Welcome back, everyone.

Enjoy it while you can, because we are on the verge.

Not yet. But the 100-degree Napa weather is coming, and while being from the East Coast makes me feel like the lack of humidity makes this all slightly more survivable, I also get it.

For those of you without A/C, or for those of you who have A/C but cannot afford to let PG&E know that, you know summer is not all outdoor concerts and chilled beverages.

That being said, we still have a few weeks before the real heat fully kicks in, and this weekend looks pretty close to perfect: that summer music concert energy is starting to pop up, which always feels like the nice, happy warning shot for the season.

I really do think this is when the town is at its most alive, and maybe at its best. So this week’s Gameplan is mostly about that unofficial start to summer.

Napa Lowdown trivia of the day:

Since we are talking about the heat being on its way: what was the hottest temperature recorded in Napa over the past decade?

A. 114 degrees
B. 109 degrees
C. 106 degrees
D. 102 degrees

This is probably the obligatory inclusion here.

Many of you probably know about it already, but if you are not downtown all that often, maybe not: once a month, there is a Makers Market in that little First Street plaza area.

And it is actually pretty big, bringing around 40 local artists and makers downtown for an outdoor market.

You can walk through, browse some interesting stuff, maybe find something for your home or a gift, and then keep moving with your Saturday.

Sure, it might be a little pricey. It is a makers market in downtown Napa. There is probably a slight tourist tax built into the experience.

But honestly, there is no real requirement here.

You do not need a ticket. You do not need a reservation. You do not need to plan your whole Saturday around it.

I will say, I think this is probably perfect if you have been looking for something specific for your home, need a gift, or just want an easy excuse to walk around downtown while the weather is nice.

Again, a makers market. Kind of touristy. Kind of pricey.

But a nice Saturday wander? Absolutely.

Details

Link: https://dothebay.com/events/2026/6/6/makers-market-local-artist-fair-first-street-napa-tickets

Next up, this one is technically hosted at a winery, but I promise I am not just slipping another tasting-room event into the Game Plan.

Not that I ever do that.

As you all know, I like promoting some of these smaller local events, especially when they fall into that sweet spot of: maybe not everyone knows about it, good cause, and great community feel.

The American Canyon Arts Foundation is holding its annual Art Extravaganza / Park Fest at RD Winery this Saturday, and this one checks those boxes pretty well.

The event includes an art show, musical entertainment, lite bites, and a silent auction. Wine tastings can also be purchased through the winery, if that is part of your Saturday plan.

So yes, there is a winery involved. But the actual center of gravity here is local art, local music, and a community arts organization getting its moment.

Also, I feel like American Canyon sometimes gets left out of the greater Napa weekend conversation, so it is nice to see something down there that is not just useful, but actually sounds fun.

Details

Link: https://rdwinery.com/journal/events/art-extravaganza-park-fest-american-canyon-arts-foundation/

Alright, I think summer is officially here.

Not technically, I know. Please do not email me the date of the solstice.

But the Town of Yountville is starting up its Music in the Park series this Sunday, and if you have not been, it is awesome.

Free live music. A park. Great food trucks. Close by. Local. People dancing. Bring a blanket. Bring your well-behaved dog if you have one.

It does get crowded, but that is also kind of the point. This is definitely one of those real community things where it feels like the town collectively decided to spend the evening outside.

And again, not a giant commitment. No ticket platform. No reservation. No big plan.

Hang out for 15 minutes. Hang out for two and a half hours. Grab food, listen to a few songs, leave whenever you want.

This week, Castro Garage Band is playing, and The Burger Truck will be there handling the food situation.

Also, small practical note: the town asks that you do not set up chairs or blankets until 3 p.m., which means some of you are apparently taking your park concert territory very seriously.

Details

Link: https://townofyountville.com/Calendar.aspx?EID=3670

Apparently Sunday is the day for outdoor music, because just as Yountville’s Music in the Park wraps up, Napa Yard is starting its own summer concert series back in Napa.

This one is called Vintage Rock Night, and it is the first show in Napa Yard’s Summer Sessions / Not Loud Concerts series.

Which, first of all, I love the phrase “Not Loud Concerts.” Very considerate.

The setup is The Rockbusters and Dirty Cello playing side-by-side in a vintage rock duel format, with outdoor lawn seating, space to dance, and food and drinks available for purchase.

So if the Yountville option is the free, blanket-and-burger, stop-by-for-a-little-bit version of Sunday evening, this is the more official nightcap.

A ticket. A lawn seat. A little vintage rock. Maybe a dance. And still home at a perfectly reasonable hour.

Honestly, not a bad way to officially welcome summer.

Details

Tickets: $20 per person

Link: https://www.napavalley.com/event/vintage-rock-night-at-napa-yard/

There you have it.

A makers market, a little American Canyon arts love, and a full Sunday outdoor music doubleheader. This is the nice part of summer. The warm days before the truly offensive heat shows up. Enjoy it while we have it.

The answer to today’s trivia: A. 114 degrees.

Napa hit 114°F on September 6, 2022, which is not only the hottest day of the past decade, but the hottest temperature ever recorded in Napa.

Which is a very upsetting number to think about as we head into summer.

And before I go, quick thank you: someone gave Napa Lowdown a very nice shoutout on Nextdoor recently, and I am sorry that I forgot your username, but I saw a huge bump in subscribers afterward.

So genuinely, thank you.

I know sharing a newsletter may feel like a very small thing, but it does a lot for me and is probably the nicest way to help this little thing keep growing.

And know that I appreciate all of you, whether you share, comment, reply, read, or just quietly open these every week. Otherwise, why would I keep writing them?

Have a good weekend, Napa.

Callie