BottleRock Survival Guide: Essential Gear & Power Tips
Napa Valley is best known for its wine, but it also hosts the unforgettable BottleRock festival every May. Since its launch in 2013, this three-day event has become a world-class experience where music, food, wine, and art collide.
Over 120,000 people attended the festival in 2025, making it a challenging event to navigate. Learn where BottleRock is, what you can expect, and how to plan a comfortable stay for the festival.
Where Is BottleRock Festival?
BottleRock is located at the Napa Valley Expo at 575 3rd Street, Napa, California 94559. The exact dates change year to year, but the festival usually happens over Memorial Day Weekend. The 2025 event ran from May 23-25, and the 2026 festival is expected to be held on May 22-24.
BottleRock spans the grounds of the Napa Valley Expo and features multiple music stages, culinary areas, wine and cocktail bars, and immersive festival experiences all within walking distance.
BottleRock’s gates open at 11.30 am and the final act of the night ends at 10 pm, so you can expect to be outdoors for around 12 hours. Average temperatures in California at this time of year range from 48°F in the morning to 77°F or more in the afternoon.
Past attendees say the weather usually feels great, but it can get chilly at night, so wear layers. California is also famous for its sunshine, so don’t forget to bring a paper parasol, a small tube of sunscreen, or UV-blocking clothes.
What to Expect at BottleRock
BottleRock is different because it combines live music, food, and Napa’s iconic wine culture at a single event. Here’s what to expect:
Live music: The 2025 event featured over 80 acts across three stages. Past headliners include Green Day, Justin Timberlake, and Noah Kahan.
Gourmet food: The Williams Sonoma Culinary Stage features celebrity chefs, with the 2025 lineup featuring Bobby Flay, Trisha Yearwood, and Masaharu Morimoto.
Wine, beer, and cocktails: Check out the wine garden, wine cabanas, beer hall, and Botanical Bar to sip on regional favorites. Keep in mind that drinks are an additional cost unless you book Skydeck tickets, which offer all-inclusive drinks.
Festival experiences: If you get tired of food or music, BottleRock includes plenty of additional experiences. Check out the silent disco, Be LOVE Spa, rollerskating at the lululemon Rink, art installations, and lounges.
Every ticket includes Wi-fi, so you don’t have to worry about connectivity while at the festival grounds. Still, you may need to charge your phone after snapping photos of your favorite bands or gourmet eats.
BottleRock offers paid lockers that include phone charging, but they often book fast. Fortunately, BottleRock doesn’t restrict portable chargers, so pack the EcoFlow RAPID Magnetic Power Bank to keep your phone charged all day.
Where to Stay at BottleRock
You can’t stay at the BottleRock festival grounds, but there are great options nearby. BottleRock offers shuttle buses from San Francisco, Sacramento, Oakland, San Jose, Fairfield, Sonoma, Mill Valley, Palo Alto, and Santa Rosa if you want to book hotels in those locations.
To stay closer to the action, book an RV or camping stay at Skyline Wilderness Park, a non-profit park just two miles from the festival grounds.
Can You Camp at BottleRock?
You can’t camp directly at BottleRock, but the nearby Skyline Wilderness Park is a great place to stay. It offers both tent and RV camping, as well as basic facilities like toilets and showers.
Tent Camping
Skyline Park offers tent camping through Camp Carneros for BottleRock. Located just a 10-minute drive from the festival, this one gets busy, and you must book ahead for a guaranteed campsite. Keep in mind that reservations guarantee you a spot, but it’s first-come, first-served for site selection. Campsites measure 20 x 20 feet (6 meters x 6 meters), with space for up to four people and one vehicle.
If you’re tent camping, you must choose the right power bank to stay comfortable. Napa might get chilly at night, but heats up during the day. Consider bringing the EcoFlow WAVE 3 Portable Air Conditioner to beat the midday heat and stay warm at night.
RV Camping
You can also book an RV hookup spot through the Skyline RV reservation system. However, BottleRock has special rules. You must book a three-night consecutive stay with an RV, and rates range from $45 to over $65 a night, plus an 8% administrative fee.
Some RV hookups include electricity and water, but not all do. If Skyline only has dry hookups available, consider bringing your own power to keep the lights on. The EcoFlow RIVER 3 Plus Portable Power Station is whisper-quiet and charges up in as little as an hour. It’s perfect for the light-wattage appliances in an RV.
BottleRock Packing List
If you forget to pack something, there are small shops and convenience stores around BottleRock, although they can be expensive. Follow this music festival packing checklist to ensure you have everything you need:
Clear plastic bag (12″ L x 6″ W x 12″ H) or a small, single-pocket clutch
An empty reusable water bottle or an empty Camelbak
Non-aerosol sunscreen that’s 3.4 ounces or smaller
Sunglasses
Paper parasol (no umbrellas)
Wide-brim hat
Comfortable shoes and socks
Small or twin-sized blanket
Small towel
Personal power bank or portable power station
Sealed, unopened tampons
Chapstick
Hand sanitizer
ID
Tickets
Prescription medicines in their original, labeled containers
What Not To Bring
BottleRock has a lot of restrictions on what you’re permitted to bring. Make sure you leave these items at your home or campsite before entering:
Aerosol sprays or cans (including sunscreen)
Alcohol or vapes
Pets that are not service animals
Chairs, tents, canopies, or umbrellas
Non-clear backpacks or oversized bags
Coolers or glass containers
Drones
Recording equipment or professional cameras
Outside food or beverages
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I Bring a Blanket to Bottlerock?
Yes. BottleRock allows you to bring a small, twin-sized blanket or towel to sit on. Outside chairs are not permitted, and most lounge seating is reserved for VIPs, making blankets a good option for a full day at the music festival if you don’t have an upgraded ticket.
What Should I Wear to Bottlerock?
Wear closed-toe shoes and dress in layers because the temperature can fluctuate significantly between day and night. Bring a hat, sunglasses, or a paper parasol for sun protection. Wear casual, breathable outfits that allow you to move and have fun.
Can I Bring a Backpack to Bottlerock?
You can only bring a fully clear backpack to BottleRock. Your bag can be no larger than 12″ L x 6″ W x 12″ H (30 cm L x 15 cm W x 30 cm H), so only small backpacks are permitted. Be sure to measure yours before you head off to make sure it fits the requirements.
Festival Readiness Requires Smart Packing, Preparedness, and Energy Support
BottleRock is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that brings the best of Napa to a single event. Come prepared to make the most of your experience: follow the clear bag rules, pack hydration and sun protection, wear comfortable layers, and bring a small blanket or towel. Don’t let a dead phone get in the way, either: Bring the EcoFlow RAPID Magnetic Power Bank to keep your devices charged and ready.