The 12th annual BottleRock Napa Valley music festival commenced on May 23, 2025, at the Napa Valley Expo, offering a vibrant blend of music, gourmet cuisine, and celebrity appearances over Memorial Day weekend. With over 80 musical acts and an impressive culinary lineup, the festival has solidified its reputation as a premier event in California’s Wine Country.
A Diverse Musical Lineup
Headlining the festival were rock icons Green Day, pop sensation Justin Timberlake, and folk-pop artist Noah Kahan. Green Day opened the festival with a high-energy performance, delivering classics like “Basket Case” and “Boulevard of Broken Dreams,” while Timberlake captivated the audience with his signature blend of pop and R&B hits. Noah Kahan closed the festival on Sunday, bringing his emotive songwriting to the stage.
Other notable performances included reggae-rock band Sublime with Jakob Nowell, electronic artist Kaskade, and indie acts Khruangbin and Benson Boone. The festival also featured a mix of genres with acts like Ice Cube, Cage the Elephant, and 4 Non Blondes, who reunited for their first performance since 2014. Emerging artists such as Remi Wolf and Bad Nerves also took the stage, showcasing the festival’s commitment to diverse musical talent.
Culinary Delights on the Williams Sonoma Culinary Stage
Beyond the music, BottleRock is renowned for its culinary offerings. The Williams Sonoma Culinary Stage featured a star-studded lineup of chefs and celebrities. James Beard Award-winning chef Bobby Flay and “Top Chef” host Kristen Kish headlined the stage, sharing their culinary expertise with festival-goers. Other notable appearances included chefs Marcus Samuelsson and Andrew Zimmern, as well as musicians like Tré Cool of Green Day and Anthony Kiedis of Red Hot Chili Peppers. Emmy-winning TV personality Liam Mayclem served as the emcee, adding to the stage’s dynamic atmosphere.
The culinary offerings extended beyond the stage, with gourmet food vendors offering a range of upscale dishes. Highlights included lobster corn dogs topped with caviar, a dish from Michelin-starred Press Restaurant that was previously exclusive to VIP areas but was made available to all attendees this year. Other popular items included Wagyu hot dogs, truffle fries, and a variety of international cuisines, ensuring that there was something for every palate.
Celebrity Sightings and Festival Atmosphere
The festival attracted a host of celebrities from various fields. Tennis legend Serena Williams and actor Tobey Maguire were spotted enjoying performances, while comedian Adam Devine and sports icons like Ken Griffey Jr. participated in culinary demonstrations. The presence of such high-profile attendees added to the festival’s allure, blending entertainment with star power.
BottleRock Napa Valley 2025 successfully combined top-tier musical performances, exceptional culinary experiences, and celebrity engagements, reaffirming its status as a must-attend event in the festival circuit. As the festival continues through Memorial Day weekend, attendees can look forward to more memorable moments and performances.