The Weekender: Summer events in the Napa Valley
By Tim Carl
Get ready for another exciting weekend as the community embraces the full essence of summer with a diverse array of events. The Napa Valley presents a captivating array of experiences, ranging from charitable gatherings and cultural celebrations to music festivals and literary delights.
On Saturday the community comes together from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Reid Family Vineyards for Crush MS summer celebration to support the fight against multiple sclerosis. It's a meaningful event where attendees can enjoy the picturesque vineyards while contributing to a worthy and important cause.
Sunday brings Porchfest, a local favorite in the Napa Valley. This year a record number of musicians from the area showcase their talent on historic porches in Old Town Napa, creating a vibrant and engaging atmosphere. Food trucks stationed at Fuller Park and other locations add to the enjoyment of this free one-day party.
For those with a passion for literature, the Napa Valley Writers' Conference commences on Sunday. Evening readings begin that day and continue through Thursday at the McCarthy Library Courtyard at Napa Valley College with one exception, a reading at Silverado Vineyards on Tuesday, Aug. 1. The cost is $20 per person with free admission for students.
Music enthusiasts are not left behind. Music in the Vineyards, known for putting Napa Valley on the musical map, starts on Friday at 7 p.m. and features a monthlong series of concerts with international talent. Enjoy the enchanting performances at Silverado Vineyards, an idyllic setting reminiscent of a Tuscan landscape. Tickets are $85.
Jazz aficionados can head to the Blue Note Jazz Festival at Silverado Resort, where top rap, hip-hop, soul and R&B players will take the stage. While it may not be exclusively jazz, the festival promises great musical moments.
Friday Nights in the Park offers a family-friendly event on the Napa River in Napa, where the Sonoma Shakers and the Daniel Castro Band will entertain the crowd with their tunes from 6 to 10 p.m. Free parking and admission.
The Napa Valley Youth Symphony's Summer Strings Concert at Jarvis Conservatory on Saturday at 7 p.m. is a testament to the region's commitment to nurturing young musical talent. Tickets are $15.
Napa Valley wine dinner - Tim Carl Photo Broadway and Vine bring an exceptional performer, Darren Crisson, to Carneros Resort Hilltop Vineyard Lawn on Friday. It's a chance to immerse yourself in top-notch musical entertainment paired with optional wine-tasting and dinner. Prices range from $95 to $225, and the event starts at 5:30 p.m.
For those looking to celebrate Italian culture, V. Sattui Festa Italiana in St. Helena on Friday from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. offers an authentic experience hosted by the renowned Dario Sattui. Cost is $150 for members and $185 for non-members and includes a menu with roasted wild boar and V. Sattui’s wines.
Live music at the FARM Pavilion at the Carneros Resort and Spa continues from 6 to 9 p.m. every week from Thursdays through Sundays. Listen to a rotating mix of blues, Americana, jazz and other favorites brought to life by talented local artists. Food and drinks available for purchase.
The JaM Cellars Wine & Music Studio is officially rockin’ downtown Napa with smash-hit wines and a music vibe. Sip and chill to the sounds of a state-of-the-art sound system, classic vinyl collection, and live music JaMSessions, which are from 8 to 10 p.m. on Thursdays and 9 to 11 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.
Makers Market will hold an open-air artisan faire on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on First Street Napa, providing an opportunity to support more than 20 local artists and artisans while enjoying live music. This is a free event.
This weekend marks the peak of the annual Delta Aquariid meteor shower, which averages 20 meteors per hour. Unfortunately, the light of a waxing gibbous moon interferes with viewing, but look south before dawn.
This weekend in the Napa Valley promises to be a mix of community engagement, cultural experiences and musical delights with various events catering to diverse interests, ensuring there's something for everyone to enjoy and appreciate.
Tim Carl is a Napa Valley based photojournalist.