Memorial Day weekend has become a particularly festive holiday occasion in the San Francisco Bay Area, thanks to the BottleRock Napa Valley music festival. The annual event at the Napa County Fairgrounds always heralds “the first taste of summer”, a signature tag line that’s grown undeniable. BottleRock has become a regional tradition for celebrating the good life with arguably the most diverse artist lineup of any major festival in America. The three-day event also features local cuisine and beverages, including regional wines and craft beers, plus balmy, breezy weather that makes the festival feel like a genuine paradise when the music hits deep.
BottleRock has been on a roll in the 2020s with a series of arena rock headliners that find Foo Fighters returning this year (for their third visit), following Green Day in 2025, Pearl Jam in 2024, Red Hot Chili Peppers in 2023, Metallica in 2022, and both Guns N’ Roses and the Foos in 2021. Yet there’s always something for everyone as BottleRock also fields star headliners in pop and hip-hop, plus an array of indie rock buzz bands, classic rockers, funk, punk, blues, alt-rock, Americana, EDM, just about every genre in popular music is represented.
The festival draws 45,000 people per day, which can feel like a vast crowd when the biggest draws take place on the two main stages. Yet BottleRock manages to blend small-festival vibes, thanks to several smaller stages and an eclectic lineup that offers more intimate experiences. The only real problem is the vexing dilemmas that can pop up when overlapping sets from multiple artists you want to see lead to some challenging decisions. BottleRock remains ever bountiful as a musical smorgasbord. Read on for highlights including peak sets from Melt, the Warning, Rilo Kiley, Foo Fighters, Slightly Stoopid, and much more.
Friday, 22 May
The Beths from New Zealand hit the main stage (renamed the Prudential Stage this year) at 1:30 pm and soon provide the weekend’s first blast of indie rock ecstasy with their hit song “Future Me Hates Me”. The title track from the group’s 2018 debut shimmers, with singer-songwriter Elizabeth Stokes delivering sugary vocals over big, fuzzy hooks for a true sonic treat on this gorgeous day in Napa. The quartet keep it rocking with the breezy “Metal” from 2025’s Straight Line Was a Lie, its upbeat vibe matching the balmy weather. The title track from 2022’s Expert in a Dying Field is another winner, a zeitgeisty number with lyrics that can hit in the feels for those in downsized professions like journalism.
The Chin Chins bring a bluesy pop-punk flavor to the NorthBay Health Stage at 2:30, one of the smaller stages that lets attendees get up close to the bands. Charismatic singer Sara Rose has her mojo working, boosted by husband Trey Cool from Green Day (a surprise special guest on the drum kit). They’re having a retro blast, with guitarist Buzz Campbell (formerly of Sha Na Na) and upright bassist Eriberto “Eddie” Montoya. They’ve also got colorful visuals on the screen behind them, boosting the vibe with hot flames and cool waves.
Multi-platinum pop star Natasha Bedingfield draws a big crowd to the T-Mobile Stage in the same time slot. Her 2004 hit “Unwritten” strikes a vibrant chord, sounding a bit like Alanis Morissette as she gets the audience singing along on the chorus: “Feel the rain on your skin, No one else can feel it for you / Live your life with arms wide open / Today is where your book begins / The rest is still unwritten.” It’s a sentiment that provides a welcome antidote to the dark socio-political climate of 2026, and her fans are way into it.
Chevy Metal makes a triumphant return to the HelloFresh Stage, where they rocked two years ago, when they followed the bluesy side project of Foo Fighters lead guitarist Chris Shiflett (who then sat in) The power trio throws down classic rock and heavy metal hits with teenage drummer Shane Hawkins (son of late great Foo Fighters drummer Taylor Hawkins), stepping into destiny to keep his dad’s fun side project going. Singer/bassist Wiley Hodgen was Taylor’s drum tech when they started the band, and guitarist Brent Woods studied with Randy Rhoads. Powerful highlights include Rush’s “Working Man” and David Bowie’s “Moonage Daydream”.
The Watermelon Solar Sour Ale from Headlands Brewing out of the East Bay hits the spot during the “Take myself out an ice cold beer” line in “Working Man”, as well as when Shane leads the group through an ambitious take on Rush’s “2112 Part 1: Overture”. A special BottleRock moment comes at the end of the set when Dave Grohl from the Foo Fighters sits in for an incendiary performance of AC/DC’s “Let There Be Rock”. It’s all the feels as Grohl sings of how God created rock, with the Foo Fighters family rallying for a truly heartwarming moment.
Brooklyn indie soul rockers Melt deliver an enchanting performance at the NorthBay Health stage from 5:30-6:30, led by alluring lead vocalist Veronica Stewart-Frommer. The group get a groovy festive vibe going on anthemic songs like “Find Somebody” and “Walk to Midnight”, with guitarist Marlo Shankweiler and bassist Lucas Saur generating strong chemistry. Bay Area fans got a taste of Melt when they opened for My Morning Jacket at the Berkeley Greek last summer, including a dynamic duet between Stewart-Frommer and Jim James. There seems to be some familiarity as Melt continues to impress, with the singer emoting more deeply on the power ballad “Stay For the High”, then getting the dance party going again on 2017’s “Sour Candy”.
Stewart-Frommer relates how the band’s ride got broken into on the way to Napa, before a birthday miracle of some sort saved the day. “Can I get a fuck ICE?” she also asks the adoring audience, to which the answer is a firm yes! She takes the momentum into 2024’s “Heaven”, a shimmering rocker where she sings, “If there’s a heaven, everybody’s getting in.” A cover of Snow Patrol’s “Chasing Cars” conjures another anthemic moment on a tune that feels like a perfect number for Melt, with Frommer-Stewart bringing all the emotion.
A great BottleRock transition follows for those who head to the HelloFresh Stage after Melt’s set to catch the last 15 minutes of Rev Run. It’s a sensational shift, with the front person from the legendary hip-hop group Run-DMC leading a big party. Rev Run and his DJ mix classic hits with dynamic pivots from tunes like Blur’s “Song 2” into the White Stripes’ “Seven Nation Army”, into Guns ‘N Roses’ “Sweet Child of Mine”. It’s summer fun to the max when they drop the music out to let the crowd sing Axl Rose’s memorable vocal lines, then again for Bon Jovi’s “Living on a Prayer”. The energy level surges again with the classic Aerosmith/Run DMC team-up on “Walk This Way” and another big sing-along on Nirvana’s “Smells Like Teen Spirit”.
Papa Roach draw a big crowd to the T-Mobile Stage at 7:00 pm, and hard rock fans who weren’t keen on the band’s “nu metal” sound in the 1990s might be pleasantly surprised by the tight alt-rock sound here. The sonic vibes bring early Incubus, Linkin Park, and Three Days Grace to mind, before singer Jacoby Shaddix notes the group has been trying to get to BottleRock for awhile. “They finally let some rowdy motherfuckers on stage,” he exclaims, winning cheers and chuckles. “Kill the Noise” stands out with killer riffage from guitarist Jerry Horton over a wicked groove. The Muir Woods Hazy IPA from Barebottle Brewing in San Francisco goes nicely here, “like drinking a citrus laced pine cone”. A jam on 2Pac’s “California Love” is a big crowd pleaser, with Shaddix dedicating it to all the bands at the festival. Teddy Swims appears after his main stage set, singing with Shaddix on the anthemic “Scars”.
Lorde doesn’t draw the packed throng of party animals for her main stage headliner set that Justin Timberlake did a year ago, but there’s still a big crowd. She also doesn’t have a full band like JT did, but dropping the 2013 mega-hit “Royals” as her second song of the set conjures a festive sing-along that fits well in a primetime slot like this.” Since it’s the first night of the festival, I know you’re not too hungover to dance,” the pop star from New Zealand wisecracks, winning some street cred by alluding to having once been that hungover music fan herself.
A visit to the T-Mobile Stage to check out hip-hop star Lil Wayne in the same time slot finds a similar situation. He’s got a big crowd singing along to his profanity-laced lyrics, and the opening song even seems to share a similar beat with “Royals”. He plays a bit of guitar but doesn’t really have a full band either, getting by more on his sly rhymes. “We all ain’t shit without each other and I ain’t shit without you,” he says, winning some street cred of his own with the sentiment. 2018’s “Uproar” is a clear fan favorite with a slew of phones in the air to record the moment as Wayne sings, “What the fuck though, where’d the love go?”
There’s one more option with the Australian new wave band Men at Work at the HelloFresh Stage. Guitarist Colin Hay and his mates had some big hits in the 1980s, so there’s a retro flashback vibe in play. Yet what really hits the spot in Day One’s final hour is the jazzy flavor from the sax. The soothing “Down by the Sea” from 1981’s Business As Usual feels like a sonic treasure at this point in the evening. When Hay sings about finding some hidden treasure while overdosing on pleasure, it feels like a BottleRock deep cut anthem. The sax solo adds a sublime quality, making the song feel like a perfect ending to a long day, with a loaded Saturday slate ahead.
Saturday, 23 May
Paris Jackson rocks the T-Mobile Stage at 1:00 pm, and the 28-year-old daughter of pop icon Michael Jackson grabs the audience with a sound that’s influenced more by alternative rock. A cover of Blind Melon’s “No Rain” wears the grunge influence on her sleeve, an interesting change of pace from what some might expect. She also plays a set soon after at the intimate Backstage area at the back of the main stage field, where she notes that “Most of my songs are about boys or drugs, or both if you’re lucky.” Having gone through some documented tough times dealing with the burdens of growing up in the celebrity spotlight, it’s refreshing to see Paris Jackson rocking out to sing her blues away.
The strange musical cryptid known as Saxsquatch plays the HelloFresh Stage at 2:45, where the party animal draws a curious crowd with his funky grooves and sax jams. Being a longtime fan of Bigfoot and The X-Files, this reporter wants to believe in Saxsquatch. Yet the saxman in a sasquatch costume feels too gimmicky, especially considering the lack of a supporting band. It’s another beautiful day in Napa with no shortage of options, though, including the two-story Hacienda Patron, where the renowned tequila producers have a discotheque dance party of their own, augmented by their signature Headliner Margaritas. Concocted with PATRÓN Silver, Citrónge orange liqueur, pineapple juice, lime juice, and a tajín rim (also available in a spicy version with jalapeno tincture), the Headliner hits the spot on a sunny day like this.
The margaritas enhance the vibe as Joan Jett and the Blackhearts rock the main stage in the mid-day sun. The middle part of the set starts to feel like it’s lagging a bit, but then Jett raises the vibe with a joyous “Every Day People”, a charged “I Love Rock ‘n’ Roll”, and a sublime performance of her classic cover of Tommy James & the Shondells’ “Crimson & Clover”.
Bush draw a large crowd at the T-Mobile Stage at 3:45 for an alt-rock revival that feels connected to Papa Roach’s set a day earlier. Opening with 1994’s smash hit “Machinehead” gets the party started the right way with a blast of grungey goodness. Singer/guitarist Gavin Rossdale is in high spirits, and why not? It’s a great day for a BottleRock flashback to the mid-1990s. “Everything Zen” is another AOR classic that keeps the hard rock energy flowing, with cinematic vibes for those who recall Rossdale co-starring as a dastardly demonic bad guy opposite Keanu Reeves’ angelic anti-hero in 2005’s Constantine.
Almost Monday brings a festive modern rock sound to the intimate NorthBay Health Stage at 5:15, where the indie-pop rockers from San Diego draw a good crowd. They don’t wait long to play their Alternative Radio smash hit “Can’t Slow Down”, a groovy song from 2024’s DIVE album that feels tailor-made for summer fun. If only the song didn’t end after just three minutes, as it feels ripe for jamming out a bit. Singer Dawson Daugherty and his buddies have more where that came from, though, keeping the dance party going with a series of upbeat tunes.
Saturday night conflicts are soon in play, though, as LCD Soundsystem hit the main stage at 5:45 pm. The electro-dance-punk titans from Brooklyn have been a headliner at Coachella and Outside Lands, though the late afternoon/early evening slot is a good one for the group, too. The hot synth groove of “Tribulations” from 2005’s debut album cranks up the party vibe early on, as ringleader James Murphy sings “Everyone makes mistakes, But I feel alright when things come undone.” The energy surges on “Movement”, with a wild psychedelia between the synths and some freaky guitar. “I Can Change” is an LCD classic that keeps the festive vibe going, while “Yr City’s a Sucker” hits the spot as a funky number with a tightly syncopated cowbell.
Sticking with LCD Soundsystem at a big festival would usually be a no-brainer. Yet in this case, there’s a compelling buzz surrounding a heavy metal trio composed of three sisters from south of the border who are playing in the same time slot.
Arriving halfway through the hour-long set from The Warning at the HelloFresh Stage feels like a revelation, as the Villareal Velez sisters tear it up on their intense new song “Ego”. Guitarist/vocalist Daniela seems like a force of nature as she belts out the lyrics in Spanish, while slaying fierce riffage on the tightly syncopated tune before Paulina (drums) and Alejandra (bass) harmonize with her on the riveting chorus. Most of the group’s lyrics are sung in English, yet the trio seem to have an extra sonic mojo on Spanish-language tracks like “Ego” and “Qué Más Quieres”.
The new “Ritual” is another highlight, a killer tune with a cinematic video set to drop soon after, featuring the three sisters as avenging angels poised to help save Earth from a climate-change wasteland. The trio’s dynamic sound recalls early Evanescence, yet there’s extra excitement watching them rock out with no need for any guys to back them up.
San Francisco 49ers star George Kittle is sighted as one of the fans loving the set, as the Warning destroy BottleRock with mesmerizing power on “Sharks” and “Hell You Call a Dream” from 2024’s Keep Me Fed. “Give me something to believe in!” Daniela sings urgently, giving fans plenty of reason to believe in the group’s electrifying sound. “We are three sisters from Monterrey, Mexico, and we love rock and roll, so we’re glad to be here at BottleRock,” she proclaims sincerely before launching into the incendiary “Kerosene”.
The heavy song is indeed lit and features a cool, cinematic “Grindhouse”- style video of its own. Paulina rocks the drums with a dynamic charisma, while Alejandra oozes coolness as she lays down the low end. “It’s been an honor to be part of your day, thank you so much for being such a wonderful crowd,” Daniela says before one more blast of inspiring metal mayhem on “Automatic Sun”.
Los Angeles indie rockers Rilo Kiley hit the T-Mobile Stage right after The Warning ends at 6:45, and it’s great to see Jenny Lewis, Blake Sennett and the band back in action after reuniting last year. The upbeat “Spectacular Views” from 2002 sets a vibrant tone, conjuring the turn-of-the-millennium era when it felt like rock ‘n’ roll still ruled the world. “The Moneymaker” from 2007’s flawless Under the Blacklight album rocks vibrantly, as does the shimmering “Dreamworld”. Lewis continues to charm on “Breaking Up” and throughout the set, moving from bass to guitar to keyboards with a charismatic presence as the genuine rock star that she is. “Silver Lining” is a triumph of melodic songcraft, with Lewis winning extra BottleRock party points as she drinks from a can of Modelo beer through a straw.
There’s yet another tough conflict as Arrested Development takes the HelloFresh Stage at 7:15. The socially conscious hip-hop group ruled the airwaves in the early 1990s, and this modern world gone mad can surely use more of the positive vibes in tunes like “People Everyday” from 1992’s smash album 3 Years, 5 Months and 2 Days in the Life Of…. Yet the issue for BottleRockers who came to rock is that this influential hip-hop group didn’t bring a band for a slot where the first half of the set conflicts with Rilo Kiley, while the second half conflicts with the Foo Fighters. It feels like Arrested Development should have been slotted for Sunday, and one can only hope they’ll return to the Bay Area sooner than later.
Foo Fighters hit the main stage at 7:45 and deliver a spectacular two-hour set to show they’re still at or near the peak of their considerable alternative rock powers. Few bands in the world could open with a pair of smash hits like “All My Life” and “Times Like These” and then sustain that energy throughout the set. Dave Grohl, Chris Shiflett and Pat Smear lay down electrifying walls of guitar, while bassist Nate Mendel, new drummer Ilan Rubin and keyboardist Rami Jaffee round out a high-level unit.
“These Days” is a true sonic gem from 2011’s stellar Wasting Light, with melodic riffs over a tight mid-tempo rhythm that takes off into an explosive chorus, then soars with the guitar, bass, and vocal melodies. The exhilarating sonic lift makes it feel as if the audience is being taken on a magic carpet ride with the band, or perhaps aboard an anti-gravity flying saucer. “My Hero”, “Walk”, and “Learn to Fly” are three more anthemic rockers that sound fabulous in the Napa twilight, as the Foos keep throwing down climactic tunes that would be closers for most bands.
A cover of the Vaselines’ “Jesus Wants Me for a Sunbeam” finds Grohl revisiting the classic Nirvana cover for what’s reported to be the first time since 1994, another special BottleRock treat. “This Is a Call” from the group’s 1995 debut cranks the energy again with another classic hit. “No Son of Mine” from 2021’s Medicine at Midnight, the title track from 2026’s Your Favorite Toy, and “Nothing At All” from 2023’s But Here We Are each keep the set’s sustained energy rolling. The latter song finds a pack of grade school boys forming their own mini-mosh pit, and it’s heartwarming to see the next generation tuning in to the majestic alt-rock power of the Foo Fighters.
Grohl dedicates “Monkey Wrench” to LCD Soundsystem as “our version of a dance song”, before “Hey Johnny Park” from the same 1997 album provides a deep cut blast of killer riffage for more glorious 1990s alt-rock goodness. Grohl dedicates “Aurora” from 1999’s There Is Nothing Left to Lose to Taylor Hawkins, and the song’s sweet melodic bliss is another highlight, as is the psychedelic build with Rubin killing the drum part. “Best of You” strikes another classic chord before Grohl introduces “Exhausted” as the last song on their first record, which they used to end all their shows with in the 1990s. It’s a killer tune with fuzzy riffs, a powerhouse beat, and a heavy jam. The soaring “Everlong” caps the sensational set, as BottleRock triumphs yet again.
Sunday, 24 May
Entering the grounds through the side entrance by the HelloFresh Stage at 1:00 pm means walking right into some vibrant Americana from the Silverado Pickups, a BottleRock stalwart composed of Napa wine industry cowboys. A song about being “lost and found… moving on to higher ground” hits the mark with a rocking bluesy flavor to start the day. A visit to the High West Whiskey Train next to the Culinary Stage pays off with the refreshing flavor of High West Double Rye mixed with lemonade and mint. The whiskey makers from Park City, Utah, have been crafting some of the best whiskey available for under $40 a bottle, while also donating some profits to sustainability causes, making a classy partner for BottleRock here.
The tasty High West whiskey lemonade hits the spot with the high-energy blues power of Larkin Poe at the main stage, where guitar-playing sisters Megan and Rebecca Lovell, out of Atlanta and now Nashville, kickstart a festive Sunday funday. “Preachin’ Blues” brings real Sunday services into play with a revival-style stomper, as Megan lays down some wicked slide guitar on the Son House traditional.
“Mockingbird” from 2025’s Bloom is a shimmering song about “the perpetual journey of becoming”, where Rebecca sings of being “Like a mockingbird singing a thousand songs, That don’t belong to me, Just to see who’s listening.” Another song has a jam that takes off in a “Dear Mr. Phantasy” style psychedelic direction. Then there’s a tune with a hot jam where both sisters walk out on a platform for a dynamic duo cutting jam, as Larkin Poe delivers one of the top sets of the weekend.
Kool & the Gang mix it up at the main stage at 3:00 pm with their seminal blend of funk and R&B. Some of the more mild material has the vibe waning a bit, but then the group leads the crowd to get down with the classic funk of “Jungle Boogie” from 1973’s Wild and Peaceful album. “Hollywood Swinging” from the same album is another groovy jam for the dance party, as the group keep the good times rolling.
The Heavy Heavy, from the UK, brings a soulful retro-rock sound to the intimate NorthBay Health Stage at 4:00. Vocalist Georgie Fuller captivates with her magnetic voice, while guitarist William Turner and bandmates rock out with melodic guitar lines and crisp piano parts. “Happiness” from 2024’s One of a Kind is an early highlight, hooking the audience right away. “Cherry” is another crowd-pleasing rocker, as the group gets the Sunday Funday vibe going.
“All My Dreams” is introduced as a song about being British and wondering what it might be like to be in a rock band in California. When Fuller and the guys sing about “Dreaming of paradise,” it feels like a BottleRock anthem while conjuring classic 1960s vibes ala “California Dreamin’”. A glorious cover of Father John Misty’s “Real Love” shimmers with vibrant melodic power, before the group rocks out in a similar thematic direction on “Because You’re Mine”.
Mt. Joy aren’t cranking up the energy on the main stage like Goose and Khruangbin did in the late afternoon slots on Sunday last year, but the indie rock group from Philadelphia entertains with a more rootsy sound. The upbeat “Pink Lady” from 2025’s Hope We Have Fun shakes things up with keyboardist Jackie Miclau dazzling on the organ, while vocalist/guitarist Matt Quinn sings about a fun-loving pink lady on a red motorcycle.
Good Neighbors have a festive vibe at the HelloFresh Stage, producing a big sound that brings MGMT to mind. “Keep It Up” from 2025’s aptly named Blue Sky Mentality gets the crowd clapping along as the British indie pop duo wrap echo-laden vocals around bass synths and bright keyboard melodies for a feel-good anthem that clearly resonates with the audience.
Slightly Stoopid hits the T-Mobile Stage at 6:45 for a 75-minute set that conjures one of the weekend’s grooviest dance parties, easy to predict with this group in this time slot. A musical brotherhood that’s mastered a fusion of rock, reggae, hip-hop, acoustic soul, and jazzy funk, the group is a perfect fit for Sunday evening at Bottlerock. “Insane in the Membrane” plays on the PA as the band is introduced “From Ocean Beach, San Diego”, easily one of the coolest neighborhoods in America.
“Officer” gets the party going literally with co-founders Miles Doughty and Kyle McDonald singing, “Let’s get this party started, Until the break of dawn”, in defiant response to imperial entanglements with a cop. “2am” is another classic about being hassled by cops for smoking weed, though there don’t seem to be any such concerns in this fun-loving crowd. “No Cocaine” is another reggae rock ode to “the herb”, while “Bandalero” keeps the good times going as they sing of “Goin back, back, All the way to Cali.”
“The Prophet” from 2015’s Meanwhile…Back at the Lab is a catchy gem in which guest DJ Z-Trip makes his sonic presence known, a bonus treat from an influential figure in the jam scene who was on the roster for the debut Bonnaroo Festival in 2002. Another highlight comes when Slightly Stoopid pays tribute to dearly departed compadre Bobby Weir with a rocking “Franklin’s Tower”, honoring the late Grateful Dead guitarist after his untimely passing in January.
“Honestly, the Bay Area is like a second home to Stoopid. We have always been treated so well up here, and the fans bring such a different energy than Southern California. We have had the honor of Bobby sharing the stage with us a few times, and just couldn’t be more blessed to watch him work. He was such a master of his craft and a joy to play music with. We are forever grateful for his contributions to music and society in general,” Slightly Stoopid told PopMatters by email.
The fiesta rolls on with one groovy tune after another to bring the crowd together. “Running With a Gun” features acoustic guitar over psychedelic beats, with sax player Daniel Delacruz switching to flute. Delacruz and trombonist Andy Geib boost the vibe throughout the set, such as when they lead the charge on “Hold It Down”. G. Love guest stars on the bluesy “Baby I Like It”, as he did on the track from 2007’s Chronchitis for another BottleRock treat. “Sweet Honey” is a great melodic blend of acoustic guitars with psychedelic dub, as is the title track from 2005’s Closer to the Sun. “Ain’t No Reason” cranks things up with a furious punk metal banger, before the groovy new “Slow Ride” closes out a fabulous set that leaves everyone smiling.
Those not thrilled by headliner choices of a boy band on the main stage or another hip-hopper on the T-Mobile Stage can find a groovier option in the form of Cut Copy at the HelloFresh Stage at 8:30. The Australian indietronica group gets a psychedelic dance party going with infectious synth melodies and a trippy light show. “Standing in the Middle of a Field” from 2017’s Haiku From Zero features singer/keyboardist Dan Whitford, who uses a looping melody that recalls STS9’s “Circus” to get good vibes going on the dance floor. Another jam with rippling synths sustains the energy, as Cut Copy provide a worthy aftershow party for the dance crowd. BottleRock has done it once again with another weekend filled with magical musical moments.