Weekend Guide
Weekend Events in Santa Clarita — August 28-30, 2026
The Food Truck & Vendor Festival runs all weekend at Central Park, the SCV Music Festival takes over CalArts on Friday evening, City Cinemas screens Jurassic Park at Hart Park, and the Hart Dance Team hosts a kids clinic on Saturday. Here is your complete weekend guide from SCV insider Sam Silver.
August 28-30, 2026 Sam Silver 5 min read
A Note for Our Community
The August 24, 2026 fire destroyed at least five businesses along Old Town Newhall's Main Street, including the Newhall Refinery restaurant, The MAIN performing arts theater, an auto collision center, Care Tucker Style House, and the former El Trocadero restaurant. Our hearts are with the owners, employees, and families. The events below are unaffected, but please consider supporting the recovery effort.
Ways to support Old Town Newhall recoveryThis is the final big summer weekend in Santa Clarita Valley. The Food Truck & Vendor Festival stretches across all three days at Central Park. Friday alone is a triple-header with the SCV Music Festival at CalArts, City Cinemas screening Jurassic Park at Hart Park, and the Food Truck Festival in full swing. Saturday brings the Hart Dance Team Kids Clinic for young dancers. And Sunday is your last peak-summer chance for a full day at Castaic Lake before September's cooler weather arrives. Here is everything happening, with current events listed first.
Friday, Aug 28
Triple-Header: Food Truck Fest, SCV Music Festival, City Cinemas
Saturday, Aug 29
Hart Dance Team Kids Clinic + Food Truck Fest
Sunday, Aug 30
Food Truck Fest final day + Castaic Lake summer send-off
Current Weekend Events
This weekend's verified events, listed newest first.
2026 Santa Clarita Food Truck & Vendor Festival
Central Park · 27150 Bouquet Canyon Road, Santa Clarita
A three-day celebration of food, shopping, and community at Central Park. The Santa Clarita Food Truck & Vendor Festival brings together a rotating lineup of the valley's best food trucks alongside local artisan vendors, craft makers, and family-friendly activities. From gourmet tacos to wood-fired pizza, acai bowls to loaded fries, there is something for every palate. Friday and Saturday are the busiest days, while Sunday offers a more relaxed atmosphere for the grand finale.
Located at Central Park, 27150 Bouquet Canyon Road, Santa Clarita. Free admission. Tickets and info at the link above.
Wish Education Foundation SCV Music Festival 2026
California Institute of the Arts (CalArts) · Franciscan Hill
The Wish Education Foundation presents the SCV Music Festival 2026 at the prestigious CalArts campus. This Friday evening event features live performances from emerging artists, community music programming, and a celebration of the creative energy that makes Santa Clarita a cultural destination. Multiple stages, food vendors, and a vibrant atmosphere make this a fantastic way to start your weekend.
California Institute of the Arts (CalArts), Franciscan Hill, Santa Clarita. Tickets available through Eventbrite.
Tickets on EventbriteCity Cinemas Free Outdoor Movie: Jurassic Park (PG-13)
William S. Hart Park · 24151 Newhall Avenue, Santa Clarita
The City of Santa Clarita's City Cinemas free outdoor movie series continues with Steven Spielberg's classic Jurassic Park (PG-13) at William S. Hart Park. Bring blankets and low-back chairs, arrive early for a good spot on the lawn, and enjoy one of the greatest films ever made under the late-summer stars. Food trucks will be on site before showtime.
Presented by The Rodriguez Agency at State Farm. William S. Hart Park, 24151 Newhall Avenue, Santa Clarita. Free admission. Food trucks open before showtime.
Hart Dance Team Kids Clinic
Santa Clarita · Hosted by Hart High School Dance Team
The Hart Dance Team hosts a kids dance clinic on Saturday morning, giving young dancers a chance to learn routines, meet the team, and have fun. This is a fantastic opportunity for kids who love dance to learn from experienced high school dancers in a supportive, energetic environment. Perfect for ages 5 and up.
Saturday, August 29 at 10:00 AM. Location details available through the Hart Dance Team and Hometown Station local events listings.
More Weekend Highlights
Additional events and activities happening around the valley this weekend.
Concerts in the Park Season Finale — The Police Experience
Saturday, Aug 29 · 7:00 PM · Central Park
The season finale of Concerts in the Park features The Police Experience, a tribute to the legendary band playing all the hits. "Every Breath You Take," "Roxanne," "Message in a Bottle," and more. Presented by Logix Federal Credit Union. Bring blankets, arrive early for a good lawn spot. Free admission.
Castaic Lake — Summer Send-Off
Sunday, Aug 30 · All Day
Sunday is your last best day for a full peak-summer experience at Castaic Lake. Swimming, paddleboarding, kayaking, or a picnic by the water. The lower lagoon swim beach is ideal for families with young kids. Bring sun protection and plenty of water.
SCV Farmers Market — Old Town Newhall
Saturday, Aug 29 · 8 AM - 12 PM
Start your Saturday at the Old Town Newhall Farmers Market (24667 Walnut St). Fresh summer produce, local honey, artisan breads, and prepared foods. Grab a coffee and breakfast while you browse the stalls.
Morning Hikes: Towsley & Placerita Canyons
Saturday & Sunday · Before 7 AM
Beat the late-summer heat with an early morning hike. Towsley Canyon offers oak-shaded trails and panoramic valley views. Placerita Canyon has easy nature trails and the historic Oak of the Golden Dream. Start before 7 AM and bring at least 2 liters of water per person.
Valencia Town Center
All Weekend
Air-conditioned shopping and dining at Valencia Town Center. Browse the shops, catch a movie, or grab a meal. New restaurants continue to open through the summer.
Sunday Brunch in SCV
Sunday, Aug 30
Wind down your weekend with brunch at The Original Saugus Cafe (serving since 1898), Cafe 86 on Newhall Ranch Road for ube lattes, or San Fernando Coffee Co. in Old Town Newhall.
Looking for events from earlier this summer? Check out our previous weekend guides: August 14-16, August 7-9, July 31-August 2, July 25-26, and July 18-19.
Looking Ahead
Fall in SCV Starts Here
After this weekend, Santa Clarita transitions into fall mode. September brings cooler weather, harvest festivals, and a whole new calendar of events.
- 11 Sep 11: Celebrate: Mexico at Canyon Country Community Center. Free cultural event with live music, dance, and authentic cuisine.
- 18 Sep 18: Six Flags Fright Fest opens for the season. New mazes and scare zones.
- 26 Sep 26-27: Gilchrist Farm Harvest Festival & Pumpkin Patch. SCV's favorite fall tradition returns.
- 3 Oct 3-4: Hart of the West Pow Wow at William S. Hart Park. Traditional dance, drumming, food, and community celebration. Free admission.
Fall is Coming
Sam's complete Fall 2026 Guide
Sam has the full preview of everything coming this autumn in the Fall 2026 in SCV Guide, plus a dedicated October & November Events Guide covering Halloween haunts, Hart of the West Pow Wow, Veterans Day, and more.
Sam's Tips
Sam's Pro Tips for This Weekend
Navigate Friday's Triple-Header
The Food Truck Festival at Central Park, City Cinemas at Hart Park, and the SCV Music Festival at CalArts are all within a 10-minute drive. Park at one location and walk or drive between them. Central Park and Hart Park are especially close to each other.
Food Truck Strategy
The Food Truck Festival runs all weekend, so you have three days to experience the full lineup. Friday evening and Saturday midday are the busiest. Sunday is the most relaxed day to browse and eat at your own pace.
Sunday at Castaic Lake
Sunday is your last best day for a full lake day before summer winds down. Arrive by 10 AM to secure a good picnic spot at the lower lagoon. The water is still warm and crowds thinner than in July.
Start Planning for Fall
With summer winding down, now is the time to book Gilchrist Farm Harvest Festival tickets and mark your calendar for fall events. Sam has the full guides ready above. Fall in SCV is the best season of the year.
Weekend at a Glance
| Day | Event | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Fri-Sun | Food Truck & Vendor Festival | Free |
| Friday | SCV Music Festival at CalArts | Tickets |
| Friday | City Cinemas: Jurassic Park | Free |
| Saturday | Hart Dance Team Kids Clinic | Varies |
| Saturday | SCV Farmers Market | Free |
| Saturday | Concerts in the Park: The Police Experience | Free |
| Sunday | Castaic Lake — Summer Send-Off | Parking Fee |
Enjoying Your 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.