October Festivals

Harvest is more than just cloudy days and the lingering smell of fermenting grapes in the air - it’s all about celebrating the fruits of our labor with family and friends. There are a lot of ways to celebrate throughout wine country—from pet parades to turkey shoots, or try hosting your own harvest party.

Host a pumpkin carving party, craft party or harvest dinner. There are an unlimited amount of possibilities here. I went to a pumpkin carving party a few years ago that was a lot of fun. Just provide one pumpkin per couple and plenty of carving tools (knives are just fine). This is a great way to involve both parents and kids. A craft party is a great way to get into the spirit of the season. If you are not a very crafty person or are short on time, consider picking up prepackaged crafts by Martha Stewart—available at most craft stores. A harvest dinner party is another way to get to enjoy the fall with friends and family. Tell everyone to bring their own favorite dish and a copy of the recipe. Have one last fire in your outdoor fireplace and provide plenty of hot drinks like apple cider and hot chocolate. Then later type out the recipes and email them out, or turn them into recipe books for Christmas gifts. The key to a successful party is planning it ahead of time so people don’t make other plans first, this can be a busy season. For a more formal party, typed or handwritten invitations are required. For more casual events, an email invite or even a phone call in advance is acceptable. It is all about having fun and being creative!

Here are a few favorite October Harvest Festivals and events in Napa Valley. Write us a comment and let us know what’s happening in your neck of the woods!

Oct. 18 - St. Helena’s 20th annual Hometown Harvest Festival and 14th annual Pet Parade starts at 8 a.m. Saturday on Oak Avenue and Adams Street with a children’s fun run, followed at 8:30 a.m. with an adult run/walk. The Pet Parade begins with a 9 a.m. registration at Pine Street and Oak Avenue and the Parade at 10 a.m. The Harvest Festival runs until 4:30 p.m. with activities for children, food and craft booths, wine tasting and music. Mark this one on your calendar-it is one event you won’t want to miss.

Oct. 21 - The annual Pope Valley turkey shoot will be held Sunday from 8 a.m. to sundown across from the Pope Valley Farm Center. A pancake breakfast will be held from 6 to 10 a.m. at the fire station. The shoot includes six traps, paint ball, bingo, a wheel of fortune, games for the whole family and a raffle as well as food — tri-tip sandwiches, hot dogs, nachos, sodas and water. Trap shells available. Rain date is Sunday, Oct. 28. No dogs allowed. Call 707-965-2295 for more information.

Oct. 25 - Harvest Festival at Connolly Ranch is full of family fun with farm animals, a large pumpkin patch, ice cream and live music. Located at 3141 Browns Valley Road in Napa. Call 707-224-1894 for more information.

Oct. 26 - Halloween Happenings at the Jelly Belly Visitor Center is an annual Munchkin Masquerade Parade Tour lead by Mr. Jelly Belly, at the Jelly Belly Visitor Venter. Visit www.jellybelly.com for more info.

Oct. 31 - The Calistoga Halloween Festival is an event full of games, music, costume contest, coloring contests, face painting, palm reading, storytelling, skits horse drawn carriage rides, snacks and refreshments. The event takes place on Oct. 31 from 7-9pm at the Fairgrounds. Cost is $2/person or $5/family.

Written by Karen