What's Happening
October in SCV: Pow Wow, Bike Park & Harvest Season
From the Heart of Tataviam Pow Wow at William S. Hart Park to Take a Kid Mountain Biking at the new Haskell Canyon Bike Park, Gilchrist Farm's harvest weekends, the Fil-Am Festival, and Fright Fest's October nights, here's everything happening in the Santa Clarita Valley this October.
This Weekend's Events: October 2-4
October is here and it is the fullest month on the SCV calendar: Saturday's free Take a Kid Mountain Biking morning fills the Haskell Canyon Bike Park, the Heart of Tataviam Pow Wow opens a two-day gathering at William S. Hart Park, Gilchrist Farm hosts a full harvest festival weekend, and the Fil-Am Festival celebrates Filipino culture at the Newhall Community Center, with the Walk to End Alzheimer's stepping off at Bridgeport Park in the morning. Sam's full October 2-4 weekend guide has every verified time and venue.
Friday, October 2
Fright Fest October Nights
Six Flags Magic Mountain (26101 Magic Mountain Pkwy) keeps its October event nights rolling through November 1: seven mazes, seven scare zones, and the new Final Destination and Wolves' Blood mazes. See the Fright Fest guide.
Quiet Start, Full Weekend Ahead
Friday is the calm before the storm: finalize Saturday plans early, because the Pow Wow and the bike park both draw big crowds by 9 AM.
Saturday, October 3
Take a Kid Mountain Biking
The free family event fills the Haskell Canyon Bike Park with guided rides, skills drills, and bike demos for kids of every level.
Heart of Tataviam Pow Wow, Day One
The two-day Native American gathering opens at William S. Hart Park with traditional dancing, drumming, food, and arts. See the Hart of the West Pow Wow guide.
Gilchrist Harvest + Fil-Am Festival + Walk to End Alzheimer's
Gilchrist Farm runs its full harvest festival weekend (details here), the Fil-Am Festival celebrates Filipino culture at the Newhall Community Center, and the Walk to End Alzheimer's steps off at Bridgeport Park.
Sunday, October 4
Pow Wow Day Two
Catch the second day of the Heart of Tataviam Pow Wow at William S. Hart Park before it wraps for the year.
COC Farmers Market
The Santa Clarita Certified Farmers' Market at College of the Canyons (Valencia Blvd & Rockwell Canyon Rd) runs 8 AM to noon. Arrive by 9 AM for the best of the fall harvest.
Pumpkin Patch Season
The Valencia Town Center Pumpkin Patch is open for the season. Preview all the patches in the SCV Pumpkin Patches guide.
Next Up · October 9-11
Birdstock, Fine Art & the Fall Festival Push
Next weekend: the Birdstock Music Festival & Holiday Market at the Sunflower Stage, the Old Town Newhall Fine Art Festival, Gilchrist Farm's full harvest weekend, the Child & Family Center Purple Walk, and the Haunted Jailhouse season. Sam's complete October 9-11 weekend guide has every verified time and venue, and the Fright Fest 2026 guide covers mazes, hours, and family daytime activities.
October 2026
Looking Ahead: October's Biggest Weekends
October is the fullest month on the SCV calendar, and Sam just published fresh guides for the month ahead, including a brand-new Halloween weekend guide for October 30 - November 1. Festival weekends, the Halloween ride and race season, the State of the City, and the big night on the 31st all land in the next five weeks.
Halloween Weekend Guide
Fright Fest's final nights at Six Flags Magic Mountain, the Valencia Town Center Pumpkin Patch Trick-or-Treat finale on October 31, Gilchrist Farm's last harvest weekend, and Sam's neighborhood trick-or-treating plan for the big night.
October 30 - November 1 Weekend GuideFright Fest Nights & Harvest Festivals
Fright Fest event nights at Six Flags Magic Mountain, Gilchrist Farm's full harvest weekend, the Child & Family Center Purple Walk, and the Valencia Town Center Pumpkin Patch.
October 9-11 Weekend GuideJeepers Creepers & a Concert Weekend
The Jeepers Creepers Halloween Marathon at Heritage Park, Steven Curtis Chapman's Speechless Anniversary Tour at Grace Baptist Church, the Spacerock Trail Race, Gilchrist Farm's harvest weekend, and Fright Fest nights.
October 16-18 Weekend GuideFinish The Ride & Finish The Run
The valley's Halloween-themed ride and race at West Creek Park: 12, 25, and 62-mile rides plus a 5K/10K costume run and walk with best-costume awards, hosted by Streets Are For Everyone.
Race & Ride GuideState of the City at The Rink
The City's annual address moves to the new Rink Sports Pavilion, celebrating a landmark year of park openings from the Haskell Canyon Bike Park to David March Park. Free and open to the public.
Community NewsMore October favorites: the Oktoberfest season continues with Greater Pacific dinners at the Hyatt on Thursday nights, the pumpkin patches are in full swing, and Fright Fest runs through November 1. New this week: the SoCal Bike Expo, a free outdoor cycling festival taking over Central Park October 30 through November 1 with bike and e-bike test rides, a vendor village, and a vintage bike show. Sam's new Halloween weekend guide covers the finale weekend, and the full October & November guide has it all.
November 2026 Just Published
Looking Ahead: November in SCV
November pivots from Halloween straight into the holiday season: Dial Up Fest brings Nelly and Sugar Ray to Castaic Lake, the Veterans Day Ceremony honors our heroes at Veterans Historical Plaza, Light Up Main Street flips on five blocks of Old Town Newhall, and the Festival of Trees fills the Canyon Country Community Center. Sam just published fresh guides for the month, dates verified in advance.
Dial Up Fest at Castaic Lake
The touring festival lands at Castaic Lake State Recreation Area with Nelly and Sugar Ray headlining a 90s and 2000s bill. Tickets on sale now, listed from around $103; arrive early for parking.
Weekend Guide: Nov 6-8Veterans Day Ceremony
The city's annual observance at Veterans Historical Plaza (24275 N. Walnut St, Newhall), co-hosted with American Legion Post 507: color guard, Hart High Show Choir, POW/MIA remembrance, and the changing of the flags. Free and open to all.
Veterans Day 2026 GuideLight Up Main Street
Old Town Newhall's holiday kickoff: the community Christmas tree lighting at 5:30 PM at the library, five blocks of lights, real snow, Santa visits, and live performances. Free, presented by DrinkPAK.
Light Up Main Street GuideFestival of Trees
The Boys & Girls Club of SCV's 24th annual festival fills the Canyon Country Community Center (18410 Sierra Hwy) with decorated trees, wreaths, and gingerbread houses, plus a Kids' Corner, live entertainment, and auctions benefiting local youth.
Thanksgiving Week
The COC and SCTC turkey trots open Thanksgiving morning, with community dinners at the Newhall and Canyon Country Community Centers and a valley-wide giving push. See the full Thanksgiving guide.
Holiday in the Park
Six Flags Magic Mountain becomes a winter wonderland from late November through early January, with millions of lights, holiday shows, and seasonal treats. Timing and parking tips in the holiday events guide.
The full month in one place: Sam's new Light Up Main Street guide, the Veterans Day 2026 guide, the November 6-8 weekend guide, and the October & November guide cover everything from the Veterans Day Ceremony to the festival season ahead.
Thanksgiving Weekend & December Fresh Updates · October 13
Fresh on the Calendar: Thanksgiving Weekend & December
Sam keeps the calendar ahead of the season. Newly added: a complete Holiday in the Park 2026 guide for Six Flags Magic Mountain, the first December 4-6 weekend guide with the Polar Express Experience and the monthly 661 Night Market, the November 27-29 weekend guide with the TASC Barnside Vendor Fair, the New Year's Eve 2026 planning guide for ringing in 2027 locally, and a brand-new December 11-13 weekend guide with the Barnyard Light Tour and the Holiday Light Tour trolley. Dates researched and verified for October 13, 2026.
TASC Barnside Vendor Fair
The community vendor market opens Saturday, November 28 at 10 AM, a relaxed local shopping morning in the post-Thanksgiving glow. Sam's full weekend guide also covers Holiday in the Park's opening weekend and tree farm season at its peak.
Read the Weekend GuideHoliday in the Park's First Full Weekend
Six Flags Magic Mountain's winter wonderland opens Thursday, November 26 and runs through January 3, 2027, so the Thanksgiving weekend is the perfect first window for lights, shows, and Santa. Sam's tip: go on a weeknight in early December for lighter crowds.
Holiday Events GuideHoliday in the Park 2026: The Full Guide
Two million lights among the coasters, the "Oh Santa" show, the nightly tree lighting, and Looney Tunes Land dressed for the season. Sam's complete guide covers the lands, the shows, and the best nights to go.
Read the Seasonal GuideWeekend Guide: December 4-6
The first full December weekend in SCV: Holiday in the Park's glow, the monthly 661 Night Market on Saturday, the Polar Express Experience at the History Center on Sunday, and tree farm season at its peak. Research done, dates verified.
Read the Weekend GuidePolar Express Experience at the History Center
At the Santa Clarita History Center (24107 Newhall Ave): photos with the Mogul 1629 steam engine, a story reading, cookies, and caboose and train station tours. A favorite December afternoon for train-loving families.
Barnyard Light Tour at William S. Hart Park
Free and family-friendly: a walk-through barnyard light display among the park's historic buildings and animals. Bundle up, arrive early for parking, and see the full holiday light scene in the light displays guide. Sam's new December 11-13 weekend guide has the complete plan.
Read the Weekend GuideThe Nutcracker at the Performing Arts Center
The valley's annual production of The Nutcracker returns to the Santa Clarita Performing Arts Center at College of the Canyons each December. Exact 2026 dates publish later in the season, so watch the PAC calendar and book early, it sells out.
Holiday Light Tour Trolley
Santa Clarita Transit's free decorated-bus tours roll through the valley's best neighborhood light displays from the McBean Transit Center each mid-December. The full route and display list are waiting in the Holiday Light Displays guide.
New Year's Eve 2026 in SCV
December 31 lands on a Thursday with Holiday in the Park still glowing through January 3, 2027, family countdown traditions, and restaurant dinners to book early. Sam's new guide covers what to expect and exactly where the 2026 announcements will land first.
Read the NYE GuideNew to the valley and planning ahead? Sam's Thanksgiving weekend guide keeps the whole post-holiday stretch in one place, and the What's New page is refreshed every time he verifies new dates.
Earlier This Month Past Event
Saturday, September 5 · 5-9 PM
Santa Cruz Brewing Co. · Santa Clarita
Pizza al Tramonto at Santa Cruz Brewing
Watch the story
Freshly baked Neapolitan pizza teaming up with finely crafted beer for a Labor Day weekend night out. Pizza al Tramonto rolls the stone-fired pies until 9 PM while The Future X-Husbands play live from 6:30 PM until close. Great food, cold beer, and entertainment to close out the holiday weekend.
Saturday, September 5, 2026 · 5 PM to 9 PM
Live music: The Future X-Husbands, 6:30 PM until close
27825 Fremont Ct. #13, Santa Clarita, CA 91355
"Come hungry! Come thirsty!"
Earlier This Month Past Event
Hart & Main · 24217 Main Street, Newhall
Love on Main St
Thursday, September 17 · 6:30-10:00 PM
An evening supporting the Old Town Newhall community after the fire that destroyed businesses, dreams, and livelihoods. 100% of proceeds benefit the affected business owners, their employees, and artists and theatre makers who lost work or equipment in the fire.
Rebel Heart
Music
Newhall Refinery
Food
Care Tucker Style House
Shop
Tickets include music by Rebel Heart, food by Newhall Refinery, beer and wine, plus a silent auction.
Tickets: $100 per person plus Eventbrite fees. Scan the QR code on the flyer to purchase.
Hart & Main, 24217 Main Street, Newhall, CA
Stay Cool
Beat the Heat
Santa Clarita summers hit 100+ degrees. Here's how to stay cool while still enjoying everything the valley has to offer this weekend.
Early Morning Hikes
Start your hikes before 7 AM. Towsley Canyon, Placerita Canyon, and Vasquez Rocks are all best in the golden morning light when temperatures are still in the 70s. Bring at least 2 liters of water per person.
SCV Trail GuideSplash Pads & Aquatic Centers
SCV has free splash pads at Central Park, Canyon Country Community Park, and several neighborhood parks. Open daily from 10 AM to 7 PM. For a bigger splash, the Santa Clarita Aquatic Center has pools and water slides.
Splash Pads GuideLocal Ice Cream & Frozen Treats
Cool down with SCV's best frozen treats. Stop by 85C Bakery for pastries and iced coffee, or explore local ice cream spots around Valencia Town Center and Old Town Newhall for hand-dipped cones and creative flavors.
Indoor Activities
When the heat peaks, head indoors. Catch a movie at Edwards or Regal, browse the shops at Valencia Town Center or Valley Plaza Mall, or explore the Santa Clarita Public Library branches. The Nethercutt Museum in nearby Sylmar is another great indoor option.
Full Summer Guide
Summer 2026 · Wrapped
Concerts in the Park
Central Park · 27150 Bouquet Canyon Rd, Santa Clarita · Free Admission
Santa Clarita's most beloved summer tradition. Now in its fourth decade, Concerts in the Park transforms Central Park into an open-air music venue on summer evenings — completely free. The 2026 season ran every Saturday evening and wrapped August 29 with The Police Experience. Thousands of families spread blankets on the lawn, unpack picnic dinners, and enjoy live performances under the stars each summer. Check the city events calendar for what returns next year.
Each week features a different headliner, typically spanning classic rock, country, pop, and tribute acts. A rotating lineup of food trucks opens well before showtime, so arriving early for dinner on the grass is part of the experience. The concerts are family-friendly — you'll see kids dancing on blankets, couples swaying together, and neighbors catching up between sets.
"Concerts in the Park is where you really feel the SCV community. Families bring picnics, kids run around on the grass, and everyone's just enjoying a summer evening together. It's the kind of event that makes you proud to live here."
What to Expect
- Live music each week — rock, country, pop, and tribute bands
- Food trucks open before showtime — arrive early for dinner on the lawn
- Family-friendly atmosphere — kids, blankets, picnics welcome
- Summer evenings under the stars, typically July through August
- Completely free admission — bring your own chairs or blankets
2026 Lineup
All shows Saturdays at 7:00 PM · Free admission
Signature Annual Events
These are the events that define SCV's calendar — the ones locals mark in pen and visitors plan trips around.
Santa Clarita Cowboy Festival
William S. Hart Park
A beloved annual celebration of Western heritage held at William S. Hart Park. Featuring live country music, cowboy poetry, living history demonstrations, and family activities, the Cowboy Festival is SCV's most distinctive event. It's a nod to the valley's ranching roots and a genuine good time for all ages.
SENSES Block Party
Main Street, Old Town Newhall
On the third Thursday of each month from April through September, Main Street in Old Town Newhall transforms into a pedestrian-only block party. Live music, food vendors, craft cocktails, and a buzzing community atmosphere make this one of the most popular recurring events in the valley.
Farmers Markets
Various Locations Valley-Wide
Weekly farmers markets pop up across the valley with fresh local produce, artisan goods, and prepared foods. A great weekend morning tradition — grab a coffee, browse the stalls, and chat with the growers.
Gilchrist Farm Harvest Festival
September 26–27, 2026
A beloved family tradition in SCV. Hayrides, pumpkin patch, corn maze, farm animals, face painting, and seasonal food vendors. The harvest festival at Gilchrist Farm kicks off autumn in the valley and draws families from across Southern California. Mark your calendars for late September.
Full Fall 2026 GuideEvery Week
Weekly Community Events
These recurring gatherings are the heartbeat of SCV's community life. Drop in any week — you're always welcome.
Agape Village Community Meetup
Agape Village · Valencia Town Center
100% of all proceeds go directly to Agape Village
Every cup supports Agape Village's mission to uplift families and strengthen the Santa Clarita community.
Start your morning with good coffee and great company. Agape Village hosts a free community meetup every Tuesday and Friday morning at Valencia Town Center — a casual, welcoming space where neighbors connect, share stories, and build friendships over coffee. No agenda, no cost, just community.
24201 Valencia Blvd, Valencia, CA 91355
Free — open to all
SCV Youth Sports & Recreation
City Programs & Local Leagues Valley-Wide
Fall youth sports registration is open for SCV families. The City of Santa Clarita offers Youth Basketball, Flag Football, T-Ball/Softball, and Volleyball leagues for ages 6–17. Private leagues like Way2Go Sports offer basketball, flag football, and tee-ball for ages 4–14 with jerseys and trophies. The Boys & Girls Club of SCV runs basketball, flag football, and drop-in sports programs at their clubhouses.
Key facilities include the George A. Caravalho Sports Complex, the Santa Clarita Sports Center, and clubhouses across the valley. Registration is handled through the city's online system at santaclarita.gov.
Multiple locations across SCV
Scholarships available through city programs
More Events, Festivals & Recurring Favorites
Coming up and recurring SCV events are listed first, newest first, with events that have already passed grouped below under Past Events. For what is happening right now, check the weekend guide or Sam's latest event posts.
Take a Kid Mountain Biking at Haskell Canyon Bike Park
The national Take a Kid Mountain Biking event runs Saturday, October 3 at 10 AM at the brand-new Haskell Canyon Bike Park (21450 Copper Hill Drive). Free and family-friendly: young riders get comfortable on the pump track, skills courses, and cross-country loops at their own pace. Bring a bike, a helmet, and water.
2026 State of the City: Rolling Into the Future
The City of Santa Clarita's annual community address, hosted by the City Council on Thursday, October 22 at 3 PM at The Rink Sports Pavilion (George A. Carvalho Sports Complex, 20860 Centre Pointe Pkwy). Free and open to the public, with presentations and videos recapping a year of park openings including The Rink, the Haskell Canyon Bike Park, David March Park, and the Hart Museum.
SENSES Block Party: Oktoberfest
The closing night of the 2026 SENSES series turns Main Street in Old Town Newhall into an open-air Oktoberfest on Thursday, September 17, 7-10 PM. Stein-holding and barrel-rolling contests, live music, food trucks, and adult beverages. Free and family-friendly.
Valencia Town Center Pumpkin Patch Festival
Pumpkins, bounce houses, games, food trucks, and live music at the mall grounds, daily October 1-31, with a big Trick-or-Treat finale on October 31. A family favorite for SCV pumpkin season.
Luketoberfest at Lucky Luke Brewing
Beer releases, food specials, live music, and a raffle for guests who dress in theme at Lucky Luke Brewing. Saturday, September 26. Free admission.
Greater Pacific Oktoberfest Dinners
Themed German-inspired dinner evenings at the Greater Pacific Restaurant, Hyatt Regency Valencia on Thursdays October 1, 8, 15, and 22. A sit-down Oktoberfest for date night.
Enchanted Cemetery Pumpkin Patch
Pumpkin picking, archery, scavenger hunts, arcade games, face painting, live entertainment, and photo ops at 23450 Newhall Ave. Thursday through Sunday, October 3-31. Confirm dates locally before you go.
Candlelight Concerts at Hyatt Regency Valencia
Candlelight: Coldplay vs. Imagine Dragons at 6 PM and Candlelight: Halloween Classics at 8:15 PM on Sunday, October 25 at Hyatt Regency Valencia. Intimate live music under candlelight.
Child & Family Center Purple Walk
A 5K walk-and-roll supporting the Child & Family Center on Saturday, October 10, 8-11 AM at 21545 Centre Pointe Pkwy. A family-friendly fall fundraiser that honors local families.
The Doo Wop Project: Echoes of the Street
The Doo Wop Project kicks off the new season at the Santa Clarita Performing Arts Center at College of the Canyons. Friday, September 18 at 8 PM. Five Broadway stars bring classic doo-wop and Motown hits to life from Grease and Jersey Boys to Little Anthony and the Imperials. A great night out in SCV.
GRACEFEST — Music & Message Festival
A free, family-friendly music and message gathering at Castaic Lake State Recreation Area on Saturday, September 19 at 1:30 PM. Live performances by the water, community vendors, and an uplifting late-summer atmosphere. Free admission.
23rd Annual Bras for a Cause
Soroptimist International of Valencia and the Hyatt Regency Valencia host the 23rd annual Bras for a Cause fundraiser, themed Viva La Vida, on Saturday, September 26. A fun night of art, fashion, and giving back to support women and children in the Santa Clarita Valley.
Gilchrist Farm Harvest Festival
Annual pumpkin patch and harvest festival with hayrides, corn maze, farm animals, face painting, and seasonal food vendors. September 26-27, 2026. Upcoming.
City Cinemas — Free Outdoor Movies
Free outdoor movie series on the fourth Friday of each month through September. The September 25 screening is Top Gun at Canyon Country Community Center, the season finale. Food trucks open one hour before showtime. Bring blankets, chairs, and the family.
Hart of the West Pow Wow
A two-day gathering of multiple Indigenous peoples at William S. Hart Park in Newhall. October 3-4, 2026. Traditional dance, drumming, food, arts and crafts, and community celebration. Free admission. A powerful and meaningful SCV tradition.
Pococktoberfest
Annual fall celebration at Pocock Brewing in Valencia. Seasonal beers, live music, German-style food, and community cheer. A fun fall event for adults that captures the spirit of the season in SCV.
Fright Fest
Six Flags Magic Mountain transforms into a haunted theme park every October with scare zones, mazes, and nighttime thrills.
Dig Deep Theatre 5K Run/Walk
A community fundraising 5k run/walk at West Creek Park on Saturday, November 7, organized by Dig Deep Theatre to support a local theater group. Stretch your legs, rally the family, and help keep live theater thriving in the Santa Clarita Valley. Time and registration details TBA.
Light Up Main Street
The official holiday kickoff in Old Town Newhall. November 21, 2026, 4:00-8:00 PM on Main Street. Food trucks, live entertainment, photo opportunities, kids activities, and the moment the holiday lights come on. A magical evening for the whole family.
Holiday in the Park
Six Flags Magic Mountain's winter wonderland with millions of lights, snow, holiday shows, and seasonal entertainment.
Full Moon Hikes at Vasquez Rocks
Guided twilight hikes under the full moon at Vasquez Rocks Natural Area. Free interpretive walks exploring the park's geology, natural history, plants, and animals. All ages welcome. Check LA County Parks for the 2026 schedule and advance registration.
ArtWalk Newhall
Monthly art walks featuring local artists, galleries, live music, and creative showcases in Old Town Newhall. Free and family-friendly.
Farmers Markets Weekly
Weekly farmers markets in Old Town Newhall (Saturdays), The Oaks (Sundays), and Valencia with fresh produce, artisan goods, and prepared foods.
KHTS Home & Garden Show
Annual expo showcasing local home and garden businesses, vendors, and resources at the Santa Clarita Sports Complex.
WiSH Upon a Car Showcase
Annual car show benefiting the WiSH Education Foundation to support SCV schools and student programs. Classic cars, hot rods, and community fun.
FireHogs 10th Annual Memorial Ride
Motorcycle memorial ride honoring fallen firefighters. A moving community event that brings together first responders, veterans, and SCV residents.
Celebrate Series: Cultural Evenings
The free monthly international-themed cultural celebrations at the Canyon Country Community Center wrapped their 2026 season with Celebrate: Mexico on September 11. Watch the city calendar for the 2027 series.
Food Truck & Vendor Festival
A three-day celebration of food, shopping, and live entertainment at Central Park, August 28-30, 2026. Food trucks, local vendors, artisan booths, and family-friendly fun. Free admission.
Youth Grove Remembrance
Annual community gathering honoring SCV youth, held August 26 at 7:15 PM at Central Park. A solemn and meaningful community tradition.
Makers & Music Festival
Three-day celebration of creativity, music, food, and community at Central Park, August 7-9, 2026. Free admission.
Shakespeare Festival: Coriolanus
Santa Clarita Shakespeare Festival presented Coriolanus at The MAIN on Main Street in Old Town Newhall, July 31 through August 2. Free with advance registration through Eventbrite.
Enjoying Your Weekend in Santa Clarita?
If you\'re thinking about making SCV your forever home, I\'d love to help. Contact Sam Silver, REALTOR with Equity Union Real Estate, CalDRE #01412755.
Sam@SamSilverHomes.com · 661-621-5340 · CalDRE #01412755