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.
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.
Calistoga
At 5:30 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 8, enjoy a free reception with Song for Charlie at The Barn at Indian Springs, where guests will learn what to know, what to say and what to do with a panel of experts and special screening of the original film “Drugs in the Age of Fentanyl.” This is a compelling tool to help families, teachers and communities understand the fentanyl crisis and how to talk to our kids about drug use and mental wellness in new ways. The panel will feature key experts that include Ed Ternan, founder and CEO of Song for Charlie; Marcia Lee Taylor, former president and CEO of Partnership for Drug-Free Kids; Marisha Chilcott, local board-certified family physician and CEO of Be the Change in Mental Health; and Michelle Leopold, a mother who lost her son, Trevor, while he was a student at Sonoma State University. RSVP for the event here. Learn more about Song for Charlie here.
Calistoga First Saturday Art Walk occurs on the first Saturday of each month, including Nov. 4 and Dec. 2, from 3 to 6 p.m. The free event includes 10 local galleries and aims to foster community engagement while showcasing local art. No special reservations are required. For further details, contact the Calistoga Chamber of Commerce.
Live music every Friday from 6 to 8 p.m. at Calistoga’s Picayune Cellars, 1440 Lincoln Ave. We are serving our wines by the glass and culinary goodies from our kitchen. No cover, always fun and delicious. Check out the lineup or reserve your plat du jour ($25 per person, with or without wine) here. For details call 707-341-3410 or visit picayunecellars.com.
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.
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 by the glass or bottle while enjoying a variety of dining options brought in partnership with Bricco Osteria.
Napa
In Lucky Penny’s "The Revolutionists" four badass women try to keep their ideals and their heads during the Reign of Terror in 1793 Paris. This brilliant play by Lauren Gunderson will be live onstage at 7:30 p.m., Thursday, Friday and Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday from Nov. 2-5 as the three-weekend run concludes. Tickets from $22 to $34 are online here or call 707-266-6305. Email info@luckypennynapa.com
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. This is a fundraising event for choral music in the public schools. Tickets are $75 and available here.
Grgich Hills Estate's annual Festival of the Bells will be held from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Friday, Nov. 3, at CIA Copia, 500 First St. in Napa. The event is in support of the outstanding work being done by Roots of Peace to support farmers in war-torn lands while combatting climate change. The event consists of two parts, the first titled “Symposium: Cultivating Peace Through Agriculture,” in which distinguished experts from around the world, including Nobel Prize laureates and diplomats, will convene in support of farmers as they strive to nourish their communities in the face of expanding global challenges. The second part is “Ring Out! Celebratory Lunch and Live Auction.” Following the panel, attendees enjoy a celebratory luncheon of multicultural food, dancing, music, and a live auction supporting farmers and agricultural workers impacted by war. Tickets are $150 per person. Those interested in attending can call 707-963-2784, email festivalofthebells@grgich.com or visit our 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.
St. Helena
Meuse Gallery in St. Helena presents "A Walk Through the Woods: Simon Bull Paints the Colors of Fall," a new exhibition that began Oct. 28 and continues through Sunday, Nov. 26. This exhibition of paintings promises to be an immersive experience in the wondrous world of redwoods and aspen groves through Bull’s inspired art. Known for his bold style, innovative techniques and love of nature, Bull explores new modes of creative expression. Characterized by epic scale and rich textures, this collection captures the essence and majesty of our sacred woodlands, reminding every visitor of the glory of our natural world. Meuse Gallery, located at 1331 Main St., features the works of Bull along with contemporary works from both emerging and established artists. For details, contact Katherine Salinas, gallery director, via email at kat@meusegallery.com or by cell at 831-224-3717.
“Feed Your Soul – A Daylong Wellness Retreat in Wine Country” will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 5, at Harvest Inn, 1 Main St. in St. Helena. Cultivate a full day of relaxation and renewal while soaking up exquisite vineyard views alongside the glorious Mayacamas Mountains. Harvest Inn provides an idyllic oasis amid vineyards, mountains and redwoods — your perfect destination for a full day of wellness activities curated to nurture your soul. The cost for the full daylong retreat is $175 per person and includes rental yoga mats (or you’re welcome to bring your own), beverages, lunch and a mindful wine-tasting experience. The Feed Your Soul daylong retreat will be led by yoga/meditation teacher and wine expert, Tamara Stanfill, of PartOfTheSOULution.com. Space is limited so RSVP early to guarantee your place here.
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
Mount Veeder Wine Tasting is scheduled for Friday, Nov. 10, from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at Casino Del Sol, 5655 W. Valencia Road. The tasting showcases wines from eight Mount Veeder AVA Napa Valley wineries and includes gourmet bites. Tickets are $100 in advance, with only 100 available, and $200 at the door. To purchase tickets or for more information, call 707-266-1296 or visit the website.
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.
Live Kai Lyons Afro-Caribbean Quintet, Sunday, Nov. 12, 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.
Celebrate Beaujolais Nouveau 2023! Alliance Française de Napa Valley and Outer Space Wines invite you to take a tasting tour of France (with a nod to Nouveau) from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 16, at Outer Space Wines, 974 Franklin St. in Napa. Dan Dawson, owner of Outer Space, will take you on the best tasting tour in the galaxy — beginning with a Nouveau from the venerable Georges DuBoeuf, then venturing into other parts of Beaujolais and beyond. Come savor a grand French tradition and explore delectable offerings from La Belle France. Tickets are $30 for AF Napa members and $40 for non-members. To purchase tickets, go here. Questions? Contact Sally Seymour at sallyseymour@mac.com.
The Napa Chamber of Commerce will host its Economic Outlook Conference on Thursday, Nov. 16, from 8 a.m. to noon at the Silverado Resort. Aimed at equipping attendees with insights into economic trends and strategies, the conference will feature experts such as keynote speaker Dr. Christopher Thornberg. Topics to be discussed include workforce development, the economic value of tourism and emerging market opportunities. Admission is open to all for a fee of $190 per person. For more details, visit the website or contact the Napa Chamber of Commerce at 707- 226-7455.
Music in the Vineyard’s California Festival Concert, curated by artistic director Daria Adams, is set for 5 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 18, at Napa Methodist Church, 625 Randolph St. The one-hour program will showcase a diverse array of compositions, featuring works by Hildegard von Bingen, Michi Wiancko, John Dowland, J.S. Bach and Caroline Shaw. Tickets are priced at $40, with a discounted rate of $10 for students and those under 18. For more information, contact Napa Methodist Church or visit www.cafestival.org. The concert is part of the 2023 California Festival – A Celebration of New Music, which runs from Nov. 3-19.
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 Other features will be 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 from 3-5 p.m., Monday, Nov. 27, 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.
The annual Calistoga Lighted Tractor Parade is set for 7-8 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 2, on Lincoln Avenue in downtown Calistoga. The event offers an evening where vintage tractors illuminate the night as a tribute to the town's agricultural and historical roots. The parade is a community affair, attracting both locals and visitors. Participation in the parade requires filling out a form, which can be found on the Calistoga Chamber of Commerce website. Those interested in sponsorship opportunities can also find a form on the same site. The deadline to enter is Friday, Nov. 3. For further inquiries, contact the Calistoga Chamber of Commerce at 707-942-6333 or jenna@calistogachamber.com.
Bel Canto Napa Valley will host “The World at Christmas,” a holiday concert with performances on Friday, Dec. 1, at 7:30 p.m. at Napa Methodist Church and Sunday, Dec. 3, at 3:30 p.m. at Mont La Salle. The concert promises an eclectic mix of music, featuring everything from traditional carols and Bach to hip-hop-inspired new works and even a dash of rap. A cappella and instrumental performances will round out the festive occasion. Tickets are priced at $35 for adults and $15 for students and can be purchased at belcantonv.org. Due to limited seating that tends to sell out quickly, early ticket purchase is strongly recommended. For more information, reach out to belcantonv@gmail.com.