They had me at Jon Batiste (@jonbatiste).
The seven-time Grammy and Oscar-winner headlines the Arts for All Gala at Nickel & Nickel (July 13), a benefit for education and the arts, featuring dinner by chef Rogelio Garcia of Michelin-starred Auro (@auronapavalley) at the Four Seasons Napa Valley.
Jon Batiste headlines Festival Napa Valley, July 13. Photo by Getty Images/Mike Coppola
Witnessing Batiste perform is an electrifying, almost spiritual experience. He’s a force of nature at the piano, a charismatic showman who effortlessly blends jazz, soul and pop into something uniquely his own.
There’s so much more beyond the multihypenate performer, though. Napa Valley transforms into a vibrant cultural haven as Festival Napa Valley (festivalnapavalley.org) rolls on this summer, July 5-20. Recently voted a Top 5 Best Music Festival by USA Today, this event lives up to its reputation for turning California wine country into a premier cultural destination, offering something for everyone.
Opening night of Festival Napa Valley includes violinist Tessa Lark Photo by Lauren Desberg
This year’s lineup is impressive, featuring over 200 international stars and emerging talents across classical, jazz, opera, contemporary and dance.
The Uytengsu Family Opening Night at Charles Krug (@charleskrugwinery) welcomes mezzo-soprano Joyce DiDonato (@joyceddionato) and violinist Tessa Lark (@tessalark) with the Festival Orchestra Napa. Highlighting the season is the North American debut of the Versailles Royal Opera in Donizetti’s comedic masterpiece, La Fille du régiment. The Pacific Symphony, with pianist Tianxu An, makes its debut, and an Evening of Dance showcases leading ballet dancers including Tiler Peck (@tilerpeck). A tribute to Ennio Morricone, Maria Manetti Celebrates La Dolce Vita!, will enchant with Festival Orchestra Napa and classic film screenings.
Expect world-class performances all month at Charles Krug. Photo by Drew Altizer Photography
Beyond the stage, the festival introduces a new Music & Wellness Symposium featuring Dr. Daniel Levitin (@daniellevitinofficial). The signature Taste of Napa at The Meritage (@meritageresort) and family-friendly screenings of Walt Disney’s Fantasia with live orchestra promise culinary and cinematic delights. A testament to accessibility, daily admission-free Bouchaine Young Artist and Festival Live! concerts abound, complemented by a new “Choose Your Price” ticketing model for select evening events. Exclusive patron dinners and vintner’s luncheons at iconic estates further enrich the experience, supporting the festival’s arts-for-all mission.
