There is never a lack of things to do in Napa Valley, but summer brings the region to life with a mix of free community events and long-standing ticketed traditions that appeal to locals and tourists alike. Here is a taste of the seasonal offerings you’ll want to put on your calendars.
Yountville Movies in the Park
June 27, July 25 and Aug. 15: The Town of Yountville’s Parks and Recreation Department hosts its annual Movies in the Park series at Yountville Community Park, 2900 Lincoln Ave. Concessions open at 6:30 p.m.; films begin at dusk. This year’s film slate includes “Ratatouille” (June 27); “Inside Out 2” (July 25); and “Despicable Me 4” (Aug. 15). The July 25 showing coincides with Yountville’s annual community camp out where guests are invited to set up tents for a full evening of festivities. Info: townofyountville.com.
First Thursdays
July 3, Aug. 7 and Sept. 4: Napa debuts First Thursdays community festivals this summer, but the concept is a familiar one to long-time residents. The events, held 5-9 p.m. on the first Thursday of the month, are reminiscent of the Chefs Market that used to be held in downtown Napa. First Thursdays, now held at Oxbow Commons on McKinstry Street, offers a small farmers market, food trucks, artisanal and makers vendors’ booths and live music. Farm vendors include Rodriguez Farms Strawberries, Gerard’z Honey Bees and Living Green Micros. Food trucks scheduled for this season include Asian Burger, Cooked by Gio and Imagination on Fire. For a schedule of bands and full vendors list, visit donapa.com/first-thursdays.
Calistoga Concerts in the Park
Thursdays through Aug. 14: Pioneer Park in Calistoga hosts live music every Thursday from 6:30-8:30 p.m. June through August. Attendees are encouraged to bring a picnic dinner, and food and wine vendors are available each week to keep the party going through the evening. This summer’s lineup includes Michelle Lambert (July 3); Sacred Fire (July 10); Traveling Wilburys Revue (July 17); Pacific Standard (July 24); Johnny and June Forever (July 31); Boys of Summer (Aug. 7); and MAYA (Aug. 14). Pioneer Park is located at 1320 Cedar St. Info: visitcalistoga.com/concerts-in-the-park.
Festival Napa Valley Summer Session
July 5-20: Festival Napa Valley’s mission is to enrich lives through the power of music, and the Summer Session gives music lovers a variety of ways to engage with the arts across Napa Valley. In addition to live music, Summer Session includes Taste of Napa on July 12 at Meritage Resort in Napa — highlighting the best of food and wine in our region. Ticket prices range per event, but there are also free concerts, so this event has something for everyone at every price point. Multi-day passes and VIP Patron experiences available. Info: festivalnapavalley.org
SOFI Battle of the Bands
July 27: Local bands perform throughout downtown Napa as part of the second annual Battle of the Bands, hosted by the SOFI (South of First) District. This year’s event is scheduled from 11 a.m.-6 p.m. and will feature multiple stages with up to 20 performers. Last year’s inaugural winner Weekend Youth was invited to play at BottleRock Napa Valley this year. Free admission. For the latest details, visit instagram.com/napasofidistrict.
Music in the Vineyards
Aug. 1-24: Music in the Vineyards is Napa Valley’s signature chamber music festival, which showcases distinguished musicians and emerging young talent during its four-week season. With complimentary wine tastings at each intermission, this unique combination of wine country ambiance and musicianship allows audiences to experience chamber music in the small intimate settings. The event includes more than 20 events held throughout the Napa Valley, including open rehearsals that are free to the public. Info: musicinthevineyards.org.
Black Radio Experience
Aug. 29-31: The Blue Note Jazz Festival’s Black Radio Experience returns to The Meritage Resort in Napa for the second consecutive year. This year’s lineup features The Roots, Questlove, Jazmine Sullivan, Hiatus Kaiyote, Esperanza Spalding as well as Artist in Residence and curator Robert Glasper. From jazz, hip-hop and R&B to soul, spoken word and live DJ sets, the festival celebrates the sound, legacy and future of music in all its forms. General admission single-day tickets, three-day passes and VIP experiences are available. Meritage Resort is located at 875 Bordeaux Way in Napa. Info: bluenotejazz.com/black-radio-experience.
