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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.

Festival Napa Valley's Arts for All Gala held on Sunday, July 14, was an unforgettable evening, not just for the record-setting amount raised to support inspiring education programs, affordable concerts, and scholarships in the region. The event, held at the stunningly elegant Nickel & Nickel Winery, was a welcome fusion of philanthropy and celebration. 

On May 9, guests gathered in the penthouse suites on the 56th floor of  The Avery luxury condominiums in San Francisco to sip fine Napa Valley wines and experience an intimate performance by Solidaire Trio. Presented by Festival Napa Valley in partnership with The Avery, the event was part of the year-round Olivia Decker Power of Music Series.

Lionel Richie performed at Festival Napa Valley’s Arts for All Gala at Nickel & Nickel on Sunday, where $4.5 million was raised for education programs, free and affordable concerts, and scholarships.