With toast-worthy events happening year-round, there’s always something to celebrate in Downtown Napa! Take a peek at what’s coming up and start planning your next adventure.
If you’re making plans to visit Downtown Napa — known as “The Wine Tasting Room Capital of the World” — make sure to check out the area’s great music scene. From local favorites to national acts, you’ll have a terrific time singing, dancing and listening to the tunes you love while enjoying some of the best wines from Napa Valley.
There are plenty of midweek live music options during the weekend, and a great assortment on weekdays when you need to wind down after a hard day’s work or long-distance traveling. We’ve provided a sample of shows you can see in Downtown Napa during the beautiful fall season.
WORKING FOR THE WEEKEND
With more companies transitioning to four-day workweeks, that means for some, the weekend begins on Friday, or even better, on Thursday night.
That makes heading to JaM Cellars Napa an excellent idea, since they offer live music from Thursday to Sunday. From JaMSessions, featuring some of the most popular local artists at the JaM Cellars Wine & Music Studio in Downtown Napa, to nationally acclaimed acts at JaM Cellars Presents held at the historic art deco Uptown Theatre, you can enjoy a variety of live music, along with some great wines.
Friday at Levendi winery is not just another day; it’s Live Music Friday! Enjoy a variety of vino from the Levendi vineyards while enjoying live music by some of the top regional artists, and better yet, there’s no cover charge.
There is never a shortage of things to do or see at The Yard by Feast it Forward. The experiential outdoor concert venue and wine bar hosts musicians on Fridays and Saturdays throughout the year as part of The Yard Music Series. While there, check out the 18-winery tasting bar, live studio and showroom which offers food, wine and philanthropy. And for those who don’t mind the sound of their own voice, visit on Sundays from 2 to 5 p.m. for Open Mic.
If you prefer champagne or sparkling wine with your live entertainment, check out Be Bubbly, the only lounge in Napa Valley dedicated to these beverages. During the weekend, you can sit back and enjoy the bubbles while listening to artists perform a variety of music, from rhythm and blues, pop … whatever type of music you like, you’ll probably find someone playing or singing it at Be Bubbly.
There’s a lot of history behind Napa Valley Distillery, primarily since it was the first distillery to open its doors in Napa since Prohibition. The family-owned establishment includes the Hollywood Room, an intimate speakeasy-style bar where you can enjoy sounds from up-and-coming artists, such as Change! Pop, Slippery People and Waterstrider.
Napa Yard is a place that does everything in a big way. The outdoor areas are huge, the list of beers on tap — as well as wine and cocktails — is practically endless and there’s a variety of food choices. Located near the CIA at Copia, Napa Yard hosts a number of popular local music acts, such as the bluegrass sounds of Mandolin Manny & Friends, the modern and traditional country songs of Kristen Foreman and acoustic tunes from the Duo Sonics.
The Andaz boutique hotel is known for its world-class dining, beautiful accommodations and wine tasting room, but it also hosts live music events throughout the year. Taking place at its Mercantile Social and Terrace areas, musical artists such as Michael Padilla, Jacob Benning, Vincent Costanza and Duo Sonics have all performed recently at the Andaz. Most concerts take place on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays.
Downtown Joe’s Brewery and Restaurant has it all in one location. You can listen to live music from some of Northern California’s top bands Thursday through Saturday, enjoy some of the tastiest beer around, dine from an extensive American grill menu and jam to the music on the dance floor.
WEEKDAYS AND WEEKENDS
For business travelers and others who visit Downtown Napa during the week, Blue Note Napa will probably have a live-music concert you’ll enjoy. The jazz club/restaurant, which is situated on the first floor of the historic Napa Valley Opera House, will host The Deadlies — a surf band who plays a wide range of music — on Oct. 26; Ruben Studdard and Clay Aiken on Nov. 9; jazz vocalist Yvonne Flores on Dec. 7; and many more throughout the fall and winter seasons.
The Brendel tasting lounge in Downtown Napa offers its excellent wine made with 100% Napa Valley fruit. Add to that the opportunity to listen to top local and regional musicians and you’ve got an evening of pure enjoyment. If you have the courage, visit Brendel from 5 to 7 p.m. on Thursdays and let everyone hear you roar on Open Mic nights.
SPECIAL SOUNDS
California has been the site for numerous duels throughout its history, but none would bring as much joy as “Dueling Pianos,” scheduled on Oct. 27 and 28 at Acumen Napa Valley. The pianists — Michael Mastromatteo and Susie Kingsbury — know thousands of songs, from the 1950s to present day, but they’ll ask audience members to request their favorite tunes as they begin the duel. Tickets are $55 and bottle service will be available.
Outdoors on the Village Lawn at the Meritage Resort and Spa — on Halloween night — you can enjoy the music of Yes, with special guest Roger Dean. Presented as the final concert of the Blue Note Summer Sessions, the evening will feature the popular Grammy Award-winning rock music band who is considered one of the most innovative and influential groups in rock ’n roll history. Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2017, the band will perform a variety of songs, including some of its biggest hits such as Roundabout and Owner of a Lonely Heart.
Come and celebrate the 2023 Napa Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) from 3 to 8 p.m. on Nov. 4. Held at Veterans Park in Downtown Napa, the family-friendly event will feature art, culture, dancing, food and music. The holiday is an opportunity to celebrate the lives of friends and family members who have died. The Downtown Napa event includes music and dance performances by NVLA Folklorico, Mariachi Tradicion Mexicana, FLO – Funky Latin Orchestra and others.
COME SEE US
Downtown Napa is a wonderful place to visit, especially during the fall season. The weather is practically perfect and there’s so much to do. Whether you’re staying a couple of days or a couple of weeks, you’ll enjoy the close proximity to wine tastings, the arts, shopping, beautiful outdoor destinations and more. Check out our excellent lodging options — including special packages — and plan your getaway today.
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