The Napa Valley Weekender
By Napa Valley Features
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. 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
American Canyon
Coastal Cleanup Day is from 8:30 a.m. to noon, Saturday, Sept. 23. Roll up your sleeves and volunteer on the biggest international cleanup day of the year. Coastal cleanup day helps prevent trash from ending up in waterways and eventually the ocean. You will play a vital role not only in removing trash but also in reporting crucial scientific data to the California Coastal Commission. There are several locations in American Canyon, including Community Parks 1 and 2, 1400 Rio Grande Drive.
American Canyon 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.
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 Thursday, Sept. 28, at the chamber’s offices, 3860 Broadway St., No. 103. Hosted by Michelle Ryan of Del Sur Mortgage, it is free and open to the public.
Calistoga
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.
The Moonshine at Mount View Hotel in Calistoga hosts a weekend of entertainment from Friday, Sept. 22, to Sunday, Sept. 24. The outdoor venue opens at 7 p.m. each evening, featuring a selection of classic movies and live music. "Shadow of a Doubt" will be screened on Friday at 7 p.m., the American rock ’n’ roll band Desperate Men will perform on Saturday at 8 p.m. and "The Adventures of Robin Hood" will be shown on Sunday at 7 p.m. Movie tickets are priced at $5, live music tickets at $15, and food and drinks are available for purchase. For private event inquiries, contact the venue at 707-942-6877.
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.
Napa
Open Studios Napa Valley: Save the dates Saturday, Sept. 23, and Sunday, Sept. 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. For more info, visit their website.
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.
Napa Valley Ride to Defeat ALS and Walk: Saturday, Sept. 23, 5 to 7 p.m. The event provides an array of cycling options, from a challenging 100-mile route to a short 9-mile course, as well as a walk for those not inclined to pedal. All courses kick off and wrap up at the Festival Zone at Justin-Siena High School. Cyclists are required to pay a $150 registration fee, while walkers pay $45; volunteers, people with ALS, and caregivers can participate at no cost. Parking details were not provided. For more information or to register, email ride@ridetodefeatALS.org or visit alsagoldenwest.org. The event will be held at Justin-Siena High School, 4026 Maher St., Napa.
The Terry Family Band will perform at The Hollywood Room at Napa Valley Distillery, joined by opening act Lindsay Gang. Doors open at 6 p.m. Admission is free for those 21 and over. Though RSVPing is encouraged to help with staffing, it does not guarantee a table, so early arrival is advised. Food and drinks are available. The event will be held at The Hollywood Room, 2485 Stockton St., Napa.
St. Helena
The St. Helena Historical Society presents its 19th Annual Spirits of St. Helena Cemetery Discovery Walk on Sunday, Sept. 24, with tours scheduled for 1 and 2:30 p.m. The event, themed "From the Emerald Isle to St. Helena," will celebrate Irish ancestors and feature enactments portraying the lives of Irish settlers such as Fealy, Greer, Tainter, Dowdell, Conn and Dwyer. The walk will take place rain or shine at the St. Helena Public Cemetery, located at 2461 Spring St. Tickets are priced at $20 for adults and $10 for children, available for purchase at the gate. Accessibility accommodation is available. For more information, email shstory@shstory.org.
Young Professionals Napa Valley Mixers are scheduled for Monday, Sept. 26, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at The Saint, 1351 Main St. in St. Helena and Wednesday, Oct. 25, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at Chispa, 929 Main St. in Napa. These mixers provide an opportunity for young professionals between the ages of 21 and 40 who live and/or work in Napa Valley to network, engage in community activities, and gain exclusive access to upcoming events and a member directory. Membership is free, and the October event at Chispa includes the added perk of having a professional headshot taken by photographer Bob McClenahan. Reservations are required, and attendees can RSVP via Eventbrite. For more information, visit the Young Professionals Napa Valley website or contact them via email.
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
Every Friday from 6 to10 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.
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
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.
Join Charles Krug Winery for its 71st Harvest Party: Tastings on the Lawn from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 30. The theme is Hawaiian/Tropical, and all are encouraged to grab their favorite Tommy Bahama or Reyn Spooner Hawaiian shirt to send the summer off with a bash. Included will be multiple wine stations serving all current releases, varied entertainment that includes live music, island-themed food stations, catering by Tre Posti and desserts from Trader Jim’s Dole Whips and Pineapple Floats. Price is $125 for non-club members and $95 for Wine Club members. Please visit Eventbrite or click here to purchase tickets.
2023 Harvest Dinner and Auction: The Harvest Dinner and Live Auction, organized by the Napa Valley State Parks Association, 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. The online auction runs until 9 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 1. Event often sells out quickly. For donations or sponsorships: auction@napavalleystateparks.org
The Estate Yountville’s Crush It Harvest Festival returns on Saturday, Sept. 30, and Saturday, Oct. 7, from 11 a.m. to sundown each day. The event includes fine wines, a lavish barbecue, live music, grape-stomping, lawn games and more. Tickets to the Crush It Harvest Festival are $100 per person and include unlimited barbecue bites, grape-stomping and a commemorative T-shirt. Wine-tasting will be available for an additional cost, with 21-plus wristbands required. For more information or tickets for Crush It, visit www.theestateyountville.com.
Join the Force for Good: Volunteer to Shape the American Dreams of Your Neighbors takes place on Thursday, Oct. 5, at 5 p.m. at Shearer Elementary School, 1590 Elm St., Napa. Hosted by the Citizenship Legal Services Collaborative in partnership with the Napa Valley Community Foundation, the orientation and training session aims to equip volunteers with the skills needed to assist at upcoming citizenship workshops. Volunteers play a pivotal role in helping individuals navigate the intricate path to U.S. citizenship. Attendance requires an RSVP, which can be made here. For more information, contact napacitizens@gmail at 707-738-3345 or info@puertasabiertasnapa.org at 707-224-1786.
St. Helena Sidewalk Sale is slated to take place from Friday, Oct. 6, through Sunday, Oct. 8. The event will be hosted along Main Street by the St. Helena Chamber. Attendees can expect to find great deals during this annual sidewalk sale, offering a variety of items from local businesses. There is no entry fee for the event. The venue address is St. Helena Chamber, 1320A Main St., St. Helena.
On Saturday, Oct. 7, the 13th annual Napa Blues, Brews & BBQ event returns to the Napa Valley Exposition at 575 Third 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 more than 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 onsite parking is available.
California Native Plant Sale is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 7, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Sunday, Oct. 8, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Skyline Wilderness Park, located at 2201 Imola Ave., Napa. This fall sale will offer more than 1,000 plants, including over 100 drought-tolerant native species, and experts will be on hand to provide advice and answer questions. Admission to Skyline Park is free during the sale, and all proceeds go toward the maintenance and educational programs of the Martha Walker California Native Habitat Garden in Skyline Park. No reservations are required.
Jessel Gallery Writers’ Salon: Saturday, 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.
Night Sky for October 2023 takes place throughout the month of October with various celestial events, such as meteor showers, planetary appearances and an annular solar eclipse. The month kicks off with the Draconid meteor shower from Oct. 8 to 10, offering up to six meteors per hour and followed by other notable events like the appearance of Venus and the crescent moon on Oct. 10 and the Orionid meteor shower from Oct. 20 to 21. One of the highlights is the "Ring of Fire" Annular Solar Eclipse visible in the Western United States on Oct. 14, beginning at 11:04 a.m. and ending at 4:55 p.m. The events are free to observe (just look up!), though protective eyewear is a must for the solar eclipse.
Calistoga-based community theater company Upstage Napa Valley presents PlayFest 2023, its third annual Playwright Festival, the last two weekends in October. Featured will be nine short original plays submitted by more than 100 playwrights nationally and from Canada. The brainchild of artistic director Sharie Renault, this small company serves the Upvalley communities and draws its cast, audience and financial support from the Napa Valley. Performances are Oct. 20-23 and Oct. 27-29, all in Newton Hall at Grace Episcopal Church, 1314 Spring St. in St. Helena. Friday and Saturday nights at 7:30 p.m., Sunday matinees at 2 p.m and a Saturday matinee on Oct. 28. Tickets are $35, $30 for groups of 10 or more, $25 for students. For more information and to purchase tickets go here. Tickets will also be sold at the door.
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.
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, relying 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.
WOW! another packed weekend of wonderful events in the Valley. Thank you very much for putting this together each week. It takes a lot of work to gather all of this information, and I read the listings every week. Greatly appreciated.