The Napa Valley Weekender
July 26, 2024
NAPA VALLEY, Calif. — Welcome to the Napa Valley Features Weekender, your guide to local events and experiences. With our valley-wide section and a dedicated segment highlighting volunteer opportunities, we aim to provide an overview of activities throughout the valley. Delivered every Friday in our convenient Scan and Plan format, you'll discover concise yet informative summaries with valuable links to streamline your planning.
Our commitment to inclusivity ensures a range of options, from complimentary to cost-effective, to accommodate all interests.
Napa Valley Features is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support our work, please consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.
For those looking for any newly added events, we’ve now included (N) for entrants added since the last Weekender and (R) for events that are repeating. Those providing special offers for Napa Valley Features subscribers now have an asterisk (*).
If you come across an event or opportunity that we haven't featured, don't hesitate to let us know. You can easily submit it through our online submission form or email us.
Napa Valley-Wide
(N) Calistoga Police Department DUI checkpoint
Saturday, July 27, 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. Calistoga Police Department, with support from Napa Police Department, will hold a DUI checkpoint to promote public safety by removing impaired drivers from the road. The Calistoga Police Department reminds the public that impaired driving is not just from alcohol. The checkpoint is funded by a grant from the California Highway Patrol Cannabis Tax Fund program. For more information, call 707-942-2800.
(R) Crush MS Summer Celebration at Reid Family Vineyards
Saturday, July 27, 4 to 7 p.m. The 10th annual Crush MS Summer Celebration is a day filled with fun, music and great wine to raise funds and awareness for a world free of multiple sclerosis. Tickets cost $100 and are available here. People living with multiple sclerosis receive a 50% discount by emailing Kevin at info@crushms.org for the discount code. Reid Family Vineyards, 1020 Borrette Lane, Napa.
(R) Napa Town & Country Fair at Napa Valley Expo
Thursday, Aug. 8, to Sunday, Aug. 11. The Napa Town & Country Fair features a lineup of performances on the Joe Anderson Plaza Stage, including the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Parmalee, Breland and Chingy, along with La Original Banda El Limón on Sunday. Pre-fair tickets are available online until Aug. 7 at $12 for youths and seniors and $14 for adults, with prices increasing on event days. Parking is available for a fee. For more information call 707-963-3333 or visit their website. 575 Third St.
(N) Liz Alessio's 4th Annual Harvest Hoedown
Saturday, Aug. 17, 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. The event benefits the First Responder Support Network, featuring a reception by Chef Kristine Schug, BBQ dinner by Alpha Omega Winery's Robin Baggett and live country music by SJ McDonald and Pass'n Through. Early bird tickets are $175 through Aug. 9, $195 thereafter. For more information, contact Doug Vogel at dougvogel@frsn.org or purchase tickets online. 2215 Oak Knoll Ave W.
American Canyon
American Canyon Chamber of Commerce Calendar
American Canyon Library Events
Napa-Vallejo Flea Market
(N) American Canyon Library Events
Uncle Jer's Traveling Bee Show. Friday, July 26, 11 to 11:45 a.m. Learn about the fascinating world of bees, including pollination, honey-making and bee safety. See live bees up-close! For ages 4 and up.
The library, located at 300 Crawford Way, is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday, from noon to 8 p.m. on Wednesday and closed on Sunday. This is just one of many events on offer. Visit the calendar to see more or call 707-644-1136 for more information.
Calistoga
Chamber of Commerce events
Picayune Cellars events
The Moonshine Theater events
UpValley Family Centers events
(N) Depot Live: Music by Cam Elise at Calistoga Depot
Saturday, July 27, 4 to 6 p.m. Sixteen-year-old singer and songwriter Cam Elise from Las Vegas will perform, drawing inspiration from various music styles, especially ’90s grunge. For more information, visit their website. 1458 Lincoln Ave.
(N) Hot Summer Nights Wine Dinner at Lovina Restaurant
Sunday, July 28, 6:30 p.m. Lovina Restaurant hosts a Hot Summer Nights wine dinner on their garden patio with Enkidu Wines, featuring seafood and vegetable dishes paired with light, bright wines. The event costs $175 per person, including service. For more information and tickets, visit their website. 1107 Cedar St.
(R) Calistoga Library Events
Reader Celebration with Magic Dan at Calistoga Library. Thursday, Aug. 1, 10 to 11 a.m. Summer Library Adventure participants ages 3 to 11 are invited to a magic show with Magic Dan to celebrate the end of the summer.
Children’s Guitar Lessons at Calistoga Library. Saturday, Aug. 3, 10 to 11 a.m. Kids ages 8 and up can learn to play the guitar in this beginner class. Call 707-942-4833 to register.
These are just a couple of the offerings. The complete county-wide calendar can be found here. Visit the library at 1108 Myrtle St. with weekly hours of operation from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on most days and extended hours until 8 p.m. on Wednesdays. Call 707-942-4833 for more information. The library is closed on Sundays.
(R) Calistoga Farmers' Market on Washington Street
Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., year-round, rain or shine. Calistoga Farmers' Market offers fresh, locally grown produce, gourmet foods, seafood, baked goods and unique crafts. For more information visit the website or call 707-963-3333. 1311 Washington St.
(R) Sunday Jazz and Blues at Buster's BBQ
Every Sunday, 4 to 7 p.m., Buster’s BBQ hosts live jazz and blues on the patio with Juan Escovedo and friends plus guest singers, weather permitting. For more information call 707-942-5605, email bustersbbqonline@gmail.com or visit their website. 1207 Foothill Blvd.
(R) Calistoga Concerts in the Park at Pioneer Park
Thursday evenings from now to Aug. 15, the annual Summer Concerts in the Park series features a lineup of bands. For more information, visit the website. Pioneer Park, 1308 Cedar St.
(N) Calistoga Harvest Table Presented by the Calistoga Chamber of Commerce
Sunday, Sept. 8, 5 p.m. Sit at a 1,000-foot table featuring menus from 12 local restaurants and wines from 16 wineries, with tickets ranging from $150 to $200. Vegetarian options are available. For tickets and more information, visit the website, email info@visitcalistoga.com or call 707-942-6333. They are also looking for volunteers.
Napa
Downtown Napa’s “Do Napa,” calendar of events
Napa County Historical Society events
Napa Farmers Market
Napa Valley Chamber Orchestra events
Napa Valley College events
UC Master Gardeners of Napa County events
(N) Music at the Slanted Door
Saturdays, 6 and 9 p.m. Joannem Feaver will perform piano in the courtyard for the summer music series Keys in the Courtyard. Reservations are encouraged for the outdoor space. For more information, visit their website or call 707-287-1197. 1650 Soscol Ave.
(N) Napa Library Events
Uncle Jer's Traveling Bee Show. Friday, July 26, 3 to 4 p.m. Learn about the fascinating world of bees, including pollination, honey-making and bee safety. See live bees up-close! For ages 4 and up.
Human Library. Saturday, July 27, 2 to 5 p.m. Join us to check out human “books” for one-on-one conversations.
STEM Explorers: Investigate Coding with Microbits at Napa Library
Thursday, Aug. 1, 3:30 to 5 p.m. Teens ages 10-18 can explore coding with Microbits through hands-on activities designed to challenge and excite. Register here.
Yarn Club at Napa Library. Friday, Aug. 2, 4 to 5:30 p.m. Teens and adults can bring their yarn, hooks and needles to meet other yarn enthusiasts, work on projects and get support from fellow club members.
These are just a few of the offerings. The complete county-wide calendar can be found here. The library is open Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 1 to 5 p.m. Call 707-253-4241 for more information. 580 Coombs St.
*(N) Outer Space Wine Events
Summer Blast Off Tasting. Friday, July 26, 5 to 7:30 p.m. Outer Space Wines welcomes all to their Summer “Blast Off” Tasting with four wineries pouring their wines and sharing their stories. $25.
Mention you are a subscriber to Napa Valley Features and receive a special treat at Outer Space Wines. For more information call 707-657-7401 or visit their website. 974 Franklin St.
(N) Valley Players’ Summer Staged Reading Series
Friday, July 26, 7 p.m. The play "In the Dream Castle" by Drew Katzman examines the evolution of a generation through the lens of two women's lifelong friendship. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased online at their website, by email at valley.players.napa@gmail.com, by calling 707-948-6273 or at the door on the day of the event. 1625 Salvador Ave.
(N) Napa Valley Youth Symphony at the Jarvis Conservatory
Saturday, July 27, 7 p.m. After a weeklong summer intensive, members of the Napa Youth Chamber Ensemble and participants perform an evening of classical music at Jarvis Conservatory. Tickets are $15 online or at the box office beginning at 6 p.m. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. For more information call 707-255-5445 or visit the website. 1711 Main St.
(N) Cadet’s 10th Anniversary Celebration
Saturday, July 27, 8 p.m. Celebrate Cadet Wine and Beer Bar's 10th anniversary with drink specials and a DJ, with a $20 cover charge. Dressy. For more information, visit their website or call 707-224-4400. 930 Franklin St.
(N) Winery Lake Bird Walk at di Rosa
Sunday, July 28, 10 a.m. Join bird expert Sara Curtis for a leisurely birding walk around Winery Lake. A $30 ticket includes gallery admission after the walk. For more information, visit their website or call 707-226-5991. 5200 Sonoma Highway.
(N) SOFI’s Battle of the Bands to Liven Downtown Napa
Sunday, July 28, 1 to 6 p.m. Enjoy live performances from local bands across multiple stages, with food and drinks available for purchase. Contact Chrissy Jeffries at chrissy@jeffriesgeneral.com for more information. Visit their website for more details.
(N) Annual Dahlia Show and Competition at Van Winden's Garden Center
Saturday, Aug. 3. Van Winden's Garden Center hosts its annual Dahlia Show and Competition, showcasing stunning dahlia varieties. For more information call 707-255-8400, email info@vanwindens.com or visit their website. 1805 Pueblo Ave.
(N) Garden Brunch on a Golf Course at Silverado Resort
Sunday, Aug. 4, 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., and every other Sunday. Enjoy farm-to-table dishes by Chef Patrick Prager and Pastry Chef Devon Pritchard, including quiche with summer vegetables and garden strawberry roll with cream cheese anglaise, at the Chef's Garden on Silverado's South Golf Course. $100 including tax and tip. For more information visit their website. 1600 Atlas Peak Road.
(N) Napa Valley Distillery Announces The Iron Shaker Cocktail Competition
Saturday, Aug. 24. Top mixologists from Napa Valley, Sonoma County and the Bay Area will compete for the title of The Iron Shaker and a $1,000 grand prize in a thrilling cocktail showdown hosted by Adam Housley. Early bird tickets are $50, increasing to $65. Bartenders and mixologists interested in competing should reach out to Kyle Peete by July 31 for consideration at kyle@napadistillery.com. For more information and tickets visit their website. 2485 Stockton St.
(R) Napa County Historical Society Hosts 2024 Summer Walking Tours
Fridays and Sundays through Sept. 1, various times. The Napa County Historical Society offers guided walking tours of Historic Downtown Napa and Tulocay Cemetery during the summer. Keep an eye out in October for the popular Halloween Spooktacular Tour of Tulocay Cemetery. The tours are 90 minutes, with whisper headsets provided. For walking-tour tickets, visit the website.
(R) Napa Valley Tours
The Napa Valley Tour app offers a self-guided tour of historic landmarks throughout the Napa Valley and is available on Google Play and the Apple Store for $7.99. Another self-guided history tour, created by the Napa Valley Shakespeare Festival, is available through Otocast, “Echoes of the Napa Valley: The Tulocay Project.” This tour features monologues from the perspective of historic residents of the valley performed by professional actors. Download the Otocast app and search for “Napa history” or search by location. For more information call 707-963-3333, email info@napahistory.org or visit their website. 1700 First St.
(R) Water to Wine — Guided Trip at Napa River
Tours launch at 9 and 11:30 a.m. from the Riverfront Plaza, Main Street Dock, on Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday. Paddle on the scenic Napa River and explore its natural beauty with a guided tour, followed by a free paddle session; add a $29 voucher for a wine flight at Outer Space Wines. Tour price is $79. For more information visit their website or call 707-963-3333. 700 Main St.
St. Helena (and nearby)
Clif Family Winery events
Rianda House events
St. Helena Chamber events
St. Helena Striders upcoming walks
UpStage Napa Valley presents
UpValley Family Centers events
(N) Napa Valley Puppetry Festival at The White Barn
Friday, July 26, to Sunday, July 28. Enjoy a weekend of puppetry with free outdoor shows for kids, puppet-making activities and special adult shows featuring finger puppets, marionettes, rod puppets, sock puppets and giant parade puppets. For tickets and information visit nvpuppfest.com or their website. 2727 Sulphur Springs Ave.
(N) Live Music by Enrique at The Saint
Friday, July 26, 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. Guitarist and singer Enrique will perform a mix of pop music and soft classic rock. For more information, visit their website for more details. 1351 Main St.
(N) Movies at Cameo Cinema
"Widow Clicquot" plays from Friday, July 26, through Thursday, Aug. 1, also with multiple showings and open-caption options. On Monday, July 29, at 7 p.m. enjoy live jazz featuring the Lunar Octet. Normal hours are 2 to 5 p.m. and 7:45 p.m. General admission is $10, and tickets for students and seniors are $8. For details call 707-963-9779 or visit their website. 1340 Main St.
(R) St. Helena Farmers’ Market at Crane Park
Fridays 7:30 a.m. to noon. The St. Helena Farmers’ Market offers produce from various growers. For more information visit the website. 360 S. Crane Ave.
(R) UpStage Napa Valley Auditions for Fourth Annual PlayFest
Monday, July 29, 6 to 9 p.m. Local community theater company UpStage Napa Valley will hold auditions for its annual PlayFest, featuring 10 short plays performed over three weekends in October. No headshot or resume needed. For more information, visit the website or contact Julie Mitchell at juliemitchell262@comcast.net or 415-385-5710. 1428 Spring St.
(R) Beat the Heat at the Robert Louis Stevenson Museum
Wednesday evenings in July, 4:30 to 6 p.m. The Robert Louis Stevenson Museum will be open for special evening hours, offering visitors a chance to learn about the author. Regular museum hours remain unchanged. Admission is free, but donations are appreciated. For more information, visit the website, call 707-963-3757 or email info@stevensonmuseum.org. 1490 Library Lane.
(N) St. Helena Striders at Crane Park
Saturday, Aug. 3, 9 a.m. St. Helena Striders will meet for their monthly walk, covering a 2.0-mile flat route around Vallejo St., Sulphur Springs Ave. and South Crane Ave. All ages and leashed dogs are welcome. More information at their website.
(N) Annual Dinner and Dance at Pope Valley Farm Center
Saturday, Aug. 3, 5 to 10 p.m. Join the community for an evening of dining and dancing with a menu featuring barbecued tri-tip and chicken, corn, watermelon, salad and a vegetarian option. Tickets cover entry and dinner, with drinks available for purchase. Adult tickets are $35 and child tickets (6-11 years) are $15. Drink tickets can be purchased online or at the event. For more information, visit the website. 5820 Chiles Pope Valley Road, Pope Valley.
(R) Rutherford Chili Ball at Beckstoffer Farm Center
Sunday, Aug. 4, 4 to 8 p.m. Enjoy family-friendly fun, including food trucks, lawn games and a silent auction to kick off the 2024 harvest season. Admission includes one entrée and one drink ticket. Early bird tickets are $65 until July 21; general admission is $80, with reduced prices for youth and free entry for children under 6. Reserved tables for 10 are available for $1,000. For more information, visit their website. 8600 Conn Creek Road.
(N) Free Community Art Day and Pop-up Market at NBC Gallery & Studio
Sunday, Aug. 4, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nimbus Arts’ Nim+BUS mosaic workshop will engage community members in art-making activities. Free and open to all. For more information call 707-965-4622 or visit their website. 410 Circle Drive, Angwin.
(N) Art Classes With Nancy Willis at Upper Valley Campus
Tuesday, Aug. 6, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oil Painting Clinic: Demystifying Color Mixing. $35 materials fee paid to the instructor. Saturday, Learn more at the website. 1088 College Ave. St. Helena.
(N) Franciscan Estate at Heritage Fire Festival, Charles Krug Winery
Sunday, Aug. 18, VIP 3:30 to 7 p.m., GA 4:15 to 7 p.m. Join Franciscan Estate at the Heritage Fire Festival, featuring chef demonstrations, surprise giveaways and a chance to sip wine with celebrity Chef Jordan Andino. General admission $125, VIP admission $175 includes early access and a welcome beverage. Visit their website for more information. 2800 Main St.
(R) St. Helena Library Events.
Summer Reading Challenge: Ends Aug. 31. The library offers reading challenges for adults, teens and children with prizes for participation that include gelato for kids, Six Flags tickets for teens and gift cards for adults. Pick up a booklet at the library to join.
Story Time at St. Helena Public Library: Every Tuesday at 10:30 a.m. Enjoy fun story time and craft activities for children in the children's room.
These are just a couple of the offerings. To learn more, visit the library’s calendar of events or call 707-963-5244. The library is open Monday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday from noon to 5 p.m. and is closed on Sunday. 1422 Library Lane.
Yountville (and nearby)
Napa Valley Museum events
Valley Players present
Yountville Art Walk
Yountville Chamber of Commerce calendar
Yountville Community Hall events
(N) Peju Winery Summer Grill & Chill Wine BBQ
Saturday, July 27, 5:30 to 8 p.m. Enjoy a garden reception with a library vertical of 2017 to 2019 HB Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon and small bites, followed by a family-style BBQ with wines and live music. Tickets are $250. For more information, visit their website or call 707-963-3600. 8466 St. Helena Highway, Rutherford.
(N) 10th Annual Crush Challenge at ZD Wines
Saturday, Aug. 24. The Crush Challenge includes a barrel tasting at ZD Wines and a Food & Wine Garden in Yountville, with a bicycle ride as an alternative to the barrel tasting. Tickets are $150 to $250, benefiting the Boys & Girls Clubs of Napa Valley and UC Davis Health Comprehensive Cancer Center. For tickets and information visit the website. 2900 Lincoln Ave.
(R) Friday Night Dances Groove Into Yountville
Yountville Community Center at 6516 Washington St. invites guests 21 and over to its Friday Night Dances, happening the last Friday of each month. Each dance session, priced at $10, features Geoffrey Leigh spinning golden oldies and more. Light refreshments will be provided, and attendees can register at their website or pay at the door. More info at their website or 707-944-8851.
Special Nearby Events
*(R) Kendall-Jackson Wine Estate & Gardens Farm-to-Table Dinner Series
Join Kendall-Jackson Wine Estate & Gardens for the 2024 Farm-to-Table Dinner Series, with themes changing monthly: Southeast Asian Fusion on Saturday, Aug. 10, with Liberty Farms Duck and Dry Creek Peaches; Caribbean on Saturday, Sept. 14, with Costarella Seafood; and a special guest chef with Snake River Farms products on Saturday, Oct. 5. Each event runs from 5:30 to 9 p.m. and includes a multicourse dinner paired with Kendall-Jackson Estate wines. General admission is $225 per person, except for the October dinner, which is $300. A special 20% discount for Napa Valley Features subscribers is available for up to 4 tickets using the code FUN24. For more information call 707-571-8100, email reservations.kj@jfwmail.com or visit their website. 5007 Fulton Road, Fulton.
Astrological Events This Month
July Through Early September: Prime Viewing of the Milky Way Core
In Napa Valley the best time to observe and photograph the Milky Way's core stretches from July through early September. This period offers an exceptional celestial display when the core is prominently visible low on the southwest horizon, especially after sunset and before sunrise. The most favorable conditions for viewing this galactic wonder occur during the new-moon phase or when the moon sets early, providing the darkest skies. Seek out locations away from city lights to fully appreciate the clarity and beauty of the Milky Way during these peak months.
July 28, 29: Delta Aquarids Meteor Shower
The Delta Aquariids meteor shower peaks on the night of July 28 (after midnight) and the morning of July 29. While the second-quarter moon may obscure some meteors, a dark observation spot could still offer a good view of this average but enjoyable shower.
Please click here to view the entire list of night-sky events for 2024.
Napa Valley Volunteering+
Volunteer for Calistoga Harvest Table. Event on Sunday, Sept. 8, with the deadline for volunteer sign-ups on Aug. 16. Calistoga Chamber of Commerce seeks volunteers for the annual Harvest Table. Adult volunteers receive a free Winter in the Wineries passport. For more information and to sign up, visit their website.
Become a volunteer firefighter or EMS responder in Napa County. This role offers a chance to protect lives, property and the environment while working collaboratively with a dedicated team. For those interested in contributing to the safety and resilience of their community, please fill out the interest form available online.
Community Health Napa Valley is seeking volunteers for various programs that include their Adult Day Health Care in Napa, Act Two retail store in St. Helena and their Hospice Program. Contact Anne House at 707-254-4172 for more information or visit Community Health Napa Valley Volunteer.
The Napa Valley Vine Trail Coalition. To volunteer, complete the sign-up form and get subscribed to their monthly newsletter. The Vine Trail office is located at 3299 Claremont Way, No. 5, Napa, phone 707-252-3547.
Napa Parks and Recreation offers a wide range of volunteer activities, including park cleanups, guiding, coaching, teaching and special-event assistance. These opportunities cater to various interests and schedules. Apply through their online Volunteer Interest Form.