The Napa Valley Weekender

Jan. 3, 2025

Jan 03, 2025

NAPA VALLEY, Calif. — Welcome to the Napa Valley Features Weekender, your guide to local events and experiences. Each Friday we deliver a Scan and Plan format organized by town, with concise summaries and links to simplify your planning. This edition includes valley-wide events, this month's night-sky highlights and volunteer opportunities, offering options from free to affordable to suit a range of interests. New events since the last issue are marked (N) while recurring ones are tagged (R) for easy reference.

Have an event or opportunity we missed? Submit it via our online form.

Napa Valley-Wide

(R) Napa Valley Mustard Celebration

January through March. The Napa Valley Mustard Celebration returns this winter with expanded participation from cities and towns across the valley, from American Canyon to Calistoga. A full schedule of events will be announced after Jan. 1. Highlights include the fourth annual NVMC poster competition, won by Jessel Miller, with honorable mentions for the other 11 participating artists. Prints of Miller’s winning painting are available online. For more information, to join as a vendor or sponsor, or to list your event, email napa_art@napanet.net or call 707-257-2350.

(R) Festival Napa Valley Announces “Choose Your Price” Ticket Model for 2025 Summer Season

Festival Napa Valley introduces a “Choose Your Price” ticket option for its 2025 Summer Season, aiming to make performances accessible to everyone. Launching in March, this groundbreaking model allows attendees to choose ticket prices starting as low as $0-$5, with the option to contribute more to support the festival’s educational and community programs. General admission applies to all performances at the CIA at Copia and the Festival Napa Valley Stage at Charles Krug Winery, from July 6-20. For more details, visit their website.

(R) Napa Neighbor Offers for Local Residents

Napa Valley Vintners members invite Napa County residents to enjoy special offers from local wineries, including discounts on wine purchases, complimentary or upgraded tastings, and VIP experiences. Simply present your Napa County ID at participating wineries to access these perks. For more details on current offers and to sign up for the Napa Neighbor Newsletter for updates on local wine events, visit their website.

(R) Napa Valley Restaurant Month – Various Locations

Monday, Jan. 6, through Sunday, Feb. 2. Napa Valley Restaurant Month celebrates the region’s culinary delights with a full month of exclusive dining deals and special offers. Each week focuses on a different area, starting with American Canyon and Napa, Jan. 6-12, followed by Yountville, Jan. 13-19; St. Helena, Jan. 20-26; and Calistoga, Jan. 27-Feb. 2. Suggested prix-fixe options include $29 two-course lunches, $39 three-course dinners, $48 four-course dinners and $50 brunches for two. For more information, visit their website.

(R) Premiere Napa Valley 29th Annual Wine Trade Auction

Feb. 19-22. The annual event is a premier wine-trade auction showcasing more than 200 rare wines, including the 2023 vintage debut. Licensed trade professionals can participate in person or virtually, with exclusive small-lot wines available only at this auction. In-person attendees will experience the grand barrel tasting and live auction, along with networking events across Napa Valley. For registration, visit their 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.

American Canyon (and Nearby)

American Canyon Chamber of Commerce Calendar
American Canyon Library Events
Napa-Vallejo Flea Market

(N) American Canyon Library Events

Generations and Books: Read with Dawn-Dawn. Friday, Jan. 3, 3:30 to 5 p.m. Children can enjoy story time with enthusiastic Library Grandparents who read their favorite books or ones chosen by participants.
Generations and Books: Read with Dawn-Dawn. Friday, Jan. 10, 3:30 to 5 p.m. Children can enjoy story time with enthusiastic Library Grandparents who read their favorite books or ones chosen by participants.
Saturday Crafternoons: Paper Tube Firework Painting. Saturday, Jan. 11, noon to 2 p.m. Celebrate the new year with a creative workshop making fireworks-inspired paintings using recycled paper tubes. Registration required.
Poetry Workshop: Create a Poem With the Poet Laureate. Saturday, Jan. 18, 10 to 11 a.m. Join Napa County Poet Laureate Aisha Rivera for a hands-on workshop guiding participants in crafting their own poems.
Generations and Books: Read with Dawn-Dawn. Friday, Jan. 24, 3:30 to 5 p.m. Children can enjoy story time with enthusiastic Library Grandparents who read their favorite books or ones chosen by participants.

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.

(N) 10th Annual ACHS Choir and Crab Celebration

Saturday, Jan. 25, 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Celebrate the 10th year of the American Canyon High School Choir with a reception featuring appetizers, a hosted bar and performances by the ACHS Chamber and PDA Choirs. Guests can participate in an opportunity drawing and the Crab Game before collecting their to-go crab dinner. A virtual silent auction will run Jan. 17-24. Tickets can be purchased online. Napa Junction Community Center, 300 Napa Junction Road.

Calistoga

Calistoga Farmers' Market on Washington Street, weekly
Chamber of Commerce events
Picayune Cellars events
The Moonshine Theater events
UpValley Family Centers events

Submit Event

(N) Calistoga Library Events

Children's Guitar Lesson. Saturday, Jan. 4, 10 to 11 a.m. Children and teens can join this monthly beginner guitar class; participants should bring their own guitar.
Adult Guitar Lessons. Saturday, Jan. 18, 10 to 11 a.m. Adults can join this monthly beginner guitar class; participants should bring their own guitar.
Generations and Books: Read with Dawn-Dawn. Friday, Jan. 24, 3:30 to 5 p.m. Children can enjoy story time with enthusiastic Library Grandparents who read their favorite books or ones chosen by participants

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.

(N) Picayune’s French Bistro Pop-Up at Picayune Cellars

Friday, Jan. 24, 6 to 8 p.m. Chef Ross Melling serves cassoulet, endive salad and mousse au chocolat paired with Black Label Champagne at Picayune’s first bistro pop-up. Tickets are $85 per person, and reservations are required. For details, call 707-341-3410, email info@picayunecellars.com or visit picayunecellars.com. 1440 Lincoln Ave.

(N) Annual Crab Feed by Soroptimist International of Calistoga

Saturday, March 8, doors open at 5 p.m., dinner served at 7 p.m. Celebrate International Women’s Day with Soroptimist International of Calistoga at their Annual Crab Feed fundraiser. The evening will feature live, silent and dessert auctions along with a Dungeness crab dinner. All proceeds benefit programs supporting education, mentorship, and resources for women and girls. Tickets are $125 and can be purchased online. For more information, email fundraising@sicalistoga.org or call Toni Hunt at 707-548-3726. Boys & Girls Club of Calistoga, 1401 N Oak St.

Napa

Downtown Napa’s “Do Napa” calendar of events
Napa County Historical Society events
Napa Valley College events
UC Master Gardeners of Napa County events

(R) Mentis Wellness Campus Tour

Fridays at 4:30 p.m. Mentis offers weekly tours of its new Wellness Campus, showcasing mental-health resources and services for the Napa Valley community while seeking to raise $1 million to complete the project. The tour is free, and reservations are required. For more information, visit their website, call 707-615-5003 or email Charlotte Hajer at chajer@mentisnapa.org. 1272 Hayes St.

(R) Merry Meritage Holiday Ice Rink at The Meritage Resort

Open through Jan. 5. The Meritage Resort’s Merry Meritage Holiday Ice Rink offers opportunities for ice-skating, fireside-lounging and wine-tasting. Admission to the Meritage Holiday Village is free. 850 Bordeaux Way.

(R) Napa Farmers Market

Saturdays, 8 a.m. to noon. The Napa Farmers Market takes place year-round, rain or shine, with vendors offering fresh produce and artisanal goods. Arrive early, as parking can be challenging by midmorning. For details, visit their website. 1100 West St. at Pearl.

(R) 2024-2026 Napa Art Walk: Climate Action and Sustainability

The eighth Napa Art Walk features nine sculptures by artists from the United States and Canada that explore the theme of climate action and sustainability. This public art series aims to inspire individual and collective stewardship of Napa Valley’s unique ecology. All sculptures are for sale, with 10% of sales supporting future exhibitions. For more information, visit their website or email napaartwalk@cityofnapa.org. Various locations in downtown Napa.

(R) ‘The Valley Beautiful: Architecture’ Exhibit at Goodman Library

Now through March 22. The Napa County Historical Society presents "The Valley Beautiful: Architecture," an exhibit exploring the architecture of Napa Valley, including commercial, residential and sacred spaces. Presented in association with Napa County Landmarks, this exhibit is free and open to the public. For more information, visit their website. 1219 First St.

(N) Napa Library Events

A Journey to Middle-earth. Friday, Jan. 3, noon to 3 p.m. Celebrate J.R.R. Tolkien's birthday with an afternoon of family-friendly activities, including film screenings and arts and crafts. Free admission.
Charger Cable Collection. Friday, Jan. 10, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Drop off old charger cables at Napa Library for recycling or repurposing.
Art in the Library: Napa Valley Pastel Artists. Friday, Jan. 10, 6:15 to 7:30 p.m. Explore the creativity and technical skill of the Napa Valley Pastel Artists, guided by mentor Deborah Donahower.
Green Screen Film Series: Common Ground. Sunday, Jan. 19, 2 to 4 p.m. Join Napa Climate Now! for a screening of "Common Ground," exploring solutions and practices for a healthier natural world.
"Caracoleando Among Worlds" by Silvia Soto. Thursday, Jan. 23, 6 to 7:30 p.m. Sonoma State Professor Silvia Soto discusses her book "Caracoleando Among Worlds: Reconstructing Maya Worldviews in Chiapas." Free admission.
Study Center. Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2 to 4 p.m. School-age children can access free homework help, tools, computers and a quiet place to work.
Open Mic Night. Thursday, Jan. 30, 6 to 7:30 p.m. Share your prose and poetry with the Napa writing and reading community at this event hosted by Napa Valley Writers.

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) "It's A Grand Night for Singing" at Jarvis Conservatory

Saturday, Jan. 4, 7 to 9 p.m. Enjoy an evening of opera, musical theatre, cabaret and zarzuela featuring professional vocalists and emerging talent from the Bay Area and beyond. Tickets are $20. For advance tickets and more information, visit their website. 1711 Main St.

(N) Annual Orchid Auction by Napa Valley Orchid Society

Wednesday, Jan. 8. The Napa Valley Orchid Society hosts its Annual Orchid Auction on Wednesday, Jan. 8, at 6 p.m. at the Napa Senior Center. This free event features dozens of rare and unusual orchids up for auction, including locally adapted specimens. Live auctioneer Tom Pickford will entertain attendees as they bid to support the nonprofit organization, which funds speakers, educational programs and the society's annual spring show. Refreshments will be provided. For more information, visit their website or email info@thenapavalleyorchidsociety.com. 1500 Jefferson St.

(N) 33rd Annual Boys & Girls Clubs of Napa Valley Crab Feed

Saturday, Jan. 25, 5 p.m. Join the community for a night of crab, a silent auction and great company at this annual fundraising event supporting Napa Valley youth. Individual tickets are $120 and available online, with sponsorship packages ranging from $1,500 to $10,000. For more information, email info@begreatnv.org or call 707-255-8866. Napa Valley Exposition Chardonnay Hall, 575 Third St.

(N) 40th Annual Crab Fest at Justin-Siena High School

Saturday, Feb. 8, 5 to 10 p.m. Justin-Siena's biggest annual fundraiser features an all-you-can-eat crab dinner, live and silent auctions, and Fund-a-Need to benefit students. Tickets are $125. This 21+ event is held in Clark Gym. For more information, visit their website, email jrasler@justin-siena.org or call 707-255-0950, ext. 646. 4026 Maher St.

Conn Dam Spillway, Dec. 28, 2024 — Tim Carl Photo

St. Helena (And Nearby)

Rianda House events
St. Helena Chamber events
St. Helena Striders upcoming walks
UpStage Napa Valley presents
UpValley Family Centers events

(N) Farmstead Farmers’ Market at Farmstead

Fridays through April, 8 a.m. to noon. The Farmstead Farmers’ Market features vendors such as Long Meadow Ranch, Aloha Organix, Fusion 2 Go, Gerard’z Honeybees, KZ Chocolates, Mi Fiesta, Natalia’s Dacha, Perfect Edge Cutlery, Santa Rosa Seafood, West Won Bread and Woodlands Charcuterie. Shoppers can enjoy a free drip coffee at the Farmstead Café during market hours. Visit their website for more information. 738 Main St.

(N) Movies / Events at Cameo Cinema

"A Real Pain" (90 mins., Rated R) screens Jan. 3-4 at 2 p.m., 5 p.m. and 7:45 p.m., and Jan. 5 at 2 p.m. (Open Cap) and 5 p.m.
"Anora" (139 mins., Rated R) screens Jan. 7 at 5 p.m. and 7:45 p.m., Jan. 8 at 2 p.m., 5 p.m. (Open Cap) and 7:45 p.m., and Jan. 9 at 5 p.m. and 7:45 p.m.
"A Complete Unknown" (141 mins., Rated R) screens Jan. 10-12, 14-16, and 17-19 at various times including 2 p.m., 5 p.m., and 7:45 p.m. (check for Open Capscreenings on Jan. 12, 15 and 19).
"Lady Outlaw" (108 mins., Rated TBC) screens Jan. 13 at 5 p.m.

For most films and these events, general admission is $10, with discounts for students and seniors. For details call 707-963-9779 or visit their website. 1340 Main St.

Story Time. Every Tuesday, 10:30 to 11 a.m. A program for children from infants to age 6, featuring stories, rhymes and crafts. Older children are welcome.
Dean Busquaert Artist Reception. Thursday, Jan. 9, 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Photographer and artist Dean Busquaert showcases Napa Valley-inspired works, including vineyard photography, wildlife images and mosaic pieces. All prints are offered at a 20% discount during the show.
Seasonal Care with Erica Bowman. Thursday, Jan. 16, 4 to 5 p.m. Licensed acupuncturist and herbalist Erica Bowman leads a session on seasonal transitions featuring Qi Gong practice, breathing techniques, nutrition tips and emotional balancing for spring.

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.

(N) Clif Family’s Street Food Napa Valley

Enjoy themed menus every Wednesday from the award-winning Clif Family Bruschetteria Food Truck, with service available until 7 p.m. for most events. Pre-orders start the prior Sunday evening.

Clif Family Bruschetteria Food Truck Restaurant Month. Available Jan. 2–31. Enjoy a $35 seasonal menu featuring artisan bruschetta, crispy polenta tots, a seasonal cookie and a glass of Clif Family wine, made with fresh produce from the Clif Family farm. Dine-in only, Wednesday through Sunday, from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Vietnamese Menu. Wednesday, Jan. 8, 11:30 a.m.–6:30 p.m. Featuring Cha Gio, Banh Xeo, and Bun Cha.
Oaxacan Menu. Friday, Jan. 15, 11:30 a.m.–6:30 p.m. Enjoy Tlayudas, Mole con Pollo y Arroz, and Barbacoa de Borrego.
Korean Menu with Live Music. Wednesday, Jan. 22, 11:30 a.m.–7:00 p.m. Savor Korean Fried Chicken, Kimchi Jjigae, and Bossam, with live music on the patio from 4:00–7:00 p.m. 20% of wine and food sales support Napa River Ecology Center.
Chinese New Year Menu. Wednesday, Jan. 29, 11:30 a.m.–6:30 p.m. Celebrate with Lions Head Meatballs, Whole Steamed Fish, and Buddha’s Delight.

Contact Clif Family at 707-301-7188 or order at their website. 709 Main St.

(N) Form and Matter: Jessica Martin and Sébastien Pochan at Carter and Co.

Reception Saturday, Jan. 11, 3 to 5 p.m., with the exhibit running through Feb. 9.
Explore new works by Healdsburg-based artists Jessica Martin and Sébastien Pochan at this exhibit opening, featuring wine by Sébastien. Free admission. For more information, visit their website. 1231 Main St.

Yountville (And Nearby)

Napa Valley Museum events
Valley Players present
Yountville Art Walk
Yountville Chamber of Commerce calendar
Yountville Community Hall events

(N) Yountville Library Events

Artful Insights: Avril Angevine’s Art Lecture Series on Jack London. Friday, Jan. 10, noon to 1 p.m. Discover Jack London's work as a photographer in this engaging lecture by Avril Angevine.
Documentary Days: Discover & Discuss. Friday, Jan. 17, noon to 2 p.m. Enjoy an afternoon documentary screening followed by a group discussion.
"Shhh... Silent Cinema.” Friday, Jan. 24, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Experience the charm of early silent films in a tranquil library setting.

These are just a few 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.

(N) Epicurean Adventures: Global Supper Club at Priest Ranch

Thursday, Jan. 30, and Friday, Jan. 31, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Priest Ranch launches its new series, "Epicurean Adventures: Global Supper Club," with an intimate dinner featuring Chef Yan Iskandar of Pasar (Singaporean) and Culinary Director Dan Solomon. Guests will enjoy a multicourse family-style meal paired with wines from Priest Ranch and Somerston Estate along with exclusive wine offers and a culinary takeaway. Tickets are $175 per person ($150 for members). For more information, visit their website, email info@priestranchwines.com or call 707-944-8200. 6490 Washington St.

(N) Yountville Crab Feed For Molly’s Angels

Saturday, Feb. 8, 5:30 to 10 p.m. Molly’s Angels will continue the Yountville Crab Feed, formerly hosted by the Kiwanis Club, featuring fresh Dungeness crab, pasta, salad and bread prepared by the same chefs as past events. Proceeds support Molly’s Angels’ mission of providing transportation and resources to Napa Valley seniors. Tickets cost $100 and are available online. Yountville Community Center, 6516 Washington St.

Astrological Events:

Mercury Visibility

Throughout January (best midmonth), just before sunrise. Mercury will be visible low on the eastern horizon in pre-dawn hours. Use binoculars or a telephoto lens for a clear view of this elusive planet.

Quadrantid Meteor Shower

The peak is tonight, Jan. 3, best viewed after midnight. One of the most prolific meteor showers, producing up to 200 meteors per hour at its peak. The radiant is in the constellation Bootes, high in the northern sky. This year’s viewing conditions are ideal due to dim crescent moonlight.

Earth at Perihelion

Jan. 4, around 5:28 a.m. Earth reaches its closest point to the Sun (91.4 million miles). While not visually dramatic, this marks an important orbital milestone.

Venus at Greatest Eastern Elongation

Jan. 10, evening after sunset. Venus will shine brilliantly as the "Evening Star," reaching its farthest distance from the sun in the evening sky. A perfect opportunity for wide-angle shots of Venus glowing over landscapes.

Wolf Moon (Full Moon)

Jan. 13, moonrise around 5 p.m. The first full moon of the year, traditionally called the Wolf Moon, will illuminate the night sky. Ideal for capturing moonlit landscapes or detailed lunar photography.

Mars at Opposition

Jan. 16, all night. Mars will be at opposition, meaning it is directly opposite the sun as viewed from Earth. This alignment places Mars at its closest approach to Earth, making it appear at its brightest and largest in the night sky for the entire year. This is the best time to observe and photograph the red planet.

New Moon

Jan. 29, all night. With no moonlight to interfere, this is an excellent night for astrophotography and stargazing. Capture deep-sky objects such as nebulae and galaxies under dark skies.

Please click here to view the entire list of night-sky events for 2025.

Napa Valley Volunteering+

Napa Valley Unitarian Universalists Community Singing Circle. Second Thursday of each month, 6:30 to 8 p.m. Join the NVUU Community Singing Circle for a no-pressure, collaborative environment focused on rounds and harmonies. Open to all, the group fosters shared leadership and opportunities to teach songs. For more information, contact the NVUU office at 707-226-9220.
Volunteer Tutors Needed by UpValley Family Centers. UpValley Family Centers is seeking volunteer tutors for students at St. Helena Primary School, St. Helena Elementary, Calistoga Elementary and RLS Middle School. Volunteers are needed to support students in grades though the eighth with reading, math or general classroom assistance for at least one hour per week; bilingual Spanish speakers are encouraged to apply, but being bilingual is not required. For more information or to sign up, visit their website or email rgasparyan@upvalleyfamilycenters.org. 707-965-5010.