NAPA — The 11th annual BottleRock kicked off Friday evening in Napa with an estimated 40,000 people in attendance. The combination concert-food festival features a star-studded music lineup that draws people back to the event every year.
It’s not just about the artists as there is so much more to discover, especially if you upgrade to the VIP tickets.
RELATED: BottleRock Napa Valley 2024 — Here’s what you need to know
The lawn and the stands were packed on Friday evening when Nelly took the stage. Nelly was the artist that Jack and Cheyanne Harmon came to see. The Harmons bring their entire family every year and this was Ava’s first experience of six months.
“This is a family event, so we have our little one here,” Jack Harmon said. “We’re bringing the whole family. Just have a good time.”
The Harmons purchased tickets for the VIP section, which gave them access to a private lawn and shorter lines at the food stalls.
“I’m really happy with how the environment is here,” Cheyanne Harmon said. “Otherwise I probably wouldn’t have brought her, but it’s so inviting that it’s really fun.”
Some of their extended family includes Alex Pierce. He got a taste of what BottleRock has to offer.
“I got a fried chicken sandwich… Some fries and lemonade,” Pierce said. “It pops.”
He has seen how much this event has grown since BottleRock first started in Napa.
“My family started going,” he said. “We were just impressed. The first year I started was 2013.”
Now cousins from across the country are joining in on the fun, including Ian Martin of Utah.
“He makes fun of his family,” Martin admitted. ‘I will be honest. It’s hard to get a ticket on my payroll.’
This music festival has a lot to offer, even if you only have a general admission ticket. Children and adults went crazy in the Sustainable Sparkle Bar.
“I have gemstone eyeliner,” said owner Taylor McPherson. “We have all different types of gemstones, different colors, different sizes. We can create eyeliner looks and more decorations on the side of your face.”
BottleRock is a big boost for local businesses. Many say this is unique to Napa and enjoy the event year after year.
“The food and wine, you can’t go wrong,” said Cheyanne Harmon.
