No matter the time of year you visit, the charming streets of Napa beckon you to explore. Whether you’re a wine lover, foodie or seeking a serene escape, Napa’s offerings promise to be a magical experience. Here’s your guide to a great — and affordable — time in Napa.
Bites, Sips and Good Vibrations: Free Live Music in Napa
If there’s one thing we love in Napa – besides great wine, of course – it’s a chance to catch some live music. Napa’s wine-tasting rooms, restaurants and other local hotspots regularly host free live music, adding an extra layer of charm to your visit. Enjoy the sounds of talented musicians while sipping world-class wine or savoring a delicious meal.
These venues provide a wonderful setting for music lovers, so be sure to support them by enjoying a glass, ordering a small bite, or exploring their offerings. It’s a great way to contribute to the local scene while making the most of Napa’s vibrant atmosphere! Check out our blog on live music hot spots around Napa for more info.
Friday Nights in the Park is the place to be on a summer night in Napa. It’s a super chill event that takes place at Veterans Memorial Park every Friday in July and the first Friday in August —a perfect way to kick off a relaxing weekend. Live music fills the air every week, featuring a diverse range of genres from rock to jazz. It’s the perfect spot to set up a picnic or bring some lawn chairs, allowing you to relax by the river while enjoying fantastic tunes.
When owners John and Michele first started their tasting room, aptly named JaM Cellars, they knew it would be more than a wine tasting room. They wanted it to be an homage to their love of music, and it’s safe to say they accomplished that vision. Stop in Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays to catch live music every single week, or simply pop in on a weekday to unwind on their ultra-comfy leather couches and enjoy the sounds of their in-house music selection as you take in the décor – all themed around legends of musical history, of course.
When the weather is nice – as it often is in Napa – you’ll be hard-pressed to find a better outdoor spot than Napa Yard. This beer garden and restaurant offers what they call a “garden to glass” experience, serving up brews distilled from ingredients grown right here in Napa. Their outdoor space is ideal for performances, so you’ll often find a band playing on the weekends. They also offer a variety of other fun events, such as movie nights, industry nights and more.
Levendi Wine, a Greek-inspired tasting room, hosts a weekly Live Music Friday, where a wide array of local artists provide a soundtrack to your wine tasting experience. You’re also likely to find music many nights of the week at Be Bubbly, a bubbles-only wine bar perfect for anyone looking for a laid-back evening.
There’s Plenty to Stroll
When you need a break, there’s no better place to unwind and soak in the essence of Napa than the Napa Riverfront Promenade. Situated alongside the picturesque Napa River, this serene pathway offers a relaxing atmosphere perfect for a leisurely stroll or simply sitting back to enjoy the stunning views. You’ll be surrounded by captivating art and, of course, the gentle flow of the river. The promenade is also lined with excellent restaurants, making it an ideal spot for a casual evening with friends or a laid-back romantic date.
Napa offers an abundance of delicious food, exquisite wine and eclectic shops, and Oxbow Public Market is a must-visit destination that houses all three in one easily walkable space. This vibrant market is the ideal spot to sample a diverse array of flavors. If you’re of a mind for window shopping, Oxbow offers endlessly fascinating goodies to browse, from artisan chocolates and uniquely infused olive oils to Napa-themed trinkets and books by local authors.
If you’re interested in learning a little about the local history, there are a number of historical landmarks that offer glimpses of the Napa Valley area throughout the years. For example, the Tulocay Cemetery has been in use since the mid-1800s. In addition to featuring a variety of grave markers – from simple to elegant – the cemetery is the final resting place for several important figures, including Nathan Coombs, a California pioneer and founder of the city of Napa. Also buried at Tulocay is Mary Ellen Pleasant, who made history as one of the first African American self-made millionaires. Her goal was to earn as much money as possible in order to help as many people as she could by providing transportation, housing and food for survival.
For other historical landmarks you can explore on your own time, including Napa County’s historic stone bridges and the First National Bank Building’s stylish example of neoclassical design, visit the Napa County Landmarks site. For additional guided and self-guided tours, click here or download the $7.99 Napa Valley Tours app.
The Art of Napa
In a place full of artisanal winemakers, culinary geniuses and makers of all varieties, it’s no surprise that Napa has a thriving community of artists, too. You’ll find works of art, courtesy of local talent, all around town. This year, we’re welcoming back The Napa Art Walk to our streets, a rotating exhibition of multiple works throughout the city that remain on view for 24 months. Visitors are encouraged to vote for their favorite work, with the winning artist receiving the People’s Choice Award and a complimentary getaway in Napa. Keep watching this space for updates on the next exhibition.
To enjoy stunning works of art right along the river, head to River Terrace Inn to check out Art Along the River, an event taking place on select Saturdays. Eppich Arts will be showcasing a variety of local works, including paintings, jewelry, ceramics and more – all available for purchase.
CIA at Copia is the perfect place to stop by for any food lovers. They’ve got cooking classes, wine tastings and even chef demos. Copia itself is completely free to enter and explore, and inside, you’ll find relics of culinary history everywhere you look. Downstairs, you can check out the homage to Napa’s most prolific winemakers, as well as “A History of California Wine: The David and Judy Breitstein Collection,” which tells the story of California’s wine industry through actual unopened bottles from the Breitstein family’s personal collection. Upstairs, you’ll find the Chuck Williams Culinary Arts Museum, which is home to a truly massive collection of fascinating culinary tools – more than 4,000, to be more precise. After all your browsing, you can head over to The Grove, Copia’s signature restaurant.
Next, head on over to Gordon Huether Studio if you want a further dive into Napa’s art scene. Huether is known for his massive modern sculptures that you will often see spread throughout Napa, as well as many other places around the world. Huether is widely recognized for his ability to push the boundaries on contemporary art. He often uses metal and other recycled objects to build these monstrously big sculptures. Visiting gives you an opportunity to see his work and creative process up close and personal.
In January, the Napa Lighted Art Festival is an absolute must-see. This annual winter event transforms the entire downtown area into a breathtaking art display, where buildings and bridges come alive with dazzling lights. The festival beautifully fuses technology and art, creating a magnificent visual experience. Each installation is unique, showcasing a fantastic blend of creativity, innovation and storytelling. It’s truly a stunning spectacle that infuses downtown Napa with a magical atmosphere, and the best part? It’s entirely free.
Annual Mustard Season Celebrations
If you find yourself in Napa between January and March, you don’t want to miss Mustard Season. This is when the landscape bursts into life, as vineyards transform into vibrant fields of bright yellow mustard flowers. Many wineries celebrate this enchanting season with special tastings featuring mustard-inspired pairings. In addition, you can enjoy art exhibits and photo walks that highlight the breathtaking scenery. Local restaurants also get in on the fun, offering unique dishes that incorporate mustard greens and seeds. Mustard Season is the ideal time to experience Napa, as the atmosphere is serene, and the region is gearing up for its bustling spring.
Out in Nature
For anyone who loves to escape for a bit and get out in nature, Sky Wilderness Park is a reclusive gem just outside of Downtown Napa. While only a few minutes outside of Downtown Napa, it gives you the feeling that you are miles away.
With over 800 acres of trails, this destination offers ample opportunities for hiking, biking and horseback riding. One of the most popular routes is the Skyline Trail. While it requires a bit of a climb, the breathtaking views from the summit are more than worth the effort. This is the ideal escape if you’re looking to unwind for a while. You can immerse yourself in Napa’s stunning beauty while getting some exercise and enjoying the fresh air.
You’re Meant to Be Here
A getaway to Napa is an experience that lingers on past the last drop of wine. Whether you’re there for the wine, the food or simply just to have a great time, Napa has everything you need and more. Plan your escape today and discover exactly why you’re meant to be here in Downtown Napa.
