Groovy Tunes, Stellar Food, Celebrity Sightings and More Make This Music Fest the Perfect Summer Kickoff
BottleRock Napa Valley returned for its 11th annual celebration over Memorial Day Weekend, from May 24-26, bringing together an impressive array of music, food and wine enthusiasts to the Napa Valley Expo. This year’s festival once again showcased why it’s a favorite summer kickoff event in the Bay Area, seamlessly blending world-class entertainment with gourmet experiences. Here’s what went down at BottleRock 2024!
A Stellar Lineup
The festival’s star-studded musical lineup included legendary acts and contemporary favorites. Headliners like Pearl Jam, Ed Sheeran and Stevie Nicks lit up the stages, alongside performances from Megan Thee Stallion, Queens of the Stone Age, The Kid Laroi, and Norah Jones. From the classic rock vibes of The Offspring to the soulful tunes of Stephen Marley, BottleRock 2024 catered to diverse musical tastes, ensuring every attendee found their groove.
The Perfect Venue
Held at the Napa Valley Expo, just a stone’s throw from downtown Napa, the festival venue has evolved over the years to enhance the attendee experience. The Expo boasts VIP Skydecks, elevated viewing platforms and ample shaded areas to keep cool. For those driving to the event, securing a parking pass in advance was the smart choice due to limited street parking. The nearby Camp Carneros at Skyline Wilderness offered a convenient camping option with shuttle services, ensuring attendees could focus on enjoying the festival without logistical hassles.
Boozy Sips
The iconic Hendrick’s Gin brand was back this year with its 3-story bar! Hard to miss, tremendously tall and located right next to the Williams Sonoma Culinary Stage, this whimsical activation provided another dimension of entertainment. The bar featured performers and giveaways to make stopping by feel like the full Hendrick’s experience. At this libation station, festivalgoers had the chance to sip refreshing handcrafted gin cocktails, which included four different options: Hendrick’s Cucumber Lemonade, Strawberry Sundance, Hendrick’s Butterfly Effect, and Grand Cabaret Spritz Royale. The Spritz Royale was a pleasant surprise, as it featured Hendrick’s Grand Cabaret, which is a new limited edition gin for artists, dreamers and free-spirited souls. Festivalgoers were able to get a taste of this fruity and floral libation—the latest addition to the “Cabinet of Curiosities.”
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Culinary Delights
The Williams Sonoma Culinary Stage was the epicenter of foodie excitement at BottleRock 2024. Celebrity guests Stephen Curry and Bradley Cooper drew massive crowds, with Cooper promoting his upcoming cheesesteak venture by tossing cheesesteaks into the audience. Other famous faces like Cameron Diaz, Nelly, T-Pain, Neil Patrick Harris, and Tommy Lee also graced the stage, making it a must-visit spot for foodies.
Local Napa Valley restaurants and food trucks transformed the festival into a gastronomic paradise. Highlights included Poutine Brothers, Stateline Road Smokehouse, Morimoto Asia, Cluck Me Fried Chicken, Kara’s Cupcakes, Mo’s Hot Dogs and New England Lobster Shack. In the VIP village, attendees enjoyed exclusive dining experiences with sit-down meals and refreshing beverages.
Reflecting on the festival, one of the standout moments was watching Golden State Warriors MVP Stephen Curry and actor Bradley Cooper electrify the Culinary Stage with their cooking demonstration. The stage was packed, underscoring the unique blend of celebrity and culinary artistry that makes BottleRock Napa Valley so special.
Beyond the Music
BottleRock is more than just a music festival; it’s a multi-faceted experience. Attendees could explore art exhibits, enjoy VIP bottle service and participate in cooking demonstrations. The festival’s silent disco, featuring two channels of different DJ sets, provided an interactive way to enjoy various music genres.
The club room, complete with a disco ball, strobe lights and lasers, catered to those wanting to dance the night away, reminiscent of a Las Vegas nightclub. VIP attendees benefited from faster entrance lines, exclusive viewing platforms and premium restrooms, enhancing the overall festival experience.
Whether attending with friends, a significant other, or solo, BottleRock offers a mature, refined festival environment. It’s a place where attendees can savor the finer things in life—delicious food, excellent wine, craft libations and memorable performances.
This article is brought to you by one of the many talented writers associated with Locale Magazine! We are a group of locals (whether born and raised or transplanted) who love this county we now call home!
