Calistoga to host multi-day music festival at fairgrounds in 2026
Calistoga’s fairgrounds, brought back to life through recent events such as sprint car races and a carnival, are gearing up for a new and vibrant addition in 2026. The city’s acquisition of the 70-acre property from Napa County for $2 million last year paved the way for an upcoming annual multiday rock festival. Scheduled to kick off in October 2026, this event will infuse new life into the fairgrounds under a five-year partnership deal between the city and local event organizer Ripe Productions LLC.
The City Council’s recent approval of the exclusive license gives Ripe Productions the green light to host a two- or three-day rock festival every autumn. In exchange, the city stands to gain a base fee of $12,500 per day of the event, along with a percentage of ticket sales beyond 3,500 attendees, escalating to 7% for all tickets sold beyond 6,000.
City officials foresee the festival not only reinvigorating the fairgrounds but also acting as a magnet for more visitors and commercial activity in Calistoga. Amidst Council discussions, Council member Irais Lopez-Ortega expressed optimism about the venture, citing community support for the promoter’s initiative as a promising sign. However, Council member Lisa Gift raised concerns about the long-term exclusivity of the agreement. While abstaining from the vote, she hinted at potential limitations in future fairground usage. Nonetheless, the Council’s majority decided that a lengthier commitment was essential for the festival’s stability and growth.
The festival’s organizers, including Calistoga resident Gary Himelfarb and local winemaker Seth Cripe, anticipate a gradual expansion of the festival experience. The 2026 launch is scheduled as a two-day event, with plans to extend it to three days in successive years.
Under the terms of the agreement, no other multiday rock festivals will be permitted at the fairgrounds during the specified five-year period. However, single-day rock concerts or festivals featuring different music genres still remain on the table. This landmark event marks a significant milestone in Calistoga’s ongoing efforts to reenergize the fairgrounds, as well as a promising move to attract diverse events to the site.