Culture & Community
Hispanic Heritage Month in Santa Clarita: Sept 15 to Oct 15
From the city's Celebrate: Mexico finale to the taquerias, mariachi nights, and family-owned restaurants that anchor our neighborhoods, Hispanic culture is woven into everyday life in the Santa Clarita Valley. Here is how to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month in SCV, curated by your local insider, Sam Silver.
September 1, 2026 Sam Silver 5 min read
Hispanic Heritage Month runs from September 15 through October 15, honoring the histories, cultures, and contributions of the Latino community across the United States. In Santa Clarita Valley, that heritage is not something you have to go looking for on a special calendar: it shows up in family-owned restaurants, in the salsa nights and mariachi sets around town, in our schools, and in the annual cultural celebrations the city puts on. This guide collects the best ways to take part this year, from a free family festival to the dinner your neighbors already swear by.
City of Santa Clarita
Celebrate: Mexico, the Season Finale
Friday, September 11, 2026 · 6-9 PM · Canyon Country Community Center
The city's free Celebrate Series wraps up its season on Friday, September 11 with Celebrate: Mexico, an evening of live music, dance, crafts, and food trucks at the Canyon Country Community Center. These second-Friday cultural nights have become a beloved SCV tradition, and the finale is usually the biggest one of the year.
It is completely free and family-friendly, and kids love the Celebrate Passport activity that rewards them for visiting each station. Bring a blanket, grab dinner from the food trucks, and settle in for live performance under the stars. If you have never been to a Celebrate night, this is the one to start with.
The broader month keeps going after the finale: expect community events, school celebrations, and restaurant specials across the valley from September 15 through mid-October.
Food & Family
Where to Eat: SCV's Latino-Owned Favorites
The best way to celebrate heritage month is around a table. These real, working SCV restaurants serve the Mexican and Latin food locals line up for, from Newhall's historic Main Street to Valencia.
Dario's Mexican Restaurant
Newhall · Rated 4.2 by locals
A Newhall staple on Newhall Avenue serving generous plates of classic Mexican comfort food, from enchiladas to carne asada, in a family-style setting.
Visit WebsiteDon Cuco Mexican Restaurant
Newhall · Rated 4.3 by locals
A lively Newhall favorite known for its margaritas, mariachis, and a menu that runs from Mesquite-grilled specialties to seafood and family combos.
Visit WebsiteMargaritas Mexican Grill
Valencia · Rated 4.0 by locals
On Valencia Boulevard, this colorful grill serves festive cocktails, tacos, enchiladas, and daily specials that make it an easy family night pick.
Visit WebsiteAMANO Mexican Restaurant
Bouquet Canyon Rd
A taco-and-tortas spot on Bouquet Canyon Road that keeps things simple and flavorful, with the kind of taqueria menu that rewards regular visits.
Visit WebsiteEl Pato Restaurant
Newhall · Lyons Ave
A longtime Newhall dining room known for big portions and a warm, come-as-you-are atmosphere. The kind of place where the salsa arrives fast and the plate keeps coming.
Visit WebsiteFiesta Taco Grill
Newhall · Arch St
A fast-casual Newhall favorite for tacos, burritos, and breakfast plates, with a drive-through-friendly setup that fits a busy weekday.
Visit WebsiteArt, Music & Old Town Newhall
Old Town Newhall has quietly become SCV's arts and culture district, with galleries, live music, and the monthly ArtWalk bringing artists and neighbors together on Main Street. During heritage season, local venues lean into Latin programming, from salsa nights to Dia de los Muertos-themed art shows leading into October. Follow the ArtWalk calendar and the Santa Clarita arts pages for the month's lineup.
Family & Community All Month
Throughout September and October, SCV schools celebrate heritage with performances and projects, and the city markets continue to feature Latino vendors and family-run farms. It is also a great month to introduce kids to the community: the farmers markets in Old Town Newhall and Valencia are full of fresh produce and homemade goods from local families, and the parks are perfect for an outdoor gathering with music on.
Sam's Take
Why This Matters in SCV
I have spent 22 years in this valley, and one of the reasons I love it is that Santa Clarita is a community of many cultures living side by side. The Latino families here are part of our schools, our churches, our businesses, and our neighborhoods, and their restaurants anchor some of the best streets in town. Celebrating heritage month is really just celebrating the people who make SCV home.
If you are thinking about moving here, know that you are coming into a welcoming, family-first community where your kids can grow up alongside neighbors of every background. I help families of all stories find their place in SCV, and I would be honored to help you too. Stop by a Celebrate event this month and you will see what I mean.