Just as February is one of florists’ busiest times, and December is when Santa’s elves really start cranking out the toys, fall is Napa’s most electric time of the year. The celebration of the harvest season is the culmination of a year-long process, and there’s no better place than walkable Downtown Napa to enjoy the fruits of the vineyards’ labor, along with a variety of fun and entertaining festivities.
We’ve highlighted a number of exciting fall events you don’t want to miss, so start planning your Downtown Napa getaway today. Be sure to make reservations early, as many of these events sell out quickly. Cheers!
OKTOBERFEST AT THE GARDEN
SEPTEMBER 21 – OCTOBER 6
The Garden Napa is bringing the spirit of Oktoberfest to life from September 21 to October 6 with a menu of delicious Bavarian-inspired specials. Whether you’re craving traditional 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. Grab a cozy seat inside to catch a game or relax on the patio and soak up the festive atmosphere.
NAPA BLUES, BREWS & BBQ AND CLASSIC CAR SHOW
OCTOBER 5
In its 14th year, this show is one of the area’s most popular events. Held from noon to 6 p.m. on Oct. 5 at the Napa Valley Expo, the festivities will include some of the area’s best blues musicians, more than 40 unique beers in the microbrew beer garden and a variety of mouth-watering 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.
HARVEST MARKET AT FIRST STREET NAPA
OCTOBER 12
Enjoy live music, shopping, five harvest themed mini golf holes, an interactive craft station and captivating performance art from friends of di Rosa Center for Contemporary Art. The fall fun starts at noon on October 12.
HOMETOWN HALLOWEEN 2024
OCTOBER 26
Families will want to save the date of Oct. 26 so they don’t miss this fun event in Downtown Napa. From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., 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. Wear your favorite Halloween costume and plan for a sweet time!
HALLO-WINE JAMPARTY
OCTOBER 26
A Halloween bash for adults will also be held on Oct. 26. From 8 to 11 p.m., 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).
JAMSGIVING DINNER PARTY
NOVEMBER 15
JaM Cellars is kicking off a new tradition with this inaugural event. You can partake in a Thanksgiving-themed dinner, featuring excellent food from the JaM Cellars chef, as well as wine from the JaM Cellars vineyards. Limited spots may be available for the Nov. 15 party, which will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Tickets are $125 per person, with discounts available for club members.
AZUR WINE LOUNGE SIP & PAINT
SELECTIVE DATES
Beginning artists can learn how to use watercolors during Azur’s three-hour Sip & Paint class, held on selected dates through December. 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.
NAPA VALLEY WINE TRAIN MURDER MYSTERY DINNER
ONGOING
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, make sure to reserve your ticket and check the schedule for upcoming holiday trains and more.
ART ALONG THE RIVER
ONGOING, SATURDAYS
With the Napa River as the backdrop, come see works by local artists on select Saturdays from 1 to 7 p.m. along the riverwalk at River Terrace Inn in Downtown Napa. Discover a new installation each month curated by Julie Eppich and Eppich Arts, as well as vendors offering jewelry, ceramics, paintings and other handmade items for sale. Sip local wines as you view the works and perhaps get a start on your holiday shopping.
WORLD CHEESE TOUR 2024
ONGOING, MONTHLY
Winston’s Café in Downtown Napa will host classes featuring Janet Fletcher, a food writer, author and publisher of the Planet Cheese blog. Presented each month, the events include an aperitif and hors d’oeuvre, followed by tastings of a variety of artisan cheeses and fine wines. The informal sessions will have you leaving a better-informed taster and shopper of cheese.
CHEERS!
Downtown Napa is the “Wine Tasting Room Capital of the World,” so as you may expect, there are dozens of places where you can sample some of the area’s excellent wines, along with a variety of world-class cuisine from area restaurants. Most of these Downtown Napa establishments are within walking distance, as are shops and lodging options. So hurry and make your plans to visit this truly unique area.
