Welcome to Festival Napa Valley

We find ourselves at a moment when the ideas of the Enlightenment feel more urgent than ever. Freedom of expression. Self-determination. Invention. Equality. Democracy. Since its founding, America has stood as a beacon of these values. While the American project is never finished — we are always working toward a more perfect union — recent events have reinforced that these are more than just ideas, they are central to a prosperous and healthy life.

This summer Festival Napa Valley celebrates the best of America.

We’ve curated a season that embraces the values we hold dear — through music, food, wine, and place.

Dvořák was inspired by what American music could be. In his soul-stirring From the New World, he wove in African American and Native American music to create a unique new sound. We present this symphony at our Opening Night concert, which also includes pieces by Daniel Brewbaker, an accomplished composer whose work was influenced by his Midwestern roots, and Leonard Bernstein, a brilliant artist celebrated for his democratic and inclusive vision of American music.

With Ansel Adams: America, we pay tribute to one of our country’s most cherished photographers, who captured the landscapes of the West like no one had before, and honor jazz icon Dave Brubeck, an artist who ignored preconceived boundaries of musical genre to fashion his own American soundscape. In Nia Imani Franklin’s Polaris, we celebrate the inauguration of Juneteenth as a national holiday. From bluegrass and classical virtuoso Tessa Lark to country music superstar Trisha Yearwood to the inspiring Young People’s Chorus of New York City, our nation’s distinctive musical voices resound at this year’s Festival.

Whether you are dining with friends under the stars at Beringer Vineyards, experiencing an open-air concert at Charles Krug, or taking in the exquisite art collection at Hess Persson, a uniquely American story will unfold, one imbued with optimism, entrepreneurial spirit, and hope.

At Festival Napa Valley, we are doing our small part to foster the best of American values. We keep working to make the arts accessible, investing in future generations, and offering opportunities to talented young musicians. We continue to expand our educational initiatives, nurture gifted artists, and bring our community together.

We are thrilled that you’re joining us.

Richard Walker
President and CEO

Robin Baggett
Chairman