A Guide to Napa Valley Festivals and Events

Napa Valley is renowned for its scenic vistas, world-class wineries, and unrivaled dining scene. But one thing it doesn’t get enough credit for is its fun annual festivals spanning the culinary, sports, film, and arts and culture worlds. Famous events such as the BottleRock Napa music festival and lesser-known ones like Napa City Nights fill the county’s calendar with endless reasons to celebrate. Embarking on a road trip soon? These are the Wine Country events to plan your getaway around.

18 Events and Festivals Taking Place in Napa, Wine Country

1. Napa Lighted Art Festival

The Napa Lighted Art Festival celebrates creative arts, technology, and lights by supporting innovative techniques, all the while using light and technology as an art medium. Bring your family along to this festival in Napa Valley in January, experience the magic of light at the free downtown event, and snap away at the beautiful light sculptures for eight weeks.

2. Napa Truffle Festival

Are you a foodie with a passion for truffles? Awaken your inner curious food voyager by participating in the Napa Truffle Festival. This Napa Valley event centers around one of the most exclusive foods in the world and invites you to explore and learn from experts about the gastronomy, science, history, hunting, and harvesting of the black truffle—yum! 

3. Napa Valley Restaurant Week

It’s no secret that Napa Valley is rich with agricultural bounty, world-class cuisine, and talented chefs. Celebrate the fact by heading to Napa Valley Restaurant Week in January. Experience Michelin-rated meals, farm-to-table deliciousness, and more gastronomical adventures for discounted prices throughout the length of this Napa event.

4. Yountville International Short Film Festival

The Yountville International Short Film Festival is a Wine Country event for cinephiles. With an exciting lineup of world-class short films, this festival delivers a variety of exciting films from animation and science fiction to drama and foreign films. Filmmakers and special musical guests also attend the Yountville Festival, so stick around and you’ll get to ask any questions you might have about the films following the screenings.

5. Napa Valley Marathon

Taking place in spring, the Napa Valley Marathon is a great way to physically challenge yourself as you pass through beautiful scenery, valleys, and some of the most world-renowned vineyards and wineries. Register for this anticipated Napa event and run alongside thousands of people as you compete in a friendly race to the finish line.

6. Yountville Live

During March, a celebration of the best in music and food takes place in a sophisticated atmosphere. Called Yountville Live, this Wine Country event combines your love of food and music through a multi-day celebration that features some of the world’s best chefs and award-winning musicians who create intimate experiences you’ll cherish for years.

7. CampoVelo

How does a weekend of food, fun, and cycling sound? If you’re up for it, partake in CampoVelo. Hosted by chef Chris Cosentino, this Napa event aims to provide an unforgettable weekend experience full of delicious eats and a whole lot of pedaling. 

8. Wine Valley Cycle for Sight

Another awesome cycling-related Napa Valley event is Wine Valley Cycle for Sight. Featuring three scenic routes of 15, 25, and 50 miles winding along the hills and vineyards of Napa, this cycling event aims to show support to the visually impaired members of the community.

9. BottleRock Napa Valley Music Festival

BottleRock is a famous Napa music festival bringing you three days of live performances, yummy food, and good vibes. This past year, the headliners were Chris Stapleton, Guns N' Roses, and the Foo Fighters, while a slew of other famous names from different genres also graced the stage. Keep an eye out for next year’s lineup for this Napa music festival—it never disappoints.  

10. Napa City Nights Summer Concert Series

For a more low-key evening of music, head to downtown for Napa City Nights. A series of concerts take place each Friday from June through August in the Veterans Memorial Park Amphitheater and invite you to join in on free entertainment the whole family will enjoy. Bring blankets and a picnic basket to this Napa event and you’ll have an unforgettable adventure.

11. Napa Valley Jazz Getaway

If you’re a jazz fanatic, then you probably already know about the Jazz Getaway taking place in June. This Napa music festival founded by Brian Culbertson offers four days of amazing live music from the top jazz performers in the game—you don’t want to miss it.

12. St. Helena Summer Concert Series

Continuing with Napa music festivals, next up on the list is the St. Helena Summer Concert Series. Every other Thursday from June through August, St. Helena hosts a series of free concerts in Lyman Park. Very laid-back and casual, this Napa event is a cool spot to spend the afternoon if you happen to be near St. Helena.

13. Calistoga Concerts in the Park

Alternatively, if you’re on a getaway in Calistoga, a similar Wine Country event to participate in is the Calistoga Concerts in the Park. Taking place for free in Pioneer Park, this Napa event is a cool thing to check out between July and August. 

14. Festival Napa Valley

Festival Napa Valley brings art to all by pairing world-class performances and culinary pursuits in iconic Wine Country settings. Using music’s unparalleled ability to bring people together, this Napa music festival encourages inclusivity, diversity, and innovation to build a healthy, vibrant community.

15. Open Studios Napa Valley

The best festival in Napa Valley for art lovers is Open Studios. Taking place in September, this Napa event is basically a free, self-guided, art discovery tour to meet local creatives, watch demonstrations, and purchase art from dozens of artists participating.

16. PGA Tour Fortinet Championship

How could we forget about golf when talking about Napa Valley events? In September, the PGA Tour Fortinet Championship invites golf-lovers from all over the state to enjoy great tournaments, live concert series, and tasty treats at the Silverado Resort and Spa.

17. Napa Valley Film Festival

Every November, the Napa Valley Film Festival premiers a long list of movies from small indies to potential Oscar nominees. You need to purchase a pass to access this festival in Napa Valley, but it’s totally worth it considering how many films you get to see from established and emerging filmmakers across the country and the world.

18. Napa’s Christmas Parade

Napa Valley events don’t stop when the holiday season rolls around—it’s a festival every day. To feel the Christmas spirit in Wine Country, attend the annual Napa Christmas Parade. Locals get creative at illuminating cars, people, and even animals with holiday lights, and spread the Christmas cheer all around the city through the parade.