🎷 Event Overview
Official Name: Blue Note Jazz Festival Napa Valley
Location: Napa Valley, California
Venue: The Meritage Resort & Spa, Napa
Dates: Friday, July 25 – Sunday, July 27, 2025
A harmonious fusion of legendary music, world-class wine, and intimate cultural connection, the Blue Note Jazz Festival Napa Valley is not your average festival—it’s an elevated experience curated by the culture, for the culture. Hosted in the lush heart of wine country, this multi-day celebration centers Black excellence across music, art, and conversation in a setting that’s as luxurious as it is soulful.
With hip-hop icon Robert Glasper as the festival’s artist-in-residence and co-curator, the event blends the creative spirit of jazz with genres like neo-soul, hip-hop, R&B, Afrobeat, and spoken word—delivered in Napa’s most refined venues.
🕰️ History and Background
Founded: 2022
Founders: Blue Note Entertainment Group, Robert Glasper (Artist-in-Residence)
Conceived during the pandemic-era resurgence of outdoor and boutique experiences, the Blue Note Jazz Festival Napa was born as a more curated, intimate alternative to mainstream mega-festivals. Its inaugural edition in 2022 featured stars like Dave Chappelle, Erykah Badu, and Maxwell—and immediately gained notoriety for its bold mission: to create a space where Black artistry is celebrated in an upscale, immersive setting.
Festival Milestones:
- 2022: Launches with a groundbreaking lineup at Charles Krug Winery, selling out within days.
- 2023: Expands to The Meritage Resort & Spa; features Nas, Mary J. Blige, Chance the Rapper, and Yasiin Bey.
- 2024: Hosts a mix of music, comedy, film, and wellness with Snoop Dogg, Chaka Khan, and Common headlining.
- 2025: Returns with new activations, additional days, and curated artist conversations.
This is jazz, reimagined—celebrated through the lens of Black innovation, community, and cultural power.
🌟 Why You Should Attend
The Blue Note Jazz Festival Napa is more than a concert—it’s a luxury retreat for the culturally attuned. Where else can you sip vintage Cabernet Sauvignon while watching Anderson .Paak or Ravyn Lenae perform a sunset set? Where else do panels with music legends unfold beside vineyard views?
Key Attractions:
- Exclusive Artist Talks with Grammy winners and cultural icons
- Luxury Wine Tastings hosted by Black-owned wineries and local vineyards
- Intimate Stage Settings (capacity <5,000) ensure a deeply personal experience
- Gourmet Culinary Pairings from Napa’s finest chefs
- Vibe-Laden DJ Sets, wellness activities, and immersive visual art
Attendees aren’t just spectators—they’re part of a curated cultural escape.
🔥 What to Expect in 2025
Headliners & Artists:
While the official 2025 lineup will be released in February, past artists have included:
- Erykah Badu
- Nas
- Andra Day
- PJ Morton
- Terrace Martin
- Flying Lotus
- D Smoke
- Yasiin Bey
- Kamasi Washington
Expect another star-studded roster of boundary-pushing Black talent from jazz, hip-hop, and R&B.
Featured Experiences:
- Blue Note Conversations: Intimate, live discussions hosted by Robert Glasper with surprise guests
- The Vineyard Sessions: Acoustic or unplugged performances in smaller venues around the resort
- Champagne & Sound Brunch: Sunday event pairing bubbles and beats
- DJ Nights: Curated by Questlove, DJ Trauma, and more
Tickets & Pricing:
- General Admission (3-day pass): $599+
- VIP Access: $1,199+ – includes priority entry, exclusive lounges, meet-and-greet opportunities
- Platinum Experience: $2,500+ – luxury seating, premium tastings, backstage access
🎟 Tickets available here »
✈️ Travel & Logistics
Best Airports:
- San Francisco International Airport (SFO): 1.5 hrs by car
- Oakland International Airport (OAK): 1.25 hrs
- Sacramento International Airport (SMF): 1.5 hrs
Getting to Napa:
- Rental Car: Recommended for full flexibility
- Festival Shuttle: Round-trip shuttles available from select Bay Area locations
- Private Transfers: Available through partnered transportation services
🏨 Where to Stay
Partnered Accommodations:
- The Meritage Resort & Spa: Onsite, walking distance to all stages
- Vista Collina Resort: Sister property, high-end rooms and pools
- Napa River Inn: Boutique luxury near downtown Napa
Budget Options Nearby:
- Best Western Plus Inn at the Vines
- Napa Valley Marriott Hotel
- Airbnb and vacation rentals in nearby Yountville or American Canyon
Some packages include bundled lodging + festival passes.
🍴 Where to Eat
Festival Grounds:
- Curated culinary selections including vegan soul food, gourmet burgers, Caribbean bites, and seafood paella
- Wine bars featuring local and Black-owned labels like Brown Estate and McBride Sisters
Local Black-Owned & Cultural Favorites:
- Miminashi: Japanese izakaya with an upscale twist
- The Grill at Meadowood: Award-winning New American cuisine
- C CASA: Bold Latin-inspired dishes
Reservations are recommended for most Napa dining during the festival weekend.
🧠 Tips for First-Timers
- Dress Code: Sophisticated but chill – think wide-brim hats, linen sets, and sundresses. Dress for 80°F days and breezy evenings.
- Stay Hydrated: Wine tastings + summer heat = lots of water stations on-site
- Get There Early: Shows start early afternoon; secure parking and wine samplings before mainstage acts
- Mix & Mingle: Use the festival app or join the official WhatsApp group to connect with other attendees
📲 How to Stay Connected
- Website: www.bluenotejazzfestival.com/napa
- Instagram: @bluenotejazzfestival
- Facebook: /bluenotejazzfest
- X/Twitter: @bluenotejazz
- YouTube: Blue Note Jazz Festival
- Hashtags: #BlueNoteNapa2025 #BNJFNapa #NapaJazzWeekend
📝 Final Notes
Tickets & Registration:
- Early bird pricing begins January 15, 2025
- VIP upgrades available until sold out
- Performer submissions: Closed
- Vendor inquiries: Open through March 15, 2025
- Media Credentials: Deadline June 15, 2025
Safety & COVID-19:
The festival follows CDC and California State health guidelines. Sanitization stations, optional mask zones, and spaced lounges available.
📅 Mark Your Calendar
The Blue Note Jazz Festival Napa 2025 promises an unforgettable fusion of rhythm, richness, and relaxation in one of the world’s most beautiful destinations. If you’re a lover of elevated experiences, cutting-edge music, and Black cultural brilliance—this weekend is for you.🎟 Secure your passes now: bluenotejazzfestival.com/napa
📍 July 25–27, 2025 | Napa Valley, CA
📣 Share the vibe. Sip the sound. Experience the culture.
