Hey Napa.

Back again, myth-busting the tired old line that “there’s nothing to do here.” (Spoiler: there’s too much to do, and I’ve got the receipts.)

Quick programming note: Among Locals is changing its rhythm. The once-a-week info dump was starting to feel like trying to drink from a firehose, so I’m splitting it up. Think of it as portion control, but for your calendar.

Tuesdays: original reporting, local shout-outs to the people and businesses that keep this place interesting, along with mid-week reminders so you don’t forget that trivia night exists.
Thursdays: the Top Weekend Must-Dos, plus live music, brain teasers, and gossip (the good kind).

Because this valley has a borderline embarrassing number of ongoing weekly happenings (karaoke, bingo, open mics, you name it), I’m also building a Weekly Happenings page on the site. It’s a cheat sheet for your “what’s on tonight?” moments.

If you run a local business and want your thing included, fill out the event form and I’ll make sure you’re in the mix.

Bonus: I added Instagram Story Highlights by month so you can browse current happenings I share out daily on social.

As always, feedback is welcome. Love it? Hate it? Want to advertise your event or business? Smash that reply button.

Now onto this week’s lineup.

EVENTS

MAIN EVENT

05 | Movies in the Park @ Yountville Veterans Park | A screening of Bottleshock under the stars. Pack a blanket, snacks, and relive the golden age of Napa wine on the big (inflatable) screen. | FREE | 8PM

FUN FOR THE WHOLE FAM

05 | Napa Friday Night Car Meet @ In-N-Out Burger | In-N-Out turns into a drive-in flex. Chrome, classics, with a side of fries. | FREE | 7PM-9PM

CREATIVE BLOCK

06 | Napa ZineFest Meet Up @ Bookmine | DIY forever. Make a zine, trade a zine, buy a zine. Bookmine’s the hub for all your punk publishing dreams. | FREE | 10AM-2PM

ADULTS-ONLY

06 | Dior Eyewear Fashion Show @ Zyunga Optical | Glasses, but make it couture. Zyunga Optical is going full runway with Dior’s latest frames. RSVP, wear your garden party best, and bring your chicest side-eye. | FREE RSVP | 3PM-7PM

COALITION CORNER

04-30 | Fill out your Prop 50 Postcards | Prop 50 isn’t just another ballot slog. It’s California’s big “counter-punch” move in the national gerrymandering fight. Newsom wants to redraw congressional maps to favor Democrats through 2030, suspending the independent commission until the next census. Grab your pack of 20 postcards (email Pat Reynes for yours) and help shape a debate that’ll echo all the way to Washington. | FREE | Anytime

PLAN AHEAD

Design a Dia de los Muertos Banner | Put your art in the streets. Submit your design to be part of Napa’s annual celebration. | Info Here

Napa Humane Pet Photo Contest | Fame for your furball, wall candy for you, support for local animals. | Info Here

California State Parks Photo Contest | Show off your best nature shot. The vines, hills, and/or morning fog is waiting. | Info Here

Mustard Celebration Call to Artists | Napa’s fields are your canvas. Time to paint the valley yellow. | Info Here

LIVE MUSIC

04 | THURSDAY
On The Mic Live Performances @ Barnhouse | 7PM
Journey & Jade Day @ The Fink | 730PM
David Correra Trio @ Blue Note | 8PM

ONGOING

Broadway & Vine Music Series @ Various Locations | JUN-OCT
Festival Napa Valley @ Various Locations | NOW-OCT

MONDAYS
Storytime @ Napa Bookmine | 10AM
Drop-In Wellness Workshops @ Mentis Wellness Campus | 2PM-5PM
Movie Mondays @ The Garden | 7PM
Karaoke @ Downtown Joes | 830PM

TUESDAYS
Farmers Market @ Downtown | 8AM-12PM
Finko Bingo @ The Fink | 6PM-8PM
Trivia (2nd and 4th) Tuesdays @ Heritage Eats | 630PM-830PM
Karaoke @ Downtown Joes | 830PM

THURSDAYS
First Thursdays @ Oxbow Commons | Through October | 5PM-9PM
Trivia @ Andaz | 7PM

🚨 If you run a local business and want your thing included, fill out the event form and I’ll make sure you show up on our Weekly Happenings page.

FOOD & DRINK

The Gluten-Free Breakfast Surprise at Under-Study

Who knew (maybe everyone but me?) — but Under-Study has their gluten-free options on lock. From the flourless Cacao Noir cake (OMG) to cookies and financiers, the petasserie case is stacked. But for this week’s One to Order, I’m zooming in on the dish that stopped me mid-bite: the avocado toast.

Photo: EC2 Studios

Forget everything you know about basic avocado toast — Under-Study’s version is a full rebrand. It starts with a gluten-free bread that eats like sourdough (crisp edges, tender center), layered with whipped avocado so silky it’s piped on like frosting. A hit of kosho and sesame sneaks in a savory umami note, while thinly sliced radishes and onions give it crunch and bite. It’s indulgent, unexpected, and proof that gluten-free can still feel luxe.

Small Bites: Food News

Loveski Deli named best bagels in the bay. Grab yours over at Oxbow.
Speaking of Oxbow, Johnny Donuts is making its Napa Valley debut in a matter of months.
Hot Chicken is coming to Old Sonoma Rd in October.
You can now donate to the Napa Food Bank 5 days a week.

Ben Koenig Isn’t Ready to Give Up

How Heritage Eats went from fast-casual darling to near-collapse and why its founder is betting on humility instead of hype.

Read The Story

BRAIN BREAK

The flourless Cacao Noir at Under-Study qualifies as this.

Hit reply when you find the word and be entered to win a monthly prize!

PET OF THE WEEK

Lola: The Most Dignified Doberman in Napa

She’s calm, gentle, and endlessly polite — the kind of dog who wins you over with soft eyes and quiet charm rather than barking for attention. On her recent field trip with the Napa County Animal Shelter, Lola proved she’s as graceful on a leash as she is stretched out in the sunshine (belly rubs very much encouraged). She’s available for adoption now — and she’s more than ready for a forever home.

Napa County Animal Shelter: (707) 253-4382

The IYKYK Guide to Napa

We started a new series on Instagram asking locals to spill their best kept Napa secrets, from where you send friends for a “this is Napa” meal to the golden hour spots that never miss. Think of it as a collective cheat sheet, written by us and you. Click into the post below and add your faves from the prompts.

among.locals
1,028 followers
View more on Instagram
among.locals
Add a comment...

And that’s it for this week! Stay tuned for the refreshed twice-a-week editions hitting your inbox next week.

Until then…

☀️ Consider Your Weekend PLANNED