Wynton Marsalis Heads Festival Napa Valley 20-Year Celebration

NAPA VALLEY, CA —Festival Napa Valley marks its 20th anniversary with a landmark Arts for All Gala, starring renowned jazz legend Wynton Marsalis on Sunday, July 12, in a celebration of music, philanthropy, and community impact.

The gala at the Oakville estate of Nickel & Nickel, part of Far Niente Wine Estates, crowns the opening weekend of Festival Napa Valley’s 20th Anniversary Summer Season.

The event is among the nation’s leading arts and education fundraisers. Since its founding, the festival has raised over $33 million for youth, seniors, and families through music and wellness programs, free concerts, and scholarships, expanding regional arts access.

“Wynton Marsalis is an extraordinary artist whose work embodies excellence, integrity, and music’s ability to unite,” Gala Chair Mary Beth Shimmon said. “Celebrating our 20th Anniversary with Wynton honors the Festival’s legacy, affirms its enduring commitment to artistry with purpose, and promises a Gala our guests will long remember.”

For over four decades, Marsalis has shaped music globally as a trumpeter, composer, and educator. He has released more than 130 recordings, composed hundreds of works, and serves as artistic leader at Jazz at Lincoln Center, Jazz Studies director at Juilliard, and president of the Louis Armstrong Foundation.

Gala guests will enjoy a multi-course dinner by Chef Dustin Valette, paired with Far Niente wines. The evening also features a live auction led by celebrity auctioneer Lydia Fenet, offering travel, arts packages, and collectible wines.

Feservations are currently open for Festival Passport and Opening Weekend Patron Pass holders, as well as table sponsors. A limited number of individual tickets will be released in spring 2026. For event details, ticket information, or to learn more about Festival Napa Valley’s 20th anniversary season from July 4–19, visit festivalnapavalley.org or call 707-927-3874.