Napa Weekend Planner August 17-21

Friday:

Author James Conaway will be at reading from and signing copies of his newest book “Vanishing America: In Pursuit of Our Elusive Landscapes.” This bestseller is the story of Gallos and Mondavis, of fortunes made and lost, of dynasties and destinies. In this delightful, full-bodied social history, James Conaway charts the rise of a new aristocracy and, in so doing, chronicles the collective ripening of the American dream. More than a wine book, Napa is a must-read for anyone interested in our country's obsession with money, land, power, and prestige.

If you go: The free event begins at 7 p.m. at , 3900 Bel Air Plaza, in Napa.

Friday:

Live blues and half-price brews on the newly-renovated fire pit patio at featuring the Hellhounds of Sonoma every Friday night until November.

If you go: The blues are free, the brews half price, and the weather’s lovely, what could be better?  The fun is from 9 -11 p.m. at Cuvee Napa, 1650 Soscol Avenue in Napa.

Friday:

Named in honor of a sketch by the Monty Python comedy troupe, this 4-piece band of Santa Barbara, CA high school cronies came to be known as Toad the Wet Sprocket in 1986. To this day, their mellow, melodic folk-pop sound made them one of the most successful alternative rock bands of the early 1990s.

If you go: Tickets are $37-$47 at this 21 + show and tickets can be bought by clicking here. The show starts at 8 p.m. (doors open at 7 p.m.) at the ,1350 3rd Street in Napa.

Wednesday-Sunday 

Expanding on his acclaimed show about Frank Sinatra, Ron brings to life iconic male vocalists from Bobby Darin, Ray Charles, and Frankie Valli to Roy Orbison and Nat King Cole. With energetic big band arrangements and the backing of two female vocalists "Chicago’s Entertainer," Ron Hawking, delivers a performance that truly comes from the heart.

If you go: Tickets range from $35-$50 and can be bought by calling (707) 226-7372 x1. Friday and Saturday shows begin at 8 p.m. while Sunday’s show begins at 5 p.m. The is at 1030 Main Street in Napa. Doors open an hour before the show.

Saturday:

Over three hundred original paintings by twenty seven of the West’s premier representational artists will be on exhibit and sale at the fourth annual Napa Valley Art Festival.  Net proceeds benefit the in Napa.

If you go: The free festival is from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Yountville Community Center, 6516 Washington Street in Yountville.

Saturday:

Keep your formal wear in your closet and put on your dancing shoes—it’s time for one of Napa Valley’s favorite summertime parties, the Clinic Ole Chili Ball. Guests will enjoy chili and other dishes prepared by some of Napa Valley great chefs as well as legendary tacos grilled by Mike Chelini and the Stony Hill Gang.  After dinner, a local band, The Fabulous Screwtops will have everyone movin’ on the dance floor. 

If you go: Tickets for adults are $60; kids 7-12 $10 and can be bought by clicking here. The Chili Ball is from 5-9:00 p.m. under the beautiful oaks at Charles Krug Winery in St. Helena.  The Chili Ball supports Community Health Clinic Ole, Sister Ann Dental Clinic, Healthy Moms and Babies, and Napa Obstetrics and Gynecology Medical Group. Beer and wine will be available for sale (regulations prohibit guests from bringing their own alcohol).

Sunday:

This two-block tour features nineteenth and early twentieth century architectural styles as well as Napa’s most famous landscape feature, the 100+ year-old redwoods that shade the block between Laurel and Pine Streets. The tour will begin at the northwest corner of Laurel and Franklin Streets, in front of 408 Franklin Street.

If you go: The tour is $10 from 1 -3p.m. and reservations are recommended. Please call (707) 255-1836 or email charlotte@napacountylandmarks.org.

Sunday:

Summer Family Series is geared toward teens, ‘tweens and even adults. Today it’s all about celebrating the heartbeat of World Music. Cosmos Percussion Orchestra  utilizes forty-plus instruments to reflect the joy, sounds and culture of a diverse genre. If you haven’t been out, now’s the time as this series soon comes to an end.

If you go: Tickets are $12 (age 16 and under); $15 (adults) and can be bought by clicking here. The event begins at 2 p.m. at the , 1030 Main Street in Napa.38.1549

Do you have a weekend event we did not list? Go ahead and add it in the comments to let everyone know other cool stuff going on in the community. Is your event not in our calendar? You can add your own events quick, easy and for free just by clicking here.