Local’s Guide to BottleRock Napa Valley

Single day General Admissioon tickets are still available for BottleRock Napa Valley, Napa’s kickoff to the 2015 summer festival season. With all the best food, wine, beer, and music that the region has to offer, this is your chance to eat, drink, and rock out like a local.

From May 29-31, major musical heavy-hitters like No Doubt, Imagine Dragons, Robert Plant, and Snoop Dogg join dozens of other local bands, artists and artisanal brewers, vintners, and chefs to revel in the outdoor festival experience.

Here’s how to make the most of this three-day feast for the senses.

Get ready to gorge yourself on music

When Napa Valley puts on a festival, we don’t hold back. In addition to world-class musicians, local bands, and emerging solo artists will take the festival’s five stages (plus the VIP lounge) with a diverse mix of music.

Don’t sweat the transportation

Napa is a walkable town and the festival will be held close to downtown, just a few blocks from Oxbow Market across the river. It’s easy to park at one of the VINE-approved bus locations, then hop on a local bus headed toward the festival. Your ride is FREE when you show your BottleRock ticket.

To get around faster (while being kind to the environment), cruise to the venue by bike (don’t forget your lock!) and use the complimentary bike valet to keep your wheels safe.

Tips to maximize your festival experience

Get your tickets—now. Three-day general admission passes have already sold out, but as of this post date, one-day general admission tickets and three-day VIP or platinum passes are still available. Visit Eventbrite to buy your tickets.

Plan your schedule. With four stages and 60-plus bands playing the festival, preparation is key to avoid missing any of your favorite acts. Check out the daily lineup then create your plan of attack before arriving at the venue.

Come hungry. With over 80 food and drink vendors, you’re going to want to try a little bit of everything. No outside food or drink is permitted, but a variety of vegetarian and vegan options means there will be tasty options for everyone. If you run out of cash, ATM machines are available on-site.

Prepare for all types of weather. Days during late spring in Napa Valley often feel like summer, so come prepared for a warm day followed by cool nights. Protect yourself from the sun with a bottle of sunscreen cream (aerosol sunscreen is banned, so leave it back at the hotel).

Reserve a locker to keep your stuff safe. Store your jacket, hats, umbrellas, schwag, or anything else you don’t feel like lugging around all day. Medium and large lockers are available. For exact locker dimensions or to reserve yours today, visit BottleRock Lockers. To pick up your locker key visit the BottleRock Lockers Check-in tent, just inside the main gate, and present your printed Paypal receipt.

Don’t forget to claim your discounts! Lots of local businesses offer specials and discounts exclusively for BottleRock Napa Valley ticket holders.

Discounts and additional events to look out for

During BottleRock, present your ticket when you feast on modern Japanese cuisine at Eiko’s and receive a special BottleRock appetizer. Or flash your ticket at The Roost and get 20% off your purchases during the entire festival weekend.

Get your BottleRock gear and 15% off a coffee & muffin (7:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. PDT) during the festival by showing your ticket at Napa Valley Traditions in downtown Napa.

Experience the true taste of Napa with a 2-for-1 wine tasting or complimentary cheese with your regular wine tasting at Back Room Wines during the entire festival weekend.

Get your jam on a night early by checking out San Francisco’s own Stone Foxes at Jamieson Ranch Vineyards in Napa, Thursday, May 28.

Hit the after parties! Keep on rocking in a more up close and personal atmosphere at City Winery in Napa at their BottleRock after parties, starting at 10 p.m. on each of the festival’s three nights. Los Lobos headlines the May 29 show, with Chris Robinson Brotherhood on May 30, and Thrive on May 31.

Need to re-charge the morning after? Refuel with a massive plate of steak and eggs at Soscol Cafe, or try one of the huge omelettes at Jefferson Street Cafe.

Check out the BottleRock Napa Valley Facebook page for updates, announcements and more special offers.

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Author

WC Staff