October in Napa Valley: Your Guide to the Month's Best Events
Costumed dogs, a hometown harvest festival, and big names on the lawn.
The days are getting shorter, the evenings are cooling off, and the valley's calendar is as full as ever. October brings a mix of community traditions, one brand new celebration, and a run of big name shows on the lawn at The Meritage.
Here is a look at what is happening across Napa Valley this month.
Napa
The City of Napa is hosting its first ever dog parade, and costumes are encouraged. Expect a costume contest, an obstacle course, pet vendor booths, food trucks, and mimosas served by the Napa Parks & Recreation Foundation. Awards include Best Costume and Most Creative for both small and large dogs, plus Best Pair for a dog and owner. Register your dog here.
American Canyon
A floating pumpkin patch is exactly as fun as it sounds. American Canyon Parks and Recreation is pairing it with pumpkin decorating, fall themed games, and snacks. Admission is $10 for residents and $12 for non residents, with registration through the city's Parks and Recreation portal. Event details.
St. Helena
Jancis Robinson and The World Atlas of Wine
Wine writer Jancis Robinson joins critic Alder Yarrow at the CIA at Greystone to celebrate the new edition of The World Atlas of Wine. The program includes a live conversation, a book signing, and a reception. Tickets and details.
Napa
Blue Note Napa Summer Sessions
The outdoor series on the Village Lawn keeps going well into fall. A few of the October headliners:
Date | Performer | Show |
|---|---|---|
October 9 | Air Supply, A Matter of Time Tour · 8 p.m. | Concert |
October 17 | John Mulaney · 8 p.m. | Comedy |
October 23 | Switchfoot with Anberlin | Concert |
October 24 | Boney James and Lalah Hathaway · 7 p.m. | Concert |
St. Helena
St. Helena Hometown Harvest Festival
The City of St. Helena calls this its most beloved fall event, held on the third Saturday in October each year. Expect live music, wine and beer, a food alley, a kids zone, and more than 70 artisan and nonprofit vendors. This year's stage lineup runs from the St. Helena Cheer Team and Legacy Dance Collective to Sol Flamenco, line dancing with Boot Scoot With Cat, and Funky Dozen.
Come early for the extras. The 5K starts at 7:45 a.m., the one mile fun run and walk at 9 a.m., and the Pet PAWrade at 10 a.m., rain or shine, with pets in their best Halloween costumes. Festival details and PAWrade sign up.
Downtown Napa
20th Annual Soroptimist Lobsterfest
Make it a full Saturday. Soroptimist of Napa marks 20 years of Lobsterfest with food, drinks, auction items, and prizes. The fundraiser supports programs and grants that help local women and girls access opportunity and education. Tickets are $175 per person. Tickets and details.
Napa
Heritage Halloween: Tulocay Cemetery Tour
The Napa County Historical Society presents a walking tour lasting 90 minutes through some of Tulocay Cemetery's oldest sections. A cemetery intern leads the tour, sharing stories of historic Napa figures along the way. The tour departs from the Juarez Building and includes maps and whisper headsets. The terrain is steep and hilly, so wear comfortable shoes. Tickets are $30 for members and $45 for non members. Tickets and details.
Coming Up
Save the date for early November. The City of Napa's Día de los Muertos celebration fills Veterans Park downtown with art, tradition, music, dance, and food. Event details.
This is what it means to live in Napa Valley.
Not just the wine and the scenery, but a calendar full of hometown traditions, community causes, and world class entertainment. If you have been thinking about making a move to wine country, or are ready to explore what is available right now, our team is here to help.
Event information was checked against available city, venue, organizer, and local event listings as of September 29, 2026. Details are subject to change.
This content was created with the assistance of artificial intelligence and reviewed by the Coldwell Banker Brokers of the Valley marketing team. Please confirm details directly with the venue before attending.
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