Festival Napa Valley

About Festival Napa Valley Festival Napa Valley is a prominent cultural event that has been enhancing the quality of life in Napa Valley since its inception in 2006. The festival was initially catalyzed by the Russian National Orchestra's annual summer residency in Northern California, which began in 1999. This residency included a series of concerts, family programs, and events that supported local youth charities and gained immense popularity. Inspired by this success, a group of local leaders envisioned a festival that would establish Napa Valley as a cultural destination. The festival's launch was made possible through the financial backing of notable patrons such as Ann and Gordon Getty, Tatiana and Gerret Copeland, Peter T. Paul, Athena and Timothy Blackburn, Maria Manetti Shrem, Dede Wilsey, John Traina, and Robert and Margrit Mondavi. Their support, along with contributions from many individuals, partner wineries, resorts, hotels, and local businesses, helped Festival Napa Valley become one of the premier summer festivals in the United States. Originally named Napa Valley Festival del Sole, the event was founded by San Francisco Bay Area attorney and arts manager Richard Walker, along with IMG Artists Chairman Barrett Wissman. In 2016, the festival underwent significant rebranding and adopted the name Festival Napa Valley. The festival has since become a trailblazer for other festivals that have chosen wine country as their backdrop, attracting over 10,000 guests each season. Festival Napa Valley is presented by the Napa Valley Festival Association, a nonprofit organization dedicated to making the arts accessible to all. The festival features a diverse array of programs that include world-class performances in live and virtual formats, educational programs for schools and youth, and scholarships for talented young artists. Governed by a board of directors comprised of prominent vintners and local leaders, the festival is committed to enriching the cultural landscape of Napa Valley. The festival's mission is to engage audiences with innovative programs that enrich and inspire, emphasizing inclusiveness, diversity, and innovation. By leveraging the power of music and the arts to bring people together, Festival Napa Valley plays a vital role in fostering a vibrant and healthy community. For more information about Festival Napa Valley, its history, mission, and programs, or to learn how to participate or support the festival, interested parties are encouraged to reach out through the organization's contact form.