The Napa Valley Weekender - July 5
July 5, 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.
Napa Valley Features is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support our work, please consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.
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) Festival Napa Valley: A Celebration of Music, Culture and Cuisine
Festival Napa Valley begins this week and runs from July 6 to 21. Although patrons' events can be expensive, regular evening concert tickets are $35 (students $20) and daytime concerts are free. The first public concert is Sunday, July 7, featuring Matt Costa and Young Original at Copia at 6:30 p.m. This event will celebrate America’s musical heritage, blending contemporary folk, rock and classical music. Most events are at the CIA at Copia, 500 First St., Napa. For more details about all the events and to purchase tickets, visit their website.
(N) Home Winemakers Classic at the Marriott Napa Valley
Sunday, July 14, 4 to 6:30 p.m. The 42nd annual Home Winemakers Classic, benefiting the Mount Veeder Fire Safe Council’s wildfire mitigation programs, offers a chance to taste unique home wines and engage with their makers, featuring a silent auction with top California wines and more. Tickets are $50 pre-sale. For more information, visit their website. 3425 Solano Ave.
(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.
American Canyon
American Canyon Chamber of Commerce Calendar
American Canyon Library Events
Napa-Vallejo Flea Market
(N) American Canyon Library Events
Drop-in Tech Help at American Canyon Library. Thursday, July 11, 11 a.m. to noon. American Canyon library staff assist with general tech issues involving personal devices.
Saturday Crafternoons: Toadstool Lighthouses. Saturday, July 13, noon to 2 p.m. Create charming and colorful paper Toadstool Lighthouses at this month's Saturday Crafternoons. RSVP required.
Poetry Workshop: Create a Poem With the Poet Laureate. Saturday, July 20, 10 to 11 a.m. Napa County Poet Laureate Aisha Rivera will work with writers to create their own poems.
Uncle Jer's Traveling Bee Show. Friday, July 26, 11 to 11:45 a.m. Learn about the fascinating world of bees, including pollination, honey-making and bee safety. See live bees up close! For ages 4 and up.
The library, located at 300 Crawford Way, is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday, and from noon to 8 p.m. on Wednesday. The library is closed on Sunday. This is just one of 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. Saturday, July 6, 10 to 11 a.m. For kids who have always wanted to learn to play the guitar, this is the perfect opportunity.
Pages All Aflutter. Saturday, July 13, 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. This family-friendly arts and crafts event at Calistoga Library offers a creative outlet for community members.
Adult Guitar Lessons. Saturday, July 20, 10 to 11 a.m. Have you always wanted to learn how to play the guitar?
Crafting with the Napa Fair. Saturday, July 20, 3 to 5 p.m. Announcing a special arts and crafts collaboration between Napa County Library and the Napa Town and Country Fair.
This is just one 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.
(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.
(N) Sunday Jazz and Blues at Buster's BBQ
Every Sunday, 4 to 7 p.m. Buster’s BBQ hosts live jazz and blues on its patio every Sunday 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 that include Maya, Dirty Cello and Sacred Fire, attracting 700 to 800 attendees each week. For more information, visit the website. Pioneer Park, 1308 Cedar St.
Napa
Jarvis Conservatory events
Napa Chamber of Commerce calendar
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) Napa Library Events
Yarn Club. Friday, July 5, 4 to 5:30 p.m. Grab your yarn, hooks and needles and join us to meet other yarn-lovers, work on your current projects and get support from club members.
The Ethics of AI: How to Create a Better Tomorrow. Thursday, July 11, 6 to 7:30 p.m. Discuss the ethical limits of using AI to help people make better and more sustainable choices.
Anime Afternoon. Saturday, July 20, 3 to 4:30 p.m. Join us in the Teen Room to watch anime, try origami and enjoy Japanese snacks. For ages 11 to 18.
Uncle Jer's Traveling Bee Show. Friday, July 26, 3 to 4 p.m. Learn about the fascinating world of bees, including pollination, honey-making and bee safety. See live bees up close! For ages 4 and up.
Human Library. Saturday, July 27, 2 to 5 p.m. Join us to check out human “books” for one-on-one conversations.
These are just a few 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) Fridays in the Park in Napa at Veterans Memorial Park
Friday, July 5, 6 to 10 p.m. Fridays in the Park returns with local bands performing each night. On July 5, enjoy the Second Street Band from 6 to 7:30 p.m. and Soda Canyon Band from 8 to 10 p.m. For more information call 707-257-9529 or visit the website. Veterans Memorial Park, Corner of Third and Main streets.
(N) Summer Comedy and Music at Lucky Penny
Lucky Penny Productions is presenting two shows this July, featuring a blend of comedy and musical performances.
Comedy Night with Myles Weber and Jarrett Hill. July 6, 7:30 p.m. Nationally known standup comedian Myles Weber, along with award-winning journalist and artist Jarrett Hill, will perform live as they prepare to film a new special. Enjoy a full bar with no drink minimum.
Broadway's Biggest Hits with Tielle Baker. July 13, 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Tielle Baker, award-winning actress, returns for an exciting show featuring Greg Zema. They will perform great songs from Rodgers and Hammerstein, Sondheim, Loesser, Kander and Ebb and many more. Tickets are $40.
For more information and to purchase tickets, visit their website, call 707-266-6305 or email info@luckypennynapa.com. 1758 Industrial Way.
(N) Jessel Gallery Pop Up Art Show and Writers' Salon
Pop Up Art Show. Saturday, July 6, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Featuring pop-up artists Marcia Garcia, Leo Peck and Teri Taylor, with artist demonstrations from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The show opening includes works by Marta Collings, Thérèse Légère, Jane Lufkin, Michelle Moore, Jessel Miller, Deborah Haeffele, Susan Hoehn, Terry Sauvé and Beverly Wilson. Bring a friend and enjoy a picnic on the deck.
Writers' Salon. Saturday, July 20, 5 to 7:30 p.m. Join Napa Valley writers for readings, book signings and Q&A. Featuring Will Butler, Albert DeSilver, Melinda Briana Epler and Todd Shulman. $10 at the door, kids free. Limited seating, RSVP required. Meet and greet at 5 p.m., author readings and talks from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., book signings at 7:30 p.m.
For more information call 707-257-2350, email jesselgallery@napanet.net or visit their website. 1019 Atlas Peak Road.
(N) It's a Grand Night for Singing at Jarvis
Saturday, July 6, 7 to 9 p.m. Jarvis Conservatory presents its monthly “It’s a Grand Night for Singing,” featuring mezzo-soprano Mary Rauh, tenor William Gorton and soprano Courtney Daniels, along with pianist Narmina Sultanova and violinist Paolo Reyes. The evening includes arias from Mozart and Verdi, Schumann’s song cycle and pieces from de Falla’s Suite Populaire, Espagnole. Tickets are $20 online or at the box office. For more information call 707-255-5445 or visit their website. 1711 Main St.
(R) Lis MacDonald's Watercolor Workshop
Thursdays, July 11, 18 and 25, 10 a.m. to noon. A Fearless Watercolor workshop by Lis MacDonald, costing $50 per day or $275 for the series. For more information, contact MacDonald at 707-337-1519, visit her website or email lismac25@gmail.com. 1520 Behrens St.
(N) Art in the Library at Napa County Library
Friday, July 12, 6:15 to 7:30 p.m. Beth Arnold exhibits her work during July and August, with a reception and art talk on July 12. Arnold's artistic journey began in childhood with sewing and knitting, evolving through various mediums that include oil painting and felting. For more information call 707-253-4241 or visit their website. 580 Coombs St.
(N) Joanie Osburn Book Signing at Folklore
Sunday, July 14, 2 to 4 p.m. Celebrate Bastille Day with Joanie Osburn as she signs her award-winning book "Café Society: Time Suspended, the Cafés and Bistros of Paris" at Folklore in downtown Napa. Enjoy French tunes by Steve Ventrello and hear Osburn share her Paris experiences. For more information contact Faith Ventrello at 707-812-5506 or faith@folklore-napa.com. 1226 Third St.
*(R) Outer Space Wines Changes Hands: New Owners to Continue Legacy
Dan Dawson, Chuck Meyer and Michael Holcomb are selling Outer Space Wines, a wine shop and bar at 974 Franklin St. in downtown Napa, to Thad and Emily Duprey. The transfer of ownership is set for Aug. 1. The Dupreys, who are moving from Maine with backgrounds in culinary arts, wine sales and technology, will retain the Outer Space Wines name this year before rebranding in 2025. Dawson, who founded Back Room Wines in 2002 and later established Outer Space Wines in 2022, will consult for the Dupreys. “The buyers are enthused to take what I’ve built so far and go further so it will succeed and thrive. I’ll be sticking around, helping them out/consulting for a while – how long nobody knows,” Dawson said. He will also resume writing for Napa Valley Features, take on small wine projects, attend to family matters, travel and “slowly” look for his next venture. Outer Space Wines can be reached at 707-657-7401 or their website. Mention you are a subscriber to Napa Valley Features and receive significant discounts on wine.
(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 through 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.
(N) Vintagelandia Market at Napa Yard
Sunday, Aug. 18, 12 to 6 p.m. Vintagelandia Market will host Garden Groove, featuring vintage, antiques, art and crafts at the Oxbow Gardens in partnership with Napa Yard. Admission and parking are free. For more information visit their website, Facebook, or Instagram. 585 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) St. Helena Farmers’ Market at Crane Park
Fridays 7:30 a.m. to noon. The St. Helena Farmers’ Market offers spring produce from various growers. For more information visit the website. 360 S. Crane Ave.
(R) St. Helena Library Events.
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 couple 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) Movies at Cameo Cinema
From Tuesday, July 9, enjoy "Inside Out 2," showing daily through Thursday, July 11. "Fly Me to the Moon" screens from Friday, July 12, through Sunday, July 21, with varied times, including several open-caption sessions. "Fly Me to the Moon - Behind the Camera" has a special showing on Tuesday, July 23, at 5 p.m. "Widow Clicquot" plays from Friday, July 26, through Thursday, Aug. 1, also with multiple showings and open-caption options. On Monday, July 29, at 7 p.m. enjoy live jazz featuring Lunar Octet. 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) Beat the Heat at the Robert Louis Stevenson Museum
Wednesday evenings in July, 4:30 to 6 p.m. The Robert Louis Stevenson Museum will be open for special evening hours, offering visitors a chance to learn about the author. Regular museum hours remain unchanged. Admission is free, but donations are appreciated. For more information, visit the website, call 707-963-3757 or email info@stevensonmuseum.org. 1490 Library Lane.
(R) St. Helena Historical Society Dinner at the Heritage Center
Saturday, July 20, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. The St. Helena Historical Society hosts Dinner at the Museum, featuring tapas, Gerard's paella, salad and dessert from the CIA, and Napa Valley wines with a silent auction and flamenco guitarist. Tickets are $150 per person available online. Ticket deadline is July 10. For more information, email shstory@shstory.org. 1255 Oak Ave.
(N) Pope Valley Ropers and Riders Gymkhana Series
July 21. The Pope Valley Ropers and Riders host their annual gymkhana series, featuring events such as Clover Barrels, Speed Barrel, Big-T and more, starting at 9 a.m. Helmets are required for participants under 18. Entry fees are $35 per day or $7 per event. For inquiries, contact 707-953-7065 or visit the website. 2280 Barnett Road.
(N) 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. Early bird tickets are $65 until July 21; 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.
Yountville (and nearby)
Napa Valley Museum events
Valley Players present
Yountville Art Walk
Yountville Chamber of Commerce calendar
Yountville Community Hall events
(R) Yountville Library Events
Bow-Wow for Books: Read to Henli. Saturday, July 6, 10 to 11 a.m. Elementary school-age readers are invited to read to a certified listening dog. Yountville Library.
American Mahjong. Saturday, July 6, 2 to 4 p.m. Join other enthusiasts at the Yountville Library for casual game play. Games are not competitive or played for money. Skill levels may vary.
Crafternoon: String Telephones. Friday, July 12, 1:30 to 3 p.m. School-age children can make cup-and-string “telephones” in this fun and educational craft program. Yountville Library. RSVP required.
Asian Art Museum Lecture Series — The Goddess: Images of Power. Tuesday, July 2, noon to 1:30 p.m. Explore the many depictions of goddesses throughout Asia, using examples drawn from the Asian Art Museum’s permanent collection. RSVP required.
Drummm: Rhythm Adventure. Wednesday, July 17, 2:30 to 3 p.m. Explore, play and discover new rhythms with Jeni Swerdlow, founder of DRUMMM. Enjoy positive messages and drumming activities. For ages 3 and up.
This is just one 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) Spritz Sundays at North Block
Sunday, July 7, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Enjoy Spritz Sundays brunch at The Restaurant at North Block with a vinyl DJ and a build-your-own-spritz cart featuring no and low-alcohol beverages as well as classically spirited cocktails with garden garnishes. For more information call 707-944-8080 or visit northblockyountville.com. The Restaurant at North Block Hotel, 6757 Washington St.
(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: Spanish on Saturday, July 13, featuring ingredients from Kendall-Jackson Estates & Gardens; 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.
July 5: New Moon
The new moon on July 5 (3:59 p.m.) offers yet another night of dark skies, perfect for observing the deep celestial wonders above Napa Valley.
July 21: Full Buck Moon
The full moon on July 21 (3:18 a.m.) is known as the Buck Moon, marking the time when male deer (bucks) begin to grow their new antlers. It is also referred to as the Thunder Moon and the Hay Moon due to the season's typical thunderstorms and agricultural activities.
July 22: Mercury at Its Greatest Eastern Elongation
On July 22 (3:09 p.m.), Mercury reaches its greatest eastern elongation, becoming visible low in the western sky just after sunset. It's an excellent opportunity to view this elusive planet as it lingers in the twilight.
July 28, 29: Delta Aquarids Meteor Shower
The Delta Aquarids meteor shower peaks on the night of July 28 (after midnight) and the morning of July 29. While the second-quarter moon may obscure some meteors, a dark observation spot could still offer a good view of this average but enjoyable shower.
Please click here to view the entire list of night-sky events for 2024.
Napa Valley Volunteering+
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.