Live Music, Special Tastings, Events, Less Crowds
When planning a visit to Napa Valley, weekends often come to mind, with bustling tasting rooms, busy restaurants, and crowded sidewalks. But, here’s a secret worth sharing: the best time to experience Napa’s charms is often during the week. The valley slows its pace just enough for you to truly soak it in. Tables open up more easily, wineries feel intimate instead of packed, and locals reclaim their favorite hangouts.
If you’ve ever wanted Napa Valley all to yourself, or at least with a little more breathing room, planning a midweek visit is the way to go. From live music and happy hours to art workshops and yoga classes, Calistoga offers plenty of weekday activities that pair perfectly with a quiet, luxurious stay at our Calistoga bed and breakfasts.
Below, we’ve rounded up some of the best Napa Valley events and activities happening during the week. Consider this your guide to experiencing a more relaxed side of wine country.
Evening Relaxation: Live Music in Calistoga
There’s something so charming about hearing live music drift through the warm air after a day spent exploring vineyards. Calistoga has carved out a vibrant scene that makes midweek evenings just as lively, without the weekend crowds.
During the warmer months, Calistoga Inn Restaurant & Brewery offers midweek live music on the patio from Sunday through Thursday, 6:00 to 9:00 pm (May–October). Imagine gentle breezes, a craft beer or glass of wine in hand, and jazz or blues setting the perfect tone as the sun dips behind the Mayacamas Mountains.
If you’re looking for a more energetic end to the week, Calistoga Depot hosts Friday live music from 6:00 to 9:00 pm, followed by a DJ spinning late-night sets from 9:00 to 11:00 pm.
Johnny’s Restaurant & Bar, another local favorite, hosts live music every Tuesday and Friday evening. The atmosphere is relaxed yet refined, the kind of place where you can sip a glass of Napa red and let the rhythm carry you through the night.
Midweek in Napa isn’t about being quiet; it’s about experiencing the right amount of energy without the crush of a weekend crowd.
Happy Hour Picks: Napa Valley’s Best Weekday Deals
One of the most underrated things to do in Napa Valley during the week is to take advantage of happy hour. With fewer tourists vying for a seat at the bar, you can actually snag that perfect corner table and linger over small plates and cocktails.
At House of Better, happy hour runs Monday through Friday, 2:00 to 5:00 pm. The menu leans into fresh, Southwestern-inspired flavors, and the relaxed setting is ideal for a light, sunny afternoon snack.
Hydro Bar & Grill’s happy hour is one of the best in town, with all food items just $6, from mac and cheese to shareable apps that pair perfectly with their cocktails. Speaking of cocktails, Hydro goes beyond the usual well drinks, offering five crafted options on their happy hour menu, including the refreshing Calistoga Chill, perfect on a hot day. With plenty of seating and happy hour specials available anywhere in the restaurant, this casual spot has become a local favorite for midweek unwinding. Pop in on a Tuesday for Open Mic Night from 6–9 pm, and you’ll see just how lively a weekday can be here.
If you’re craving margaritas or classic Mexican fare, Pacifico Restaurante Mexicano offers happy hour Monday through Friday from 4:00 to 6:30 pm.
Creative Midweek: Art & Workshops
Not all Napa Valley activities revolve around wine. For those who like to tap into their creative side, Calistoga Art Center is a lesser-known community staple offering classes and workshops that fit beautifully into a weekday getaway.
On Mondays, you can join the Painters Group from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm, or dive into a hands-on Stained Glass class from 2:00 to 5:00 pm. In the evening, the center opens its ceramics studio from 5:00 to 8:00 pm, a drop-in session where you can experiment with clay no matter your skill level.
Wednesdays bring another chance to try the open ceramics studio (5:00 to 8:00 pm), while select Thursdays feature special workshops like quilting circles or craft labs.
Of course, the art of wine country doesn’t stop at the studio. Calistoga is also home to galleries that showcase the work of regional and national artists. From contemporary pieces to traditional landscapes, exploring Calistoga’s galleries adds another dimension to your midweek visit.
Weekday Wellness: Yoga & Movement
After a glass of wine (or two) the night before, start your day with something grounding. Calistoga is best known for its spas and hot springs, but midweek yoga classes can help center both body and mind.
Flow Napa Valley offers a full schedule of weekday yoga classes, from energizing Vinyasa flows to calming restorative sessions. The studio is known for its welcoming instructors and peaceful atmosphere, a refreshing way to balance indulgence with movement.
Just down the road, Calistoga Fit provides a broader range of classes throughout the week. Their weekday schedule includes yoga, Pilates, strength training, and group fitness. It’s a great option if you like variety and want to mix up your mornings before heading out to wineries or hikes.
Together, these studios prove that Napa Valley isn’t just about sipping, it’s also about stretching, strengthening, and savoring wellness. If you prefer to take your practice outside, weekday mornings are perfect for exploring the most popular hiking trails in Napa Valley, where quieter paths let you breathe in the valley’s natural beauty without the weekend crowds.
Remote-Work Perks: Work by Day, Explore by Night
One of the biggest shifts in travel these days is how easily guests can blend work and play. If you’ve ever dreamed of taking a “workation,” Calistoga might be the perfect fit.
At both of our inns, you’ll find quiet spaces ideal for remote work, strong WiFi, comfortable corners, and a peaceful setting that makes Zoom calls feel a little less routine. When it’s time for a change of scenery, Calistoga Roastery is a local favorite just down the street, serving strong coffee and hearty breakfasts weekdays from 6:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. It’s the perfect place to settle in with a latte, catch up on emails, and feel like part of the neighborhood before heading out to explore. By the time the laptop closes, you’re steps away from happy hour, live music, or an evening soak in the hot springs.
That balance (productivity by day, adventure by night) is what makes Napa Valley so appealing. It’s not just a vacation; it’s a lifestyle shift, even if only for a few days.
Why Midweek Offers the Best Things to Do in Napa Valley
Visiting Napa Valley during the week isn’t just about skipping lines at wineries. It’s about experiencing Napa Valley when it’s at its most authentic. You’ll chat with winemakers who have more time to share stories, meet locals at happy hour, and discover that a Tuesday evening can feel just as magical as a Saturday night.
It’s also about access. The best restaurants and tastings are easier to book, rates are lower, parking is simpler, and classes like ceramics or yoga often have more space. Midweek Napa Valley activities allow you to slow down and return home feeling like you’ve uncovered a side of Calistoga few travelers take the time to see.
Plan Your Midweek Escape
If you’ve been searching for things to do in Napa Valley beyond the usual weekend rush, consider making your next getaway a weekday retreat. Between live music at Calistoga Inn, happy hours at House of Better, creative workshops at the Calistoga Art Center, and morning yoga to reset your body and mind, your itinerary will be full of authentic, memorable experiences.
The best part? You’ll return to our inns each night, where comfort and charm meet the quiet pace of Calistoga. With remote-work-friendly amenities, a welcoming atmosphere, and a location steps away from downtown, you’ll have the perfect home base to experience it all.
Ready to enjoy peace and play midweek? Book your Calistoga stay today and let us help you plan your week.