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Summertime is fully vested, and thankfully those record-breaking rains now a distant memory. I like to think of July as the month that sizzles—it is both warm, and there are plenty of very hot activities we simply must do! Throughout the valley, this month always begins with a bang and ends with music filling the air. I seek out activities, opportunities and events that can be found “only in Napa” and appeal to those of us that call it “home.” Locals have the rare benefit of experiencing Napa County unlike others, so become involved either as a supporter, participant, spectator or volunteer. Here are my top “only in Napa Valley” must dos for July!
Napa County Fair & Fireworks, Calistoga Parade
Monday, July 3 and Tuesday, July 4
An all-American, vintage Fourth of July is one of Calistoga’s landmark annual events, which this year takes place on both the third and Fourth of July. The Gala a’Fair is set for July 3, with Downtown Calistoga continuing an Americana tradition on July 4 at 11 a.m. with the 84th running of the annual Fourth of July parade, right down Lincoln Avenue. Thousands of spectators line the streets and the parade line-up usually includes floats, decorated cars and live bands, followed by the Napa County Fair featuring antique tractors, live music, the carnival and more at the fairgrounds all day. CelebrateNapaValley.org and NapaCountyFair.org
Napa 4th of July Parade and Festival
Tuesday, July 4
The Downtown Napa Parade which begins at 10 a.m. on July 4th, will be staged around the theme, “Honoring America’s Future Leaders” with a focus upon the Boys and Girls Club as the honorary Grand Marshal. As always, this is a patriotic, festive Red, White & Blue, Stars & Stripes affair that showcases floats, bands, walking groups, equestrian teams, dancers, classic vehicles and more that represent small businesses, local non-profits, schools and even major corporations come on out to celebrate our country and our town! The July 4th Festival follows at Oxbow Commons, with a food court, line-up of live bands, kid’s court and the grand finale fireworks show at 9:30 p.m. which can be best viewed from the Riverfront, Veteran’s Park or Oxbow. SunriseRotary4th.com
Art and Nature Hike at di Rosa
Saturday, July 8
This is a guided hike through the Sculpture Meadow to the top of Milliken Peak, the highest summit in Carneros. The trek is moderately strenuous (three miles round trip, with an elevation gain of approximately 650 feet) and offers sweeping views of the Napa Valley. Children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Tickets are required. diRosaArt.org
Festival Napa Valley
Friday, July 14 – Sunday, July 24
Festival Napa Valley (the former Festival del Sole) returns this year with a ten-day line-up featuring 100 wineries, and more than 60 events that shine the spotlight on stars of music, dance and theater. The multi-faceted program of course, also includes the finest Napa Valley wine and cuisine, as well as enriching arts and community programs. While there are plenty of paid events, Festival Napa Valley also offers a number of FREE performances. Check out the website for the full schedule. FestivalNapaValley.org
Napa Porchfest
Sunday, July 30
Napa’s Seventh Annual Porchfest, a very popular FREE event, is set for Sunday, July 30 from 12 noon to 6 p.m. New this year, is that the “main hub” of the event has been moved to Fuller Park which provides natural shade, established picnic tables, restrooms, multiple porches (and therefore lots of live music) surrounding the park, and space for a large food truck round-up. Porchfest showcases live music, as well as Napa’s historic neighborhoods. See the related story in this issue for more. NapaPorchFest.org