There is never a lack of things to do in Napa Valley, but autumn offers 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.
OPEN STUDIOS NAPA VALLEY
Sept. 26-27, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Open Studios Napa Valley, hosted by Art Association Napa Valley, is a self-guided, art discovery tour through the creative art spaces of Napa Valley. This year’s event features dozens of local artists at more than 40 locations. Whether you’re an avid collector or just curious about art, this is your opportunity to peer into the creative spaces of Napa Valley, meet the artists, watch demonstrations and buy local art right from the source. Info: artnv.org/open-studios-home.
ST. HELENA’S ANNUAL SIDEWALK SALE
Oct. 2-4. Spend a fall day strolling Main Street and hunting for bargains as shops and boutiques bring their wares outdoors for St. Helena’s annual shopping tradition. Shoppers can find deals on home goods, clothing, accessories, art and more, with plenty of opportunities to linger downtown for a bite, a glass of wine or a little more browsing between stops. The sale runs Friday through Sunday. Info: sthelena.com.
OLD MILL DAYS
Oct. 10-11, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Step back into 1846 with hands-on activities and demonstrations highlighting Napa Valley life during the historic mill’s heyday at Bale Grist Mill State Historic Park, 3369 St. Helena Highway, St. Helena. Activities include woodworking, wheat winnowing, corn husking, butter making, apple pressing, sewing and rope making, along with demonstrations inside the water-powered grist mill, fiber arts, old-time music, children’s activities and traditional games. Food and drinks will be available for purchase. Info: napavalleystateparks.org.
‘REVENGE OF THE REBOBS!’
Oct. 16-Nov. 8. Lucky Penny Productions presents the original musical inspired by Napa Valley’s most notorious urban legend. “Revenge of the Rebobs!” follows a skeptic who comes to Napa Valley to find out the truth about the Rebobs, but when bodies start piling up, it seems like the Rebobs are out for revenge. The musical is by composer/lyricist Rob Broadhurst and writer Barry Martin who created “The Real Housewives of Napa Valley” and “A Napa Valley Christmas Carol.” Tickets start at $30. Lucky Penny Productions presents its live stage events at its community theater located at 1758 Industrial Way in Napa. Info: luckypennynapa.com.
HOMETOWN HARVEST FESTIVAL
Oct. 17, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. The Hometown Harvest Festival is St. Helena’s most-beloved autumn event featuring live music, wine and beer, a food alley, kids zone and an array of arts and crafts vendors. The highlight of the event is always the Pet PAWrade, where pets of all shapes and sizes are invited to show off their best Halloween costumes. The event is held in downtown St. Helena. Info: cityofsthelena.gov.
HALLOWINE WALK
Oct. 24, 2-5 p.m. Make Halloween a little more spirited at Yountville’s inaugural Hallowine Walk, a wine country twist on trick-or-treating. Guests are invited to stroll through downtown Yountville, visiting participating wineries, tasting rooms, restaurants and local businesses while enjoying frightfully fun décor, seasonal surprises and exclusive event-day offerings. Costumes are encouraged, so gather your friends, dress in your Halloween best and enjoy an afternoon of wine, treats and festive fun. Tickets are $75, and participants must be 21 or older. Info: exploretock.com/taste-of-yountville-yountville.
NAPA DÍA DE LOS MUERTOS
Nov. 7, 3-8 p.m. Celebrate Día de los Muertos, the cherished Mexican tradition honoring the lives and memories of loved ones who have died, at Veterans Memorial Park and Brown Street in downtown Napa. This family-friendly community celebration will bring the colorful traditions of the holiday to downtown Napa through art, music, dance and food, creating a space for remembrance, connection and celebration. The event invites Napa’s diverse community to experience and share in the traditions of Día de los Muertos while fostering cultural awareness, understanding and acceptance.
