Best Things to Do in Napa Valley This May

“M” is for May and this month means Mother’s Day and Memorial Day Weekend to mark the unofficial start of summer. What’s more… there are music festivals, too.

We’ve done the deep research for you on the best things to do in Napa including museums, cultural events, food tours, golfing, hikes and more. Speaking of food, we also have an extensive list of our best restaurants in Napa, and if you’re planning a weekend, the the best places to stay.

May is warm in Napa Valley, with temperatures in the 70s and 80s.

Featured photo courtesy of BottleRock Napa Valley. 

Warrior Dogs at Napa Valley Museum Yountville
Photo: Courtesy of Napa Valley Museum

Warrior Dogs at Napa Valley Museum Yountville

February 24, 2024 - January 5, 2025

This exhibition teaches visitors about the history of dogs in combat, highlighting the partnership between military dogs, their trainers, handlers, veterinarians and other soldiers with whom they serve. The exhibition will be on display in the Main Gallery of the Napa Valley Museum Yountville, located on the grounds of the nation’s oldest and largest Veterans Home.

More info: napavalleymuseum.com

A group of people practice yoga on mats outdoors in a vineyard setting, performing poses under tall trees with mountains and a clear sky in the background. The peaceful, scenic environment includes greenery and white flowers. It's one of the best things to do in Napa this May.
Photo: Courtesy of Harvest Inn

Mindful Meditation and Yoga

Saturday Mornings May through Early November (weather permitting)

Bring gratitude and intention to your day in wine country with a guided meditation and yoga practice on the Vin Rose Lawn at Harvest Inn St. Helena Napa Valley.

More info: harvestinn.com

Barrel rooms at Castello Grand Barrel Party in Napa
Photo courtesy of Misty Lane.

The Grand Barrel Party at Castello di Amorosa

May 9

Taste more than 30 wines, enjoy delicious seasonal bites, and watch how wine barrels are made in a Tuscan-style castle. 

More info: castellodiamorosa.com

Afternoon tea at Ackerman Heritage House
Photo: Courtesy of Ackerman Heritage House

Afternoon Tea at Ackerman Heritage House

May 11–12, June 22–23, July 20–21

Sip organic tea while nibbling on finger sandwiches and sweet treats, steps from downtown Napa, at a Queen Anne Victorian that dates back to the late 1800s.

More info: ackermanfamilyvineyards.com

People enjoy a sunny day at an outdoor market with white canopy tents. Shoppers browse various stalls, some with dogs and children. The scene is bustling with activity, set against a backdrop of green trees—one of the Best Things to Do in Napa This May.
Photo: Courtesy of Yountville Art, Sip & Stroll

Yountville Art, Sip & Stroll

Date TBD

Strolling Yountville is fun any day, but this annual event takes it up a notch. More than 50 artists, wineries, and musicians will take over Washington Street.

More info: artsipstroll.com

A wooden outdoor dining table is set for a meal with various dishes including salads, bread, and desserts, along with glasses of red and white wine. The table is decorated with white napkins and surrounded by chairs, with green trees visible in the background—one of the best things to do in Napa this May.
Photo: Courtesy of Somerston Estate

Winery Lunch Series at Somerston Estate

October 11 and rest of days TBA

Each month from May through October, you can sit down to lunch with the director of viticulture and winemaking, winemaker, or vineyard manager, at Somerston Estate. Seasonally focused dishes will be paired with library and current release wines.

More info: somerstonestate.com

Chromeo at BottleRock Napa Concert
Photo: Chromeo by Demian Becerra

BottleRock Napa Valley

May 23–25

The annual three-day music, wine and culinary festival features more than 75 musical acts, including headline artists Pearl Jam, Ed Sheeran, Stevie Nicks and Maná.

More info: bottlerocknapavalley.com

Event Venues

Looking to see what’s happening right now in Napa Valley? Our comprehensive list of venues across the city below will help you find what you need to know what’s going on.

Looking for more things to do in the area?

Visit our What to Do in Northern California page!

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