Fall is Napa’s most electric season. The harvest brings a contagious energy to Napa Valley. Vineyards glow with golden vines, and the air fills with the scent of crushed grapes and celebration.
There’s no better place to soak it all in than walkable Downtown Napa, where you can explore local tasting rooms, world-class restaurants, boutique shops, and festive fall events.
We’ve highlighted a number of exciting fall events you don’t want to miss this September, October and November. Whether you’re planning a wine-filled weekend or a cozy local staycation, this is your insider’s guide to the best things to do in Napa this fall. Be sure to make reservations early, as many of these events sell out quickly. Cheers!
OKTOBERFEST AT THE GARDEN
SEPTEMBER 20
Each year, The Garden brings the spirit of Oktoberfest to life with a menu of delicious Bavarian-inspired specials, along with music, games and, of course, beer! Whether you’re craving traditional German fare or just want to enjoy a cold beer from one of their 20 taps, this indoor/outdoor beer garden by Tannery Bend Beerworks has you covered.
Napa Valley Gondola Fall Cruises
SEPTEMBER & OCTOBER, ONGOING
For a limited time this fall, Napa Valley Gondola welcomes Venetian gondolier Angelino Sandry for scenic autumn cruises along the Napa River. With decades of experience in Venice and Napa alike, Sandry delights guests with his charm, song, and expert rowing. Cruises run through mid-October, and provide a uniquely romantic way to experience fall in Napa.
NAPA BLUES, BREWS, BBQ & CLASSIC CAR SHOW
OCTOBER 4
In its 15th year, the Blues, Brews, BBQ & Classic Car Show is one Napa Valley’s most popular events. Held from noon to 6 p.m. at the Napa Valley Expo, the fun include some of the area’s best blues musicians, more than 40 unique beers in a microbrew beer garden, and a variety of barbecue. In addition to more than 400 classic cars and hot rods on display, as well as games and activities, the festival will feature a number of local arts and crafts vendors, with everything from jewelry to home décor items available for purchase.
Update: Unfortunately, this year’s Napa Blues, Brews, BBQ & Classic Car show has been cancelled due to a lack of sponsorships.
Janet Fletcher’s World Cheese Tour: Autumn Cheese Plate
OCTOBER 14
Join renowned food writer and cheese expert Janet Fletcher for her next installment of the World Cheese Tour, featuring The Autumn Cheese Plate, from 5:30 to 7:30pm at Winston’s Café & Bakery in Downtown Napa. This intimate, educational evening includes an aperitif and hors d’oeuvres, followed by a curated tasting of artisan cheeses and fine wines chosen to highlight the rich, cozy flavors of the fall season, and leave you a more confident cheese lover and shopper.
HOMETOWN HALLOWEEN 2025
OCTOBER 25
Families will want to save the date of Oct. 25 so they don’t miss this annual fun event in Downtown Napa. From 11am to 1pm, Downtown Napa transforms into a Halloween festival where families can wear their favorite costumes and kids can go trick-or-treating. The event takes place at Oxbow Commons and other areas of downtown. Many of the 100-plus businesses will display black and orange balloons at their doors, signifying that they have treats to give to trick-or-treaters. This is a free event and open to the public.
HALLO-WINE JAMBASH
OCTOBER 31
JaM Cellars will hold a Halloween bash for adults on Oct. 31. From 9pm to midnight, come to JaM Cellars on First Street dressed in your best costume and enjoy this DJ dance party, featuring delicious JaM Cellars wines. You can purchase gourmet treats, wines and wine Jell-O shots and enjoy music and dancing. You may even win the prize for best costume! Tickets are limited, so make sure to RSVP today. Tickets are $20 per person (complimentary for club members).
NAPA VALLEY WINE TRAIN MURDER MYSTERY DINNER
ONGOING, NOVEMBER
Take a 2½-hour ride on an authentic Pullman railcar to see if you can solve this exciting whodunnit, where some of your fellow passengers may not be who they seem. Along with the theatrical aspect, you can enjoy a three-course gourmet dinner and a welcome toast of sparkling wine. Held on selected dates through November.
AZUR WINE LOUNGE SIP & PAINT
NOVEMBER 2
Beginning artists can learn how to use watercolors during Azur’s three-hour Sip & Paint class. Local artist Erin Genow will provide step-by-step instructions on watercolor techniques, and you can take home your masterpiece. A glass of rosé produced from the vineyards of Azur is included, and all painting materials are provided.
Sips & Sounds: Women’s Circle & Soundbath
NOVEMBER 16
Spend a Sunday morning in soulful connection at Azur Wine Lounge during the Sips & Sounds Fall Women’s Circle & Soundbath, from 10am to noon. Hosted by Christine Lu Singh and Élan Fayard, this restorative experience releases stress and recharges your energy through Crystal Tone Alchemy singing bowls, chimes, and live instruments, complete with a complimentary glass of Azur rosé. A truly unique Napa wellness experience designed to bring balance, sisterhood, and serenity to the autumn season. Advance reservations recommended.
Watercolor Ornament Workshop
NOVEMBER 16
Get creative this fall at Azur Wine Lounge’s Watercolor Ornament Workshop on November 16 from at 1-3pm. Led by local artist Erin Gennow, this hands-on class guides you through watercolor techniques to create your own custom holiday ornaments, perfect for decorating or gifting. It’s a festive, creative, and relaxing way to celebrate fall in Napa.
Your $49 ticket includes:
- 2 hours of guided painting
- 30 minutes of step-by-step instruction
- 2 watercolor ornament squares (pre-sketched and blank options)
- 2 metal-and-glass ornament frames
- Gift bag, tag, and tissue paper
- A complimentary glass of Azur rosé or a mocktail
Enjoy Fall Flavors in Napa
Gott’s Roadside is celebrating fall with limited-time offerings available Oct. 9–Nov. 19, including a pumpkin shake made with organic vanilla ice cream, house-made spiced pumpkin, whipped cream, and caramel sauce, plus a salmon grain bowl featuring sustainably sourced salmon and fresh vegetables, so good it’s joining the permanent menu in 2026.
You’ll also find plenty of fall-inspired treats and drinks across Downtown Napa. From pumpkin spice lattes at Napa Valley Coffee Roasting Company and cozy chai at Canary Coffee to harvest brittle at Anette’s Chocolates and warm pastries at The Model Bakery, Napa’s cafés and bakeries make it easy to taste autumn at every stop.
Celebrate Harvest Season in Napa
Fall in Napa means harvest season is in full swing, bringing fresh wines, seasonal experiences, and vineyard celebrations. All throughout Napa Valley and Downtown, there will be festive events, seasonal tastings, and harvest-inspired activities to enjoy.
Napa Valley Bistro is pouring their exclusive Secundino Cabernet Sauvignon, crafted from Atlas Peak grapes as a tribute to the owners’ Latino roots. Ackerman Family Vineyards will highlight their highly rated Coombsville Cabernet Sauvignon and releases the 2022 vintage this fall.
For a hands-on experience, the Napa Valley Wine Train brings back its iconic Grape Stomp, paired with gourmet appetizers and entrées aboard restored Pullman railcars. Meanwhile, Vintner’s Collective will be showcasing over 20 wineries in one tasting room, offering a wide variety of Cabernet Sauvignon and new harvest releases.
Cheers to Fall in Napa
Napa is the ultimate fall destination. With more tasting rooms per square mile than anywhere else in the world, farm-to-table dining, boutique shopping, and a bunch of fun autumn-themed activities, there’s no shortage of ways to celebrate the harvest season.
Cheers to fall in Napa Valley!
