March 20 marks the official start of spring, and with warmer weather and blooming buds just around the corner, we’ve got your guide to the best things to do in Napa leading up to and during this spring season.

Running from March 15 – 18 and in its 25th year, Yountville Live is a world class food and wine festival in the heart of the Napa Valley. Featuring the finest food from award-winning and globally recognized chefs, wines from over 100 local wineries, and live music performances throughout the weekend, Yountville Live is an experience unlike any other and a must-see this spring.

 

Indulge in celebrity chef demos, get an inside and hands-on look at the kitchens through a master class, dance the night away at a late night swanky VIP event, and experience the highest level of wine making excellence, all in one weekend.

Throughout the entire month of April, Napa Valley transforms into a cultural showcase, celebrating the arts and exhibiting the area’s artistic spirit from Napa to Calistoga and everywhere in between. In the four weeks of special events taking place during ‘Arts in April’ you will experience a host of memorable activities, from attending Sarafornia, a four-day art, music, food and wine festival in Calistoga, to walking First Street Napa, downtown’s newest shopping and dining destination now featuring eight stunning murals from local artists.

Whether you are a cycling aficionado or looking to try something new this spring, Cycle for Sight on April 21st is one of the biggest Napa Valley community cycling events taking place each year. Attendees come from near and far to ride either a 15, 25 or 50 mile course to support two local organizations, Enchanted Hills Camp For The Blind & Visually Impaired and The Pathway Home Program. After the race, enjoy post-ride festival events including food from local Napa Valley chefs, wine from local vineyards and live music from popular Bay Area musicians, Pride & Joy.

If you missed Cycle for Sight or simply couldn’t get enough riding in, be sure to sign up for Tour de Cure on May 6th benefitting the American Diabetes Association. This event’s routes are designed for people of all cycling abilities and this year, Tour de Cure is open to runners as well. Run, walk or jog the 5K along the beautiful route through Napa. If you are looking for a fun and rewarding Sunday family activity, you can also register as a volunteer at the event helping with everything from event set up and route signage to rider registration and start/finish line cheer teams.

Send of spring and experience the first taste of summer May 25 – 27 at BottleRock Napa Valley, an iconic Napa weekend festival featuring chart-topping musical artists, world-class food and wine, and an overall unforgettable experience in one of California’s most beautiful settings. This year’s headliners include Bruno Mars, The Killers, Muse, and many more will grace the stage.

Taking place May 31 – June 3, Auction Napa Valley is one of the area’s most celebrated charity events. The four-day affair is sponsored by the Napa Valley Vinters and was started in 1981 by a group of local winery owners. Today, this event has grown to include private vinter-hosted parties, creative culinary experiences, and the world’s only single-case auction of rare collections of Napa Valley wine and one-of-a-kind experiences, all benefiting a core group of 25 local nonprofits and organizations dedicated to community health and children’s education.