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From Shakespeare in the redwoods to avant-garde dance in downtown San Francisco, the Bay Area's summer arts calendar is packed with performances that surprise, provoke and delight. This season's highlights include world-premiere theater, bold contemporary opera and major musical celebrations, alongside intimate storytelling events and large-scale spectacles.

The trumpeter, composer and cultural force headlines the festival’s 20th anniversary kickoff on July 12 at the Nickel & Nickel winery, setting the tone for a season built on music with meaning.

From July 4 to 19, Festival Napa Valley trumpets its 20th anniversary with an ongoing feast for the senses during the 16-day performing arts and culinary celebration. Featuring more than 200 international musicians, these “best days of summer” are held amid exclusive venues, five-star resorts, and exquisite vineyard estates dotting this verdant valley.

Paul Riley picks out some of the best classical music festivals to look out for in the USA and Canada in 2026

Dinners and luncheons in idyllic wine country venues set the stage for a rich blend of musical and cultural offerings. The Festival’s lineup features such major names as soprano Renée Fleming, trumpeter and composer Wynton Marsalis, and pianist Jean-Yves Thibaudet.

Festival Napa Valley has announced the election of Peter Mondavi Jr., third-generation co-proprietor of Charles Krug Winery, to its Board of Directors.

Festival Napa Valley, held every summer in Northern California’s gorgeous Napa Valley, has become one of the world’s premier festivals, attracting visitors from near and far. This year, Festival Napa Valley’s 20th anniversary Summer Season promises to be better than ever with the ultimate pairing of world-class artistry, amazing food and exquisite wines tucked within the valley’s most picturesque vineyards, running from July 4–19.

Festival Napa Valley will present its first-ever Novack Concert for Kids at the historic Uptown Theatre later this month. The event — scheduled for Thursday, April 30 at 10 a.m. at the downtown Napa theater — will be headlined by renowned Taiwanese violinist Ray Chen, who will be accompanied by up-and-coming classical pianist Chelsea Wang.

Festival Napa Valley will return to the Wine Country this summer to celebrate its 20th anniversary season. Running July 4-19, the festival’s lineup features such major names as soprano Renée Fleming, trumpeter and composer Wynton Marsalis, and pianist Jean-Yves Thibaudet. In total, more than 200 artists will appear for concerts, dance performances, and special events at various venues throughout the famed Napa Valley.