Curated Plans
This Weekend in SCV: Jeepers Creepers, Chapman & Spacerock, October 16-18
Mid-October in Santa Clarita is race season with a soundtrack. Sunday morning brings the Jeepers Creepers Halloween Marathon to Heritage Park, Saturday night brings Steven Curtis Chapman to Grace Baptist Church, trail runners take on the Spacerock Trail Race at Vasquez Rocks, and Gilchrist Farm keeps its full harvest festival rolling. Sam has verified every time and venue.
Curated by Sam Silver · Last updated October 14, 2026
Newest Weekend Guide
October 16-18 in SCV: Jeepers Creepers Marathon & a Concert Weekend
Sam just published the complete guide to this weekend: the Jeepers Creepers Halloween Marathon at Heritage Park on Sunday morning, Steven Curtis Chapman at Grace Baptist Church on Saturday night, the Spacerock Trail Race at Vasquez Rocks, Bark for Life at the Canyon Country Community Center, Dial M for Murder at the Canyon Theatre Guild, and Gilchrist Farm's full harvest weekend.
A note for our community
If your weekend plans include dining or shopping in Old Town Newhall, thank you. The August 24, 2026 fire hit Main Street's businesses hard, including the Newhall Refinery restaurant, The MAIN performing arts theater, an auto collision center, Care Tucker Style House, and the former El Trocadero restaurant. Patronizing the neighborhood's restaurants, tasting rooms, and shops is one of the most direct ways to support the recovery effort. None of the events below take place at the destroyed venues, and they are unaffected.
See verified ways to help Old Town NewhallMid-October in the SCV means race bibs and big stages. Saturday, October 17, opens with the Spacerock Trail Race at Vasquez Rocks (7:40 AM) and Bark for Life at the Canyon Country Community Center (10 AM), then closes with Steven Curtis Chapman at Grace Baptist Church (7 PM). Sunday, October 18, is the Jeepers Creepers Halloween Marathon at Heritage Park (7 AM), with the free Placerita Canyon Nature Center program at 2 PM and the FivePoint farmers market in the morning. Fright Fest keeps its Friday-Sunday nights going at Six Flags all weekend. Sam's full weekend events post has all the details.
Friday · Oct 16
Fright Fest night, Haunted Jailhouse watch
Saturday · Oct 17
Spacerock, Bark for Life, Chapman concert
Saturday AM
Old Town Newhall Farmers Market, 8:30 AM - 1 PM
Sunday · Oct 18
Jeepers Creepers Marathon, Placerita program
This Weekend's Top Events
This weekend's events, listed newest first. All times and venues verified.
Jeepers Creepers Halloween Marathon
Sunday, Oct 18 · 7:00-7:45 AM starts · Heritage Park, 24155 Newhall Ranch Rd
The 4th annual Jeepers Creepers Halloween Marathon returns to Heritage Park Sunday morning, with the full marathon starting at 7:00 AM, the half at 7:15, the 10K at 7:30, and the 5K at 7:45. The course runs the paved Santa Clarita bike path, so it is fast, mostly flat, and genuinely pretty in the early-autumn light. It is a USATF-certified Boston Qualifier, costumes are welcome, and the post-race tradition is street tacos. Register ahead through Elite Sports California and arrive early; the start line at Heritage Park fills fast.
Placerita Canyon Nature Center Program
Sunday, Oct 18 · 2:00 PM · 19152 Placerita Canyon Rd, Newhall
The Placerita Canyon Nature Center hosts its free Community Nature Education Series program Sunday at 2 PM, the third-Sunday tradition at one of the valley's most beloved open spaces. It is a relaxed, family-friendly afternoon among the oaks and sycamores, and the fall canyon light is at its best this time of year. Free to attend, no registration required for most programs, and a perfect wind-down after the Sunday morning race crowd clears out.
Steven Curtis Chapman: SPEECHLESS 25th Anniversary Tour
Saturday, Oct 17 · 7:00 PM · Grace Baptist Church, 22833 Copper Hill Dr
Five-time Grammy winner Steven Curtis Chapman brings his Speechless 25th Anniversary Tour to Grace Baptist Church Saturday night at 7 PM. It is a chance to hear a catalog full of hits from one of the most decorated artists in contemporary Christian music, and a big-name concert night that does not require driving to Los Angeles. Tickets typically sell out in advance for stops like this, so grab seats early.
Spacerock Trail Race
Saturday, Oct 17 · from 7:40 AM · Vasquez Rocks Natural Park, Agua Dulce
Trail runners get their day on the singletrack at Vasquez Rocks Natural Park in Agua Dulce with the 10th annual Spacerock Trail Race, offering half marathon, 15K, 10K, and 5K distances. The half starts at 7:40 AM, the 15K at 7:50, the 10K at 8:00, and the 5K at 12:30 PM. Expect rocky climbs, canyon views, and real descent miles, the opposite of Sunday's paved road race, and October canyon weather is usually excellent.
Bark for Life
Saturday, Oct 17 · 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM · Canyon Country Community Center, 18410 Sierra Hwy
The American Cancer Society's Halloween-themed dog fundraiser returns to the Canyon Country Community Center Saturday from 10 AM to 2 PM, a costume-and-canine morning for a good cause. Bring the pup in costume, meet fellow dog lovers, and support Relay for Life's local fight against cancer. It is one of those warm, slightly silly community mornings that make the SCV feel like home.
SoCal Etsy Guild Market Valencia
Saturday, Oct 17 · 12:00 PM · Sienna Villas at Valencia Town Center
The SoCal Etsy Guild Market sets up at Sienna Villas at the Valencia Town Center Saturday at noon, a curated gathering of local makers, artists, and small-batch creators. It is the perfect midday stop for handmade gifts, fall decor, and one-of-a-kind finds, and it pairs beautifully with a Town Center lunch or a pumpkin patch visit. Free to browse, and a great way to shop local.
Gilchrist Farm Harvest Festival: Full Festival Weekend
Saturday & Sunday, Oct 17-18 · 9 AM - 6 PM · Gilchrist Farm, 30116 Bouquet Canyon Rd
Gilchrist Farm keeps its full October rhythm going. On Saturday and Sunday the Bouquet Canyon farm brings out the whole line-up: the pumpkin patch, pony rides, hayrides, the corn maze, farm animals, archery, gemstone mining, pig races, face painting, and fall food vendors. Admission and parking are free, which makes it one of the best-value family days on the fall calendar. Go early and plan to stay a while.
Dial M for Murder at the Canyon Theatre Guild
Friday, Oct 16 · 8:00 PM · Canyon Theatre Guild, 24242 Main St, Newhall
Frederick Knott's classic thriller Dial M for Murder plays at the Canyon Theatre Guild on Main Street in Old Town Newhall, with shows Friday at 8 PM and Saturday at 7 PM, alongside a Saturday 2 PM matinee of the political comedy The Outsider. The Guild's historic brick building was spared in the August 24 fire and is fully open again, so a night of live theater here is also a direct way to support Old Town Newhall's recovery.
Fright Fest Nights & the Haunted Jailhouse Watch
Friday-Sunday, Oct 16-18 · evenings to park close · 26101 Magic Mountain Pkwy, Valencia
Halloween season is in full swing across the valley. Fright Fest at Six Flags Magic Mountain runs its Friday-Sunday nights through the month, with the family-friendly daytime Tricks and Treats alternative on weekends as well. And the local institution everyone asks about, the Haunted Jailhouse at the SCV Sheriff's Station, typically opens in the second half of October, so watch the fall events guide for the official dates. For little ones, the fully non-scary Valencia Town Center Pumpkin Patch Festival runs all month long.
Circus Vargas: Final Weekend
Through Mon, Oct 19 · Valencia Town Center. Catch Masquerade under the big top before it leaves.
FivePoint & COC Markets
Sun, Oct 18 · FivePoint 8:30 AM - 1 PM, COC Parking Lot 5 · 8 AM - noon. Peak fall harvest.
Clothed Figure Drawing Workshop
Sat, Oct 17 · 6-8 PM · ARTree Community Arts Center. A hands-on evening for artists of every level.
Old Town Newhall Farmers Market
Sat, Oct 17 · 8:30 AM - 1 PM · 24500 Main Street. A direct way to support the fire recovery.
The Art of HOPE: Circle of Hope Tea Party
Sat, Oct 17 · 11 AM - 2 PM · Bella Vida Ballroom, SCV Senior Center. A 22nd-annual fundraiser for local cancer patients.
Mountain Bike Demo Days
Sun, Oct 18 · Haskell Canyon Bike Park. Free demo bikes and guided laps on real trails.
Next Weekend in SCV: October 23-25
Halloween week is officially here. Next weekend brings the SCV Quilt Guild Quilt Show to the Senior Center, the Finish The Ride & Finish The Run costume ride and race at West Creek Park, a double Candlelight concert night at the Hyatt Regency Valencia, and the Funadoo Fall Festival trunk-or-treat at North Oaks Church. Here is what is coming, newest first.
SCV Quilt Guild Quilt Show
Sat-Sun, Oct 24-25 · 10 AM - 4 PM · SCV Senior Center (Bella Vida), 27180 Golden Valley Rd
"Where Quilts and Friendships Bloom" fills the Senior Center with handmade quilts, live demonstrations, vendor booths, and a silent auction. A gorgeous autumn tradition and a perfect low-key family outing. See the full October 23-25 guide.
Finish The Ride & Finish The Run
Sunday, Oct 25 · West Creek Park, 24247 Village Circle Dr
The valley's Halloween-themed ride and race returns with 12, 25, and 62-mile rides plus a 5K/10K costume run and walk, hosted by Streets Are For Everyone. Full details in the ride and race guide.
Funadoo Fall Festival: Trunk or Treat
Saturday, Oct 24 · 4-7 PM · North Oaks Church, 27570 Whites Canyon Rd, Canyon Country
The Funadoo Fall Festival brings games, activities, a petting zoo, a costume parade, and lots of candy to North Oaks Church Saturday evening. Free and family friendly, a great warm-up for Halloween night.
Candlelight: Coldplay vs. Imagine Dragons
Sunday, Oct 25 · 6:00 PM · Hyatt Regency Valencia
A candlelit string-quartet performance of stadium anthems at the Hyatt Regency Valencia, part of the popular Candlelight series. Book ahead, these evenings tend to sell out.
Candlelight: Halloween Classics
Sunday, Oct 25 · 8:15 PM · Hyatt Regency Valencia
Spooky film favorites played by a live string quartet under hundreds of candles, a moody seasonal treat right in the heart of Valencia. Pair it with the 6 PM show for a full evening.
Gilchrist Farm Harvest Festival
Sat-Sun, Oct 24-25 · 9 AM - 6 PM · Bouquet Canyon
The next-to-last full harvest weekend of the season, with the pumpkin patch, pony rides, hayrides, and corn maze. Free admission and parking. More in Sam's harvest guide.
Fright Fest & the Haunted Jailhouse
Fri-Sun · Six Flags Magic Mountain & the SCV Sheriff's Station
Fright Fest's Friday-Sunday nights continue through November 1, and the Haunted Jailhouse at the SCV Sheriff's Station is expected to open in the second half of October. Follow the fall events guide for confirmation.
Farmers Markets & Pumpkin Mornings
Sat & Sun
Old Town Newhall on Saturday (8:30 AM - 1 PM) and FivePoint or COC on Sunday, with pumpkins, apples, and winter squash everywhere. The farmers markets guide has the full schedule.
State of the City Recap
Thursday, Oct 22 · The Rink Sports Pavilion
The City's annual address celebrated a landmark year of park openings, from the Haskell Canyon Bike Park to David March Park's grand reopening. Catch up in Sam's full guide.
Get the complete October 23-25 weekend plan
Sam just published the full October 23-25 guide: the SCV Quilt Guild Quilt Show at the Senior Center, Finish The Ride & Finish The Run at West Creek Park, the double Candlelight concert night at the Hyatt Regency Valencia, and the Funadoo Fall Festival trunk-or-treat.
For Runners & Families
The Race Weekend
Best for: Runners, trail lovers, concert-goers, and families
Saturday, October 17
Morning: Trails or Tails
Trail runners head to Vasquez Rocks for the Spacerock Trail Race (7:40 AM), while dog lovers gather at the Canyon Country Community Center for Bark for Life (10 AM - 2 PM). Either way, the Old Town Newhall Farmers Market (8:30 AM - 1 PM) is a great mid-morning stop.
Midday: Makers at the Town Center
Browse the SoCal Etsy Guild Market at Sienna Villas near the Valencia Town Center (12 PM), then wander the Town Center Pumpkin Patch or catch a final Circus Vargas matinee before the big top leaves Monday.
Evening: A Big-Name Concert
Close Saturday with Steven Curtis Chapman at Grace Baptist Church (7 PM), or keep the spook going with Fright Fest's Saturday night at Six Flags Magic Mountain.
Sunday, October 18
Morning: The Big Race
The Jeepers Creepers Halloween Marathon starts from Heritage Park at 7 AM, with the half, 10K, and 5K following. Non-runners can hit the Valencia FivePoint Farmers' Market (8:30 AM - 1 PM) or the COC market (8 AM - noon) instead.
Afternoon: Nature at Placerita
Wind down with the free Placerita Canyon Nature Center program at 2 PM, or spend the afternoon in the Gilchrist Farm pumpkin patch before the week begins.
Sam's Tips
- Register ahead for Jeepers Creepers through Elite Sports California and arrive at Heritage Park by 6:30 AM for parking and bib pickup
- Steven Curtis Chapman tickets typically sell out in advance, grab seats early for the Saturday night show at Grace Baptist Church
- Bark for Life is a costume-and-canine morning at the Canyon Country Community Center, 10 AM - 2 PM, bring the pup in costume
- Fright Fest is in peak October season, book your Haunted Attractions Pass online and arrive before 6:30 PM to beat the lines
- A Saturday morning on Main Street at the farmers market is a direct way to support the Old Town Newhall fire recovery
For Families
The Family Fun Weekend
Best for: Families with kids of all ages
Gilchrist Harvest Festival
The pumpkin patch, pony rides, hayrides, and corn maze run all weekend at Gilchrist Farm. Free admission and parking make it a budget-friendly family outing.
Bark for Life
A Halloween-themed dog fundraiser at the Canyon Country Community Center, costumes encouraged for kids and canines alike, supporting the American Cancer Society.
Circus Vargas Final Weekend
Acrobats, aerialists, and live music under the big top through Monday, October 19. The last chance to catch it close to home this year.
Pumpkin Patch Festival
The fully family-friendly, non-scary Pumpkin Patch Festival at the Valencia Town Center runs all month, with pumpkin decorating, games, and photo ops for little ones.
Weekend Highlights at a Glance
Jeepers Creepers Marathon
Sun Oct 18, 7 AM, Heritage Park
Spacerock Trail Race
Sat Oct 17, from 7:40 AM, Vasquez Rocks
Steven Curtis Chapman
Sat Oct 17, 7 PM, Grace Baptist Church
Fright Fest October Nights
Fri-Sun Oct 16-18, Magic Mountain
Gilchrist Harvest Festival
Sat-Sun Oct 17-18, Gilchrist Farm
Bark for Life
Sat Oct 17, 10 AM-2 PM, Canyon Country
Old Town Newhall Market
Sat 8:30 AM - 1 PM, Main Street
Quilt Show Next Weekend
Oct 24-25, SCV Senior Center
Looking for events from earlier this season? Check our past guides: October 9-11 (Birdstock & Fine Art Festival), October 2-4 (Pow Wow & Take a Kid Mountain Biking), September 25-27 (Fright Fest & Harvest), September 18-20 (GRACEFEST & Oktoberfest), September 11-13 (Patriot Day), September 4-6 (Labor Day), August 28-30, August 14-16, August 7-9, July 31-August 2, and July 25-26.
Enjoy the Season
Make the Most of a Mid-October Weekend
The light is turning golden in Santa Clarita and Halloween is two weeks out. Here is how to lean into the season.
Golden-Hour Trails
Take advantage of milder evenings on the valley's paved paseos and parks before the season turns. See the paved trails guide.
Fall Produce
Apples, pumpkins, winter squash, and fresh-pressed juice make mid-October one of the best market months of the year. Arrive by 9 AM at the markets for the best selection.
Support Old Town Newhall
A Saturday farmers market morning or a meal on Main Street is a direct way to support the businesses working through the August fire recovery. Learn more.
Spooky Season in Full Stride
Fright Fest runs October event nights this weekend and the Gilchrist Harvest Festival is in full swing, with pumpkin patches across the valley. Get the whole fall picture in the Fall 2026 guide.
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.