The Napa Valley Weekender
August 2, 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
(N) Napa Green “Cheers to Climate Smart Wines!”
Throughout August Celebrate Napa Green's commitment to climate-smart winemaking with events at 21 participating wineries, featuring sustainable luxury wines and climate leadership stories. A portion of proceeds supports the Napa Green nonprofit. For more information, visit them here.
(N) Music in the Vineyards’ 30th Anniversary Season at Local Wineries
Music in the Vineyards celebrates its 30th anniversary season with concerts and special events at local wineries. Friday, Aug. 2, 7 p.m. at Frog’s Leap Winery ($85 — outdoor performance), 8815 Conn Creek Road, Rutherford; Saturday, Aug. 3, 5 p.m. at Louis M. Martini Winery ($85), 254 St. Helena Highway, St. Helena; Saturday, Aug. 3, 11 a.m. to noon at First Street Napa (free), 1300 First St., Napa. For more information, call 707-258-5559, email info@musicinthevineyards.org, or visit their website.
(N) Mike Thompson’s Annual Summer Dinner
Sunday, Aug. 4, from 5 to 7:30 p.m. Rep. Mike Thompson’s annual Napa summer dinner at Inglenook Winery will feature special guests Rep. Anna Eshoo, Rep. Joe Neguse and Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis, with a VIP reception from 4:15 to 5 p.m. Tickets range from $50 to $3,300, with various host levels available. A large turnout is expected in this critical election year. For tickets and more information, visit the website. Inglenook Winery, 1991 St. Helena Highway, Rutherford.
(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) Schramsberg and Davies Vineyards Live Webinar: Corks & Collabs
Thursday, Aug. 15, at 5:30 p.m. Schramsberg and Davies Vineyards host a virtual tasting of Schramsberg and Davies wine over Zoom with some of their grower partners, offering an insider’s view of what to expect from the upcoming harvest. Register for the webinar and purchase the Corks & Collabs three-bottle wine set to taste along with the discussion at schramsberg.com. Order and pick up at Davies or Schramsberg. For more information and to sign up, visit their website.
(N) Grand Opening: Napa Valley Vine Trail, St. Helena to Calistoga Section Opens
Saturday, Aug. 17, 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. Celebrate the opening of the 8.2-mile St. Helena to Calistoga section of the Napa Valley Vine Trail with a morning of movement, music, meet-up rides and exploration along the trail. For more information, visit their website.
(N) Show and Shine Car Show in Napa
Friday, Aug. 16, from 5 to 8:30 p.m. Napa’s Main Street Reunion Car Show ended in 2023 after 25 years, but Show and Shine features 150 pre-1976 cars at the Pearl and Yajome site. Admission to view the cars is free. Register a car for $20 at donapa.com. For more information and to register, visit the website.
(N) Community Day at Bothe State Park
Saturday, Aug. 17, 8 a.m. to noon. Celebrate the opening of the Napa Valley Vine Trail with food from Ray Ray's Tacos, Roman Holiday Gelato and a visit to the Native American Plant Garden at Bothe State Park. For more information, visit napavalleystateparks.org. 3801 St. Helena Hwy, Calistoga.
(N) Michael Leonardi Foundation Fentanyl Awareness Concert
Saturday, Aug. 24, from 2 to 5 p.m. The Michael Leonardi Foundation hosts a fentanyl awareness concert at Napa Yard, featuring The Framers, Weekend Youth, guest speakers and community resources. Tickets are $20, with food and beverages for sale. Local organizations include the Napa Opioid Safety Coalition with Narcan distribution and ALDEA Prevention Services. For more information, visit the website. Napa Yard — Oxbow Gardens, 585 First St., Napa.
(N) 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.
(N) 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.
American Canyon
American Canyon Chamber of Commerce Calendar
American Canyon Library Events
Napa-Vallejo Flea Market
(N) Water Carnival in American Canyon
Saturday, Aug. 3, from 1:30 to 5 p.m. The annual Water Carnival at Phillip West Aquatic Center features games, giveaway prizes and a fun day at the pool for families and friends. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult at least 18 years old; children 5 years and under must be within arm's reach of an adult at all times. The cost is $8 for residents, $9 for others and free for those 2 years and under. More information and register at their website. 100 Benton Way.
(N) American Canyon Library Events
Monster Bookmarks. Monday, Aug. 5, noon to 1 p.m. Create monstrously cool bookmarks to celebrate Book Lovers Day in the Community Meeting Room. Register here.
Saturday Crafternoons: Tiki Head Cork Necklaces. Saturday, Aug. 10, noon to 2 p.m. Show off your island spirit by making tiki-head necklaces from recycled wine corks in the Community Meeting Room. Register here.
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 couple of the 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
(R) Calistoga Library Events
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.
Hot Air Balloon Craft. Monday, Aug. 5, 11 a.m. to noon. Create a 3D hot-air balloon with bright paper, string and glue in this fun arts-and-crafts activity for school-aged kids and families.
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.
(N) Calistoga Art Center's Art, Wine and House Tours
Aug. 31, Sept. 26 and Oct. 24 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, supporting 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) 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.
(R) 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) Chef Todd Humphries' "Attack of the Killer Tomatoes" at Kitchen Door
All month in August A month-long celebration featuring tomato-centric specials for brunch, lunch, and dinner, along with creative tomato-based drinks, a farmer tasting event on Saturday, Aug. 10, 11 a.m. to 12 p.m., and a prix-fixe tomato dinner with wine pairings on Saturday, Aug. 24, 7 p.m. ($175 per person, all-inclusive). For more information, visit their website, email heather@kitchendoornapa.com or call 707-226-1560. 1300 First St.
(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
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.
Bow Wow for Books: Read to Zooey at Napa Library Friday, Aug. 9, 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. Elementary school-age readers are invited to read to a certified listening dog in the Children's Room.
These are just a couple 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) 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) It's a Grand Night for Singing at Jarvis Conservatory
Saturday, Aug. 3, 7 p.m. Professional vocalists and emerging talent perform opera, musical theater, cabaret and zarzuela excerpts. Tickets are $20 and available at the box office from 6 p.m. or online. For more information email info@jarvisconservatory.com or call 707-255-5445. 1711 Main St..
(R) 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) New Music Decanted festival celebrating the works of Kaija Saariaho
Aug. 16 to 18, 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. New Music Decanted presents its inaugural festival at Napa Valley College Performing Arts Center, celebrating the works of Finnish composer Kaija Saariaho, featuring performances by 24 musicians and various events, including lectures, receptions and artist meet-and-greets. The festival begins on Friday, Aug. 16, with a pre-concert lecture from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m., providing insights into the day’s performances, followed by the first of six concerts at 1 p.m. featuring the Friction Quartet. After the concert, there will be a wine reception from 3 to 3:45 p.m., and a VIP meet and greet with the artists from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. More information, including the full agenda, is available on their website. Tickets are available online and run from $65 to $125, with free parking. 2277 Vallejo Highway.
(N) OxFest in Downtown Napa
Saturday, Aug. 17, 2 to 8 p.m. Discover Oxbow District’s first annual OxFest, a celebration of music, art and community with live music, art exhibits and offerings from local businesses such as Oxbow Public Market, Feast it Forward and CIA at Copia. The event is free to attend. For more information visit their website, which includes a map.
(R) 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) Movies at Cameo Cinema
“Widow Clicquot” will be showing on Aug. 1 at 5 p.m., and 7:45 p.m., “Touch” is scheduled for Aug. 13-15, while “Twisters” will be showing Aug. 2-4 and Aug. 6-11. “Pepperwood: Rising from the Ashes” will be shown on Aug. 19 at 5:30 p.m. 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.
(N) The Elaine Jennings Duo at The Saint
Saturday, Aug. 3, 7 to 10 p.m. The Elaine Jennings jazz duo, featuring pianist Wayne de la Cruz, will perform at The Saint, a chic restaurant and boutique wine lounge. For more information, visit their website. 1351 Main Street.
(R) 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. 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.
(R) 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) Clif Family’s Street Food
Indian Menu. Wednesday, Aug. 7, 11:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Savor Indian-themed specialties from Clif Family Bruschetteria Food Truck, including Paneer Korma, Bindi Masala and Chicken 65.
Greek Menu. Wednesday, Aug. 14, 11:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Enjoy a Greek-themed menu including Moussaka, Souvlaki and Calamari.
Sip & Support with Cuban Menu and Live Music. Wednesday, Aug. 21, 1noon to 7 p.m. Experience Cuban flavors such as a Cubano, Ropa Vieja and Tostones, with live music on the patio from 4 to 7 p.m. 20% of wine and food sales support the Napa Valley Farm Worker Foundation.
Taiwanese Menu. Wednesday, Aug. 28, 11:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Savor Taiwanese-themed specialties from Clif Family Bruschetteria Food Truck, Gua Bao, Taiwanese Popcorn Chicken and Cucumber Salad.
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.
(R) St. Helena Library Events.
Perry Yan Magic Show. Thursday, Aug. 8, 4 p.m. A magical performance for kids featuring magician Perry Yan.
Sono Musette. Aug. 26, 4:30 p.m. Featuring Parisian singer Mimi Pirard, Sono Musette re-creates the evocative sound of mid-20th century Paris music.
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 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) 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) 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.
Yountville (and nearby)
Napa Valley Museum events
Valley Players present
Yountville Art Walk
Yountville Chamber of Commerce calendar
Yountville Community Hall events
(N) Woodburning Art at Elizabeth Spencer Saturday
Aug. 3, from 1 to 3 p.m. Nimbus Arts explores woodburning art as part of Elizabeth Spencer Winery’s Rutherford Creation Series, teaching attendees to etch designs onto various items while enjoying a tasting of four wines. The cost is $100. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit the website. 1165 Rutherford Road, Rutherford
(R) Yountville Library Events
Avril Angevine presents: The World of Yayoi Kusama. Tuesday, Aug. 6, 12 to 1:30 p.m. Learn about Yayoi Kusama, the world's most successful living artist and the princess of polka dots, in this engaging discussion.
American Mahjong at Yountville Library Saturday, Aug. 10, 2 to 4 p.m. Join other American Mahjong enthusiasts for casual, non-competitive game play. All skill levels welcome.
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.
(N) Summer Marketplace at Napa Valley Museum
Saturday, Aug. 24, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Discover art, crafts and treats from local artists, artisans and vendors, with food, wine and cocktails available for purchase from 1 to 5 p.m.; free museum admission all day. For more information call 707-944-0500, email info@napavalleymuseum.org or visit their website. 55 Presidents Circle.
(R) 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.
Aug. 4: New moon
August's new moon on the 4th (4:15 a.m.) darkens the skies once again, providing optimal conditions for observing faint galaxies and star clusters.
Aug. 12, 13: Perseids meteor shower
The Perseids, one of the most popular meteor showers and my favorite to photograph, peaks on the night of Aug. 11 (after midnight) and the morning of Aug.12. With up to 60 meteors per hour and a first-quarter moon setting shortly after midnight, the pre-dawn hours promise an excellent show for those in dark locations.
Aug. 19: Full Sturgeon Moon
The full moon on Aug.19 (11:27 a.m.) is known as the Sturgeon Moon, signifying the time when this large fish is typically caught. It's also known as the Green Corn Moon and the Grain Moon.
Please click here to view the entire list of night-sky events for 2024.
Napa Valley Volunteering+
Napa Valley Golf Championship at Silverado Resort is seeking volunteers. The event is Sept. 12 to 15 with the Silverado Resort looking for volunteers to assist with various roles during the event, which is part of the FedExCup fall series. Volunteers receive a branded uniform as part of the registration fee. For information and to sign up visit their website.
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.