BottleRock 2025 roared to life May 23, kicking off the weekend with a powerful mix of music, food and sunshine in Napa Valley. Festivalgoers poured into the Napa Valley Expo early in the day, greeted by back-to-back sets across multiple stages. But all eyes were on the JaM Cellars Stage, where Green Day was set to headline the opening night. By sunset, anticipation had reached a fever pitch – and when Billie Joe Armstrong, Mike Dirnt and Tré Cool finally hit the stage, they delivered a high-octane set that spanned nearly four decades of punk rock history, lighting up the night with hits like “American Idiot,” “Holiday” and “Wake Me Up When September Ends.”
The Friday lineup was stacked with genre-hopping performances that set the tone for the weekend. E-40 brought hometown pride and hyphy energy, joined by Big Omeezy, while Remi Wolf’s kaleidoscopic set had the crowd dancing in the heat. Sublime, with Jakob Nowell fronting the band, gave fans a taste of Southern California nostalgia, blending ska and reggae under the early evening sun. Over on the Verizon Stage, indie rockers Beach Bunny and pop-punk mainstays The Story So Far fueled sing-alongs, followed by a legendary appearance by Public Enemy. The night transitioned seamlessly into dance mode with sets from Sofi Tukker and Kaskade, who kept the party going long after dark.
BottleRock’s Friday wasn’t just about the music – it was a celebration of culture, flavor and California spirit. Festivalgoers sipped local wines, sampled gourmet dishes like saffron paella and truffle sliders and gathered at the Williams Sonoma Culinary Stage to watch celebrity chefs and surprise guests collaborate in real time. But it was Green Day’s blistering headline performance that anchored the day, reminding everyone why they’re still one of rock’s most iconic live acts. With fireworks bursting overhead and thousands singing in unison, the first day of BottleRock 2025 ended on an unforgettable note.
Public Enemy brings powerful energy and timeless messages to the stage, showing why their voice still resonates decades later. Photographed by Ryan Zhang/BruinLife.
Mallrat lights up the stage with a vibrant performance and crowd-pleasing energy. Photographed by Ryan Zhang/BruinLife.
Mallrat takes the stage at the JaMPad, kicking off her set with dreamy vocals and high energy. Photographed by Ryan Zhang/BruinLife.
Green Day closes out Friday night at BottleRock 2025 with a powerhouse set spanning decades. Photographed by Ryan Zhang/BruinLife.
Miya Folick brings a calm, soulful energy to the stage, connecting with the crowd through heartfelt vocals. Photographed by Ryan Zhang/BruinLife.
Parker Cannon sings into the mic with a relaxed vibe, enjoying the moment. Photographed by Ryan Zhang/BruinLife.
E-40 lights up the stage with Bay Area pride. He performed classics that had the crowd rapping along word-for-word. Photographed by Ryan Zhang/BruinLife.
Green Day’s frontman Billie Joe Armstrong electrifies the crowd with his iconic vocals and commanding stage presence. Photographed by Ryan Zhang/BruinLife.
Kaskade ends the night with a mesmerizing DJ set, filling the air with pulsing beats and vibrant lights. Photographed by Ryan Zhang/BruinLife.
Jakob Nowell of Sublime brings raw energy and heartfelt vocals to the stage, carrying on his father's legacy. Photographed by Ryan Zhang/BruinLife.
