Seasonal Events
Late Summer in SCV
August and September are peak season in the Santa Clarita Valley. With outdoor concerts, cultural celebrations, block parties, movie nights, and the transition to fall, here is your complete guide to everything happening from now through the end of September.
August 7 - September 30, 2026 Sam Silver 6 min read
Looking Ahead
The Best Time of Year in SCV
The stretch from mid-August through September is one of my favorite times of year in the Santa Clarita Valley. The summer crowds start to thin just a little, the evenings get that golden-quality light, and the calendar is packed with community events that bring everyone together.
Whether you are catching a concert under the stars, dancing at a block party on Main Street, or celebrating cultures from around the world at the Canyon Country Community Center, there is something for everyone these next eight weeks. And as September rolls in, the weather starts to cool just enough to make outdoor adventures and evening strolls even better.
I have been going to these events for over 20 years. Here is my curated guide to making the most of late summer in SCV.
Sam Silver — 22-year SCV resident and your local guide
This Weekend: August 7-9, 2026
The biggest weekend of the summer is here. The brand-new Makers & Music Festival is taking over Central Park Friday through Sunday, plus Concerts in the Park on Saturday night.
Makers & Music Festival
Central Park · Fri-Sun, Aug 7-9 · Free
A brand-new three-day celebration at Central Park. Artisan vendors, handmade crafts, live music, food trucks, and maker demonstrations. Free admission all weekend, 10 AM to 5 PM daily. Family-friendly and dog-friendly.
Full Festival GuideConcerts in the Park
Central Park · Saturday, Aug 8 · 7:00 PM
This Saturday night features Gold Rush Country playing Top 40 Country Hits. Free admission, food trucks, and the best community vibe in the valley. Since the Makers Festival runs through Sunday at Central Park, the transition from festival to concert seating is seamless.
Next Up
Celebrate Jamaica
Friday, August 14 · 6:00-9:00 PM · Free
Canyon Country Community Center · 18410 Sierra Highway
Next Friday, the City of Santa Clarita's Celebrate Series takes us to Jamaica! This free, family-friendly cultural event transforms the Canyon Country Community Center into a vibrant celebration of Jamaican culture.
Expect live reggae and soca music performances, dance demonstrations, authentic Jamaican cuisine from food trucks, and cultural activities for all ages. Kids can participate in the Usain Bolt Sprint Challenge, make tie-dye crafts, and collect stamps in their Celebrate Passport for a chance to win prizes inspired by the featured countries.
The Celebrate Series runs monthly from April through September, spotlighting a different country each time. Past events have celebrated England, Cajun culture, Indonesia, and Argentina. The August 14 Jamaica edition is shaping up to be the biggest yet.
Celebrate Series 2026
- England April
- Cajun May
- Indonesia June
- Argentina July
- Jamaica August 14
- Mexico September 11
Collect stamps in your Celebrate Passport at each event for a chance to win travel-inspired prizes.
Summer Tradition
Concerts in the Park — The Rest of the Season
The 2026 Concerts in the Park series has four more Saturdays after this weekend. Here is the full remaining lineup so you can plan your August evenings.
Gold Rush Country
Top 40 Country
Central Park · 7:00 PM
Blue Breeze Band
Soul, Motown & R&B
Central Park · 7:00 PM
Paramore! At the Disco
Paramore & Panic! Tribute
Central Park · 7:00 PM
Kenny Metcalf as Elton John
Elton John Tribute
Central Park · 7:00 PM
Pro tip from Sam: Arrive early for the best parking and to grab dinner from a food truck before the music starts. Bring blankets and low-back chairs.
Full LineupMonthly
SENSES Block Party
August 20 & September 17 · Main Street Newhall · Free
One of SCV's most popular recurring events, the SENSES Block Party takes over Main Street in Old Town Newhall on the third Thursday of each month from April through September. This is not just a block party — it is a full-scale street festival with live music, food vendors, craft cocktails, artisan booths, and the best people-watching in the valley.
On Thursday, August 20, the theme is "Tropical Summer" — expect island music, tropical decor, and themed cocktails. The season finale on Thursday, September 17 wraps up the 2026 season with a bang.
2026 SENSES Schedule
Third Thursday · Main Street Newhall · 6:00-9:00 PM · Free
Friday, August 28 — A Triple-Header
One of the most event-packed days on the late summer calendar. Three major events happening in one day across the valley.
SCV Music Festival
CalArts · 6:00 PM
An outdoor concert under the stars at the California Institute of the Arts (24700 McBean Parkway). This event brings together music lovers from across the valley for a unique evening at one of SCV's most iconic cultural institutions.
Event DetailsCity Cinemas: Jurassic Park
William S. Hart Park · Free
The City of Santa Clarita's free outdoor movie series continues on the fourth Friday of the month. August 28 features Jurassic Park at William S. Hart Park. Food trucks open one hour before showtime. Bring blankets, chairs, and the whole family for a movie night under the stars.
City Cinemas InfoFood Truck & Vendor Festival
Central Park · Aug 28-30
A three-day celebration of food, shopping, and live entertainment at Central Park. Dozens of food trucks, local vendors, artisan booths, and family-friendly fun. Free admission. Runs Friday through Sunday, August 28-30.
Celebrate Mexico
Canyon Country Community Center · 6:00-9:00 PM · Free
The finale of the 2026 Celebrate Series takes us to Mexico for an evening of mariachi music, traditional dance performances, authentic Mexican cuisine from food trucks, and cultural activities for the whole family. This is the last Celebrate event of the season, so collect your final passport stamp and enter the grand prize raffle.
Fall Preview
Gilchrist Farm Harvest Festival
September 26-27, 2026 · Gilchrist Farm
The annual Harvest Festival at Gilchrist Farm is one of the most anticipated fall events in Santa Clarita Valley. This family tradition draws visitors from across Southern California for a weekend of hayrides, pumpkin picking, corn maze adventures, farm animals, face painting, and seasonal food vendors.
This is where SCV officially welcomes autumn. Cooler temperatures, fall colors, and the smell of pumpkin spice fill the air. It is a perfect way to spend a late September weekend with the family.
For a full preview of everything autumn in Santa Clarita Valley, check out my complete Fall 2026 Guide.
Insider Knowledge
Sam's Late Summer Tips
Beat the Midday Heat
Even in late August, SCV hits 95-100 degrees. Plan outdoor activities for before 10 AM or after 6 PM. The Celebrate events run 6-9 PM for a reason — the evenings are beautiful. For mid-day, stick to shaded trails, indoor venues, or splash pads.
Parking Pro Tips
Central Park events draw big crowds. Arrive at least 30 minutes early for Concerts in the Park and major festivals. For SENSES Block Party, park in the lots near Newhall Metrolink station or the parking structures on Main Street. Ride-share is also a great option.
What to Bring
For outdoor evening events: a blanket or low-back chair, a light jacket (it cools down quickly after sunset), sunscreen for daytime events, reusable water bottle, and cash for food trucks (though most take cards now). A small umbrella for shade never hurts for daytime festivals.
Plan Ahead for Fall
The Harvest Festival at Gilchrist Farm in late September kicks off the fall season. After that comes Spooky Skate in October, the Halloween events, and the holiday season. I update the SCV Life events page weekly with everything coming up. Bookmark it and check back.
"Late summer in SCV is when this valley really shines. The weather is warm, the evenings are long, and every week brings another reason to gather with neighbors and celebrate. I have been going to these events for 22 years, and somehow they never get old. See you at the next one."
Save This Guide
Bookmark this page for quick reference all season long. I keep the SCV Life Events page updated weekly with the latest happenings across Santa Clarita Valley.
Get weekly updates: Bookmark this page and check back every Friday. Sam refreshes the events guide with the latest weekend happenings. For real estate questions, home valuations, or buying and selling in SCV, visit SamSilverHomes.com.