Honoring Our Heroes
Patriot Day 9/11 Car Show & BBQ in Santa Clarita
On Friday, September 11, 2026, the Santa Clarita Valley comes together for its largest annual Patriot Day observance: the 9/11 Car Show & BBQ hosted by Guardians SCV at Higher Vision Church. Expect a remembrance ceremony, a classic and custom car show, a complimentary BBQ dinner, live music, vendors, and the chance to shake the hand of a first responder or veteran. As an Army veteran and your local insider, Sam Silver is proud to help spread the word.
Friday, September 11, 2026 Sam Silver 4 min read
Sam Silver
U.S. Army veteran · 22-year REALTOR(R) · Community advocate
Patriot Day has always meant something personal to me. I served in the U.S. Army, I coach with Special Olympics, and I have spent 22 years in Santa Clarita Valley watching this community show up for the people who protect us. The Guardians SCV 9/11 Car Show & BBQ is one of the most genuine examples of that spirit all year, and it deserves a spot on your calendar.
Remembrance
Why September 11 Matters in SCV
Twenty-five years have passed since the attacks of September 11, 2001, and Santa Clarita Valley has never stopped remembering. This community lost people that day, sent sons and daughters to war in the years that followed, and has built one of the most active veterans and first responder communities in Southern California.
Patriot Day, recognized every year on September 11, is a national day of service and remembrance. In the SCV it is marked with flag-raising ceremonies, moments of silence, and gatherings like the Guardians SCV car show that turn memory into community. For families who lived through that day, and for a new generation learning its history, these moments matter.
Fly the Flag
September 11 is a day to raise Old Glory at home, at work, and at school across the valley.
Remember & Honor
Take a moment of silence at 8:46 AM and honor the fallen, first responders, and veterans.
Show Up Together
Community events like the car show are how the SCV turns remembrance into belonging.
The Event
Patriot Day 9/11 Car Show & BBQ
28776 The Old Road, Santa Clarita
Billed as Santa Clarita's largest annual Patriot Day observance, the 9/11 Car Show & BBQ brings the whole valley together on the evening of September 11. Guardians SCV puts on a remembrance ceremony to honor the fallen, then fills the lot with a classic and custom car show that car lovers of every generation enjoy.
The evening includes a complimentary BBQ dinner, live music, local vendors, and plenty of time to meet and thank the first responders and military groups who protect our community. It is family-friendly, free to attend, and open to everyone.
If you drive a classic, a hot rod, a muscle car, or just a pride-worthy daily, car owners are welcomed at the show. Come hungry, come early, and bring the whole family.
The Hosts
Who Is Guardians SCV?
Guardians SCV is a 501(c)(3) peer-to-peer support nonprofit built by police officers, firefighters, military members, and veterans, for police officers, firefighters, military members, and veterans. Founded in 2015 by first responders and service members, the organization exists because the people who protect us deserve support too.
Beyond the annual Patriot Day car show, Guardians SCV runs free weekly peer-to-peer support groups for active, retired, and reserve military members, veterans, police, fire, and their families. The stresses of first responder and military life are best understood by people who have lived them, and Guardians SCV provides that community at no cost to participants.
Sam has featured Guardians SCV in the SCV Veterans & Local Heroes resource, because the work they do quietly supports some of the most important people in our valley.
Beyond the Car Show
Honor the Day All Week Long
The car show is the centerpiece, but Patriot Day in SCV is bigger than one evening. Here is how to mark the day around the valley:
Red Friday
Wear red every Friday to remember our deployed service members, a tradition Sam has championed for years. Read the Red Friday story.
Veteran Homebuyer Help
For veterans and military families, SCV offers real homeownership advantages. Explore hero homebuyer programs and California's veterans property tax exemption.
Support the Supporters
Buy a BBQ plate, tip a vendor, donate to a veterans group, or simply thank a first responder. Every gesture adds up across the valley.
Make It a Full Weekend
September 11 also kicks off a big fall weekend in the valley. See everything happening in the September 11-13 weekend guide.
From One Veteran to Another
I spent 22 years building a real estate business in this valley, and I have served this community as a U.S. Army veteran the whole time. If you are a veteran, a military family, or a first responder thinking about putting down roots in Santa Clarita, I would be honored to help you find your home. Service before self is not just a slogan around here.