Open daily
Valencia Pumpkin Patch
Through Oct 31 · Valencia Town Center
The easiest fall stop in the valley: pick a pumpkin, bounce houses, games, and food trucks. Golden hour makes the best family photos.
Neighborhoods, events, schools, trails, dining, and everything you need to know about living in SCV — updated weekly by a 22-year local.
300K+
Valley residents
100+
Miles of trails
Top
Rated schools
300+
Sunny days/year
Pumpkin patches, one last weekend of circus magic, and a not-so-scary haunted house: here is what is happening across the valley right now, rounded up in Sam's brand-new Halloween Events Edition.
Sam just published this week's full roundup: the Valencia Pumpkin Patch, Gilchrist Farm's Harvest Festival, Circus Vargas Masquerade, and Damian's Not-So-Haunted House, plus trivia night for the grown-ups. Everything happening in the valley this week, listed newest first.
Read the full Halloween guide
Open daily
Through Oct 31 · Valencia Town Center
The easiest fall stop in the valley: pick a pumpkin, bounce houses, games, and food trucks. Golden hour makes the best family photos.
Harvest season
Through Oct 31 · Bouquet Canyon Rd
The classic farm fall day out: pumpkins, hayrides, pony rides, archery, farm animals, face painting, and harvest food vendors.
Final days
Final day Oct 19 · Valencia Town Center
Halloween-flavored acrobatics, aerialists, and live music under the big top. Monday, October 19 is your last chance to catch it close to home.
0% scary
Month-long · 24709 Airville Ave
A warm, family-friendly walk-through of Halloween fun benefiting the Wylder Nation Foundation. Evening hours vary, so confirm before you go.
Nestled just 30 miles north of downtown Los Angeles, the Santa Clarita Valley is a place where warm, tight-knit communities meet open skies, award-winning schools, and a calendar full of things to see and do.
Welcome to the Santa Clarita Valley
September 25 – 27, 2026 · Harvest Season Begins
Every Friday we refresh this page with the weekend's best events. Bookmark it, share it, and make it your go-to for what's happening in the Santa Clarita Valley.
Southern California's big scare runs its first full Friday-Saturday-Sunday weekend at Six Flags Magic Mountain, continuing through November 1. Seven haunted mazes, seven scare zones, and brand-new mazes Final Destination and Wolves' Blood, with family-friendly Tricks and Treats during the day.
Fright Fest 2026 GuideSix Flags Magic Mountain's 33rd Fright Fest hits its first full Friday-Saturday-Sunday weekend, running through November 1: seven haunted mazes, seven scare zones, and new mazes Final Destination and Wolves' Blood, with family-friendly Tricks and Treats in the daytime.
The city's free outdoor movie series wraps its 2026 season with Top Gun (PG) at the Canyon Country Community Center at 7 PM. Food trucks open around 6 PM, and blankets and chairs are welcome under the stars.
The 12th annual glow run turns West Creek Park into a sea of glow sticks: check-in at 2 PM, 10K at 5:30 PM, and the 5K at 7 PM, benefiting A Light of Hope. Register ahead at bethelight5k.com.
Soroptimist International of Valencia's creative runway gala returns under the theme Viva La Vida: dinner, live and silent auctions, and stories from breast cancer survivors at the Hyatt Regency Valencia. Benefits the Sheila R. Veloz Breast Center.
Agape Village Community Meetup
Every Tuesday & Friday · 9:30–11:30 AM · Valencia Town Center · Free coffee, great company — all are welcome. 100% of proceeds support Agape Village.
📌 Bookmark this page — we update events every Friday for the weekend ahead. Never miss what's happening in SCV.
New Neighborhood Guide
The SCV's oldest community and its most walkable: Old Town's arts district, Newhall School District and Hart High, Metrolink rail to LA, and what homes run in 91321.
Read the guideNew Community Guide
Verified ways to help this season: the SCV Food Pantry, Santa's Helpers toy drive, Michael Hoefflin Foundation holiday baskets, Meals on Wheels, and Festival of Trees volunteers.
Read the guideNew Weekend Guide
The last full weekend before Christmas: Holiday in the Park's peak nights at Six Flags, the final tree farm days, last-minute local shopping, and the winter solstice.
Read the guideNew Festival Guide
A free, nine-acre cycling festival takes over Central Park October 30 - November 1 with bike and e-bike test rides, a vendor village, and a vintage bike show.
Read the guideNew Trail Spotlight
The 900-plus-acre ridgeline between Placerita Canyon and Canyon Country with valley panoramas, loops from 3.1 to 7.5 miles, and Sam's packing list.
Read the trail guideNew Race Guide
November 15 at Heritage Park: four distances, a USATF-certified Boston Qualifier course on the paseos, a 7-hour limit, and where to watch. Research done, dates verified.
Read the race guideNew Seasonal Guide
Holiday in the Park through January 3, family countdown traditions, and where this year's confirmed NYE events will be announced first.
Read the guideNew Neighborhood News
The new 780-foot bridge over the Santa Clara River links Soledad Canyon Road and Mitchell Drive with a dedicated walking and cycling path.
Read the newsNew Weekend Guide
275 artisans, food trucks, live music and Santa fill Central Park on November 14, plus both farmers markets and the countdown to Light Up Main Street.
Read the guideNew Park Spotlight
The expanded Saugus park with a new baseball field, lighted basketball, a 116-step exercise staircase, playground and picnic pavilions.
Read the guideNew Recreation Guide
The valley's new free mountain bike destination: 15+ miles of trails, pump tracks, jump lines, a dual slalom course and a skills area.
Read the guideNew Seasonal Guide
Choose-and-cut Monterey pines at Frosty's Forest, fresh-cut Oregon trees at Gilchrist Farm, plus the pre-cut lots worth knowing for 2026.
Find your treeNew Veterans Guide
The November 11 ceremony at Veterans Historical Plaza, co-hosted with American Legion Post 507, plus ways to honor our veterans from Army veteran Sam.
Read the guideHoliday Guide
Old Town Newhall's holiday kickoff on November 21: tree lighting at 5:30 PM, five blocks of lights, real snow, Santa, and live music.
Read the guideNew Weekend Guide
Nelly and Sugar Ray headline Dial Up Fest at Castaic Lake on November 7, with farmers markets, fall trails, and a Veterans Day preview.
Read the guideThinking about buying or selling a home in SCV?
Sam Silver is a 22-year local REALTOR — visit his real estate site for market data, home valuations, and consultation scheduling.
Bookmark this page or tap the share button and select "Add to Home Screen" to access Santa Clarita events, neighborhood guides, and community resources anytime you need them.
Tune In Tuesdays · The Rare Hour
Every Tuesday at 1:00 PM on KHTS 98.1 FM & AM 1220. Community advocacy radio for Santa Clarita's rare disease community, hosted by Chris Velona.
November's first week is a civic one: Election Day on Tuesday the 3rd, the Canyon Country Farmers Market on Wednesday evening, Red Friday on the 6th, and Dial Up Fest bringing Nelly and Sugar Ray to Castaic Lake on Saturday the 7th. Then the valley builds toward Veterans Day, the Santa Clarita Marathon, and the holiday season. Here is what is coming up next in the Santa Clarita Valley. Sam's This Week in SCV: November 2-8 guide has every detail.
California's General Election. Mail ballots or any LA County Vote Center by 8 PM. The statewide ballot includes an $11.25 billion housing and veterans bond, plus races for governor and Congress. Confirm details at lavote.gov.
90s and 2000s pop and hip-hop night by the water, headlined by Nelly and Sugar Ray at Castaic Lake State Recreation Area. Gates and times are organizer-managed, so confirm on the ticket listing.
The weekday evening market returns to the Canyon Country Community Center, 18410 Sierra Hwy. Winter citrus season is arriving. Also running: Old Town Newhall on Saturday and both Sunday markets.
The city's annual observance at Veterans Historical Plaza, 24275 N. Walnut St., Old Town Newhall. Arrive by 10:45 AM for seating. Friday Nov 6 is Red Friday, when the valley wears red to Remember Everyone Deployed.
Full marathon, half, 10K, and 5K from Heritage Park along the paseos. Entry prices rise as race day nears, so register early at santaclaritamarathon.org.
Festival of Trees at the Canyon Country Community Center Nov 20-22, Light Up Main Street in Old Town Newhall on Nov 21, and Holiday in the Park at Six Flags Magic Mountain from Nov 26.
Curated by Sam Silver, 22-year SCV local. Updated October 28, 2026.
The Santa Clarita Valley sits just 30 miles north of downtown Los Angeles, but it feels like a world away. With award-winning schools, over 100 miles of trails, a thriving arts scene, and tight-knit neighborhoods, SCV consistently ranks among the best places to live in California.
Whether you're a longtime local or considering a move, this guide is your insider resource — no fluff, just the real scoop from someone who knows every street, park, and taco shop in the valley.
Curated by Sam Silver · 22-year Santa Clarita Valley REALTOR
Each SCV community has its own personality. Discover the one that fits your lifestyle.
Master-planned living with paseos and top schools
Suburban charm with a tight-knit community feel
Historic heart of SCV with arts and culture
Canyon living with accessible pricing
Upscale gated communities and hilltop views
Lake life and outdoor adventure
"Every neighborhood in the Santa Clarita Valley has its own personality — Valencia has the paseos and master-planned perfection, Saugus has that old-school community warmth, and Newhall has the arts and the history. There's no wrong choice, just the right fit for your life."
From lake days at Castaic to free concerts under the stars, SCV comes alive in summer. Explore the trails at golden hour, cool off at splash pads, and make the most of everything this valley offers between June and September.
Full Summer GuideFree Saturday evening concerts at Central Park, July 11 through August 29.
Boating, fishing, and swimming at the 323-acre reservoir — SCV's summer playground.
Free splash pads at Central Park and Canyon Country, plus city pools open all summer.
Golden hour hikes at Towsley Canyon, Placerita Canyon, and the new Haskell Canyon Bike Park.
From cowboy festivals to summer concerts, there's always something happening in the valley. Here's a taste of what SCV is known for.
Jump to This Weekend's Events Full Events CalendarFriday-Sunday, September 25-27, 7 PM · Six Flags Magic Mountain runs its first full weekend of the 33rd Fright Fest: seven haunted mazes, seven scare zones, and new mazes Final Destination and Wolves' Blood, with family-friendly Tricks and Treats in the daytime.
Saturday-Sunday, September 26-27 · The valley's favorite fall tradition opens its gates: pumpkin patch, pony rides, hayrides, corn maze, and farm animals on Bouquet Canyon Road. Free admission and parking.
Friday, September 25, 7 PM · The free outdoor movie series' season finale screens Top Gun at the Canyon Country Community Center. Food trucks open around 6 PM.
Saturday, September 26 · The 12th annual glow run lights up West Creek Park at 7 PM, and the 23rd annual Bras for a Cause gala fills the Hyatt Regency Valencia at 5 PM.
Saturday, November 7 · A community 5k run/walk fundraiser at West Creek Park supporting Dig Deep Theatre, a local theater group. Time and registration details TBA.
Western heritage celebration at William S. Hart Park
Free Saturday evening concerts at Central Park
Third-Thursday street party on Main Street Newhall
Boating, fishing, and swimming at the 323-acre reservoir
SCV is growing fast. The newly renovated David March Park reopened with a baseball field, 116-step exercise staircase, and expanded playground. The Haskell Canyon Bike Park, a $7.4 million, 720-acre mountain biking destination with 15+ miles of trails, is nearing completion. Via Princessa Park is coming to Canyon Country with four sports fields and a trail connection. And William S. Hart Park officially joined the city's park system. On the events calendar right now: the Patriot Day 9/11 Car Show & BBQ on Friday, September 11 at Higher Vision Church, and Celebrate: Mexico at the Canyon Country Community Center the same evening, plus a special Love on Main St benefit for Old Town Newhall on Thursday, September 17 at Hart & Main, followed by GRACEFEST at Castaic Lake on September 19 and Gilchrist Farm's Harvest Festival on September 26-27. The Concerts in the Park summer series wrapped up August 29, and the Birdstock Music Festival takes over the valley October 9-11. Click the links below for the full guides from Sam.
Not sure where to start? Sam's curated weekend itineraries give you the perfect plan — outdoor adventures, family fun, foodie crawls, and date night ideas built around real SCV spots.
View Weekend GuideOutdoor Explorer
Hiking, biking, lake days, and canyon trails
Family Fun
Six Flags, parks, nature centers, and concerts
Foodie Crawl
Main Street dining, brunch spots, and cafés
Date Night
Golden hour hikes, craft cocktails, and ArtWalks
SCV is an outdoor paradise. Hike through Towsley Canyon's oak groves, explore the historic Placerita Canyon where California's first gold was discovered, or rock climb at the iconic Vasquez Rocks. The valley's connected paseo system makes it easy to walk or bike to shops, schools, and parks without ever touching a busy road.
New articles, event spotlights, and insider guides from Sam Silver, your 22-year Santa Clarita Valley local.
New neighborhood guide: the paseo lifestyle, Valencia and West Ranch High feeder patterns, Bridgeport and Heritage parks, Town Center dining, and the honest 91354/91355 housing picture.
New park spotlight: Valencia's 10,000+ sq ft inclusive play area, dual-track zip line, musical zone, amphitheater, and the FestAbility and Jingle Bell events that make it special.
New holiday guide: Christmas Eve dinners and candlelight services, what is open on Christmas Day, the Dec 26 farmers market, and the best winter hikes. Book ahead, done early.
New neighborhood guide: the SCV's oldest community, most walkable blocks, Old Town arts and dining, Newhall School District and Hart High, rail to LA, and the honest 91321 housing picture.
New community guide: verified food drives, toy drives, and volunteer shifts for the season, from the SCV Food Pantry and Santa's Helpers to Meals on Wheels and Carousel Ranch. Research done, contacts verified.
New: the last full weekend before Christmas. Holiday in the Park's peak nights, the final tree farm days, last-minute local shopping, the farmers markets, and the winter solstice. Research done, dates verified.
New homeowner guide: the city's 2026 ADU rules, Class 1 sizes up to 800 sq ft, AB 1154 parking relief for small units, and the pending Class 2 proposal for up to 1,000 sq ft.
New weekly roundup: Election Day on Tuesday the 3rd, the Canyon Country Farmers Market Wednesday evening, Red Friday, Dial Up Fest at Castaic Lake, and the countdown to Veterans Day and the Marathon. Research done, dates verified.
Fresh dining roundup: Angry Chickz hot chicken in Canyon Country, Cali Rays Sourdough Deli in Valencia, Dutch Bros on Valley Center, and the honest status on Stumpy's, KPOT, and more.
New development briefing: the mixed-use plan introduced to the Planning Commission October 6 with up to 300 apartments, up to 1.5 million square feet of business park, and the Via Princessa extension. Research done, dates verified.
New winter guide: three rinks at 27745 Smyth Drive in Valencia, daily public skate, Saturday Glow Nights, skate school, and December's tree lighting and Nutcracker skate show. From local insider Sam.
New seasonal guide: the winter wonderland runs November 26 through January 3, 2027, with two million lights among the coasters, the Oh Santa show, the nightly tree lighting, and Looney Tunes Land. Sam's complete guide with the best nights to go.
New trail spotlight: the city's paved path from Saugus to Central Park and the Bouquet Falls hike in the Angeles National Forest, plus the history of Bouquet Reservoir. From local insider Sam.
New: the first full December weekend in SCV. Holiday in the Park's glow, the monthly 661 Night Market on Saturday, the Polar Express Experience at the History Center on Sunday, and tree farm season at its peak. Research done, dates verified.
New neighborhood guide: the valley's wide-open northern edge in ZIP 91384, with Castaic Lake recreation, the Castaic Union School District, Castaic High, and the honest tradeoffs. From local insider Sam.
New: the festival season's biggest weekend. Light Up Main Street in Old Town Newhall on Saturday the 21st, the Festival of Trees at the Canyon Country Community Center, tree farms, markets, and Thanksgiving prep. Research done, dates verified.
New trail spotlight: California's first oil boomtown, two miles from Newhall, with the Pico No. 4 well, the Big House, the schoolhouse, and an oak-shaded canyon trail to Johnson Park. From local insider Sam.
New: where to catch the valley's real autumn color right now. The Rice Canyon loop through maple and walnut woodland and the St. Francis Dam National Monument walk, a history hike in gold. From local insider Sam.
Guardians SCV's annual Patriot Day observance returns Friday, September 11: remembrance ceremony, classic car show, free BBQ, live music, and first responder meet-and-greets. From Army veteran Sam Silver.
The Native American Pow Wow returns to Hart Park October 3-4. Traditional dancing, drumming, food, arts, and a powerful cultural celebration.
Pumpkin patch, pony rides, hayrides, archery, and the best family fall tradition in SCV. Running September 26-27 and October 3-4.
Fright Fest's first full weekend at Six Flags, the City Cinemas Top Gun season finale, Gilchrist Farm's Harvest Festival opening, the Be The Light 5K, and Bras for a Cause. Sam's complete weekend plan.
The City of Santa Clarita's celebration returns to the Canyon Country Community Center each October with a Catrina parade, mariachi, Folklórico, and a community ofrenda.
Turkey trots on Thanksgiving morning, community dinners at both community centers, and the valley's food drives. Start planning a generous holiday now.
Sam breaks down what's going on in the Santa Clarita Valley — covering neighborhoods, local events, market trends, and community updates across Valencia, Saugus, Newhall, Canyon Country, Stevenson Ranch, and Castaic. An honest local take on life in SCV.
SCV Community Update 2026
Valencia · Saugus · Newhall · Canyon Country · Stevenson Ranch · Castaic
Presented by Sam Silver · Local Expert
On August 24, 2026, a devastating three-alarm fire tore through historic Main Street in Old Town Newhall, destroying the Newhall Refinery, The Main Theatre, and multiple beloved businesses. Our community is hurting, but we are coming together. Here are verified ways you can help.
Thursday, September 17, 6:30-10 PM at Hart & Main, 24217 Main Street, Newhall. An evening supporting the Old Town Newhall community after the fire. Music by Rebel Heart, food by Newhall Refinery, and shopping by Care Tucker Style House. Tickets are $100 per person plus Eventbrite fees and include music, food, beer and wine, plus a silent auction. 100% of proceeds go to the business owners, employees, and artists affected by the fire, to cover costs not met by insurance and to help those struggling.
Get Tickets on EventbriteHelp Rebuild Newhall Refinery
GoFundMe campaign to restore a Main Street cornerstone
Emergency Fund for Refinery Employees
Direct support for staff who lost wages
Help Care and Jonny Tucker Rebuild
Support a SCV family of six who lost their business
Hometown Station Local News & Assistance
Community news coverage and ways to help
Support the Old Town Newhall Association
All donations go to the Old Town Newhall Association to support fire recovery
Watch: community offers of assistance
Facebook reel with community support offers and resources for impacted businesses
Local businesses are pitching in to help
Offering 50% off food orders to first responders, owners and employees of businesses directly impacted by the fire, and utility crews working the incident and recovery. Valid through Friday, August 28 at 10 PM. Pickup/in-store orders only, Saugus location only. Mention the "Old Town Newhall Main St. Fire Community Support Offer" when ordering; valid ID and work verification may be requested.
Opening their spaces free of charge to businesses and individuals affected by the fire, including office space, conference rooms, and temporary housing. They're proud to support the community.
Vincenzo's Pizza community support offer
Read the full story for more ways to support Old Town Newhall businesses.
Curated by Sam Silver · Santa Clarita Valley community guide updated September 25, 2026
Whether you're thinking about moving to SCV, looking for local recommendations, or just want to chat about the best taco shops in Newhall — we're always happy to talk. Send a message below or visit Sam's real estate site for home-buying and selling help.
Curated by Sam Silver · 22-year Santa Clarita Valley local
We personally respond to every inquiry.
Sam builds community guides for the places he knows best. Here are a few more sites you might find useful.
Your month-by-month guide to the best events, festivals, and community gatherings across the Santa Clarita Valley.
SCV Marathon & Half Marathon
Late January · Central Park
Winter Art Walk
Third Thursday · Old Town Newhall
Light the Night Parade
Mid-February · Main Street Newhall
SCV Home & Garden Show
Late February · Valencia
Spring Bike Parade
Early March · Valencia Heritage Park
St. Patrick's Day Celebration
March 17 · Various venues
Cowboy Festival
Late April · William S. Hart Park
SENSES Block Party
Third Thursday · Main Street Newhall
SCV Relay for Life
Early May · Central Park
Memorial Day Ceremony
Late May · Eternal Valley Memorial Park
Concerts in the Park Begin
June–August · Central Park
Summer Solstice Festival
Late June · Various locations
Pick up the latest SCV community flyer to discover farmers markets, live music nights, outdoor movie screenings, and neighborhood block parties happening near you.
From iconic landmarks to hidden gems, here are the local experiences every Santa Clarita Valley resident and visitor needs to try.
Walk where California's first gold was discovered. The Nature Center's hands-on exhibits make it a perfect family outing any day of the week.
Free Saturday evening concerts at Central Park all summer long. Bring a blanket, grab some food truck eats, and enjoy live music under the stars.
The iconic rock formations you've seen in movies and TV shows. Just 30 minutes from SCV, it's a must for hiking, photography, and geology fans.
Boating, fishing, jet skiing, and swimming at the 323-acre reservoir — SCV's summer playground and the perfect way to cool off on hot days.
Third-Thursday street party on Main Street Newhall with live music, art vendors, food trucks, and local craft beer. One of SCV's best recurring events.
Hug a rescued cow, meet goats and horses, and experience one of the most heartwarming family outings in SCV. Reservations required, book ahead.
Sam serves the Santa Clarita Valley and Southern California, including Los Angeles, Ventura, Riverside, and San Bernardino counties.
Sam specializes in veterans, seniors, special-needs families, and relocation. He is a U.S. Army veteran and an AI-Certified Agent.
Sam is a 23-year veteran REALTOR licensed in California, currently with Equity Union Real Estate in Valencia.
Call or text Sam at 661-621-5340, email Sam@SamSilverHomes.com, or book a time through his scheduling page.
Add SCV Life as a Preferred Source on Google to see more community content in AI Mode and AI Overviews.