While Napa is undoubtedly known for its wine, and many Bay Area locals visit the area to enjoy the numerous vineyards that populate the rolling hills, Napa also has a thriving art scene.
Massive glowing art installations are returning to Downtown Napa for the city’s yearly Lighted Art Festival. The festival includes ten glowing sculptures in the heart of the city, plus large-scale projections will illuminate three downtown buildings for the first nine nights.
The event begins on January 20 and runs for five weeks, so you have plenty of time to go and check out the glowing sculptures. The festival is completely free to the public, and you can walk around Downtown Napa, viewing the pieces at your leisure. The projections will run from January 20-28, and the rest of the festival installations will close on February 18.
Special events at the Napa Lighted Art Festival
On the opening night of the festival, several of the artists will be available for a meet and greet that is free to the public from 4:30 to 6:00 pm at the Aerena Gallery on January 20. People will have a chance to discuss the artist’s work with them and learn more about the pieces.
The festival also includes a Lantern Parade on February 10, starting at 6:30 pm. Guests are invited to create a lantern and then carry it on the half-mile parade route. Live music will accompany the event, and people are encouraged to express their unique creativity with their creations. The event is free for participants, and kids are welcome.
You can spot the glowing installations from 6-9 pm on Sundays through Thursdays and 6-10 Fridays and Saturdays. Downtown Napa is roughly 1.5 hours from San Francisco, depending on traffic, and you can easily make a fun day trip to the area.