BottleRock Napa Valley Sizzles with Hot Performances by Justin Timberlake, Green Day, Benson Boone and More – Inspirations and Celebrations

Since launching in 2013, BottleRock Napa Valley has quickly evolved over the past decade into one of California’s premier music, food, and lifestyle festivals.

Blending world-class music, unparalleled performances by legendary musicians, singer-songwriters, and A-list artists, Michelin-level culinary offerings, electrifying activations by renowned brands, and a stylish, high-energy crowd, the popular 3-day festival recently turned up the volume in Napa, California, with this year’s epic lineup of performances and activities.

One of the main reasons why BottleRock has captured the hearts of festival goers from near and far is that it has successfully whipped up the perfect recipe for festival magic…

From riveting concerts by Justin Timberlake, Ice Cube, Green Day, Kaskade, Sofi Tukker, Public Enemy, Sublime, and Benson Boone to immersive experiences (such as the Silent Disco by Allianz and The Spa by Be LOVE) and captivating brand activations by Land Rover Defender, Hendrick’s Gin, and Aperol Spritz, it’s no wonder that this must-attend music festival has attracted 40,000 music lovers per day during its recent Memorial Day weekend event at the Napa Valley Expo.

Combining Coachella-level performances with wine country charm, BottleRock boasts 75+ bands on five stages (including massive stages sponsored by JaM Cellars, Prudential, and Verizon), complete with VIP and suite decks with elevated viewings and hospitality perks, hosted across three sun-drenched days. But that’s not all… beyond all the incredible live music, you can indulge your senses through a variety of flavorful experiences, including art installations, shaded lounges, picnic lawns, and even a roller skating rink by Lululemon.

From the enchanting Culinary Garden, which features a bevvy of over 50 outstanding restaurants (including local Napa Valley favorites – Morimoto Asia, Cole’s Chop House, Mustards Grill, Slanted Door Napa, and La Toque) to indulgent tastings from 45+ wine, beer, and spirits brands (including Caymus, Mumm Sparkling, Far Niente Winery, Pacifico, Tito’s Handmade Vodka, White Claw, and more).

But if that wasn’t enough to keep fans bubbling with excitement, then the Williams-Sonoma stage would surely have captivated their attention by cooking up something spectacular each day. BottleRock’s legendary Culinary Stage featured celebrity chefs and musicians paired up throughout the day, indulging audiences with lively culinary performances that serve up a little sass, seasoning, and so much more.

From renowned chefs such as Andrew Zimmern, Brooke Williamson, and Kristen Kish, paired with rockstars like Gavin Rossdale (Lead Singer of the epic British rock band, Bush, and now the host of the celebrity-studded cooking show titled “Dinner with Gavin Rossdale”), actress-turned-singer/songwriter Kate Hudson, and Anthony Kiedis (Lead Vocalist of Red Hot Chili Peppers), their entertaining on-stage cooking demos had fans thirsting for more. From Kiedis’ new Jolene-branded canned cold-brew coffee-infused ice cream to crab pasta and spicy margaritas, the dynamic duos wowed the crowds by whipping up tasty recipes, aside from sharing raucous jokes (some of which are too risqué to publish here), and playful on-stage antics.

From the moment I stepped through the gates, it was clear that BottleRock is no ordinary music festival. Wide walkways lined with towering trees, bursts of colorful signage, and carefully curated stage setups created an atmosphere that was both boutique and expansive. Whether you came for the chart-topping performances, the wine-soaked gourmet fare, or the fashion-forward crowd, every corner of the Expo offered a fresh experience.

One of the most unforgettable performances came from Justin Timberlake (who first rose to fame as a pop star in the wildly successful ’90s boy band, NSYNC), who headlined on Saturday night with his tour band, The Tennessee Kids, on the JaM Cellars Stage. With the polish and charisma of a true icon, sporting a checked jacket over a custom-made t-shirt featuring a photo of his wife (Jessica Biel), Timberlake delivered hit after hit with effortless precision, proving his decades-long relevance with songs that had the entire crowd moving. From singing chart-topping songs “Sexy Back” and “Cry Me a River” to his electrifying dance moves, Timberlake had both Millennial and Gen-Z fans fighting to get to the front of the crowds just to get a glimpse of him.

Simultaneously, Ice Cube brought raw energy and unapologetic authenticity to his set (performed on the Verizon Stage, while commanding the attention of the audience from under a haze of purple lighting. Wearing his signature dark shades and a shirt bearing his name, the hip-hop legend delivered a gritty, powerful performance that paid homage to his West Coast roots.

One of the ultimate standout stars throughout the weekend was Benson Boone, who captivated the audience with a performance that felt both cinematic and deeply personal. Clad in a retro bomber jacket and vintage denim, he sang his hit songs like “Beautiful Things” and “Sorry I’m Here for Someone Else” with emotional intensity, channeling a soulful vulnerability that resonated across generations of fans. Beyond his iconic vocals and deeply soulful performance, he stunned crowds when he did an eye-catching flip on stage (paying homage to his gymnastics background).

Throughout the weekend, other fast-rising stars took to the stages, while colorful entertainers captured the imaginations of onlookers.

One notable performance that stood out to me was by the glamorous blonde known as Goldie Boutilier (pictured above), who turned heads with a visually striking set that blended glam rock attitude with vintage elegance. Her vibrant fuchsia suede outfit that exuded a Studio 54 vibe, paired with gleaming metallic cowboy boots, gave her a theatrical presence, while her voice cut through the air with a sultry, commanding tone. Not to mention, her playful dance moves kept the crowd moving and grooving to the beat.

Lauren Mayberry, known for her role in Scottish synth-pop band CHVRCHES, lit up the stage with a sound that was airy yet electric. Her ethereal vocals, paired with synth-pop beats and emotionally intelligent lyrics, created a performance that felt like both a dream and a declaration.

Lawrence brought boundless energy with their funky, brass-heavy soul-pop sound. Siblings Clyde and Gracie Lawrence played off each other with playful chemistry, keeping the audience grooving to their catchy hooks and joyful rhythms. And, to turn up the volume on their performance, they brought out award-winning guitarist, Grace Bowers, who created a mic-drop moment with her riveting guitar riffs.

Throughout the festival, other beloved acts, including The Saint Cecilia, Bob Schneider, Kaleo, and the iconic American singer-songwriter, Linda Perry, with the 4 Non-Blondes (who reunited for only the second time in 30 years) had crowds rockin’ and rollin’ through the weekend. At every turn, BottleRock balanced energy and elegance.

Whether dancing under the sun or savoring gourmet fare, guests were immersed in a world designed for pleasure, discovery, and style. As the weekend wrapped and the final notes echoed across the Expo, it was clear: BottleRock 2025 wasn’t just an event; it was a vibe, a visual story, and a sensory escape that left everyone wanting more. From celebrity cameos to culinary delights, it reminded us why Napa isn’t just wine country, it’s festival heaven.

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[Disclosure: Complimentary media access to events provided by BottleRock Napa Valley. All opinions are my own. Image credits: Christina-Lauren Pollack]