Your complete guide to Santa Clarita Valley’s best events, festivals, and community celebrations — with dates, locations, and insider tips.
Santa Clarita Valley hosts dozens of free and family-friendly events throughout the year, making it one of the most vibrant communities in Los Angeles County. From summer concert series and western heritage festivals to holiday celebrations and championship road races, there’s always something to do in SCV. Here’s your guide to the biggest and best Santa Clarita events and festivals.
Every Saturday evening from June through August, Central Park transforms into Santa Clarita’s favorite outdoor music venue. This free admission concert series typically runs from 5:30 to 9:00 p.m., with genres rotating weekly—classic rock, Motown, country, Latin, and Top 40 tribute bands all make appearances throughout the summer. Bring a blanket and lawn chairs, grab dinner from the rotating lineup of local food vendors, and enjoy live music under the stars. Free parking is available in the Central Park lot off Bouquet Canyon Road, but arrive early on popular weekends as spots fill quickly.
Running for over 25 years, Santa Clarita’s signature celebration of western heritage takes over William S. Hart Park in Newhall every April. This weekend-long event features live country and folk music on multiple stages, cowboy poetry readings, trick ropers, a BBQ cookoff, and line dancing. Kids love the mechanical bull, petting zoo, pony rides, and hands-on frontier activities. The festival honors the valley’s ranching roots and draws visitors from across Southern California, making it one of the most beloved SCV festivals on the calendar.
Every November, runners take to the valley’s scenic trails and paseos for a full marathon, half marathon, and 5K. The Santa Clarita Marathon is a USATF-certified Boston Qualifier known as one of the most runner-friendly courses in Southern California. The elevation profile is mostly flat with gentle rolling hills, winding through tree-lined paths, open space preserves, and residential neighborhoods. Registration typically opens in spring and fills up fast. Packet pickup takes place at the Santa Clarita Sports Complex the day before the race. Enthusiastic community support lines every mile—making it a favorite for first-time marathoners and seasoned qualifiers alike.
Westfield Valencia Town Center hosts the valley’s biggest Independence Day party, drawing tens of thousands of Santa Clarita residents and visitors. Festivities kick off around noon with live entertainment on multiple stages, carnival rides, a kids’ zone, food trucks, and vendor booths. The evening culminates in a spectacular fireworks finale at approximately 9:00 p.m., visible from across the valley. Free parking is available in surrounding lots, but we recommend arriving before 5:00 p.m. to get a good spot—this is the single biggest community event in SCV.
The premier food and drink festival in Santa Clarita brings together 30+ of the valley’s best restaurants, craft breweries, and wineries for an evening of tasting and entertainment. General admission tickets typically range from $50 to $80, with VIP options available for early entry and exclusive tastings. Enjoy chef demonstrations, live music, and the chance to discover new favorite spots. Proceeds benefit local charities and community organizations, so you’re supporting the SCV community while exploring its culinary scene.
The annual kickoff to the holiday season takes place at Town Center Drive in Valencia with a festive celebration the whole family looks forward to. The event typically begins around 5:00 p.m. and centers on the lighting of a 50-foot Christmas tree. Kids can enjoy free hot cocoa, play in machine-made snow, and line up for Santa photo opportunities. Live performances by local choirs and dance groups fill the evening, with holiday craft booths and food vendors rounding out the festivities. It’s one of the most beloved family-friendly events in Santa Clarita.
Main Street in Newhall is closed to traffic and comes alive with 500+ vintage and classic vehicles for this celebration of Route 66 history. Admission is free for spectators, making it one of the best free things to do in Santa Clarita. Live DJs and rockabilly bands fill the air while visitors browse street fair vendors, grab a bite at local restaurants, and admire everything from pristine hot rods to original muscle cars. It’s a throwback weekend the whole community loves—a true SCV tradition.
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