Weekend Guide
Weekend Events in Santa Clarita — August 7-9, 2026
The brand-new Makers & Music Festival takes over Central Park all weekend, Concerts in the Park features Gold Rush Country on Saturday, and there is plenty of summer fun to soak up across the valley.
August 7-9, 2026 Sam Silver 5 min read
This is a HUGE weekend in Santa Clarita. The brand-new Makers & Music Festival runs Friday through Sunday at Central Park — artisan vendors, live music, food trucks, and hands-on maker demonstrations. Plus Concerts in the Park on Saturday night features Gold Rush Country (Top 40 Country Hits), and the Celebrate Series has Jamaica Night coming up next Friday. Here is your full weekend plan.
Friday, Aug 7
Makers & Music Festival — Opening Day
Saturday, Aug 8
Festival continues + Concerts in the Park
Sunday, Aug 9
Festival finale + family day options
This Weekend's Headliner
Santa Clarita Makers & Music Festival
Friday, Aug 7 through Sunday, Aug 9 · Central Park · Free Admission
This is the first-ever Santa Clarita Makers & Music Festival — a three-day celebration of creativity, handmade crafts, live music, and community. It takes place right at Central Park (27150 Bouquet Canyon Road), the same beloved venue that hosts Concerts in the Park.
The festival runs from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM each day and features a vibrant marketplace with dozens of artisan vendors, handmade crafters, and local businesses. Live music and entertainment will be happening throughout the weekend, alongside food trucks serving up everything from tacos to gourmet grilled cheese.
There are also hands-on maker demonstrations where you can watch artisans at work and even try your hand at a craft. It is family-friendly, dog-friendly (on leash), and free to attend. Whether you are shopping for unique gifts, listening to live bands, or just enjoying a sunny weekend at the park, this is the kind of event that makes SCV special.
Day by Day
Your Weekend Breakdown
Here is how to make the most of each day. The Makers & Music Festival is the anchor, but there is plenty more to fill your weekend.
Morning & Afternoon: Makers & Music Festival Opening Day
The festival opens at 10:00 AM at Central Park. Friday is the best day to go if you want to avoid the biggest crowds — the weekend warriors show up Saturday and Sunday. Browse the artisan booths at your own pace, grab lunch from a food truck, and catch the live music performances. It is a fantastic way to kick off the weekend.
Evening: Main Street Newhall or Relax at Home
After a day at the festival, head to Main Street Newhall for dinner and drinks. Newhall Refinery, the Old Town Junction, or any of the patio spots along Main Street are perfect for a relaxed Friday evening. Or just recharge at home — you will want to be fresh for Saturday.
Morning: Makers & Music Festival Continues
Day two of the festival offers the same great lineup of vendors, food trucks, and live music. Saturday tends to be the busiest day, so arrive early if you want the best selection from the artisan booths. The morning hours (10 AM to noon) are the most relaxed.
Midday: Cool Off at Castaic Lake or a Splash Pad
August afternoons in SCV hit 95-105 degrees. After a morning at the festival, cool off at Castaic Lake for swimming and paddleboarding, or visit one of the free splash pads at Central Park, Canyon Country Community Park, or West Creek Park. Check out Sam's Splash Pads Guide for the full rundown.
Evening: Concerts in the Park — Gold Rush Country
Saturday night means Concerts in the Park at Central Park (7:00 PM, free admission). This week's headliner is Gold Rush Country playing Top 40 Country Hits. Bring blankets, arrive early for food trucks, and enjoy live music under the stars. Since the Makers Festival is already at Central Park all weekend, the transition from festival browsing to concert seating is seamless.
Morning: Makers & Music Festival Final Day
Sunday is the final day of the Makers Festival (10 AM to 5 PM). Vendors may be offering discounts on remaining inventory, and the atmosphere is more relaxed. It is a great day to go if you missed Friday and Saturday.
Alternative: Brunch & Family Outing
Not feeling the festival? Sunday is also perfect for a classic SCV family day. Grab brunch at the historic Saugus Cafe (since 1898) or pick up pastries at 85C Bakery. Then head to William S. Hart Park for hiking and the Hart Museum, or spend the afternoon at Castaic Lake for swimming and picnicking. The Gentle Barn animal sanctuary is also open Sundays from 10 AM to 2 PM with advance reservations — a wonderful family option.
Evening: Wind Down
After a big weekend, take Sunday evening easy. A quiet walk on Valencia's paseo trail system, an ice cream run to a local shop, or just relaxing at home before the work week begins.
Looking Ahead
Coming Up Next Weekend
Mark your calendars for Friday, August 14 — the Celebrate Series presents Jamaica Night at Canyon Country Community Center (6:00 to 9:00 PM, free). Live reggae and dancehall music, traditional Jamaican dance performances, authentic Jamaican cuisine from food trucks, and hands-on cultural activities. Grab a Celebrate Passport and collect stamps for a raffle drawing. It is one of SCV's most vibrant cultural events of the summer, and it is completely free.
And the Makers & Music Festival may be over, but Concerts in the Park continues every Saturday through August 29. Next Saturday, August 15 features Paramore! At the Disco — a Paramore and Panic! At The Disco tribute that will have the whole park singing along.
Celebrate: Jamaica Night
Friday, August 14 · 6:00–9:00 PM · Free
Canyon Country Community Center · Live reggae music, Jamaican dance, food trucks, and cultural activities. Free admission.
Celebrate Series InfoSam's Tips
Sam's Pro Tips for This Weekend
Go Friday if You Can
The Makers Festival will be busiest on Saturday. Friday is the sweet spot — smaller crowds, more time with each vendor, and easier parking. Plus you can hit the festival and still have your whole Saturday free.
Beat the Heat
Central Park has limited shade. Bring a hat, sunscreen, and a refillable water bottle. The festival runs 10 AM to 5 PM, but the midday hours (noon to 3 PM) are the hottest. Plan your outdoor time accordingly.
Parking Tips
Central Park has parking lots on Bouquet Canyon Road and Seco Canyon Road. On busy festival days, consider parking at the Santa Clarita Sports Complex or the Valencia Town Center and walking or taking a rideshare.
Bring Cash
While many vendors accept cards, some artisan booths and smaller food vendors are cash-only. Hit an ATM before you arrive so you do not miss out on that perfect handmade find.
Weekend at a Glance
| Day | Event | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Fri–Sun | Makers & Music Festival | Free |
| Saturday | Concerts in the Park: Gold Rush Country | Free |
| Saturday | SCV Farmers Market — Old Town Newhall | Free |
| Sunday | The Gentle Barn — Animal Sanctuary | $15-$25 |