Napa Valley is known for its famous wines and winery tours which are the main reasons why visitors flock to the place every year. But did you know that the region offers more than just wine? Whether you are a music, food, art, or sports enthusiast, Napa has a lot to offer that will make your trip a worthwhile experience.
If you are visiting Napa Valley anytime soon, mark your calendars for the following special events.
Do you love marathons? Then participate in the annual Napa Valley Marathon and Napa Valley Women’s Half Marathon happening during the month of March. Both of these offer the most scenic courses in the world which runners will truly enjoy. Also happening in March is the Yountville Live, a one-day festival of food, wine, and music at the valley’s culinary capital.
April is the month of the arts as the region celebrates Arts in April wherein artists showcase their work through exhibitions, installations, storytelling, live performances, live music, culinary arts, and others.
For those who are visiting the Valley in May, consider going to BottleRock Napa Valley which is a music, food, wine, and craft beer festival held over Memorial Day weekend at the heart of Napa Valley.
In June, you can join in on one of the most famous charity auctions in the worlds, the Auction Napa Valley, where you can meet well-known vintners and celebrate the best Napa Valley wines. Music lovers can also enjoy the summer concert series happening in different parts of the regions such as in Napa City, St. Helena, and Calistoga.
If you want to experience world-class performances, delicious culinary dishes, and exquisite wines, plan your Napa trip during July and participate in the annual Festival Napa Valley. But if you are looking for special music events for blues and chamber music, you might want to check out Blues, Brews, and BBQ and Music in the Vineyards, respectively.
Art enthusiasts will definitely love the self-guided, art discovery tour during the month of September, the Open Studios Napa Valley, where you can meet the artists, discuss their work, and even purchase a piece on the spot. If you are an avid fan of golf, the Safeway Open is also happening during September.
What’s more fun than watching films while enjoying good food and wine? The Napa Valley Film Festival is held annually during November where guests can interact with filmmakers and actors. Other than that, there are also culinary demonstrations, wine tastings, and parties.
Holidays are also fun to spend in Napa Valley. Families will surely enjoy the annual Napa’s Christmas Parade, Calistoga Lighted Tractor Parade, and Reindeer Run.
In January, buildings in Downtown Napa will be lit up with stunning artwork light displays during the Napa Lighted Art Festival.
Are you a fan of truffles? Get more familiar with the prized ingredient and taste delicious truffle dishes made by master chefs during the Napa Truffle Festival. However, if you are looking to explore Napa Valley’s celebrated local cuisine, you might want to try Napa Valley Restaurant Week which happens late January until early February.
Get a chance to watch world-class short films and experience wine events by Yountville wineries during the Yountville International Short Film Festival happening in February.
If you are visiting Napa, be sure to look at the events calendar to see if there is something happening in the area. Chances are, you will get to experience more than just wine. Wineries also offer special events throughout the year beyond just their usual tasting and tours. Fantesca Estate and Winery, for example, offers quite a few premiere experiences worthy of consideration.