There’s plenty to do in Napa during the day, and when the sun sets, the nightlife shines bright. From great food and drinks to live entertainment, the fun in Downtown Napa never ends.
Late nights have always been a challenge in wine regions. Most places typically close early, making it difficult to find ways to keep the fun going. Yet Downtown Napa is changing that for the better. You can find dozens of wonderful spots here; meanwhile, we’ve chosen a few of our favorite nightlife hangouts below. Enjoy everything Downtown Napa offers at night!
SPOTLIGHT ON ENTERTAINMENT
There are night spots that focus either on food, drinks or entertainment. Then there are those that boast all three.
JaM Cellars, host to BottleRock, has numerous ways to entertain music lovers, including live music JaMSessions Thursdays through Saturdays in its Wine and Music Studio in Downtown Napa. It’s first-come, first served at these events, which showcase a variety of talented musicians, tasty bites and an amazing lineup of Napa Valley wines. Reserve a table for JaM’s Sunday Spins, another opportunity to enjoy music selected by a live DJ at JaM Cellars.
JaM Cellars also hosts musical performances away from their home base. The JaM Cellars Presents series features a variety of live performances at the Uptown Theatre, just two blocks from its JaM Cellars’ 1st Street location. Still to come in 2024 are Los Lobos, John Hiatt, tributes to Abba and The Bee Gees and many more.
The JaM Cellars Ballroom, located in the 650-person historic Napa Valley Opera House, is the site of memorable concerts throughout the year. Along with happy hours, festivals and more, JaM Cellars brings fun to Downtown Napa.
The aforementioned Uptown Theatre, a cozy, art-deco historic building built in 1937, is the host for concerts featuring top artists in rock, jazz, country and blues, as well as comedy acts. Still to be featured this year are comedians such as Frankie Quiñones and Marc Maron or for the truly curious, or attend “Cold Case Live,” a fascinating exploration into the process of solving a cold case, hosted by Joe Kennedy.
Blue Note Napa is another spot that excels in all three phases. Located on the first floor of the historic Napa Valley Opera House, Blue Note is a live music jazz club that offers an intimate atmosphere and some of the finest entertainment around. Popular jazz artists Spyro Gyra, saxophonists Dee Lucas and Eric Darius, and the Django Festival Allstars are just a few of the concerts still to come in 2024.
Blue Note shines with its gourmet farm-to-table cuisine and a lengthy list of local wines, craft cocktails and beers. Combined with top entertainment and cozy surroundings, Blue Note Napa is an all-in-one nightlife must.
Downtown Joe’s is a microbrewery, with a selection of craft beers that is hard to beat. But it’s also a restaurant (with a view of Napa River) that serves up everything from burgers and sandwiches to salads and pasta (and should you happen to be nearby in the morning, breakfast is served until 12:30 p.m.). Then get ready for some of the best live bands in Northern California Thursday-Saturday, and dance to the music played by DJ Aurelio on Sunday nights. Want more? Bring your friends and family and show off your pipes during Karaoke Night on Tuesday and Wednesday.
If champagne and sparkling wine tickles your nose, head to Be Bubbly Napa. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just in the mood for toasting, champagne is the perfect drink, and Be Bubbly honors the sparkling wine like nobody else with its extensive selection. The food menu isn’t quite as large as the drink menu, but you’ll still find choices to enjoy with others or by yourself. And you’ll be entertained throughout the year with live music bands, solo singers, comedy nights, DJ-spun tunes and – this year on Aug. 25 – a fourth-anniversary celebration.
CELEBRATE GOOD TIMES
The popular Napa Valley Distillery offers a tasty and educational look at the process of making great wine. A short distance away is the Napa Valley Distillery-owned cocktail and spirits spot, The ArBaretum. Boasting a lively atmosphere and a vintage look, the ArBaretum is THE place for premium drinks, and a perfect opportunity to celebrate a birthday, an anniversary, Thursday ….
Sometimes the view is just as good as the fare. Sky & Vine Rooftop Bar, located on the sixth floor of Archer Hotel Napa, definitely fits this description. Relax by a fire pit with friends or grab any seat in the house – they’re all fantastic. While viewing the Downtown Napa surroundings as well as the panoramic valley scenery just beyond, choose from an excellent selection of tasty food and drinks, including crafted cocktails, draft beers, specially selected wines and more.
Explore a crazy-large selection of wines and beers at Cadet, a casual spot on Franklin Street in Downtown Napa. With an atmosphere of a casual neighborhood bar, Cadet offers a great place to meet friends and enjoy the world of wines and beers, along with a tasty bite or two.
The name – Bounty Hunter Wine Bar & Smokin’ BBQ – says it all. Located on First Street in Downtown Napa, Bounty Hunter features more than 400 wines by the bottle (and 40 wines by the glass), as well as fine bourbon and rye whiskey from Kentucky and a selection of beers. Your wait staff will suggest the perfect wine to pair with your meal; included among the menu choices are Beer Can Chicken and a Smokin’ BBW Platter. Hungry?
Also located on First Street is the Napa Palisades Saloon, featuring the motto “Beer Guys in Wine Country.” With more than 30 craft beers on draft, wine, classic cocktails, a whiskey bar and more, Napa Palisades is a great place to enjoy happy hour specials, then stick around for the gourmet pub-style cuisine while dining outdoors or watch the game on one of 16 televisions.
If you’re looking for a place to meet friends and family after work, we’d suggest Billco’s Billiards. Grab a burger, a slider basket or a sandwich, choose from 90-plus beers on tap and have fun playing pool on tournament tables and darts. An outside patio is ideal for enjoying the beautiful Napa weather.
KEEP THE PARTY GOING
From saloons and champagne rooms to BottleRock and the Napa Lighted Art Festival, nightlife is a priority in Downtown Napa. Whether you’re a Napa resident or visitor, reward yourself by staying overnight (or longer) in one of the variety of lodging choices and seeing how spectacular Downtown Napa is during the day. Treat yourself to a spa day, or visit some of the outdoor destinations. There’s no better time to visit this area than now!
