It may be cool, even cold, and raining, but exciting things to do don’t end during the “off” season in Napa Valley. Some would argue that it’s a better time to enjoy activities as there are fewer visitors in the valley than the rest of the year.
Feb. 1 to 4:
Yountville International Short Film Festival focuses on the shorter films that rarely get their due. The festival will screen more than 100 films at two pop-up cinemas, the Yountville Community Center’s Heritage Room and The Estate Yountville. Films include animation and suspense, fantasy, science action, drama, and foreign films in 20 dedicated screening blocks. Filmmaker Q&A sessions and wine-tasting events are also scheduled. Passes are now on sale, beginning at $15 for individual film blocks to $99 for the All-Access Pass to the All-Access VIP Pass at $199. Click here to review all ticketing options.
Jan. 20 to Feb 18:
Downtown Napa hosts its annual Napa Lighted Art Festival using light and light technologies as an art medium. This walkable outdoor tour in Napa features 10 lighted art sculptures Friday and Saturday and 2 p.m. on Sunday at the Lucky Penny Community Arts Center, 1758 Industrial Way in Napa. Thursday performances are Pay-What-You-Can. Reserved seats here or by calling 707-266-6305.
Jan. 27 to April 21:
Di Rosa Center for Contemporary Art inaugurates a new video projection series with Jock McDonald’s We the People. The installation, displayed on di Rosa’s exterior nightly, features portraits of San Franciscans morphing and blending into one another in an illustration of our connection and shared humanity. A tailgate opening reception is on Jan. 27. Click here for more information.
January-March:
The Napa Valley Mustard Celebration showcases the wild mustard plants with their bright yellow flowers that bloom during the rainy off-season in Napa Valley. For a list of events, click here.
Paul Franson is the editor and publisher of Napa Life, a weekly newsletter. Learn more at napalife.com or email paul@paulfranson.com
