The Napa Valley Weekender
NAPA VALLEY, Calif. — Welcome to Napa Valley Features’ Weekender. Every Friday morning we provide a selection of activities and experiences around the region that has been curated by the Napa Valley Features team. Our goal is to provide at least a few free or low-cost events and to cover every town in our valley. This is an eclectic list, ranging from theatrical readings to musical concerts, from wine celebrations to art gallery tours, from charitable walks to astronomical marvels. Our goal is for both locals and visitors to find this list valuable, engaging and complete with sufficient details to eliminate the need for extensive searches for times, locations or any associated costs. To submit an event for consideration, go here. Please make sure you provide all the relevant details about the event and include your name, email address and phone number, which will not be published, in case we have questions about your submission. Thank you.
The last of the 2023 Harvest Moons will be Friday, Sept. 29 — Tim Carl Video of the Super-Blue Moon of 2023
This Weekend
American Canyon
American Canyon 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
Calistoga Farmers’ Market: This year-round market is open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Saturday. The Calistoga Farmers’ Market, managed by a Market Advisory Committee under the umbrella of the Calistoga Chamber of Commerce, is full of fresh vegetables, local fish, arts, crafts, baked goods and music. It's located on Washington Street adjacent to the Community Center and across from City Hall.
Buster’s BBQ Jazz and Blues: Enjoy free music (tips appreciated!) every Sunday from 3 to 6 p.m. Listen to jazz and blues on the back patio at Buster's Southern BBQ, weather permitting.
The Moonshine at Mount View Hotel in Calistoga hosts a weekend of entertainment from Friday, Sept. 29, to Sunday, Oct. 1. The outdoor venue opens at 7 p.m. each evening, featuring a selection of classic movies and live music. Alfred Hitchcock’s “The Birds” will be screened on Friday at 7 p.m., the Country, Blues and Southern Rock band of Joshua Martin will perform on Saturday at 8 p.m., and Alfred Hitchcock’s “Psycho” will be shown on Sunday at 7 p.m. Movie tickets are priced at $5 and live music tickets at $15 (both at the door and EventBrite). Food and drinks are available for purchase. For private screening and event inquiries, contact the venue at 707-942-6877.
Napa
The Napa Valley Chamber Orchestra will feature cellist Burke Schuchmann to open its third concert season at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 1, at Crosswalk Church, 2950 First St. in Napa. Admission is free, donations appreciated.
The Australian Football League Grand Final, one of the most anticipated events on the sporting calendar for the many Australian ex-pats who live in the Napa Valley, will be televised live at 9:30 p.m., Friday, Sept. 29. The event will be at Napa Yard, 585 First St., located next to the South Parking Lot at Oxbow in downtown Napa. Aussie Rules — or “footy,” as the game is known colloquially — is a game played professionally solely in Australia with social leagues of varying skill levels in existence around the world. The closest league to the Napa Valley is in San Francisco, where the Golden Gate Australian Football League is based. The event is in partnership with the Napa Valley Cricket Club.
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.
To celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month, Napa Valley College Music Department presents “Las Magnificas,” which is a chamber music theater piece for a solo singer/actress and trio (cello, piano and percussion). This performance is at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 1, at the main stage at the NVC Performing Arts Center. It explores the lives and times of three towering figures in Latin American cultural history: the iconic Mexican Ranchera singer Chavela Vargas; Cuban singer Celia Cruz, “The Queen of Salsa”; and Chilean singer Violeta Parra, the mother of Latin American folk music. Featured will be Nadya Encarnacion, with instrumental music by Latin American composers Ernesto Lecuona, Eduardo Sanchez de Fuentes, Jose Alfredo Jiménez, Victor Jara and Tania León. Tickets are $15 general, $10 for military/senior and free for students. This event is co-sponsored by Napa Valley College Music Department, NVC Office of Student Affairs, and NVC Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. For tickets, click here.
St. Helena
The St. Helena Farmers’ Market is on Fridays from 7:30 a.m. to noon from May through October in Crane Park, 360 S. Crane Ave.
Join Charles Krug Winery for its 71st Harvest Party: Tastings on the Lawn from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 30. The theme is Hawaiian/tropical, and all are encouraged to grab their favorite Tommy Bahama or Reyn Spooner Hawaiian shirt to send the summer off with a bash. Included will be multiple wine stations serving all current releases, varied entertainment that includes live music, island-themed food stations, catering by Tre Posti and desserts from Trader Jim’s Dole Whips and Pineapple Floats. Price is $125 for non-club members and $95 for Wine Club members. Please visit Eventbrite or click here to purchase tickets.
The Harvest Dinner and Live Auction is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 30, from 5:30 to 9 p.m. The event, organized by Mad Fritz, features an evening of food, drink and philanthropy at Bale Grist Mill, 3369 St. Helena Highway, St. Helena. Local vintners and a menu crafted by Elaine Bell accompany Mad Fritz beers, with proceeds benefitting the Napa Valley State Parks Association, specifically Bothe Napa Valley State Park, the Bale Grist Mill State Historic Park and Robert Louis Stevenson State Park. Tickets are no longer available. The online auction runs until 9 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 1.
Yountville
The Estate Yountville’s Crush It Harvest Festival returns on Saturday, Sept. 30, and Saturday, Oct. 7, from 11 a.m. to sundown each day. The event includes fine wines, a lavish barbecue, live music, grape-stomping, lawn games and more. Tickets to the Crush It Harvest Festival are $100 per person and include unlimited barbecue bites, grape-stomping and a commemorative T-shirt. Wine-tasting will be available for an additional cost, with 21-plus wristbands required. For more information or tickets for Crush It, visit here.
Every Friday from 6 to 10 p.m. Hotel Villagio in Yountville hosts live music in its lobby. This week multi-genre vocalist Coyote Creates, known for her jazzy rock covers and performances at high-profile events, will perform. 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
In celebration of Adult Day Health’s 25th anniversary and the launch of PACE (Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly) supporters, volunteers, sponsors, donors and community members are invited to a festive open house from 4 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 3, at Providence Adult Day Health Center, 414 S. Jefferson St., Napa. Tours of the facilities, old and new, will be available to the public, and refreshments will be served. Please RSVP here.
First Sam’s Social Club-Mad Fritz Dinner, Tuesday, Oct. 4, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Founder and Brew Master Nile Zacherle collaborates with Executive Chef Abby Burk and her team at Indian Springs’ Sam’s Social Club for an intimate dinner featuring six Mad Fritz beers and four courses. Seats are limited for this smaller event. $149 per person. Address: Indian Springs’ Sam’s Social Club, 1712 Lincoln Ave., Calistoga, 707-942-4969.
Join the Force for Good: Volunteer to Shape the American Dreams of Your Neighbors takes place on Thursday, Oct. 5, at 5 p.m. at Shearer Elementary School, 1590 Elm St., Napa. Hosted by the Citizenship Legal Services Collaborative in partnership with the Napa Valley Community Foundation, the orientation and training session aims to equip volunteers with the skills needed to assist at upcoming citizenship workshops. Volunteers play a pivotal role in helping individuals navigate the intricate path to U.S. citizenship. Attendance requires an RSVP, which can be made here. For more information, contact napacitizens@gmail at 707-738-3345 or info@puertasabiertasnapa.org at 707-224-1786.
St. Helena Sidewalk Sale is slated to take place from Friday, Oct. 6, through Sunday, Oct. 8. The event will be hosted along Main Street by the St. Helena Chamber of Commerce. Attendees can expect to find great deals during this annual sidewalk sale that offers a variety of items from local businesses. There is no entry fee for the event. The venue address is St. Helena Chamber, 1320A Main St., St. Helena.
Directed by NVC Theater Arts’ Jennifer King, a staged reading of excerpts from “The Laramie Project” will be at 7 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 7, at the mainstage at the Napa Valley College Performing Arts Center in Napa. The event features cast members from the Napa Valley College Theater Arts’ 2002, 2007 and 2010 productions as well as current students and Napa County community members. Tickets are Pay-What-You-Can.
Listen Louder Exhibition Opening at di Rosa, Saturday, Oct. 7, 5:30 to 7 p.m. The di Rosa Center for Contemporary Art will unveil “Listen Louder,” a comprehensive career survey of San Francisco-based artist Ana Teresa Fernández. The exhibition features a diverse range of media that includes paintings, sculptures, videos and photographs. Di Rosa Executive Director Kate Eilertsen notes that Fernández’s work addresses important issues related to border politics and environmental changes. Non-member cost is $10 per person, while members can attend for free and bring one guest at no charge. Address: di Rosa Center for Contemporary Art, 5200 Sonoma Highway, Napa. For tickets visit here.
On Saturday, Oct. 7, the 13th annual Napa Blues, Brews & BBQ event returns to the Napa Valley Exposition at 575 Third St. in Napa. The one-day festival runs from noon to 6 p.m. and is free to enter. The event features live blues music, a variety of barbecue food vendors, arts and crafts stalls, and a specialty microbrew beer garden with more than 40 unique beers. This year the event is partnering with local charity Feeding It Forward and offers a $60 Beer Garden bracelet for unlimited beer tastings and exclusive stage performances. Attendees must be 21 or older to enter, and onsite parking is available.
California Native Plant Sale is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 7, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Sunday, Oct. 8, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Skyline Wilderness Park, located at 2201 Imola Ave., Napa. This fall sale will offer more than 1,000 plants, including over 100 drought-tolerant native species, and experts will be on hand to provide advice and answer questions. Admission to Skyline Park is free during the sale, and all proceeds go toward the maintenance and educational programs of the Martha Walker California Native Habitat Garden in Skyline Park. No reservations are required.
The October Writers’ Salon at Jessel Gallery will be 5 to 7:30 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 7. It promises an evening of literary engagement and dialogue and will feature readings and talks by New York Times bestselling author James Conaway, Brian R. Martens, Sandra McGee and Bruce Overby. Readings start at 5:30 p.m. and are followed by book signings at 7:30 p.m. The entrance fee is $10 at the door, with children admitted for free. RSVPs are required by sending an email or calling 707-257-2350.
Night Sky for October takes place throughout the month of October with various celestial events, such as meteor showers, planetary appearances and an annular solar eclipse. The month kicks off with the Draconid Meteor Shower from Oct. 8 to 10, offering up to six meteors per hour and followed by other notable events such as the appearance of Venus and the crescent Moon on Oct. 10 and the Orionid Meteor Shower from Oct. 20 to 21. One of the highlights is the "Ring of Fire" Annular Solar Eclipse visible in the Western United States on Oct. 14, beginning at 11:04 a.m. and ending at 4:55 p.m. The events are free to observe (just look up!), though protective eyewear is a must for the solar eclipse.
You’re invited to celebrate 50 years’ service to St. Helena honoring Craig Bond, 2 to 6 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 15. The plaque dedication will be 2 to 4 p.m. at the Performing Arts center at St. Helena High School; the alumni gathering will be from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Crane Park picnic tables. Bring a bottle, raise a glass. Bond is responsible for the St. Helena Choral Society and Chamber Singers, the St. Helena Teen Choir, Jazz @ 7 Vocal Ensemble and the St. Helena Children’s Chorus. Everyone is welcome. For details visit here.
The Lady Is a Vamp: Tribute to the Rat Pack will feature Kellie Fuller and the Mike Greensill Trio at Blue Note Napa on Thursday, Oct. 12, from 7 to 9 p.m. The event aims to re-create the glamorous atmosphere of 1960s Las Vegas and features timeless hits from Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Sammy Davis Jr. Doors open at 6 p.m., with dinner, wine, beer and cocktails available throughout the show. Tickets are priced between $20 and $30, available for purchase at bluenotenapa.com. Given the intimate setting of the 180-seat venue, advance ticket purchase is strongly advised. Blue Note Napa is situated at 1030 Main St., on the first floor of the Napa Valley Opera House in downtown Napa. For additional details, visit bluenotenapa.com or kelliefuller.com.
Calistoga-based community theater company Upstage Napa Valley presents PlayFest 2023, its third annual Playwright Festival, the last two weekends in October. Featured will be nine short original plays submitted by more than 100 playwrights nationally and from Canada. The brainchild of artistic director Sharie Renault, this small company serves the Upvalley communities and draws its cast, audience and financial support from the Napa Valley. Performances are Oct. 20 to 23 and Oct. 27 to 29, all at Newton Hall at Grace Episcopal Church, 1314 Spring St. in St. Helena. Friday and Saturday nights at 7:30 p.m., Sunday matinees at 2 p.m. Tickets are $35, $30 for groups of 10 or more, $25 for students. For more information and to purchase tickets go here. Tickets will also be sold at the door.
The di Rosa Center for Contemporary Art is hosting its annual Halloween Haunt, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 21, as part of its biannual di Rosa Day events. Attendees can look forward to a range of activities that include a haunted house, a hay bale maze, seasonal art activities with GUILD Napa and more. The event also features an art and makers market, a costume contest, a photo booth, food trucks and trick-or-treating opportunities. Di Rosa Center for Contemporary Art, 5200 Sonoma Highway, Napa. Tickets are $45 for general admission, $30 for members and $10 for minors (ages 3 to 20). Tickets are available at dirosaart.org.
A Young Professionals Napa Valley Mixer is scheduled for Wednesday, Oct. 25, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at Chispa, 929 Main St. in Napa. These mixers provide an opportunity for young professionals between the ages of 21 and 40 who live and/or work in Napa Valley to network, engage in community activities, and gain exclusive access to upcoming events and a member directory. Membership is free, and the October event at Chispa includes the added perk of having a professional headshot taken by photographer Bob McClenahan. Reservations are required, and attendees can RSVP via Eventbrite. For more information, visit the Young Professionals Napa Valley website or contact them via email.
The first annual Cameo Day will take place on Monday, Nov. 27, from 3 to 5 p.m. at the Cameo Cinema, 1340 Main St. in St. Helena. The event is focused on promoting the mission of the Cameo Cinema and aims to familiarize attendees with upcoming 2024 programming. Guests can meet board members of the Cameo Cinema Foundation and enjoy complimentary popcorn and fountain drinks. Admission is free, and no tickets or reservations are necessary. Contributions to the 2023 Annual Fundraising Campaign made during the event will be acknowledged with a movie pass and a Cameo button. Budget-friendly monthly pledges are encouraged as a sustainable way to support the cinema's diverse array of programs. For more details, contact the Cameo Cinema Foundation at info@cameocinema.com or visit their website.
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.
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 rely 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.
