A brand-new park reopens, SENSES goes Christmas in July, Concerts in the Park kick off, and Santa Clarita's dining scene keeps expanding. Here's everything happening in the valley this month.
Published July 1, 2026 · by Sam Silver
Sam Silver
22-year SCV resident · Community advocate
July is peak summer in the Santa Clarita Valley — the days are long, the evenings are warm, and the community calendar is packed. From park reopens to outdoor concerts to the monthly SENSES block party, there's more to do this month than you can fit into four weekends. Here's your curated guide to what's new, what's happening, and what's worth your time.
Canyon Country · 8 New Acres · Now Open
Canyon Country just got a major upgrade. After a multi-phase renovation that began in fall 2024, David March Park has officially reopened with 8 brand-new acres of amenities — and it's better than ever.
The expanded park now features a new baseball field with shaded spectator seating and sport lighting for evening games, a lighted basketball court, a shaded picnic pavilion, outdoor fitness equipment, and a 116-step exercise staircase along the ridgeline with scenic views of the surrounding canyon.
There's also a new restroom building, two new parking lots, additional playground shade structures, a charcoal grill area, cornhole toss, and a horseshoe pit. It's the kind of upgrade that turns a neighborhood park into a genuine community destination.
The park is named after David March, a local hero and community figure — and the expansion honors his legacy by giving Canyon Country families a park that matches the spirit of the neighborhood. Sam recommends checking it out on a weekend morning before the summer heat kicks in.
David March Park
Canyon Country — Now Open
Shaded seating, sport lighting for evening games
Lighted court for year-round play
Shaded pavilion with charcoal grill and horseshoe pit
Exercise climb along the ridgeline with canyon views
Canyon Country · Opening Summer 2026
Santa Clarita is building another park — and this one is going to be a big one for Canyon Country families. Via Princessa Park broke ground in January 2026 and is on track to open this summer.
Located just north of the Via Princessa Metrolink Station, the new park will feature four multi-purpose sports fields with lighting for evening games and practices, a nature-themed playground, shaded picnic areas, restrooms, and a regional stormwater infiltration system that doubles as a landscape feature.
For Canyon Country residents, this is a meaningful addition. The neighborhood has been growing steadily, and the park deficit has been a real talking point at community meetings. Via Princessa Park directly addresses that by giving families a full-service recreation space within walking distance of the Metrolink station — making it accessible not just by car but by transit too.
Sam has been following this project since the groundbreaking and says it's one of the most anticipated community developments in the valley. The city expects the park to be complete in the coming weeks — check back here or follow Sam on social media for the official opening date.
Construction Status
Groundbreaking: January 2026. Anticipated completion: Summer 2026. Follow Sam for the official opening announcement.
The City of Santa Clarita's beloved Concerts in the Park series kicks off its summer run every Saturday from July 11 through August 29, with live performances at Central Park from 7:00 to 8:30 PM. It's free, it's outdoors, and it's one of the best summer traditions in the valley.
Bring blankets, lawn chairs, and the whole family. The concerts feature a rotating lineup of tribute bands, local artists, and genre-spanning performances. Food vendors are usually on-site, or you can pack a picnic. Sam recommends arriving by 6:30 PM to claim a good spot — the lawn fills up fast on warm summer nights.
Every Saturday
July 11 – August 29, 2026
7:00 – 8:30 PM
Arrive early for best spots
Central Park
27150 Bouquet Canyon Rd
July Edition
Third Thursday of Every Month
SENSES is Santa Clarita's most popular recurring community event. On the third Thursday of every month from April through September, Main Street in Old Town Newhall shuts down for an evening of live music, food vendors, craft cocktails, and a buzzing street-party atmosphere.
The July edition falls on Thursday, July 16, and the theme is "Christmas in July" — expect festive decorations, holiday-themed activities, and a playful twist on a summer block party. It's free, it's lively, and it's the best way to experience Newhall's growing restaurant and nightlife scene.
Sam's tip: make a night of it. Grab dinner at one of the Main Street restaurants before the party gets going, then wander the block with a cocktail in hand. The energy on SENSES nights is unlike anything else in the valley.
July 16 · Main Street Newhall · Free
If you've never been to a SENSES block party, July is the month to fix that. Old Town Newhall's signature street event transforms several blocks of Main Street into an open-air festival with live music performances, local food vendors, craft cocktail pop-ups, and a community energy that makes you feel like you're in the heart of something special.
The "Christmas in July" theme adds a layer of fun — think festive lighting, holiday-inspired drinks, and a community that doesn't need much of an excuse to celebrate. SENSES happens every third Thursday from April through September, and the July edition is consistently one of the most attended.
For newcomers to Santa Clarita, SENSES is the event that shows you what Old Town Newhall is all about — a walkable, restaurant-packed downtown that's become the cultural heartbeat of the valley.
Early mornings, shaded canyons, and canyon breezes
July in Santa Clarita Valley means daytime temperatures regularly hitting the mid-90s to low 100s. That doesn't mean you stop hiking — it means you hike smarter. Sam's been on these trails for over two decades, and his number one rule for July hiking is simple: start early or don't start at all.
The best window for summer hiking in SCV is before 9 AM. By then, the trails are cool enough to enjoy, the parking lots aren't packed, and you'll have the canyons mostly to yourself. Here are Sam's top picks for July-friendly hikes:
A 3-mile loop with shade, creek crossings, and gorgeous canyon views. The tree canopy keeps this trail noticeably cooler than exposed ridgelines — one of the best summer-friendly hikes in the valley. Moderate difficulty, 1.5–2 hours.
Easy and shaded through oak woodlands, with a nature center and the historic Oak of the Golden Dream. Great for families with kids. The tree cover makes it comfortable even on warm mornings. 1–2 hours.
Panoramic valley views with moderate elevation gain. The morning light on this trail is spectacular. Start by 7:30 AM in July and bring plenty of water. About 2–3 hours round-trip.
The newest trail system in SCV offers over 15 miles of options. Even if you're not mountain biking, the hiking trails here are well-designed and less crowded than the established canyon hikes. Early morning is best.
Pro Tip from Sam
"If you're visiting from out of town and want to hike SCV, come in the morning and bring more water than you think you need. The trails are beautiful but the summer sun doesn't mess around."
Santa Clarita's dining scene continues to evolve. Between the Valencia Town Center expansion adding 10+ new tenants, new restaurants opening across the valley, and established favorites serving up summer specials, there's always something new to try. Here's what's on Sam's radar this month.
The massive 125,000 sq ft entertainment complex at Valencia Town Center is now open — bowling, karaoke, Japanese arcade games, the Spo-cha sports challenge area, and the YUU Japanese Food Hall all under one roof. This is the biggest entertainment addition to SCV in years.
All-you-can-eat Korean BBQ and hot pot has arrived in Valencia. KPOT is one of the most talked-about new dining concepts in the valley — interactive, social, and perfect for groups. Great for families and date nights alike.
The popular sit-down restaurant at River Oaks Shopping Center on Magic Mountain Parkway is now open with an extensive beer list and American fare. It's a solid option for families and groups looking for a reliable dinner spot near the freeway.
Part of the Round1 complex — a curated food hall featuring multiple Japanese cuisine vendors under one roof. Ramen, sushi, bao bings, and more. It's a food court done right, and it's already drawing crowds.
The Oregon-born coffee chain that's developed a cult following across the West has arrived in Santa Clarita. Dutch Bros is known for creative flavored drinks, fast drive-through service, and an enthusiastic barista culture. A great option for your morning commute.
For a warm July evening, Sam recommends grabbing a table on the patio at Newhall Refinery on Main Street. The craft cocktails, seasonal menu, and golden-hour atmosphere make it one of the best outdoor dining experiences in the valley. Go early — the patio fills up fast.
Friday, July 10
A free, sensory-friendly swimming event for special-needs families at Newhall Park Pool. Smaller crowds, warmer water, reduced noise, and extra lifeguard support. A meaningful community event from the City of Santa Clarita.
Learn MoreSaturday, July 18
A community-wide celebration of athleticism, inclusion, and pride. Open to all ages and abilities — a great way to support community inclusion in the valley.
Select dates all July
Extended park hours and special summer night events with live entertainment and thrill rides under the stars. A must for families and teens.
Learn MoreOpen daily, dawn to dusk
Peak season at Castaic Lake — swimming, boating, fishing, and picnicking. Arrive early on weekends. The Upper Lake offers kayaking and paddleboarding.
Learn MoreEvery Friday evening
Local craft brewery with a relaxed outdoor beer garden, food trucks, and live music on select nights. A Saugus staple for a low-key Friday evening.
Select summer dates
Free outdoor movie screenings in SCV parks. Bring blankets and lawn chairs — check the city website for the July schedule and locations.
Learn MoreSaturdays & Sundays
Fresh produce, artisan goods, and local vendors at the Old Town Newhall Farmers Market (Saturdays) and the Valencia Farmers Market (Sundays).
Whether you're thinking about moving here or you're a longtime local looking to explore more, Sam knows every corner of this valley. Reach out for neighborhood recommendations, market insights, or just to say hello.
All information on this site is deemed reliable but not guaranteed and should be independently verified. © 2026 Sam Silver · SCV Life