BottleRock Napa Valley transforms the Napa Valley Expo into Wine Country's premier music destination each Memorial Day weekend. This three-day festival features over 80 artists across multiple stages, drawing 120,000 attendees annually for a unique fusion of chart-topping music, world-class wines, and celebrated culinary experiences. Running from early afternoon until 2 am each day (with after-hours events until 6 am), the festival offers no onsite RV parking but sits just 2 miles from Skyline Wilderness Park's RV-friendly camping. For RV travelers, Napa's location puts you within an hour of San Francisco, Oakland, and the Bay Area's major airports, making it easy to pick up a rental and roll straight to wine country. Whether you're seeking a festival weekend or extended Northern California exploration, an RV rental delivers the perfect combination of comfort, convenience, and California's stunning scenery.
BottleRock Napa Valley is California's premier music, wine, and culinary festival that combines chart-topping artists with the sophistication of Napa Valley's legendary food and drink scene. Since its debut in 2013, BottleRock has grown into one of the West Coast's most anticipated Memorial Day weekend events, transforming the Napa Valley Expo into a multi-stage music venue featuring everything from rock legends to emerging indie acts.
Each year, the festival hosts around 80 performances across four main stages—including the JaM Cellars Stage, Verizon Stage, and Truly Stage—with past headliners like Green Day, Justin Timberlake, Noah Kahan, Stevie Nicks, and Pearl Jam. BottleRock stands apart from typical music festivals by pairing world-class entertainment with Napa's renowned culinary offerings. Festival-goers enjoy gourmet dishes from Michelin-starred chefs, wine tastings from premier Napa Valley vintners, and craft cocktail experiences that elevate the typical festival food scene.
The festival's Culinary Stage features celebrity chef demonstrations and cooking competitions, while the Williams Sonoma Culinary Stage hosts intimate cooking sessions with renowned chefs. Wine and beer lovers can explore dedicated tasting areas showcasing local and international selections, making BottleRock as much a foodie destination as a music celebration.
For those planning to explore the festival with an RV, discover Napa RV rentals perfect for your festival adventure, or consider our selection of San Francisco RV rentals just an hour from the festival grounds. Bay Area travelers can also explore Oakland RV rentals and San Jose RV rentals for convenient pickup locations near major highways.
The Napa Valley Expo sits in downtown Napa, easily accessible from major Bay Area highways. From San Francisco (about 60 miles), take Highway 101 North to Highway 37 East, then Highway 121/12 North into Napa. From Oakland (about 50 miles), take Interstate 80 North to Highway 37 West, then Highway 121/12 North. From San Jose (about 80 miles), take Highway 101 North to Highway 37 East, connecting to Highway 121/12 North.
Downtown Napa's compact layout makes navigation straightforward, though expect heavy traffic during festival hours. Plan extra travel time, especially during peak evening hours when most attendees arrive for headlining acts. Check traffic apps or local road conditions before heading to the festival each day.
BottleRock offers several paid parking options at designated lots near the Napa Valley Expo. General admission parking is available on a first-come, first-served basis at lots within walking distance of the venue. VIP and Platinum ticket holders have access to dedicated parking areas with shorter walks to the festival gates. ADA parking is available at 301 First Street for guests with valid handicap placards—these spaces are limited and require advance purchase of an ADA parking pass through the festival website.
Critical for RV travelers: There is no overnight or RV parking permitted at BottleRock or the Napa Valley Expo parking lots. Plan to stay at nearby RV parks and campgrounds, then use rideshare services, festival shuttles, or Napa's VINE bus system to reach the venue. This actually works in your favor—you'll enjoy free roadside assistance with your Outdoorsy rental and can relax after the festival without worrying about driving.
Napa's VINE (Valley Intercity Neighborhood Express) bus system provides convenient service throughout Napa Valley, including routes that stop within walking distance of the Napa Valley Expo. The VINE Route 11 runs along Soscol Avenue, putting you about 10 minutes on foot from the festival grounds. Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft are widely available in Napa, though expect surge pricing during peak festival hours—budget accordingly or consider the VINE's flat-rate fares as a cost-effective alternative.
Many festival-goers staying at nearby campgrounds find that rideshares or the VINE system offer the easiest way to get to and from BottleRock without the hassle of parking or navigating traffic in an RV.
BottleRock offers several ticket tiers to match different festival experiences. Single-day general admission tickets typically start around $233, while three-day passes run approximately $456. VIP packages—starting at $800—include premium perks like access to the VIP Village with shaded lounges, elevated viewing areas, specialty food and beverage offerings, and expedited entry lanes.
The festival's Platinum Experience (around $1,500) elevates the VIP experience with premium viewing suites, all-inclusive wine and cocktail bars featuring Napa Valley selections, curated chef tastings, and exclusive Marriott Bonvoy American Express cardholder benefits. Early bird pricing and payment plans are often available when tickets first go on sale, typically in January following the previous year's festival.
Parking passes cost extra and should be purchased in advance, as they sell out quickly. General parking runs $20-30 per day, while premier parking closer to the entrance approaches $150 for the weekend. Keep in mind that overnight or RV parking is not permitted at the Napa Valley Expo, so plan to stay at nearby campgrounds with shuttle or rideshare access to the festival.
Check the BottleRock Napa Valley website for current ticket pricing, lineup announcements, and package deals.
Unfortunately, on-site RV parking is not available at the Napa Valley Expo for BottleRock Napa Valley. The festival grounds do not accommodate overnight camping of any kind, and all vehicles must vacate parking lots at the end of each night. This policy ensures safety and allows for overnight venue maintenance and setup.
However, Napa's robust RV park infrastructure means you won't have trouble finding comfortable accommodations nearby. The area's popularity with RV travelers—especially during festival season—has created a network of excellent campgrounds within easy reach of downtown Napa.
Skyline Wilderness Park sits just 2 miles from the festival grounds and offers the closest RV camping to BottleRock. During festival weekend, the park operates special BottleRock camping packages that include transportation to and from the Napa Valley Expo. The park features RV sites with electric and water hookups, hot showers, and restroom facilities. Sites are offered on a first-come, first-served basis during the festival, so arrive early or book as soon as reservations open to secure your spot. This 850-acre wilderness park also provides over 25 miles of hiking and biking trails when you need a break from festival crowds.
Napa Valley Expo RV Park operates year-round, just 10 blocks from downtown Napa at the same fairgrounds that host BottleRock (though RVs cannot stay in the parking lots during the festival itself). This pet-friendly park features full hookups with 30/50-amp service, Wi-Fi access, concrete pads, and grassy areas perfect for letting your four-legged friends stretch their legs. The downtown location puts you within walking distance of Napa's restaurants, wine bars, and shops when you're not at the festival.
Bothe-Napa Valley State Park, about 15 minutes north of Napa near Calistoga, offers a more secluded camping experience amidst towering coastal redwoods and Douglas fir trees. The park features RV sites without hookups but includes restroom facilities, hot showers, picnic tables, and fire rings. It's an ideal option if you prefer natural settings and don't mind a short drive to the festival. The park's swimming pool and hiking trails provide perfect daytime activities before evening festival sessions.
For more upscale accommodations, consider San Francisco North/Petaluma KOA, located halfway between San Francisco and Napa in Sonoma County. This full-service resort offers pull-through RV sites with full hookups, a swimming pool, a camp store, and easy highway access to Napa via Highway 101 and Highway 121.
Many RV parks and campgrounds in the greater Napa Valley area fill up quickly for Memorial Day weekend, so book your spot as early as possible—ideally when BottleRock tickets go on sale in January.
Once at BottleRock, you'll spend most of your time on foot navigating between the four main stages, food and wine areas, and the Culinary Stage. The festival grounds at the Napa Valley Expo span about 20 acres, with stages strategically positioned to minimize walking between performances. Wear comfortable, supportive shoes—you'll easily log several miles per day moving between stages and exploring the vendor areas.
The venue is fully ADA-accessible with paved walkways, accessible viewing areas at each stage, and accessible restrooms throughout the grounds. Guests requiring accessibility services should stop at the Accessibility Services tent just past the main entrance off Third Street upon arrival to receive a complimentary Accessible Wristband.
Strollers are permitted but must not exceed 31 inches wide by 52 inches long. Given the crowds, many families find baby carriers more manageable than strollers for navigating festival grounds during peak hours.
Memorial Day weekend in Napa typically brings ideal weather—sunny days with temperatures in the mid-70s to low 80s and cool evenings dropping into the 50s. Dress in layers for maximum comfort. Start with breathable, moisture-wicking shirts and comfortable shorts or lightweight pants for daytime hours. Bring a light jacket or sweater for evening performances, as temperatures can drop significantly once the sun sets.
Comfortable, closed-toe shoes are essential—you'll be on your feet for hours, often on concrete or grass. Break in your festival shoes before the event to avoid blisters. A wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses protect against the California sun during daytime performances.
BottleRock encourages creative festival fashion, so feel free to express yourself, but remember that comfort should come first. Leave the elaborate costumes that restrict movement at camp—you'll want freedom to dance, walk, and fully enjoy three full days of music.
Bring a clear bag or small backpack (check the festival's bag policy for size restrictions) to carry your essentials. Must-haves include a reusable water bottle (BottleRock provides free water refill stations throughout the grounds), sunscreen (reapply frequently—Napa sun is strong), phone charging cables, and any necessary medications in original packaging.
Valid government-issued ID is required for entry if you're 21+ and want to purchase alcohol. Keep your ID accessible along with your festival wristband—you'll need both throughout the weekend. Bring cash for vendors who may not accept cards, though most food and beverage stations do take credit cards.
Consider a portable phone charger to keep your device powered for photos, videos, and staying connected with your group. Cell service can be spotty with 40,000 people on the grounds simultaneously. Festival maps and schedules are available via the BottleRock mobile app—download it before arriving and screenshot your must-see acts in case you lose signal.
Napa's late May weather means sun protection is crucial. Bring and frequently reapply broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher). Stay hydrated by taking advantage of free water refill stations—heat exhaustion is real, and hours of dancing in the sun can sneak up on you.
BottleRock provides on-site medical services and first aid stations clearly marked on festival maps and in the mobile app. Medical staff can assist with minor injuries, provide basic medications, and connect you with emergency services if needed. The festival also has designated Accessibility Services for guests requiring accommodation.
Keep your RV rental information handy in case you need to return to your campground for any reason. Remember that Outdoorsy includes 100% free roadside assistance with every rental—if you have any issues with your RV during your stay, help is just a phone call away.
Most Napa area campgrounds permit portable grills at RV sites, though open campfires may be restricted depending on current fire danger levels and county burn bans. Always check with your campground host about fire regulations before lighting any flames. Your RV's built-in kitchen lets you prepare easy breakfasts and pack lunch items for the festival, saving money for those premium wine tastings and gourmet festival eats you'll definitely want to try.
Stock up on groceries at Safeway, Trader Joe's, or Whole Foods in downtown Napa—all within a few miles of major campgrounds. Having breakfast supplies on hand means leisurely morning coffee at camp before the festival gates open, and late-night snacks when you return from after-hours events.
Napa boasts one of America's highest concentrations of Michelin-starred restaurants and acclaimed eateries. While you're in town for BottleRock, consider treating yourself to a dinner reservation at spots like La Toque, Morimoto Napa, or The Restaurant at Meadowood. More casual options abound downtown along the Napa Riverfront—Oxbow Public Market features local food vendors, artisan shops, and wine bars perfect for a quick lunch or afternoon snack between festival sessions.
Don't miss the opportunity to explore Napa's celebrated wine bars and tasting rooms. Many stay open later during BottleRock weekend to accommodate festival crowds, offering a more intimate wine-tasting experience than you'll find at the festival.
BottleRock's food and beverage offerings rival the music lineup. Over 40 food vendors showcase Napa Valley's culinary excellence, with options ranging from gourmet burgers and artisan pizza to vegan fare and international cuisine. Celebrity chefs man pop-up restaurants throughout the grounds, creating festival-exclusive dishes you won't find anywhere else.
The festival's wine program features 80+ Napa Valley wineries pouring their finest vintages, along with craft beer selections from local and regional breweries. The JaM Cellars Wine Garden and other dedicated tasting areas let you sample multiple wines while enjoying views of the main stage. Cocktail bars throughout the grounds mix creative drinks using premium spirits.
Food prices are typical for premium festivals ($12-20 per item), though the quality exceeds typical festival fare. Budget accordingly—or enjoy the money you saved by cooking breakfast at your RV.
BottleRock employs comprehensive security measures including bag checks at all entry points, metal detectors, and roving security personnel throughout the grounds. Cooperate with security staff to expedite entry—prohibited items include weapons, outside food and beverages (except one factory-sealed water bottle), professional cameras with detachable lenses, and illegal substances.
The festival maintains a strict no-tolerance policy for unsafe or disruptive behavior. Report concerns to any uniformed security personnel or visit one of the information booths clearly marked on the festival maps. Keep valuables secured in your RV rather than carrying them to the festival—lost items should be reported to the festival Lost & Found near the main entrance.
Late May typically brings Napa Valley's most pleasant weather—warm, sunny days and cool, comfortable evenings perfect for outdoor music. Average temperatures range from highs around 78°F to overnight lows near 50°F. Rain is uncommon but not impossible, so check forecasts before each festival day.
BottleRock operates rain or shine. The festival has proceeded through light rain in past years, so bring a light rain jacket just in case. Severe weather that poses safety risks could cause delays or cancellations, though this is rare for Memorial Day weekend.
Prepare for sun exposure—Napa Valley sits in a Mediterranean climate zone with intense sunshine. Seek shade during peak sun hours (11 am-3 pm), especially if you've been enjoying wine tastings. Free water stations help combat dehydration and the combination of sun and alcohol.
First aid stations operate throughout the festival grounds, staffed by medical professionals who can address everything from minor cuts and scrapes to more serious medical concerns. Stations are clearly marked on festival maps available at entry gates and via the BottleRock mobile app.
If you're traveling with medications, keep them in the original prescription bottles with your name clearly labeled. Festival security may inspect medications during bag checks, so proper labeling ensures smooth entry. Emergency medical services have direct access to the venue if serious medical situations arise.
Remember that the combination of sun, alcohol, long days on your feet, and loud music can be taxing. Pace yourself, stay hydrated, take breaks when needed, and know your limits. Your RV rental provides a comfortable retreat if you need to skip an afternoon session to rest before evening headliners.
