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. 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.
To have your event considered for our Napa Valley Weekender, please complete our new form. Ensure you provide all essential details about the event, as well as your contact information should we have any inquiries. Submissions must be received by Wednesday evening for consideration in that week's Friday Weekender. Thank you.
This Weekend
One of the highlights for the night sky in October is the "Ring of Fire,” an annular solar eclipse visible in the western United States on Saturday, Oct. 14, beginning at 7 a.m. and ending at 11 p.m. Additionally, the Orionid meteor shower is from Oct. 20-21. The events are free to observe (just look up!), though protective eyewear is a must for the solar eclipse.
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.
Calistoga
On Friday, Oct. 13 and Saturday, Oct. 14, the Moonshine at Mount View Hotel in Calistoga will offer classic movie screenings, with doors opening at 6:45 p.m. each evening. On Friday, “The Lost Weekend,” starring Ray Milland and Jane Wyman, will be shown. Saturday’s movie is “Double Indemity,” starring Fred MacMurray, Barbara Stanwyck and Edward G. Robinson. Tickets are available for $5, both at the door and via Eventbrite, and food and drinks can be purchased separately. For those interested in private screenings or other events, the venue can be contacted at 707-942-6877. For tickets, visit Eventbrite.
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.
The Calistoga Chamber of Commerce Monthly Business Mixer will be hosted by the Calistoga Depot on Thursday, Oct. 19 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. for an evening of networking and connection with fellow business professionals. Enjoy wine and hors d'oeuvres as you explore valuable networking opportunities and bring your business card for a chance to enter the door prize raffle.
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
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
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.
You’re invited to celebrate 50 years of service to St. Helena honoring Craig Bond, 2 to 6 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 15. The plaque dedication will be 2 to 4 p.m. at the Performing Arts center at St. Helena High School; the alumni gathering will be from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Crane Park picnic tables. Bring a bottle, raise a glass. Bond is responsible for the St. Helena Choral Society and Chamber Singers, the St. Helena Teen Choir, Jazz @ 7 Vocal Ensemble and the St. Helena Children’s Chorus. Everyone is welcome. For details visit here.
A Night in Rome: An Italian Culinary and Film Experience, Monday, Oct. 16, from 5:30 to 9 p.m. at the Cameo Cinema, 1340 Main St., St. Helena. The event features a tasting of Italian-inspired bites from Efren Barrera of Cheese and Crust, a new vendor at the St. Helena Farmers’ Market, as well as a screening of a film centered around Carmine and Consuelo, two characters united by their love for food. The movie, Italian with English subtitles, follows Carmine, involved in money laundering through a Rome restaurant, and Consuelo, a down-on-her-luck chef aspiring for a Michelin star. Tickets are priced at $35, and proceeds will go toward supporting the St. Helena Farmers’ Market. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and Napa Valley wines and artisanal beers will be available at the concession stand. Phone: Box Office 707-963-9779.
Jason Wise returns to St. Helena’s Cameo Cinema with SOMM: A Cup of Salvation, on Friday, Oct. 20 at 5 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 21, at 2 and 7:45 p.m., and Sunday, Oct. 22, at 5 p.m. The latest installment in the award-winning SOMM documentary series delves into the history of wine and its cultural impact, featuring an American winemaker’s perilous journey to revive her ancestral vines. The film traverses from the Caucasus Mountains, known as the birthplace of wine, to Vatican archives, and even into the restricted vineyards of Iran. Tickets are $20 and include a post-screening Q&A session with Director Jason Wise and co-producer and cast member Armen Khachaturian. Box office phone: 707-963-9779.
St. Helena’s Nimbus Arts offers The Art of Stone Stacking with visiting artist Michael Grab from 9:30 a.m. to noon, Saturday, Oct. 14 at a location to be determined. Grab will introduce the art of rock balancing and perform a live demonstration to illustrate various techniques. Then students will start building their own or small-group creations with Grab’s guidance and instruction. A donation of $20 is requested. All ages welcome, although those 10 and younger must be accompanied by an adult.
Yountville
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
UpStage Napa Valley’s third annual playwright festival, “PlayFest,” is slated for the weekends of Oct. 20-22 and 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 per weekend or $65 for both weekends. Group rates of $30 per person apply to parties over 10, and student tickets are available for $25 each. Performances on Fridays and the first Saturday are at 7:30 p.m., while Sundays and the second Saturday feature matinees at 2:30 p.m. Tickets can be purchased here or at the door.
“Pollyanna Valley” comes Saturday, Oct. 21 to Feb. 25 to the History Gallery at the Napa Valley Museum at 55 Presidents Circle in Yountville. It delves into the making of the Disney classic Pollyanna (1960), starring Hayley Mills. The exhibit explores why Walt Disney selected various filming locations in the Napa and Sonoma valleys, including Santa Rosa, St. Helena, Calistoga and Petaluma, to depict an idyllic turn-of-the-century town. The exhibit will feature rare behind-the-scenes photographs as well as original lobby cards and posters. Admission is included with general admission. For further information, contact the History Gallery at 707-944-0500.
The di Rosa Center for Contemporary Art is hosting its annual Halloween Haunt, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 21, as part of its biannual di Rosa Day events. Attendees can look forward to a range of activities that include a haunted house, a hay bale maze, seasonal art activities with GUILD Napa and more. The event also features an art and makers market, a costume contest, a photo booth, food trucks and trick-or-treating opportunities. Di Rosa Center for Contemporary Art, 5200 Sonoma Highway, Napa. Tickets are $45 for general admission, $30 for members and $10 for minors (ages 3 to 20). Tickets are available at dirosaart.org.
A Young Professionals Napa Valley mixer is scheduled for Wednesday, Oct. 25, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at Chispa Bar, 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.
Join the St. Helena Chamber of Commerce on Thursday, Oct. 26 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. for our exclusive Harvest Grape Stomp, an evening of networking, private grape stomping, live jazz music, wine and bites at Grgich Hills Estate, 1829 St. Helena Highway in Rutherford. Free for chamber members, $25 for non-members. RSVP here.
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.
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.
Live Kai Lyons Afro-Caribbean Quintet, Sunday, Oct. 29, 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.
On Oct. 30 at 6 p.m. the Wizards of Elixirs competition returns to the Main Gallery at the Napa Valley Museum at 55 Presidents Circle, Yountville, sponsored by Charbay Distillery, The Perfect Purée of Napa Valley and the museum. Bartenders from Wine Country’s top establishments, including the Hollywood Room, Ox & the Fox and others will compete for the People’s Choice Award. Attendees can expect to sample a variety of competition cocktails, partake in a raffle and purchase food from on-site food trucks. Tickets for the event include cocktail tastings and one raffle ticket, with additional raffle tickets available for purchase. Best Halloween costumes will also win a prize. The event will be held indoors within the “Tiki Dreams” exhibition. For more information, visit napavalleymuseum.org or call the museum at 707-944-0500.
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.
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.
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.