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Festival Napa Valley has announced the launch of a multiyear artistic exchange with China. Unveiled December 6 with the signing of a MOU with Beijing Poly Theatre Management Company and a celebratory concert at the U.S. Embassy’s Beijing American Center, the Festival Napa Valley/China Cultural Exchange aims to foster collaboration and dialogue through music, education, food and wine events, and cultural tourism.

“One must laugh a bit at Venus,” sings Norina. This could have stood as the raison d’etre for Gaetano Donizetti’s Don Pasquale at its Paris premiere in 1843, as well as for Festival Napa Valley’s delightful Manetti Shrem Opera production of the work at the Mondavi Center at UC Davis last Friday, November 15.

Festival Napa Valley has announced it is introducing a "Choose Your Price" ticket model for the 2025 Summer Season. This will be the first in the region and the new option, launching in March with single-ticket sales, advances the Festival's Arts for All mission by allowing attendees to select ticket prices that fit their budget. 

These are the must-hit festivals, concerts, events, and most fun things to do this year in San Francisco, broken down by month. Every summer, Festival Napa Valley brings a diverse program of arts to Wine Country. More than 200 artists, wineries, resorts, theaters, restaurants, chefs, and vintners participate each year to highlight renowned artists and emerging talent through free concerts, film screenings, and patron dinners.

“Jan was more than a benefactor — he was a true friend and an inspiration,” said Rick Walker, president and CEO of Festival Napa Valley. “His warm spirit, generosity, and unwavering belief in the power of the arts have left an indelible mark on our festival and community.”

Festival Napa Valley’s 18th season, held from July 6-21, 2024, once again enthralled audiences with a grand celebration of music, art, and culinary brilliance. This summer’s event, featuring diverse performances and initiatives, showcased the festival’s commitment to artistic excellence and its significant impact on community engagement.

For a certain generation of young women determined to express professional polish in the working world, a classic St. John knit ensemble defined de rigueur office wear. Yet at Alila Resort in Saint Helena on July 16, amid the extensive cultural programming which defines Festival Napa Valley, this venerable American luxury house (founded in 1962 by model Marie Gray and headquartered in Irvine), turned that iconic knit dress on its head.

Rick Walker has created magic in the Napa Valley. On Sunday, July 14, that magic reached a new crescendo with $4.5 million raised in one evening at Festival Napa Valley’s Arts for All Gala to support access to arts education programs. Nickel & Nickel in Oakville was the idyllic setting for the affair, chaired by Festival board member Leslie Frank. Dinner, by chef Elliot Bell of Charlie’s and Componere Culinary & Events, was paired with wines from Nickel & Nickel and Dolce.

Like wine, the quality of an artist’s work is not determined by age, nor is the vigor of an audience. This was evident at Festival Napa Valley on Thursday, July 18. The day began with a book launch for 90-year-old Gordon Getty and concluded with a showcase of vocalists mostly in their 20s, with all events attended by a multigenerational audience flocking to wine country from all over this country and several continents.