5 days ago
- Entertainment
- San Francisco Chronicle
La Onda 2025: Napa Valley's Latin music festival returns with food, fun and rhythm
La Onda returns to Napa for its second year, celebrating Latin music, food and culture in the heart of Wine Country.
The two-day event, scheduled to take place on Saturday-Sunday, May 31 and June 1 at the Napa Valley Expo, featuring an eclectic lineup that spans regional Mexican and several various sub-genres, Latin pop and so much more.
Hitting the festival grounds just after BottleRock Napa Valley, a Memorial Day weekend staple, La Onda benefits from much of the same infrastructure. Attendees can expect similar perks, including multi-level seating and lounge areas, a silent disco, VIP experiences and even an on-site spa.
The inaugural La Onda in 2024 drew more than 60,000 fans who enjoyed not only musical sets on the main stage but performances by roaming Mariachi bands to electrifying Lucha Libre matches. For festivalgoers looking for the perfect selfie, brightly colored lowriders served as Instagram-ready backdrops.
Organizers deemed it a resounding success, with attendees lauding it for representing the vibrant diversity of Latino communities.
'There was something missing in the Northern California festival scene — an authentic, large-scale festival dedicated 100% to Latino culture,' acknowledged Dave Graham, partner at BottleRock Napa Valley which produces the La Onda. 'We saw the response from the crowd and on social media — just how much it was wanted and appreciated. We're excited to bring that same energy into year two.'
Who is performing at La Onda 2025?
The 2025 lineup promises big names and diverse talent within the Latin music world. On Saturday, May 31, Mexican singer-songwriter Marco Antonio Solis, Banda MS and Pepe Aguilar are expected to take the stage, while Carin León and Grupo Firme are slated to close out the festival on Sunday, June 1.
Other highlights include performances by Xavi, Tito Double P, Yuridia, Eden Muñoz, Ángela Aguilar and Clave Especial. Various DJs, from Subelo Neo to Mexican Institute of Sound, will also bring the beats throughout the weekend.
Other featured acts include Chino Pacas, La Receta, Camila Fernández, Los Aptos, Sonora Tropicana, MAR, Edgar Alejandro, Christian Nava, Codiciado, Oscar Maydon, Alicia Villarreal, Michelle Maciel, Reyna Tropical, Miguel Cornejo, Erre, Los De La 4, Adriana Ríos and Ysrael Barajas.
Where is La Onda?
The festival takes place at the Napa Valley Expo, a 26-acre venue just minutes from downtown Napa, which also hosts BottleRock Napa Valley. While La Onda uses much of the same footprint, it has its own distinct personality.
'Our team is super motivated to transform the space into something completely different,' said Justin Dragoo, chief operating officer at BottleRock. 'The decor, the vendors, the sponsors — everything had to reflect the unique spirit of this festival. We love the challenge.'
Festival doors open at 11:30 a.m., with the last act ending at 10 p.m. each day.
Getting to Festival La Onda 2025
Festivalgoers can easily reach the Napa Valley Expo through a variety of transportation options. Designated ride-hailing pickup and drop-off areas are located at Third and Randolph streets.
Vine Transit offers free bus service throughout the weekend.
Carpooling is encouraged with limited street parking available on a first-come, first-served basis, while VIP and platinum pass holders enjoy reserved parking.
Free bike parking is available at 301 First St.
Amtrak San Joaquins provides direct routes with festival shuttles to the venue; and out-of-town visitors can fly into nearby airports.
Hotel and transportation packages, including festival shuttles, are available on the La Onda website for cities like San Francisco, Oakland, Sacramento and Santa Rosa.
What's on the menu at La Onda?
One of the festival's main attractions is its incredible culinary offerings. More than 60 renowned eateries will showcase Latin-inspired dishes, with a special focus on the local flavors of Napa Valley, Sonoma County and the greater Bay Area.
In addition to the food vendors, guests can enjoy lively bars, wine cabanas and specialty drinks throughout the festival grounds.
'This is a festival designed by Latinos, for Latinos,' said Graham. 'The food, the music, the atmosphere — it's all about celebrating our culture in the heart of one of the best food and wine regions in the world.'
