BottleRock’s ‘best kept secret’ is out — but you have to pass the toilet

People gather inside the speakeasy — accessed via a Porta Potti door — at BottleRock Napa Valley.Photo: Jungho Kim / Special to The Chronicle

Entering BottleRock’s Porta-Party Speakeasy, hosted by whiskey-maker Monkey Shoulder, feels a bit like entering Narnia. You walk into a nondescript Porta Potti located near the Third Street entrance to the festival, and suddenly you’re thrust into a booming club.

The small space — billed as the festival’s “best kept secret” — was packed with people dancing on opening day of the festival, Friday, May 27, while White Panda, the Los Altos electronic dance music producer, commanded the turntables.

White Panda keeps the party going at the speakeasy during the first day of Bottlerock Napa Valley.Photo: Jungho Kim / Special to The Chronicle

It’s the speakeasy’s first time back at BottleRock since 2019, when Monkey Shoulder set up the activation for the first time withKristian Nairn(Hodor on “Game of Thrones”) performing a DJ set. There was even a surprise appearance by Too Short during that festival weekend.

The hidden bar and club will be at the festival through Sunday, May 29, with specialty cocktails and more surprise musical performers after 5 p.m.

“It’s kind of how we decided to break down misconceptions around scotch, with something loud, rowdy and fun,” said Anna Mains, Monkey Shoulder’s national ambassador. “You only discover it if you happen to open the door and walk in.”

BottleRock Napa Valley attendees get drinks at the speakeasy’s bar.Photo: Jungho Kim / Special to The Chronicle

  • Andres Picon
    Andres PiconAndres Picon is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: andy.picon@hearst.com Twitter: @andpicon