5 Reasons To Visit The North Bay In 2015

(credit: Live 105)

BottleRock Napa Valley
Napa Valley Expo
575 Third St.
Napa, CA 94559
(707) 253-4900
www.bottlerocknapavalley.com
Date: May 29-31, 2015

Featuring world class musical artists and some of the best food and wine from the incomparable Napa Valley, BottleRock Napa Valley is the largest music festival in the North Bay. Now in its third year, the Wine Country festival hosted several top name acts last year, including The Cure, Outkast, LL Cool J, Heart, Eric Church and The Fray. From the more than 85 bands that performed last year are many others that could headline a concert, such as Sublime with Rome, Third Eye Blind, De La Soul, Blues Traveler and the Gin Blossoms. More than 120,000 people attended last year, as did more than 60 vendors serving great food and wine. Located on the 26-acre Napa Valley Expo, the event is just a few blocks from downtown Napa. The entire lineup for this year's BottleRock Napa Valley will be announced at a later date.

Dipsea Trail Map (credit: Randy Yagi)

Dipsea Race
87 Throckmorton Ave.
Mill Valley, CA 94941
(415) 331-3550
www.dipsea.org
Date: June 14, 2015

Entering its 105th event, the Dipsea Race is the oldest trail running event and one of the oldest footraces in the country. Held annually on the second Sunday in June, the 12K race is considered among the world's most scenic courses and among the most challenging races in the Bay Area. The legendary race begins on a flat stretch of downtown Mill Valley, only to encounter three very challenging flights of stairs, leading to the entrance of the Dipsea Trail, crossing through the glorious redwoods of Muir Woods and Mount Tamalpais State Park, before culminating in the finish along the shoreline at Stinson Beach. Although the race is limited to just 1,500 participants, the Dipsea is considered one of the world's most prestigious running events and draws athletes from across the globe.

(credit: roseparadefestival.com)

Luther Burbank Rose Parade and Festival
200 E St.
Santa Rosa, CA 95404
(707) 523-3728
www.roseparadefestival.com
Date: May 16, 2015

Everyone loves a parade and one of Northern California's best is the Luther Burbank Rose Parade, held the third Saturday of May. An annual event that first began in 1894, the parade honors American botanist and horticulturist Luther Burbank, who spent most of his professional life in Santa Rosa. Last year's parade, with more than 3,500 participants, drew more than 20,000 people to one of Sonoma County's most popular annual events. After the parade, a lively festival with music, food vendors and family-friendly activities is held at Julliard Park, across the street from the final resting place of Luther Burbank – the Luther Burbank Home and Gardens.

(credit: festivaldelsole.org)

Napa Valley Festival del Sole
915 Trancas St., Suite B
Napa, CA 94558
(707) 346-5052
www.festivaldelsole.org
Date: July 17-26, 2015

Entering its 10th season, the Festival del Sole is a 10-day music and lifestyle festival highlighting the world-class hospitality, exceptional cuisine and fine wines from the Napa Valley. Last year's gala event hosted by more than 100 wineries, hotels, restaurants and other businesses set an attendance record, drawing more than 10,000 guests. Last year's featured music performers included Italian conductor Carlo Ponti, Cuban jazz legend Arturo Sandoval, violinist Joshua Bell and Leonard Bernstein's daughter, Jamie Bernstein, in addition to special appearances from from well-known celebrities such as Whoopi Goldberg, Robert Redford and Francis Ford Coppola. Many of the Napa Valley's most prestigious resort hotels and wineries were among the event hosts, including Castello di Amorosa, Meadowood Napa Valley, Robert Mondavi Winery, Auberge du Soleil, Bardesonno and Calistoga Ranch.

Toyota/Save Mart 350 (credit: Todd Warshaw/Getty Images for NASCAR)

Toyota/Save Mart 350
Sonoma Raceway
29355 Arnold Drive
Sonoma, CA 95476
(800) 870-7223
www.racesonoma.com
Date: June 26-28, 2015

The biggest names of NASCAR return to the Sonoma Raceway at Sears Point for the Toyota/Save Mart 350. The 218.9-mile (352.3 km) event is the premier racing event in the Bay Area and attracts spectators from all over the country. Among the racing stars behind the wheel at last year's Toyota Save Mart 350 were Jeff Gordon, Dale Earnhardt Jr., Jimmie Johnson, Tony Stewart, Danica Patrick and the 2014 winner, Carl Edwards. Also in 2015, the Sonoma Raceway will host the finale of the IndyCar Series, the GoPro Grand Prix of Sonoma.