July 14, 2026 (Napa, CA) — Festival Napa Valley marked its 20th anniversary with a record-breaking Arts for All Gala on Sunday, July 12, raising an unprecedented $6.5 million to support its year-round education, scholarship, and community initiatives. Held at Nickel & Nickel, part of Far Niente Wine Estates, the Gala brought together philanthropists, artists, vintners, and civic leaders in a joyful celebration of music, generosity, and shared purpose.
The milestone Gala celebrated two decades of extraordinary growth as Festival Napa Valley has evolved from a visionary summer festival into one of the nation’s leading nonprofit organizations dedicated to artistic excellence, education, and strengthening communities through the power of music and the arts.
The evening included an electrifying performance by jazz legend Wynton Marsalis and the Wynton Marsalis Septet. Guests also enjoyed a spirited live auction led by acclaimed auctioneer and bestselling author Lydia Fenet, and an elegant dinner by celebrated chef Dustin Valette and Componere Fine Catering, paired with exceptional wines from Nickel & Nickel, Bella Union Winery, and Dolce.
In a surprise moment, Grammy Award-winning violinist Nick Kendall of Time for Three joined the Young People’s Chorus of New York City, under the direction of Francisco J. Núñez, for a stirring performance of You Will Be Found, a powerful reflection of Festival Napa Valley’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of artists.
“The Arts for All Gala hit all the right notes this year,” said Gala Chair Mary Beth Shimmon. “It was an inspiring evening of extraordinary artistry and remarkable generosity, united by a shared belief in music’s power to transform lives. Every gift helps expand access to education, scholarships, and inspiring performances for people of all ages.”
Proceeds support Festival Napa Valley’s Arts for All initiatives, which provide transformative education programs, scholarships, performances, and innovative Music & Wellness offerings throughout the year. Over the past twenty years, the Gala has raised more than $40 million, fueling opportunities for emerging artists and deepening the Festival’s impact across the region.
Since its founding, Festival Napa Valley has awarded more than 1,000 scholarships, presented over 2,000 performances and educational programs, supported 3,500 artists, and welcomed audiences exceeding 160,000. Through Arts for All, more than 150,000 children, veterans, and seniors have participated in programs serving every Napa County public school and Boys & Girls Club. The Festival continues to expand its Music & Wellness initiatives, harnessing the power of music to foster healing, resilience, creativity, and human connection across every stage of life.
Auction highlights included: private access to Egypt’s ancient wonders with renowned archaeologist Kathleen Martínez, the evening’s top lot at approximately $1.2 million; an exclusive Paris and Bordeaux journey featuring the world premiere of The Judgment of Paris at the Palace of Versailles, raising $940,000; a private Mustique escape at Toucan Hill, the villa of Tatiana and the late Gerret Copeland, which inspired the evening’s highest individual bid of $190,000; a Milan Fashion Week experience, generating $150,000; a Pebble Beach golf experience with U.S. Open Championship access and VIP hospitality, presented in partnership with J.P. Morgan Wealth Management; a Palm Springs Film Festival experience with Pomellato and HALL Wines, which sold twice at $95,000 each; and a once-in-a-lifetime Judgment of Paris experience, featuring the world premiere of The Judgment of Paris opera and a private dinner at Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars (Marchesi Antinori) with one of the last remaining bottles of the legendary 1973 S.L.V. Cabernet Sauvignon, winner of the historic 1976 tasting.
Chef Valette introduced a surprise pop-up: a bespoke Healdsburg culinary experience for six, including a five-course food-and-wine pairing at his new Valette Wine Lounge, dinner at The Matheson, and a stay at Charlie Palmer’s Appellation hotel. The experience raised $70,000.
Popular Buy A Spot experiences included an intimate evening with Andrea Bocelli at Carolands, featuring Napa Valley wines and performances by Joshua Bell and Larisa Martínez; a Wine, Women & Music luncheon hosted by Claire Stull; and the Festival’s signature Chairmen’s BBQ at Alpha Omega.
The evening concluded with an inspiring Fund A Need paddle raise generating more than $1 million to expand Arts for All education, scholarship, and Music & Wellness programs. Leadership gifts included $100,000 contributions each from Maria Manetti Shrem and Mary Beth and David Shimmon. Top bidders will enjoy Tasting History, an intimate dinner hosted by Gordon Getty featuring rare vintages of Château d’Yquem spanning more than a century.
Festival Napa Valley’s 20th Anniversary Season continues through July 19, 2026 with performances and events across Napa Valley. The 2027 Arts for All Gala will take place on Sunday, July 18, 2027.
For more information, visit http://www.festivalnapavalley.org.
About Festival Napa Valley
Festival Napa Valley champions the power of music to enrich lives and build a thriving, healthy, and connected community.
Festival Napa Valley’s 2026 presenting sponsor is Bouchaine Vineyards. Premier sponsors include J.P. Morgan Wealth Management, Kaiser Permanente, The Meritage Resort and Spa, and Frost School of Music at the University of Miami. Rivian serves as the Official Luxury Vehicle, and luxury brand sponsors include Lucchese, Mikimoto, and Pomellato. Performance partners include Charles Krug, CIA at Copia, Napa Valley College, Large Screen Video Inc., Sound Image/Clair Global, and Steinway & Sons.
The Festival also acknowledges the generous support of Napa Valley’s vintner and hospitality community, including more than 100 partner wineries, resorts, and hotels.
Festival Napa Valley maintains a Platinum Seal of Transparency from GuideStar, reflecting its commitment to accountability, sound stewardship, and measurable community impact.
