Festival weekend planner
Walla Walla Spring Release Weekend — a 3-day weekend in Walla Walla Valley
5–11 May 2026. Walla Walla, United States.
The weekend, day by day
- Day 1
Arrive in Walla Walla
Land at Walla Walla Regional Airport (ALW), settle in and walk the old town in the afternoon. Light dinner near your accommodation — save your appetite for the festival day.
- Day 2
Walla Walla Spring Release Weekend
Festival day — arrive early to avoid the lunchtime crowd. Insider tip: Skip the crowded downtown tasting rooms on Saturday and head to the Rocks District estates on Friday afternoon—you'll find smaller producer lots like Doubleback and Pepper Bridge with minimal lines. Book a tasting at Leonetti or K Vintners in advance; they sell out by noon.
- Day 3
Wine country day in Walla Walla Valley
Use the third day for a single winery visit (booked ahead) and a long lunch at one of the regional addresses below before heading home.
Where to stay
Three angles for the festival window. Festival hotels book out 6+ months in advance — apartments are the contingency when the main shortlist is sold out.
- Hotels in Walla Walla
Live inventory around the festival window — 2 adults, all star ratings.
- 4–5 star options near Walla Walla
Higher-end shortlist when you want the milestone weekend treatment.
- Apartments in Walla Walla
Self-catering option — useful when festival hotels sell out 6+ months ahead.
Booking.com links — we may earn a commission. We never recommend hotels we wouldn't use ourselves.
One winery worth a detour
Gramercy Cellars
A Master Sommelier making world-class Syrah from ancient cobblestone soils in a Washington town most wine lovers have never heard of.
- Address
- 635 N 13th Ave, Walla Walla, WA 99362, USA
- Appointment
- by-arrangement
- Tasting price
- USD 25 · Flight of 5 wines
- Website
- Visit
Practical
- Nearest airport
- Walla Walla Regional Airport (ALW)
- Festival site
- Visit official site
Insider tip
Skip the crowded downtown tasting rooms on Saturday and head to the Rocks District estates on Friday afternoon—you'll find smaller producer lots like Doubleback and Pepper Bridge with minimal lines. Book a tasting at Leonetti or K Vintners in advance; they sell out by noon.
Want a longer trip than the festival weekend?
The milestone-trip planner builds a 3–10 day Walla Walla Valley itinerary with accommodation, tours, and pacing options.
Plan a Walla Walla Valley trip →