The Napa Valley Weekender
August 30, 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. 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
(R) Blue Note Jazz Festival Presents The Black Radio Experience at The Meritage Resort and Spa.
Aug. 30 to Sept. 1. Join artists such as John Legend, Jill Scott and Artist in Residence Robert Glasper for The Black Radio Experience. Held at The Meritage Resort and Spa, the festival offers performances, afterparties and a celebration of jazz. Tickets range from single-day passes at $175 plus fees to a three-day VIP experience starting at $1,099 plus fees. Afterparties are available for $175 per night or a three-day pass for $450. Tickets and additional details can be found on the festival's website. 875 Bordeaux Way, Napa.
(R) California Wine Month celebrates 20th anniversary
Throughout September, wineries across California will host a variety of events celebrating the state’s wine industry, including wine and food festivals, tastings, grape stomps and more. For details on events and activities, visit the website.
(N) PG&E wildfire safety webinar for all customers
Tuesday, Sept. 3, 5:30 p.m. PG&E is hosting a Wildfire Safety Webinar to discuss their wildfire prevention efforts. Attendees can ask questions and provide feedback during the session. For more information, visit their website.
(R) Provident Community Health Foundation’s Reflect & Rejoice Gala
Friday, Sept. 6, Provident Community Health Foundation’s 18th annual Reflect & Rejoice Gala and live auction will be at Louis M. Martini Winery in St. Helena, with proceeds supporting high-quality integrated care for those facing serious illness, end of life or living with loss, regardless of their ability to pay. Tickets to the gala are $600. The online auction runs from Tuesday, Sept. 3, through Sunday, Sept. 8. A celebration luncheon will be held on Wednesday, Sept. 4, at St. Supéry Estate Vineyards & Winery, Rutherford, with tickets at $350. For more information, visit their website. Louis M. Martini Winery, 254 St. Helena Highway, St. Helena.
(R) Flynn Creek Circus Is Back at Calistoga Fairgrounds
Thursday, Sept. 12, to Sunday, Sept. 15. Flynn Creek Circus is back with “The Heavy Lift,” a comic, film-noire-style circus featuring acrobats, aerialists and variety entertainers under the big top. Family-friendly shows are available, with adults-only performances on select nights. Tickets available online. Free parking available. 1435 N. Oak St., Calistoga.
(R) Sunrise Horse Rescue Annual Harvest of Hope at Blossom Creek Farm
Saturday, Sept. 14, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Harvest of Hope fundraiser with live music from The Gypsy Trio, interactive horse activities, premium local wines and seasonal cuisine. Silent auction and paddle-raise will be held. Tickets available online. For more information call 707-320-3120, email info@sunrisehorserescue.org or visit www.sunrisehorserescue.org. 3547 State Highway 128, Calistoga.
(N) Napa Women’s Club “Friendraiser” at the NWC Clubhouse
Tuesday, Sept. 17, 6 p.m. The Napa Women’s Club Evening Edition will host its annual “Friendraiser,” themed “WINEAPALOOZA,” featuring cheese and charcuterie boards, a mystery local celebrity guest and “getting to know you” games. This is a free event. RSVP to Christine Jameson at cajameson@sbcglobal.net or call 707-696-7629. 218 Franklin St., Napa.
(R) Hope Beyond Darkness: Uniting for Suicide Prevention at Napa Valley College Performing Arts Center
Wednesday, Sept. 18, 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Mentis and the Napa County Suicide Prevention Council present their first Suicide Prevention Conference, featuring a keynote speech by Candace Washington and breakout sessions on youth mental health, surviving suicide loss and more. Lunch will be provided, and Spanish translation is available. Tickets are $20, with potential discounts available. For more information, contact Jeni Olsen at jolsen@mentisnapa.org. Performing Arts Center, Napa Valley College, 2277 Napa Vallejo Highway, Napa.
(N) Coastal Cleanup Day in Napa County
Saturday, Sept. 21, 9 a.m. to noon. Join Napa County for California Coastal Cleanup Day, with 16 sites from Lake Berryessa to American Canyon available for volunteers to help keep waterways clean. Free to participate. For more information, contact Ashley Kvitek at 707-690-3117 or Ashley@NapaRCD.org. Visit their website for site details.
(R) Harvest Dinner at Bale Grist Mill State Historic Park
Friday, Sept. 28, 5:30 to 9 p.m. Experience an evening of food, live music and community at the historic Bale Grist Mill, with a live auction supporting local parks. Tickets are $250; sponsorships are also available. For tickets or sponsorship information, visit their website or email association@napavalleystateparks.org. 3369 N St. Helena Highway.
(R) California Native Plant Society Fall Plant Sale at Skyline Wilderness Park
Saturday, Oct. 5, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Sunday, Oct. 6, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The California Native Plant Society, Napa Valley Chapter, will host its Fall Plant Sale with hundreds of native and drought-tolerant plants available, along with expert advice. CNPS members receive a 10% discount and early access on Saturday from 9 to 10 a.m. Free admission to Skyline Park during the sale. For more information, visit their website. 2201 Imola Ave., Napa.
(R) Clos du Val Harvest Farmers Market
Sunday, Oct. 6, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Clos du Val will host its Harvest Farmers Market featuring live music, food and wine stations, and local vendor pop-ups, with special access to fresh produce, flowers and more. Tickets are $125, with a $30 pass available for children 12 and under. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit their website. 5330 Silverado Trail, Napa.
American Canyon
American Canyon Chamber of Commerce Calendar
American Canyon Library Events
Napa-Vallejo Flea Market
(N) American Canyon Library Events
Book Club. Wednesday, Sept. 4, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Join the monthly meeting in the Community Meeting Room at American Canyon Library. This event invites adventurous readers to explore new books and enjoy lively discussions with fellow book enthusiasts and adults looking to connect over shared literary interests in a welcoming environment.
Craft Supply Swap. Saturday, Sept. 7, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. This family-friendly event is designed for crafters of all ages, including teens, school-age children and adults. Bring and exchange gently used or excess craft materials such as yarn, fabric, beads and paints.
Saturday Crafternoons: Fall Rock Painting on Saturday, Sept. 14, noon to 2 p.m. Celebrate the fall season by painting rocks with fall, Halloween or any designs of your choice at this family-friendly event. Open to all age groups. Registration required.
From Raids to Railroads: American Canyon's Colorful Past. Wednesday, Sept. 25, 6 to 7 p.m. Local historian Rebecca Yerger presents a discussion on American Canyon's history. Registration required.
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. These are just a few of the many events on offer. Visit the calendar to see more or call 707-644-1136 for more information.
(R) Molly’s Angels 2024 Golf Tournament at Eagle Vines Golf Club
Monday, Sept. 23, registration at 7:30 a.m., scattered start at 8:30 a.m. Celebrate the legacy of Molly Banz, founder of Molly's Angels, by participating in their annual golf tournament at Eagle Vines Golf Club, American Canyon. Banz, who started her charitable efforts in 1999 through grassroots fundraising in Napa, led the organization to become a cornerstone in senior transportation services. The event will begin with registration and a putting green game at 7:30 a.m., followed by a scramble format start at 8:30 a.m., and will conclude with lunch, a silent auction and awards at 12:30 p.m. Entry fees are $650 per foursome or $175 for individuals. For sponsorship opportunities or more details, visit their website or email dsmith@mollysangels.com. 580 S. Kelly Road.
Calistoga
Chamber of Commerce events
Picayune Cellars events
The Moonshine Theater events
UpValley Family Centers events
(R) UpValley Family Centers’ Back to School Community Celebration at Calistoga Elementary School
Friday, Aug. 30, 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. Join UpValley Family Centers and Calistoga Joint Unified School District for a Back to School Community Celebration featuring entertainment, a free meal, a service-provider fair, games and prizes to honor UpValley Family Centers’ 25th Anniversary. For more information, contact Marcela Rodriguez at 707-965-5010, email mrodriguez@upvalleyfamilycenters.org or visit their website. Berry Field at Calistoga Elementary School, 1327 Berry St.
(N) Calistoga Library Events
Jump Into Fun: Jump Rope. Saturday, Aug. 31, 10:30 a.m. to noon. This is a family-friendly jump-rope event. This energetic activity is designed for both kids and adults. Jump rope provided. Registration is required to participate.
Children’s Guitar Lessons at Calistoga Library. Saturday, Sept. 7, 10 to 11 a.m.
A perfect opportunity for school-aged children to learn to play the guitar.
Pirinola Toma Todo Game. Saturday, Sept. 14, 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Join a family-friendly event to learn and play the traditional Mexican game Pirinola, also known as Toma Todo.
Adult Guitar Lessons. Saturday, Sept. 21, 10 to 11 a.m. An opportunity for adults to learn how to play the guitar.
These are just a few of the offerings. The complete countywide 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 Art Center's Art, Wine and House Tours
Saturdays Aug. 31, Sept. 28 and Oct. 26 from 4 to 6 p.m. Calistoga Art Center offers monthly tours of distinctive Calistoga homes and art collections, featuring wine from Lúnasa, JCB by Jean-Charles Boisset and LOLA. Tickets are available for individual tours or the entire series in support of the nonprofit organization. For more information and tickets, call 707-942-2278, email info@calistogaartcenter.org or visit their website.
(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) Calistoga Harvest Table Presented by the Calistoga Chamber of Commerce
Sunday, Sept. 8, 5 p.m. Sit at a 1,000-foot-long 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.
(N) Harvest Table After Party at The Calistoga Depot
Sunday, Sept. 8, 7:30 p.m. Join the final summer send-off with live music by Git Wit It at The Calistoga Depot, where registered Harvest Table guests receive a complimentary glass of champagne. For more information call 707-963-6925 or email info@calistogadepot.com. 1458 Lincoln Ave.
(R) The Queen’s Table at Lovina Restaurant
Sunday, Sept. 8, at 6:30 p.m. Enjoy a five-course dinner featuring Lola’s artisanal wines, hosted by Lovina’s owner Jen Bennett and winemaker Seth Cripe, with live music by Brazilian singer-songwriter Mônica da Silva. Tickets are $295 per person, including service, with very limited seating. Purchase tickets at their website. 707-942-6800. 1107 Cedar St.
(R) Fiesta Española at Boys and Girls Club
Sunday, Sept. 22, 4 p.m. Hearts and Hands Preschool hosts Fiesta Española, featuring seafood and vegetarian paella, along with live and silent auctions at the Boys and Girls Club. Tickets are $125 per person or $1,250 for a table of 10. Visit the website for more information. 1401 North Oak.
Napa
Downtown Napa’s “Do Napa” calendar of events
Napa County Historical Society events
Napa Farmers Market
Napa Valley College events
UC Master Gardeners of Napa County events
(N) Aaron Burnham & The Brushfires at the Fink
Friday, Aug. 30, 9 to 11 p.m. Aaron Burnham and his band, The Brushfires, perform a blend of country, rockabilly and western swing, drawing on influences such as Johnny Cash and Hank Williams. $10 cover. For more information, visit the website. 530 Main St.
(N) Murder Mystery Tour: Death of a Gangster on the Napa Valley Wine Train
Saturday, Aug. 31, 6:20 to 8:50 p.m. Napa Valley Wine Train's Murder Mystery Tour features "Death of a Gangster," where passengers don 1920s attire and solve a mafia wedding murder while enjoying a three-course gourmet meal and a welcome toast of sparkling wine. Tickets are limited; reservations are recommended. For more information, visit their website or call 800-427-4124. 1275 McKinstry St.
(R) Napa County Historical Society Hosts 2024 Summer Walking Tours
Sundays, Sept. 1, various times. The Napa County Historical Society offers guided walking tours of Historic Downtown Napa and Tulocay Cemetery. 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 tickets, visit the website.
(N) Scenic Sunday Pool Party at Carneros Resort
Sunday, Sept. 1, noon to 4 p.m. Join a poolside soirée with wine, cocktails and DJs at the adults-only Hilltop Pool at Carneros Resort and Spa. Enjoy pours from Volcan De Mi Tierra and Chandon Garden Spritz, along with small bites and additional menu items available for purchase. Advanced tickets are $100 and required. For more information, visit their website. email info@carnerosresort.com or call 866-860-2328 4048 Sonoma Highway.
(N) Napa Library Events
Adult Literacy Volunteer Tutor Training. Thursday, Sept. 5, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Participate in the Adult Literacy Volunteer Tutor Training at the Napa Library, held in the Community Meeting Room. This session aims to equip adults with the skills to help adult learners improve their reading and writing abilities. Registration is required.
Caring for Your California Native Oak Trees — UC Master Gardeners (Virtual Event). Thursday, Sept. 5, 7 to 8 p.m. Learn how to care for native oak trees in Napa County with tips from UC Master Gardeners in this virtual discussion. Registration is required.
Yarn Club. Friday, Sept. 6, 4 to 5:30 p.m. Bring your yarn, hooks and needles to join fellow yarn enthusiasts, work on your current projects and get support from other club members.
Sensory Storytime. Saturday, Sept. 7, 11 to 11:30 a.m. An interactive story time designed for children ages 8 and younger who might have sensory processing challenges, are on the autism spectrum or have other special needs.
STEM Explorers: Investigate Coding With Microbits. Saturday, Sept. 7, 1 to 2:30 p.m. Teens ages 10 to 18 are invited to explore coding through hands-on activities with Microbits in this exciting STEM Explorers program. Registration is required.
These are just a few of the offerings. The complete countywide 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) Wine Foundry Harvest Camps
Experience the wine harvest from grape-growing to production with Vineyard and Harvest Crush Camps offered by The Wine Foundry. Vineyard Camp runs from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Sept. 5, 6, 12, 13 and 19 and covers viticultural practices and grape-growing techniques. Cost is $125 per person. Harvest Crush Camp provides a hands-on experience of the crush process, including sorting, destemming and fermentation. It is held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Sept. 20, 21, 26 and 27 and on Oct. 3, 4, 5, 10 and 11. Cost is $150 per person. The Wine Foundry also offers a custom-barrel program for those interested in creating their own wine. For more information visit their website or call, 707-637-8821. 45 Enterprise Court.
(R) Napa Valley Open Studios at Jessel Gallery
Friday, Sept. 6, 5 to 8 p.m. Jessel Gallery will host an Open Studios preview reception, where visitors can meet participating artists and view original art. Artist demonstrations will also take place on Saturday, Sept. 7, and Sunday, Sept. 8, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. For more information, visit their website or call 707-257-2350. 1019 Atlas Peak Road, Napa.
(N) Aeternum presents Echoes of Light at Mont La Salle Chapel and St. Mary’s Episcopal Church
Sunday, Sept. 8, and Saturday, Sept. 14, 7:30 p.m. Aeternum's Echoes of Light concert series features a 23-voice choir performing choral works that span nine centuries, accompanied by saxophone, tubular bells and organ. Tickets are $25 with discounts for students, first responders and veterans. For more information, visit aeternumchoir.org. Mont La Salle Chapel, 4405 Redwood Road and St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, 917 Third St.
(N) Napa Valley Writer’s Club presents “He Said, She Said” workshop at Napa Valley Unitarian Universalists
Wednesday, Sept. 11, 7 to 9 p.m. Mini-workshop led by author Penny Warner on writing dialogue with tips and exercises to enhance plot, character and emotion. $5 for members, $10 for nonmembers. For more information visit their website. 1625 Salvador Ave.
(R) Shakespeare Summer Stroll at di Rosa Center for Contemporary Art
Thursday to Sunday, Sept. 12-15 and Sept. 19-22, 5:30 to 7 p.m., matinee performances Sunday, Sept. 15 and 22, 2 p.m. Shakespeare Summer Stroll returns with an abridged production of *Twelfth Night* directed by Jennifer King, featuring live musical accompaniment and a guided walking tour through di Rosa's art-filled landscape. Tickets are $25 general admission, $5 for ages 5-17, and free for di Rosa members and Napa Valley College students and faculty. For more information, email communications@dirosaart.org, call 707-226-5991 or visit their website. 5200 Sonoma Highway.
(N) Documentary: "The Art of Eating — The Life of M.F.K. Fisher" at Jarvis Conservatory
Saturday, Sept. 21, 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. Screening of a documentary about M.F.K. Fisher, a pioneering literary food writer, followed by a discussion with filmmakers Gregory Bezat and Gary Meyer, along with special guests Kennedy Golden (M.F.K. Fisher’s daughter). Tickets are $15. For more information, email info@jarvisconservatory.com, visit their website or call 707-255-5445. 1711 Main St.
(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.
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) Movies at Cameo Cinema
“Deadpool & Wolverine”: Friday, Aug. 30, to Thursday, Sept. 5. “Ghosts of Napa Valley”: Tuesday, Sept. 3, to Thursday, Sept. 5. “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice”: Friday, Sept. 6, to Thursday, Sept. 19. Showtimes typically at 2 p.m., 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) Clif Family’s Street Food
Filipino Menu. Wednesday, Sept. 4, 11:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Clif Family Bruschetteria Food Truck will serve a Filipino menu including Adobo, Kinilau and Lumpia.
Costa Rican Menu. Wednesday, Sept. 11, 11:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Enjoy a Costa Rican-themed menu from Clif Family Bruschetteria Food Truck featuring Chifrijo, Empanadas and Ceviche with patio dining until 7 p.m.
Patio dining available until 7 p.m. Pre-orders start the prior Sunday evening. Contact Clif Family at 707-301-7188 or visit their website. 709 Main St.
(N) St. Helena Library Events
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.
The World of Jane Austen: Lecture. Tuesday, Sept. 10, 4 p.m. Art educator Kathryn Zupsic from the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco will present a lecture exploring the world of Jane Austen, including art, fashion and societal changes during her time.
Mexican Independence Day Celebration. Monday, Sept. 16, 5:30 p.m. Celebrate Mexico's independence with the traditional "Grito," featuring a visit from the Consul General of Mexico in San Francisco, Ana Luisa Vallejo, performances by Mariachi Jalisco and the dance group "Los Diablos de OaxaCalifornia."
Paint Night Class. Tuesday, Sept. 24, 4:30 p.m. Join a fun painting class led by experienced instructor José Martinez, creating artwork in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month. Space is limited; registration required.
These are just a few 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.
(R) Elle King to perform at the 30th One Mind Music Festival for Brain Health
Singer-songwriter Elle King will headline the 30th annual One Mind Music Festival for Brain Health on Friday, Sept. 7, at the Staglin Family Vineyard. Elle King, known for her multiformat No. 1 singles and her 4x platinum hit "Ex’s & Oh’s," will feature in a day filled with events including a Science & Innovation Symposium, a Wine Tasting Reception and a Concert Performance. Day tickets are still available for $2,500. For tickets and more details, visit their website. 1570 Bella Oaks Lane, Rutherford.
*(R) Tennis Exhibition Featuring and Steve Johnson at the Lawn Club
Saturday, Sept. 14, 3 to 9 p.m. The event features a match between former top-ranked players John Isner and Steve Johnson, with additional play by WTA pros and college athletes. Gates open at 3 p.m. with food, wine and music available. Tickets range from $40 for under 18 to $95 for on-court seating, with VIP options sold out. Napa Valley Features subscribers receive a 10% discount by using NVWEEKEND at checkout. For more information, visit the website or check out their Instagram @lawnclubclassic. 1103 Vintage Ave.
(R) Hands Across the Valley at Charles Krug Winery
Saturday, Sept. 14, 5 to 10 p.m. Napa Valley chefs, vintners and celebrities join the community for the 32nd Annual Hands Across the Valley, featuring a walk-around tasting, live and silent auctions, and a VIP dinner followed by an after-party with dessert, coffee and dancing under the stars. Proceeds benefit local safety-net food programs that include the Food Bank, Meals on Wheels, The Table, Feeding It Forward, Molly's Angels and other Napa Valley nonprofits. Tickets are $500 per person, and VIP sponsor tables start at $5,000. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit their website or call 707-888-3332. Charles Krug Winery, 2800 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.
Yountville (and nearby)
Napa Valley Museum events
Valley Players present
Yountville Art Walk
Yountville Chamber of Commerce calendar
Yountville Community Hall events
(N) Tomatoville With Hill Family at Estate Yountville
Saturday, Aug. 31, noon to 3 p.m. Celebrate tomatoes with a tasting experience and Gourmet BLT station paired with Hill Family Estate wines at Estate Yountville. Tickets are $115 for adults, available at their website. Estate Yountville, 6541 Washington St.
(N) Yountville Library Events
Tech Help. Thursday, Sept. 5, 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. Yountville Library offers tech help for adults needing assistance with devices, including tablets, phones, email and e-books. Appointments are 30 minutes each.
Avril Angevine presents: The World of Yayoi Kusama. Tuesday, Sept. 10, noon to 1:30 p.m. Join Avril Angevine at Yountville Library for an engaging discussion about Yayoi Kusama, the renowned Japanese artist known for her polka dot motifs. This session explores Kusama's impact on the art world as the best-selling female artist and the most successful living artist. The event is geared toward adults interested in arts and crafts.
These are just a couple of the offerings. The complete countywide calendar can be found here. The library is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and is closed on Sundays and Mondays. For more information, contact the library at 707-944-1888. 6516 Washington St.
(R) Yountville Sun Fall Soirée and Fundraiser at Historic 1856 Hopper House & Vineyard
Saturday, Sept. 7, 5 to 8 p.m. Join the community for the second annual Yountville Sun Fall Soirée and Fundraiser at the picturesque Historic 1856 Hopper House & Vineyard. The evening promises a delightful array of cocktails, wine and bites, accompanied by live music and a silent auction. Tickets require a $100 tax-deductible charitable donation and can be purchased at Yountville Sun Fundraiser. 7311 St. Helena Highway
(N) Regiis Ova Caviar & Cult Champagne Tasting
Saturday, Sept. 7, 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Enjoy a tasting of five grower Champagnes paired with five types of Regiis Ova Caviar at K. LAZ WINE COLLECTION in Yountville. The experience costs $250 per guest, and space is limited to 12 guests. Tasting fees apply towards purchases over a specified amount. For reservations, call 707-415-5040, email wine@klazwine.com, or visit their website. 6484 Washington Street, Suite C.
(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.
*(R) Vallejo Festival Orchestra at Empress Theatre
Saturday, Sept. 14, 7:30 p.m. The Vallejo Festival Orchestra presents "Johannes Brahms and the Romantic Spirit," featuring violin soloist Nigel Armstrong and conductor Thomas Conlin, with a program including Brahms's Violin Concerto and Symphony No. 4. Tickets are $35 to $95, with a 20% discount available for Napa Valley Features subscribers using code BRAHMS at checkout starting Aug. 23. For more information, call 707-552-2400 or visit their website. 330 Virginia St., Vallejo.
*(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 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 enjoy the experience.
September and October: Comet C/2023 A3 (Tsuchinshan-ATLAS) display
In late 2024, particularly September and October (after sunset PST), Comet C/2023 A3 (Tsuchinshan-ATLAS) is expected to become a spectacular sight. Initially visible with telescopes by early summer, it will approach the sun and Earth, potentially becoming visible to the naked eye or through binoculars, especially low in the eastern sky before sunrise. By Oct. 12, it should rise higher in the evening sky, becoming more visible in the Northern Hemisphere. While predicting a comet's behavior is difficult, Tsuchinshan-ATLAS shows promise of being an impressive spectacle in the night sky.
Sept. 3: New moon
September's new moon on the 3rd (6:57 p.m., Sept. 2) continues the cycle of dark, moonless nights, offering another opportunity for deep-sky observations.
Sept. 5: Mercury at its greatest western elongation
On Sept. 5 (5:01 p.m., Sept. 4), Mercury reaches another greatest western elongation, this time visible low in the eastern sky just before sunrise. It's an ideal time to spot this swift-moving planet.
Sept. 8: Saturn at opposition
Saturn reaches opposition on Sept. 8 (all night), meaning it's closest to Earth and fully illuminated by the sun. It will be brighter than at any other time of the year and visible all night long. Viewing Saturn and its moons through a medium-sized telescope is particularly rewarding during opposition.
Sept. 17: Saturn and moon conjunction
On Sept. 17 (after sunset), observe an exquisite celestial pairing as Saturn and the moon appear close in the southeastern sky. This striking alignment, visible to the naked eye, will recur on Oct. 14 and 15, Nov. 11, and Dec. 8. As they become visible soon after sunset, the bright moon and Saturn's distinct yellow hue can be observed together through binoculars, offering a stunning contrast in the night sky.
Sept. 18: Full Corn Moon and partial lunar eclipse
The full moon on Sept. 18 (starts 7:36 p.m., Sept. 17), traditionally known as the Corn Moon, coincides with a partial lunar eclipse. As the moon passes through Earth's shadow, part of it will darken, creating a striking contrast in its appearance. This event is visible throughout much of North America, Mexico, Central America and South America.
Sept. 20: Neptune at opposition
Neptune reaches opposition on Sept. 20 (all night), becoming brighter and more visible than at any other time of the year. While it will appear as a tiny blue dot in all but the most powerful telescopes, it's still an exciting opportunity to observe this distant planet.
Sept. 22: September equinox
The September equinox on the 22nd (5:39 a.m.) marks the start of fall in the Northern Hemisphere and spring in the Southern Hemisphere. It's a time when the sun shines directly on the equator, resulting in nearly equal amounts of day and night worldwide.
Please click here to view the entire list of night-sky events for 2024.
Napa Valley Volunteering+
Napa Bookmine Literary Foundation is looking for donations for their Books4Kids program, aiming to provide free books to first-graders throughout Napa County. They’ve already given books to 700 students this year and aim to reach 500 more by year’s end. Each $25 donation provides five free books to a child in need.
Napa County Seed Library encourages local sustainable gardening. Founded by Lauren Buffaloe-Muscatine and her daughter, Lavender, in 2020, the Napa County Seed Library promotes sustainable gardening by allowing residents to borrow seeds for free. The Seed Library offers workshops on seed-saving, organic gardening and sustainable agriculture. For more information on how to contribute or volunteer, 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.