Huge one. Obviously, we got a Halloween recap for this weekend gameplan

Here are the events I found going on around actual downtown Napa this weekend.

I am sure I am missing a few, and no, your aunt’s house party is probably not going to make the list.

But if you are actually heading out, this should give you a pretty good idea of what is happening around town.

I think downtown Napa is always a blast around Halloween. Costumes everywhere, people bouncing between places, kids out earlier in the day, adults taking over later at night.

Of course, there is plenty happening up-valley too, and probably a lot more of the barn, harvest and Wine Country-themed stuff if that is more your speed.

So I will not blame you if you head out of town. But for those of us staying in Napa, here is what you have to work with.

One quick thing before we get into it.

We are going to start posting a super-condensed version of the Friday Game Plan over on Instagram too, so if you ever just want the CliffsNotes version, check us out over there :)

Alright, let's start with the little ones.

Halloween falling on a Saturday this year is pretty much ideal if you have kids. No rushing home from school, no trying to squeeze trick-or-treating into a weeknight, and plenty of opportunities to wear those costumes you probably spent way too much time putting together.

Here are a few things happening right here in Napa.

This is the big one, and probably where a good chunk of Napa's kids will be Saturday morning.

More than 100 downtown businesses are participating in Hometown Halloween, handing out candy to costumed kids throughout downtown. Just look for the black and orange balloons outside participating storefronts.

Pretty simple. Walk around, collect candy, see everyone's costumes and enjoy downtown being taken over by a bunch of tiny superheroes, princesses and whatever else kids are dressing up as these days.

Saturday, October 31 | 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. | Downtown Napa | Free

https://www.napa.kids/upcoming-events/hometown-halloween-in-downtown-napa-all-ages

And this next one actually came straight from a reader!

Amy from the Napa Valley Education Foundation emailed me this week to let me know about their Halloween Extravaganza at Napa Yard.

First of all, thank you, Amy. I love when you guys send these things my way.

And they are really going all out.

There will be face painting, crafts, carnival games, trick-or-treating, mini golf, roller skating and costume contests. Kids' costume judging is scheduled for 3 p.m., with live music later in the afternoon.

The event also continues into the evening with an adult costume contest and DJ, so this one actually works for both halves of today's newsletter.

Even better, proceeds benefit the Napa Valley Education Foundation, supporting local education.

Saturday, October 31 | 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. | Napa Yard, 585 First St. | $20 adults, $10 kids

https://www.nvef.org/halloween/

And a little shoutout to the folks over at Queen of the Valley!

As if the doctors, nurses and hospital staff aren't busy enough already, they're making time to put together a Halloween Trunk or Treat for the kids.

There will be candy, games, face painting and Halloween activities in the hospital's front parking lot.

I just think it's pretty cool that people who already spend their days taking care of our community are finding another way to give back. So a big thank you to everyone helping put this together.

Friday, October 30 | 3 to 5 p.m. | Providence Queen of the Valley, Napa | Free

https://napakids.substack.com/p/october2026

Another neighborhood option.

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Napa Valley are hosting a Halloween carnival at their Napa clubhouse with games, costumes and trick-or-treating.

I always like including these smaller community events because not everybody wants to deal with the biggest crowds downtown, especially with younger kids.

Saturday, October 31 | 5 to 8 p.m. | Napa Boys & Girls Club

https://begreatnv.org/boys-and-girls-clubs-of-napa-valley-news-events/

And there you go. Five options for the kids, all without leaving Napa.

Now, for those of us whose Halloween plans involve something other than collecting candy...

Alright, now that we've taken care of the kids, let's talk about the rest of us.

And ladies (and some of you guys), I hope you've checked the weather before committing to those Halloween costumes.

Or maybe you don't care. I know some of you are counting on that liquor blanket to keep you warm.

But the forecast is looking pretty great for Halloween. Cool, a little cloudy, and temperatures dropping into the 40s later in the night.

Honestly, just the right amount of spooky.

Anyway, here are a few options if you're heading out.

This one is a little different in the best way.

Bonita Bonita is hosting an Old Hollywood-themed murder mystery on Friday evening, complete with wine, charcuterie and a whodunit to solve.

So instead of spending the night on a dance floor, you can dress up, have a glass of wine and spend a few hours accusing strangers of murder.

Honestly, not a bad way to spend Halloween weekend.

And I kind of like that there's an option for people who want to do something festive without committing to a full-blown Halloween party.

Friday, October 30 | 6 to 9 p.m. | Bonita Bonita, Downtown Napa

https://www.bonitabonita.com/calendar

For those of you who just want a good old-fashioned Halloween party, The Garden by Tannery Bend is hosting one Saturday night.

DJ, dancing, costumes and a costume contest.

Pretty straightforward, and sometimes that's all you need.

Also, if you spent three weeks putting together a costume, you might as well find somewhere to show it off.

Saturday, October 31 | 9 p.m. | The Garden by Tannery Bend, Napa

https://www.tannerybendbeerworks.com/events/

I had to include this one because it's such a different option.

Jarvis Conservatory is screening Melancholia, Lars von Trier's 2011 film about two sisters and a planet potentially colliding with Earth.

So, you know, a nice lighthearted Saturday afternoon.

It's not technically a Halloween movie, but an atmospheric film about the end of the world feels appropriately unsettling for the occasion.

And if loud music, costumes and crowded bars aren't your thing, sitting in a theater watching the impending apocalypse might actually sound pretty relaxing by comparison.

Saturday, October 31 | 1:30 p.m. | Jarvis Conservatory, Napa | $20

https://jarvisconservatory.com/artfilms.html

So there you have it.

A murder mystery, a Halloween party and the literal end of the world.

I think that covers a pretty decent range of Halloween personalities.

And that's your Halloween weekend in Napa! Whatever you end up doing, have fun, stay safe, and please be careful out there. Especially if you're heading out for a few drinks.

And one last reminder, we're going to start posting shorter versions of the Friday Game Plan over on Instagram (linked below), so if you want the quick rundown without reading all my rambling, come check us out over there :)

Happy Halloween, everyone!

See you Monday for Town Notes.

Callie