Holiday Weekend Guide
Labor Day Weekend in Santa Clarita: September 4-7, 2026
This is the classic "last weekend of summer" in the SCV. Catch the final rides of Santa Clarita's free Summer Trolley, enjoy Hurricane Harbor's last hurrah, ride the SCV Beach Bus down to the coast, and start your fall planning. Here is your complete Labor Day guide from local insider Sam Silver.
September 4-7, 2026 Sam Silver 5 min read
A Note for Our Community
If your Labor Day plans include dining or shopping in Old Town Newhall, thank you. The August 24, 2026 fire hit Main Street's businesses hard, and patronizing the neighborhood's restaurants, tasting rooms, and shops over the long weekend is one of the most direct ways to support the recovery effort.
Ways to support Old Town Newhall recoveryLabor Day 2026 falls on Monday, September 7, giving SCV families a three-day weekend from Saturday, September 5 through Monday, September 7 (plus a bonus Friday evening on September 4). It is the unofficial end of summer, which means Santa Clarita leans into one last round of warm-weather fun: the Summer Trolley rolls toward its final day, Hurricane Harbor closes out its season, the SCV Beach Bus makes its coastal runs, and the valley's farmers markets stay in full swing. Best of all, it is also the perfect moment to look ahead: September 11's Celebrate Mexico, the Doo Wop Project at CanyonPAC, GRACEFEST at Castaic Lake, and the fall Oktoberfest season are all right around the corner.
Sat, Sep 5
Trolley rides, Hurricane Harbor, Beach Bus, hiking & farmers market
Sun, Sep 6
Beach Bus final date + lake day & outdoor dining
Mon, Sep 7
Labor Day: trolley finale, parks, brunch & grill-outs
Labor Day Weekend Highlights
The best ways to enjoy the final weekend of summer in the Santa Clarita Valley.
Santa Clarita Summer Trolley: Final Week
Magic Mountain · Hurricane Harbor · Valencia Town Center · Old Town Newhall
Santa Clarita's free Summer Trolley makes its last runs of the season from May 21 through September 8, and Labor Day is your final weekend to ride. The trolley links Six Flags Magic Mountain and Hurricane Harbor, Valencia Town Center, and Old Town Newhall, a great, free, parking-less way to bounce between theme parks and shopping and then dine along Main Street. It is one of those small-town touches that makes living here fun, and it disappears for the season after Labor Day.
Rides are free all weekend. Check the Visit Santa Clarita trolley page for the current schedule and stop locations before you head out.
Trolley Info & ScheduleSix Flags Hurricane Harbor: Summer Send-Off
Six Flags Magic Mountain & Hurricane Harbor, Valencia
Labor Day is traditionally one of the final big weekends for Hurricane Harbor, Southern California's popular water park right in Valencia. With slides, wave pools, and a lazy river, it is a go-to way for SCV families to squeeze out the last of summer. Expect warm late-summer weather, so arrive early for parking and lockers, and bring plenty of sun protection.
Located at Six Flags Magic Mountain in Valencia. Ride the free Summer Trolley to skip parking stress.
SCV Beach Bus to Ventura Harbor
Departs Santa Clarita · Ventura Harbor
The SCV Beach Bus is the valley's favorite no-driving shortcut to the coast, and it runs its last weekends through September 6. Hop on in Santa Clarita and relax on the ride to Ventura Harbor, where you can hit the beach, walk the pier, grab fish tacos, or browse the harbor shops and boat rentals, all without worrying about parking or traffic. It is a weekend-without-the-hassle trip that Sam takes with his family every summer.
Runs Saturdays and Sundays through September 6. Check the Visit Santa Clarita page for pickup locations and fares.
Farmers Markets & Early-Morning Hikes
Across the Valley
The valley's farmers markets keep their rhythm all Labor Day weekend. The Canyon Country Community Center Farmers Market runs every Wednesday, 4-8 PM, year-round, so you can even catch it midweek. On Saturday, the Old Town Newhall Farmers Market fills the morning with fresh produce and artisan goods. And with September mornings starting to cool, the trails at Placerita Canyon, Towsley Canyon, and Whitney Canyon are prime for an early hike before the day heats up. Sam's rule: go out by 7 AM, bring two liters of water per person, and reward yourself with a great breakfast after.
More Weekend Highlights
Additional ways to spend the long weekend around the valley.
Castaic Lake: Last Lake Day of Summer
All Weekend
Spend a day at Castaic Lake for swimming, paddleboarding, kayaking, or a picnic by the water. The lower lagoon swim beach is ideal for families. September water is still warm, and weekday-adjacent crowds thin out after Labor Day weekend.
Castaic Lake GuideSunday & Labor Day Brunch
Sunday & Monday
A relaxed holiday weekend calls for a great brunch. The Original Saugus Cafe (serving since 1898), Egg Plantation, Café 86 on Newhall Ranch Road, and San Fernando Coffee Co. in Old Town Newhall are all local favorites.
Brunch GuideOld Town Newhall & Breweries
Friday & Saturday Nights
As summer wraps up, Main Street Newhall stays lively. Dining, craft cocktails, and the valley's brewery and wine-tasting scene (Pocock Brewing, Lucky Luke Brewing, and the Main Street tasting rooms) are perfect for an adults' evening out on the long weekend.
Breweries & NightlifeValencia Town Center & The Mix
All Weekend
Shop, dine, and catch a movie at Valencia Town Center or walk over to The Mix main street for restaurants, the entertainment district, and daytime patio seating. The free Summer Trolley makes it easy to combine this with a theme-park afternoon.
Placerita Canyon & William S. Hart Park
Morning & Early Afternoon
Placerita Canyon offers easy, shaded nature trails around the historic Oak of the Golden Dream. William S. Hart County Park has the 1.9-mile Hart Trail loop plus the museum and picnic areas under big oaks. Great low-key, family-friendly options with the last of summer's warmth.
Start Planning for Fall
Looking Ahead
Labor Day is the traditional cue to start planning autumn. Gilchrist Farm's Harvest Festival returns September 26-27, Fright Fest begins mid-September at Six Flags, and the fall Oktoberfest season kicks off at Pocock and Lucky Luke. Sam has the full guides ready below.
Next Weekend in SCV: September 12-13
The weekend after Labor Day brings the season's final free cultural celebration and a full round of Saturday and Sunday markets. Here is what is on, listed newest first.
Celebrate: Mexico
Canyon Country Community Center · 18410 Sierra Hwy
The City of Santa Clarita's free Celebrate cultural series closes out its 2026 season with Celebrate: Mexico on Friday, September 11. Expect live mariachi and folklórico performances, a mechanical bull, a game of Lotería, craft activities, and a free community celebration at the Canyon Country Community Center. It is a warm, family-friendly way to kick off the second weekend of September.
Old Town Newhall Farmers Market
Saturday, Sept 12 · 8:30 AM - 1 PM
A relaxed Saturday market at 24500 Main Street with fresh produce, artisan goods, and a coffee-and-brunch walk down Main Street.
Santa Clarita Certified Farmers' Market
Sunday, Sept 13 · 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
The valley's biggest market at College of the Canyons (Valencia Blvd & Rockwell Canyon Rd). Arrive by 9 AM for the best selection.
Looking Ahead for Fall
After Sept 12-13
The SENSES Block Party returns for its Oktoberfest edition on Thursday, Sept 17, and the Doo Wop Project ("Echoes of the Street") plays CanyonPAC on Friday, Sept 18.
New to SCV Life? Explore our past weekend guides: August 28-30, August 14-16, and August 7-9 and or jump ahead to Sam's complete Fall 2026 Guide.
Looking Ahead
Fall in SCV Kicks Off Right After
The week after Labor Day brings a fresh wave of SCV events as the weather cools and the calendar turns toward autumn. Here is a quick look at what is coming.
- 11 Sep 11: Celebrate: Mexico at Canyon Country Community Center. Free cultural event with live music, dance, and authentic cuisine.
- 18 Sep 18: The Doo Wop Project, "Echoes of the Street" at CanyonPAC (Santa Clarita Performing Arts Center), 8 PM. Part of the 2026-27 Spotlight Series.
- 19 Sep 19: GRACEFEST music & message festival at Castaic Lake, plus Pococktoberfest at Pocock Brewing (Sep 19-20) and Fright Fest opening weekend at Six Flags.
- 26 Sep 26: Luketoberfest at Lucky Luke Brewing and the Gilchrist Farm Harvest Festival (Sep 26-27), SCV's favorite fall tradition returns.
Fall is Coming
Sam's complete fall content
Sam has the full preview of everything coming this autumn in the Fall 2026 in SCV Guide, the October & November Events Guide, and the Performing Arts & Theater Guide featuring the full CanyonPAC Spotlight Series.
Sam's Tips
Sam's Pro Tips for the Long Weekend
Ride the Trolley Early
Grab the Summer Trolley early on Saturday to beat the crowds and the heat. Riding it free between Valencia Town Center, the theme parks, and Old Town Newhall means no parking hassle; park once and let the trolley do the rest.
Do the Lake Early, the Beach Early
Whether you pick Castaic Lake or the Beach Bus to Ventura, start your day early. Arrive by 10 AM for a good picnic spot or seat, and you will beat the peak-day crowds while it is still cool.
Make a Plan for Hurricane Harbor
On hot days the water park fills fast. Arrive at opening, reserve lockers online if you can, and ride the big slides mid-morning before the afternoon buildup. Sunscreen is non-negotiable.
Start Your Fall Calendar
Use the long weekend as the moment to book Gilchrist Farm Harvest Festival tickets and mark your calendar for Celebrate Mexico, GRACEFEST, the Doo Wop Project, and Oktoberfest. Fall in SCV is the best season of the year.
Labor Day Weekend at a Glance
| Day | Activity | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| All Weekend | Summer Trolley (final days) | Free |
| Sat/Sun | SCV Beach Bus to Ventura Harbor | Fare |
| All Weekend | Hurricane Harbor final summer push | Tickets |
| Saturday | Old Town Newhall Farmers Market | Free |
| Wednesday | Canyon Country Farmers Market | Free |
| Mon, Sep 7 | Labor Day: brunch, parks & grill-outs | Varies |
Enjoying Your Long Weekend in Santa Clarita?
If you are thinking about making SCV your forever home, I would love to help. Contact Sam Silver, REALTOR with Equity Union Real Estate, CalDRE #01412755.