunch menu items include:
-Hoppin’ John - Stewed black-eyed peas, collard greens, scallions and Red Flint cornbread
-Huevos Rancheros - Rio Zape refried beans from the Clif Family Farm with salsa verde, cabbage, Cotija cheese and a Clif Family Farm egg.
-Pimento Skillet Cornbread - Red Flint Corn cornbread with Tillamook and Duke’s pimento cheese served with Clif Family Solar Grown Honey.
-Sweet Potato Hash - Roasted Japanese sweet potatoes with brown butter mis, Kewpie mayo, Tenkasu and pickled ginger.
-Avocado Toast - Avocado, mixed radish, kohlrabi, scallions, Clif Family Farm greens and savory puffed rice. And more!
Regular Clif Family Bruschetteria Food Truck menu items will also be available featuring farm fresh, seasonal ingredients from our certified organic farm on Howell Mountain. The RejuVINation Brunch menu and wine orders will be available for curbside pickup and in person dining. Special menu items will be available until sold out. All orders must be placed online, by phone or in-person at our Food Truck located outside of the Clif Family Winery Tasting Room at 709 Main St. in St. Helena. For dine in and wine tasting, advanced reservations are encouraged. Please contact Clif Family Winery at (707) 968-0625 or email wineryexperience@cliffamily.com. Order online here or call (707) 301-7188.
Join us at our new Napa Bookmine location for our first author event of the year at 6 p.m., Wednesday, Jan. 10. “Omega Farm” is a long-awaited memoir from Martha McPhee, an award-winning novelist. Her book is a candid, riveting account of her complicated, bohemian childhood and her return home to care for her ailing mother. This free event will be held at Napa Bookmine at 1625 2nd Street, Napa. The courtesy of your RSVP is appreciated here. For more information about this and all our upcoming events, visit here. Please contact us at events@napabookmine.com with any questions.
Appellation St. Helena will host bASH, its annual wine and food pairing competition from 6 to 8:30 p.m., Saturday, March 23, 2024 in the historic barrel room at the Culinary Institute of America at Greystone in St. Helena. Participants will visit tasting stations where the wines from 20 ASH wineries will be paired with savory bites prepared by ‘Rising Star’ CIA students. Attendees also will vote with tokens, and we will be awarding the top three student teams, plus a professional team, the “People’s Choice Best Pairing.” Each year is a sell-out event, with many attendees promising to return the following year. Early Bird pricing at $175 per person, not including Eventbrite fees, valid until Jan. 31. For details visit here.