While it is difficult to believe, it is October. I have one word for the onslaught of this month, “Seriously?” Time is passing far too quickly. However, with the hometown “Friday night lights” football games, harvest activities that are wrapping up, evenings that are typically a bit cooler and crisp, and vineyards morphing into an explosion of fall colors all around us, October remains one of my very favorite months of the year.
There are plenty of super fun things to get out and do around the Napa Valley in October too. My sampling of must dos for this month includes lots of live music (big name acts at the Safeway Open), a few fun runs, an off the hook fundraising dinner with a morning motorcycle poker run, festivals, wine, food, and more. Most all of these events benefit a cause or community. Get out there and support! I hope to see you there. As always, whatever your choice, be a local supporter, participant, spectator or volunteer. Here are my top “only in Napa Valley” opportunities for October!
Napa Live: Inside and Out
Sunday, October 1
The first day of the month brings the final day of the popular Downtown Napa music crawl beginning at noon, which will feature 40 bands at 30 locations. Napa Live took place at two earlier times this year, and is a fun way to get out and enjoy the town. Venues include retail establishments, courtyards, parks, plazas and more – some inside and some out! The range of artist is wide, from classical guitar to classic rock, blues to bluegrass, and surf rock to songwriters. All of the bands are local, and the entire event is completely FREE. DoNapa.com
Safeway Open – PGA Tour 2017
Monday, October 2 – Sunday, October 8
In addition to a world-class PGA golf tourney, the Safeway Open features top-notch live entertainment, food, wine, beer and spirits. The Safeway Open Concert Series lineup is pretty phenomenal: Gavin DeGraw (October 5); Weezer (October 6) and Goo Goo Dolls (October 7). Concert admission is included with regular golf event tickets. Not only does this event draw loads of spectators that will support our local businesses, it also provides opportunities to volunteer. Through the Golf Charities Foundation, which hosts the Safeway Open at Silverado Resort and Spa, all net proceeds from the tournament are donated to local charitable organizations and youth-related causes. SafewayOpen.com
Leather & Lace Dinner Dance and Poker Run Benefit
Saturday, October 14
Boots will be kicked up at the Leather & Lace BBQ Dinner Dance (and optional Poker Run) that will benefit NEWS – Domestic Violence and Sexual Abuse Services. Dance to live music from the Mid Life-Krysis band, play bocce, corn hole and horseshoes, with silent and live auctions too! For motorcycle riders, the day will begin with a morning Motorcycle Poker Run that provides a chance to win great prizes while experiencing a ride through the world’s most gorgeous wine region. The event takes place at the Napa Elks Lodge and advance tickets are on sale now! NapaNews.org
Angwin to Angwish Run
Sunday, October 15
Produced by Pacific Union College, participants in this annual event can select their own level of anguish in this annual 4k, 12k or 24k run. Angwin to Angwish offers a scenic run through groves of pines and oaks, past mossy rocks, and up the rugged terrain of “Angwish Hill” in the heart of the Napa Valley, just ten minutes from St. Helena, way up on Howell Mountain. AngwinToAngwish.com
Crush Cancer Napa Valley
Saturday, October 21
Formerly known as the Sisters Fun Run to Benefit Breast Cancer, the newly-named Crush Cancer Napa Valley is an annual community-centric event (now in its 8th year). Participation, donations, and energy drive the mission to ease the financial burden during treatment for local cancer patients. The event includes a 5K walk/run and silent auction on event day in Yountville, as well as special Crush Cancer cocktail specials all month long at local restaurants such as Hurley’s and Bistro Don Giovanni that also benefit the cause. Register for the super-easy-for-all-ages walk/run now. CrushCancerNapaValley.org
St. Helena Harvest Festival
Saturday, October 21
This event has been one of St. Helena’s most-loved fall events for all ages for 31 years. The full-day, family-friendly festival begins with an early morning Fun Run at 8 a.m., followed by the legendary Pet Parade and then the Harvest Festival which lasts until 4 p.m. Live music, a carnival for the kids, a fitting wine lounge, a delicious food alley and arts and crafts boost the day. Local artists, beer brewers, winemakers, farmers, musicians and non-profit organizations also participate in this party-like event. CityOfStHelena.org
Howl-O-Ween Haunt at Evil Vines Cemetery
Saturday, October 28 and Tuesday, October 31
Every year, the Evil Vines Cemetery appears, filled with tricks and treats for all ages. This is a fun, free, outdoor yard haunt created to benefit Ella’s Cathouse & Catnip Bar (a cage-free, no-kill feline adoption center created by Jameson Animal Rescue Ranch). Guests can make a trip to the treat bowl inside the yard, if they care to brave the spooky cemetery paths. Stop by to donate to Jameson Animal Rescue Ranch or to bring an item that the cats need from Ella’s Wish List. This event is set for two nights only: the Saturday before Halloween from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. and on Halloween from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. at 2110 Euclid Avenue, Napa. EvilVinesCemetery.wixsite.com/HowloWeenHaunt