Is Bottlerock Napa the New Coachella for Millennials? Here’s Why It Might Be

If you were driving around San Francisco this Memorial Day weekend, you probably noticed it felt very empty. My ride share driver told me his rides were slow and I replied “Well, everyone is at Bottlerock this year”. 

This weekend felt even more quiet than the Coachella weekends, which famously are local’s favorite time to be in the city since all the 20-somethings dip out and leave us in peace. It made me wonder: is Bottlerock Napa now the new Coachella for Millennials?

I was about to find out. Armed with Sunday press tickets and ready to experience my very first Bottlerock Napa Valley Music Festival, I headed out of the fog and into California’s famous wine country. 

 Despite living in San Francisco for a decade, I hadn’t made it up to the Napa Valley festival scene yet. As a teenager, I fantasized about Coachella’s desert adventures and non-stop partying. But as my priorities shifted, three days of scorching heat, constant crowds, and logistical nightmares lost their appeal.

As a 30-something millennial, I now myself increasingly drawn to a different kind of festival experience. Gone were the days of yearning for the chaos of Coachella or Burning Man. Now, I craved a more curated, comfortable, and (dare I say) adult way to enjoy live music.

Bottlerock Is Elevated And Organized

I pulled up to Lot 10, the staff parking lot, with my press partner Paige, a Napa local who also hasn’t experienced the festival yet either. Walking up to the venue, it was clear from the start that  Bottlerock Festival grounds and team are incredibly organized. Lines were long, but moved fast, and nothing felt cramped or chaotic like other festivals I’ve been to. 

Unlike Coachella, which famously takes a few miles to walk to and from, this festival is right downtown Napa nearby venue lots and standard parking lots. Many hotels offer shuttles to the venue for guests, and there are also shuttles from San Francisco so music lovers don’t have to drive if they didn’t want to. 

Once inside, it was clear the attention to detail extended to amenities that an older crowd wants at an outdoor concert. 

They have sunscreen stands dispensing free SPF, a must for the sunny spring Napa days. They had multiple free waterfill stations with ice-cold water to keep guests hydrated. And for those feeling a bit worse for wear, well-equipped medical tents offered free electrolyte packets – a small detail with a big impact. Especially since by 3pm, after a few glasses of Napa wine, I was in need of a reboot myself.

There’s even an entire zone on the main lawn dedicated to blankets for folks to sprawl out on instead of being on their feet all day. 

Even the often-dreaded porta-potties of major music festivals were noticeably cleaner and more spacious than usual festival fare. But the cleanliness extended beyond the bathrooms. Paige, my Napa-local companion, remarked with delight on the lack of dust.

A clever combination of artificial turf and well-maintained lawns meant the festival grounds were pristine throughout the day. “Darn,” she joked at the end of the day, “I could have totally worn cuter shoes!”

I had flashbacks to the Outside Lands Music Festival and the layers of dust I had to wash off my boots after spending 3 days dancing in Golden Gate Park. The well-maintained grounds are a little detail that goes a long way to appealing to an older crowd. 

Bottlerock Lineup Is All About Accessibility 

Bottlerock does a fantastic job at creating a well-rounded lineup to appeal to millennials and Gen X. With nostalgic headliners like Pear Jam, The Offspring, Norah Jones, and Ed Sheeran combined with more upcoming trendy artists such as The Tors or Stephen Sanchez, there was never a dull moment. 

I was also thrilled when I realized I could walk up to a set late and still get incredibly close to the stage. I missed the first 10 minutes of The Scarlet Opera but managed to stand 5 rows back, close enough to see the pupils of the lead signer. I’m too old to arrive at 11am and stand at the barricade for 6 hours just to catch a set. 

But Bottlerock takes accessibility even further. Unlike most festivals, Bottlerock allows you to experience the music in unique ways. Many artists played multiple sets at different venues throughout the festival grounds.

 The Tors opened on the main stage, but later did an acoustic set at the JamPad, a special stage hosted by Jam Cellars that offered an extremely intimate way to view musicians. Paige and I sipped on Jam’s new Butter Sauvignon Blanc while sitting literally 3 feet away from the trio singing ballads about England, dreams and heartbreak.

Later, we watched Stephen Sanchez and The Beaches up close and personal, too. 

We didn’t have VIP tickets to get this access, either, though I also heard rumors of some bands playing a surprise popup show in the VIP Section that day. 

So often at festivals, you have to sacrifice a set or two, but at Bottlerock they make music accessible. It’s almost hard to not see all the bands you want to see since there are multiple opportunities to catch a set. 

Wine & Dine for the Foodie Music Lover

But Bottlerock isn’t just about the music; it’s a culinary journey. A haven for millennial foodies, Bottlerock boasts an impressive selection of gourmet food trucks and local vendors, catering to a variety of dietary needs and palates. Craving tacos? Check. Looking for vegan options? No problem.

Feeling fancy? Indulge in gourmet burgers or delectable cheese plates. Of course, what’s a Napa Valley festival without the wine? Bottlerock offers carefully curated wineries allowing attendees to experience the best of the region’s offerings. Some favorite booths included Lang and Reed, Frog’s Leap, Jam Cellars, Miners and Duckhorn. 

We wanted a break from wine and found ourselves at a massive Aperol spritz booth offered a refreshing escape. Later, we swung by Hendrick’s Gin 3 story bar for crafted elevated cocktails worth every penny. Whether guests craved a classic spritz or a more adventurous concoction, Bottlerock had something to tantalize every taste bud. It’s not just cheap beer and mediocre venue pizza here. 

And of course, there’s the famous Culinary Stage with Food Network chefs and celebrities like Neil Patrick Harris leading cooking demonstrations for the ultimate foodie. 

Bottlerock Fashion Is All About Comfort First

Don’t get me wrong, I love sequins and flashy party outfits but at Bottlerock, there isn’t any pressure to dress the part. After spending money on a ticket, guests don’t need to feel like they need to spend even more money on the perfect festival outfit if they don’t want to. 

The focus is on enjoying the music, the food, and the Napa Valley ambiance. This translates into a more laid-back fashion scene. Think sundresses and flowy pants for effortless elegance, floppy hats for sun protection and a touch of bohemian flair, and classic jeans and t-shirts for a comfortable and carefree vibe.

Bottlerock Napa Tickets: Choosing Your Perfect Festival Experience

Unlike some festivals where one day feels like enough, Bottlerock Napa enticed me to stay longer. With a diverse lineup spread across multiple stages, a culinary scene that rivals gourmet experiences, and the allure of Napa Valley itself, two or three days feels like the sweet spot.

Plus, this is wine country with a plethora of luxury hotels just begging for a mid-morning poolside dip or spa treatment before heading over to the festival grounds. 

I left the Bottlerock festival in Napa wishing I had more time. Next year, I’ll be coming for the whole weekend. 

Here’s how to choose the Bottlerock Napa tickets that best suit you:

• The Full Immersion (3-Day Pass): This option is ideal if you want to experience everything Bottlerock has to offer. Immerse yourself in the music, explore the culinary delights, and indulge in the luxurious Napa Valley atmosphere – but on a relaxed, wine country schedule. With three days, you’ll have ample time to catch your favorite artists, discover new acts, and enjoy being in Napa. 
• The Weekend Warrior (2 Single-Day Passes): Don’t have the entire weekend free? Consider grabbing two single-day passes. This allows time to see the acts you want to see without missing out on other perks this Napa music festival offers, like all the food and world-class wineries. 
• VIP Passes: I did not enter the VIP area and I had a blast without VIP tickets. But if you are looking for even more shaded areas, better bathrooms, front row seats and access to surprise pop-up shows, you’ll want VIP. 

Remember: Bottlerock Napa isn’t just about the music; it’s a lifestyle experience. Factor in time to explore the beautiful Napa Valley, relax at luxurious hotels, and savor the world-class cuisine within the festival grounds. By choosing the right ticket option, you can ensure you make the most of your Napa Valley Bottlerock adventure.

Is Bottlerock the New Coachella?

So, is Bottlerock the new Coachella for millennials? It certainly offers a compelling alternative with perks aimed at mature festival goers.  While Coachella thrives on its massive scale, iconic status and marquee headliners, Bottlerock caters to a different kind of festival-goer.

It prioritizes comfort, convenience, and a curated experience that blends world-class music with exceptional food, wine, and a luxurious setting. This 30-something drove home feeling alive, instead of exhausted.

I’ll be back next year. Next time with cuter shoes on. 

@whimsysoul Easily the best California music festival ❤️ can’t beat Napa, wine & music! @BottleRock Napa Valley @Tors @The Beaches @JaM Cellars @hendricksgin @The Scarlet Opera @Paige Comrie #bottlerock #bottlerocknapa #napavalley #napa #musicfestival #festivalseason #california #norcal #bottlerock2024 #bottlerockoutfits ♬ Riot – The Scarlet Opera