Local Guide
12 Free Things to Do in SCV This Summer
From a brand-new sports pavilion to Shakespeare in the Park and free concerts under the stars — Santa Clarita Valley packs more no-cost summer fun into one valley than you'd expect. Here's your curated list.
Published July 3, 2026 · by Sam Silver
Sam Silver
22-year SCV resident · Community advocate
One of the things that surprised me most about Santa Clarita when I first moved here is how much you can do without spending a dollar. Between the city's free events, the trail system, the parks, and the community programming, summer in SCV is packed with activities that won't cost you anything. I've put together this list of 12 of my favorites — some you may know, and a few brand-new additions for 2026.
The Rink Sports Pavilion
Santa Clarita Sports Complex · Opening Late Summer 2026
Santa Clarita is about to get a brand-new recreation facility — and it's going to be unlike anything else in the valley. The Rink Sports Pavilion is a multi-use sports facility currently under construction at the Santa Clarita Sports Complex on Soledad Canyon Road, and it's expected to open later this summer.
The centerpiece is a roller skating rink with an innovative court overlay system — meaning the same space transforms into basketball, pickleball, and volleyball courts depending on the event. There's a 200-seat spectator area for tournaments and community events, plus a commercial kitchen that will support food vendors and community gatherings.
What makes this exciting for families is the versatility. One weekend it's a roller skating party, the next it's a pickleball tournament, the next it's a community basketball league. The city designed it to be a true multi-generational gathering space — and the free programming the city typically offers at its recreation facilities means many activities here will be no-cost.
Sam has been watching this project since it was announced. "The sports complex already draws families from all over the valley," he says. "Adding The Rink gives Canyon Country and the east side of the valley a real indoor recreation hub — and pickleball players in SCV are going to lose their minds."
What's Inside
Pro Tip from Sam
"Follow the City of Santa Clarita's social channels for the official opening date and free programming schedule. The city typically runs free recreation programs at its facilities — so watch for that."
Performance Dates
Free · Registration Required
Santa Clarita Shakespeare Festival: "Coriolanus"
The MAIN · July 31 – August 2 · Free with Registration
Here's something you might not expect to find in the suburbs: a professional Shakespeare production — free. The Santa Clarita Shakespeare Festival is presenting Coriolanus for four performances at The MAIN on Main Street in Santa Clarita, and tickets are completely free with advance registration.
Coriolanus is one of Shakespeare's most intense political dramas — a war hero turned political outcast whose pride and defiance lead to his downfall. It's Shakespeare at his most relevant, and the kind of production that reminds you how much cultural programming Santa Clarita packs into a community that outsiders still underestimate.
Performances run July 31 through August 2, with both matinee and evening showings. Free tickets are available through Eventbrite, but registration is required — and popular showtimes will fill up. If you're looking for a sophisticated, no-cost cultural outing this summer, this is it.
"People are always surprised when I tell them we have Shakespeare in Santa Clarita," Sam says. "This valley has more cultural depth than most people realize. The MAIN on Main Street is one of the best small-performance venues in the region."
Summer Traditions
The Free Events You Already Love
SCV's free community events are the backbone of summer living here. If you're new to the valley, these three are can't-miss. If you're a longtime local, here's your reminder to actually go this year.
Concerts in the Park
Saturdays · 7 PM · Central Park
Now in its fourth decade, SCV's most beloved summer tradition brings free live music to Central Park every Saturday from July 11 through August 29. Tribute bands spanning Selena to The Police, food trucks, picnic blankets, and the whole valley showing up — it's the kind of evening that makes you proud to live here.
Sam's Tip
Arrive by 6:30 PM to grab a good blanket spot and eat before the music starts. Bring low chairs — high backs block the view. After the show, grab a nightcap on Main Street Newhall.
SENSES Block Party
3rd Thursday · Main St Newhall
On the third Thursday of every month from April through September, Main Street in Old Town Newhall transforms into a pedestrian-only block party. Live music, food vendors, craft cocktails, and the best community atmosphere in the valley. The July edition is themed "Christmas in July" with festive activities. Completely free.
Remaining 2026 Dates
Jul 16 · Aug 20 · Sep 17
7:00 PM – 10:00 PM · Main Street, Old Town Newhall
Movies in the Park
Select Summer Dates · Various Parks
The City of Santa Clarita screens free outdoor movies at various parks throughout the summer. Bring blankets, lawn chairs, and snacks — the whole family shows up for a movie under the stars. Check the city's events page for the current schedule and locations. A great low-key family outing that costs nothing.
City Event ScheduleGet Outside
Free Parks, Trails & Nature
Santa Clarita Valley has over 100 miles of connected trails, multiple state parks, and some of the best outdoor access in Southern California — and it's all free. Here are three outdoor activities that won't cost you a cent.
Canyon Hiking
Towsley Canyon, Placerita Canyon, Whitney Canyon, Elsmere Canyon — SCV's hiking trails are free and spectacular. In summer, start before 8 AM to beat the heat. Shaded canyon trails stay surprisingly cool. Sam's favorite: the Towsley View Loop for panoramic valley views.
Full Hiking GuideThe 100-Mile Paseo System
SCV's connected paseo network lets you walk, jog, or bike between neighborhoods, parks, schools, and shopping centers without touching a busy road. Over 100 miles of dedicated paths — one of the best urban trail networks in Southern California. Rent a bike or just walk a section.
Official Trail MapsWilliam S. Hart Park & Museum
A 265-acre park with free hiking trails, a natural history museum, and the historic Hart Mansion. The trails wind through oak-shaded canyons with views of the valley — one of SCV's best-kept secrets for a free morning outing. Free admission to both the park and museum.
LA County Parks InfoBeat the Heat
Free Splash Pads & Family Fun
Free Splash Pads
Memorial Day – Mid-September
When temperatures hit triple digits, SCV's free splash pads are a lifesaver for families. Central Park, Canyon Country Community Park, and several other neighborhood parks have water play features that operate from Memorial Day weekend through mid-September. No admission required — just show up in a swimsuit.
They typically run from 10 AM to 7 PM on hot days. The splash pad at Central Park is the most popular — it's large, well-maintained, and has shaded seating for parents. Canyon Country Community Park is a good alternative if you want fewer crowds.
Farmers Markets
Every Weekend · Various Locations
SCV's weekly farmers markets are free to browse — and the Saturday morning market in Old Town Newhall and the Sunday market in Valencia are summer institutions. Fresh local produce, artisan goods, baked treats, and prepared foods. No admission, no obligation to buy — just a great way to start your weekend morning.
Sam's Saturday morning routine: coffee at 85C Bakery, then a walk through the Newhall farmers market. "It's the kind of small-town experience you don't expect to find 30 miles north of downtown LA," he says.
Culture & Community
Free Cultural Experiences
ArtWalk Newhall
Monthly · Old Town Newhall
Old Town Newhall's monthly ArtWalk features local artists, galleries, live music, and creative showcases along Main Street. It's free, walkable, and the kind of cultural experience you don't expect to find in the suburbs. The art scene in Newhall has been growing steadily, and ArtWalk is the best way to experience it.
City Arts CalendarCelebrate Series
2nd Friday Monthly · Canyon Country
The City of Santa Clarita's Celebrate Series is a free cultural event on the second Friday of each month from April through September at the Canyon Country Community Center. Each evening spotlights a different cultural theme with live performances, demonstrations, food, and community activities. A perfect weeknight family outing — free and designed to bring neighbors together.
City Event PageMaking the Most of Free Summer in SCV
"When people ask me why I've stayed in Santa Clarita for over 20 years, this is part of the answer. The city invests in free programming — concerts, movies, cultural events, parks, trails — that makes everyday life feel rich without draining your wallet. You can hike a canyon in the morning, take your kids to a splash pad in the afternoon, and catch a free concert or Shakespeare under the stars at night. That's the kind of community this is."
Start Early
Summer heat peaks by noon — hit trails and outdoor activities before 9 AM for the best experience.
Hydrate
SCV summers regularly hit 95–105°F. Carry water everywhere, even on short outings.
Plan Ahead
Free events fill up fast. Check city event pages and register for tickets early — especially Shakespeare.
Support Local
After free events, grab dinner at a local restaurant. Main Street Newhall and Valencia Town Center are always buzzing.
Thinking About Moving to SCV?
Santa Clarita Valley's free events, trails, parks, and community programming are just the beginning. Sam knows every neighborhood, school district, and hidden gem in the valley — reach out for a no-pressure conversation about life here.
All information on this site is deemed reliable but not guaranteed and should be independently verified. © 2026 Sam Silver · SCV Life