Your Local Guide
Life in the
Santa Clarita Valley
Neighborhoods, events, schools, trails, dining, and everything you need to know about living in SCV — updated weekly by a 22-year local.
300K+
Valley residents
100+
Miles of trails
Top
Rated schools
300+
Sunny days/year
Welcome to the Santa Clarita Valley
Nestled just 30 miles north of downtown Los Angeles, the Santa Clarita Valley is a place where warm, tight-knit communities meet open skies, award-winning schools, and a calendar full of things to see and do.
Welcome to the Santa Clarita Valley
Supporting Old Town Newhall After the Refinery Fire
On August 24, 2026, a devastating three-alarm fire tore through historic Main Street in Old Town Newhall, destroying the Newhall Refinery, The Main Theatre, and multiple beloved businesses. Our community is hurting, but we are coming together. Here are verified ways you can help.
Love on Main St
Thursday, September 17, 6:30-10 PM at Hart & Main, 24217 Main Street, Newhall. An evening supporting the Old Town Newhall community after the fire. Music by Rebel Heart, food by Newhall Refinery, and shopping by Care Tucker Style House. Tickets are $100 per person plus Eventbrite fees and include music, food, beer and wine, plus a silent auction. 100% of proceeds go to the business owners, employees, and artists affected by the fire, to cover costs not met by insurance and to help those struggling.
Get Tickets on EventbriteHelp Rebuild Newhall Refinery
GoFundMe campaign to restore a Main Street cornerstone
Emergency Fund for Refinery Employees
Direct support for staff who lost wages
Help Care and Jonny Tucker Rebuild
Support a SCV family of six who lost their business
Hometown Station Local News & Assistance
Community news coverage and ways to help
Support the Old Town Newhall Association
All donations go to the Old Town Newhall Association to support fire recovery
Watch: community offers of assistance
Facebook reel with community support offers and resources for impacted businesses
Local businesses are pitching in to help
Vincenzo's Pizza (Saugus location)
Offering 50% off food orders to first responders, owners and employees of businesses directly impacted by the fire, and utility crews working the incident and recovery. Valid through Friday, August 28 at 10 PM. Pickup/in-store orders only, Saugus location only. Mention the "Old Town Newhall Main St. Fire Community Support Offer" when ordering; valid ID and work verification may be requested.
360 Suites SCV (owner Fred Arnold)
Opening their spaces free of charge to businesses and individuals affected by the fire, including office space, conference rooms, and temporary housing. They're proud to support the community.
Vincenzo's Pizza community support offer
Read the full story for more ways to support Old Town Newhall businesses.
Curated by Sam Silver · Santa Clarita Valley community guide updated September 25, 2026
This Weekend in SCV
September 25 – 27, 2026 · Harvest Season Begins
Every Friday we refresh this page with the weekend's best events. Bookmark it, share it, and make it your go-to for what's happening in the Santa Clarita Valley.
Fright Fest 2026: Full Weekend Schedule
Southern California's big scare runs its first full Friday-Saturday-Sunday weekend at Six Flags Magic Mountain, continuing through November 1. Seven haunted mazes, seven scare zones, and brand-new mazes Final Destination and Wolves' Blood, with family-friendly Tricks and Treats during the day.
Fright Fest 2026 GuideFright Fest 2026 Full Weekend
Six Flags Magic Mountain's 33rd Fright Fest hits its first full Friday-Saturday-Sunday weekend, running through November 1: seven haunted mazes, seven scare zones, and new mazes Final Destination and Wolves' Blood, with family-friendly Tricks and Treats in the daytime.
City Cinemas: Top Gun
The city's free outdoor movie series wraps its 2026 season with Top Gun (PG) at the Canyon Country Community Center at 7 PM. Food trucks open around 6 PM, and blankets and chairs are welcome under the stars.
Be The Light 5K Glow Run
The 12th annual glow run turns West Creek Park into a sea of glow sticks: check-in at 2 PM, 10K at 5:30 PM, and the 5K at 7 PM, benefiting A Light of Hope. Register ahead at bethelight5k.com.
Bras for a Cause: 23rd Annual
Soroptimist International of Valencia's creative runway gala returns under the theme Viva La Vida: dinner, live and silent auctions, and stories from breast cancer survivors at the Hyatt Regency Valencia. Benefits the Sheila R. Veloz Breast Center.
Agape Village Community Meetup
Every Tuesday & Friday · 9:30–11:30 AM · Valencia Town Center · Free coffee, great company — all are welcome. 100% of proceeds support Agape Village.
📌 Bookmark this page — we update events every Friday for the weekend ahead. Never miss what's happening in SCV.
Fresh This Week
New Festival Guide
SoCal Bike Expo 2026
A free, nine-acre cycling festival takes over Central Park October 30 - November 1 with bike and e-bike test rides, a vendor village, and a vintage bike show.
Read the guideNew Trail Spotlight
Golden Valley Ranch Open Space
The 900-plus-acre ridgeline between Placerita Canyon and Canyon Country with valley panoramas, loops from 3.1 to 7.5 miles, and Sam's packing list.
Read the trail guideNew Race Guide
Santa Clarita Marathon 2026
November 15 at Heritage Park: four distances, a USATF-certified Boston Qualifier course on the paseos, a 7-hour limit, and where to watch. Research done, dates verified.
Read the race guideNew Seasonal Guide
New Year's Eve 2026 in SCV
Holiday in the Park through January 3, family countdown traditions, and where this year's confirmed NYE events will be announced first.
Read the guideNew Neighborhood News
Vista Canyon Bridge Is Open
The new 780-foot bridge over the Santa Clara River links Soledad Canyon Road and Mitchell Drive with a dedicated walking and cycling path.
Read the newsNew Weekend Guide
November 13-15: Jingle Fest '26
275 artisans, food trucks, live music and Santa fill Central Park on November 14, plus both farmers markets and the countdown to Light Up Main Street.
Read the guideNew Park Spotlight
David March Park in Saugus
The expanded Saugus park with a new baseball field, lighted basketball, a 116-step exercise staircase, playground and picnic pavilions.
Read the guideNew Recreation Guide
Haskell Canyon Bike Park
The valley's new free mountain bike destination: 15+ miles of trails, pump tracks, jump lines, a dual slalom course and a skills area.
Read the guideNew Seasonal Guide
Christmas Tree Farms Near SCV
Choose-and-cut Monterey pines at Frosty's Forest, fresh-cut Oregon trees at Gilchrist Farm, plus the pre-cut lots worth knowing for 2026.
Find your treeNew Veterans Guide
Veterans Day 2026 in Santa Clarita
The November 11 ceremony at Veterans Historical Plaza, co-hosted with American Legion Post 507, plus ways to honor our veterans from Army veteran Sam.
Read the guideHoliday Guide
Light Up Main Street 2026
Old Town Newhall's holiday kickoff on November 21: tree lighting at 5:30 PM, five blocks of lights, real snow, Santa, and live music.
Read the guideNew Weekend Guide
November 6-8 in SCV: Dial Up Fest
Nelly and Sugar Ray headline Dial Up Fest at Castaic Lake on November 7, with farmers markets, fall trails, and a Veterans Day preview.
Read the guideThinking about buying or selling a home in SCV?
Sam Silver is a 22-year local REALTOR — visit his real estate site for market data, home valuations, and consultation scheduling.
Save This Site for Reference
Bookmark this page or tap the share button and select "Add to Home Screen" to access Santa Clarita events, neighborhood guides, and community resources anytime you need them.
Tune In Tuesdays · The Rare Hour
Every Tuesday at 1:00 PM on KHTS 98.1 FM & AM 1220. Community advocacy radio for Santa Clarita's rare disease community, hosted by Chris Velona.
Coming Up Next
Looking Ahead in SCV
September is here and the SCV calendar is full: Labor Day weekend kicks it off, then Celebrate Mexico, GRACEFEST at Castaic Lake, the SENSES season finale, and the harvest season follow. Here is what is coming up next in the Santa Clarita Valley. Bookmark the full late summer guide for everything through September.
Pizza al Tramonto at Santa Cruz Brewing
Santa Cruz Brewing Co., 27825 Fremont Ct. #13. Stone-fired Neapolitan pizza from 5-9 PM, craft beer on tap, and live music from The Future X-Husbands from 6:30 PM until close. Labor Day weekend's newest event.
GRACEFEST at Castaic Lake
Music and message festival at Castaic Lake State Recreation Area. Free admission, family-friendly, live performances from 1:30 PM. A unique late-summer gathering by the water.
Harvest Festival
Gilchrist Farm. Pumpkin patch, corn maze, hayrides, farm animals. The official start of fall in SCV. Mark your calendars.
Triple-Header Day
SCV Music Festival at CalArts, City Cinemas outdoor movie (Jurassic Park) at Hart Park, and Food Truck & Vendor Festival at Central Park. Wrapped up August 28.
Concerts: Kenny Metcalf
Central Park. Kenny Metcalf as Elton John tribute. Free admission, 7:00 PM. The 2026 concert series wrapped with The Police Experience on August 29.
SENSES Block Party
Main Street Newhall. "Tropical Summer" theme. Live music, food vendors, craft cocktails. Free. The next SENSES is the season finale, September 17.
Curated by Sam Silver, 22-year SCV local. Updated September 25, 2026.
More than a place —
it's a way of life
The Santa Clarita Valley sits just 30 miles north of downtown Los Angeles, but it feels like a world away. With award-winning schools, over 100 miles of trails, a thriving arts scene, and tight-knit neighborhoods, SCV consistently ranks among the best places to live in California.
Whether you're a longtime local or considering a move, this guide is your insider resource — no fluff, just the real scoop from someone who knows every street, park, and taco shop in the valley.
Curated by Sam Silver · 22-year Santa Clarita Valley REALTOR
Santa Clarita Neighborhoods
Each SCV community has its own personality. Discover the one that fits your lifestyle.
Valencia
Master-planned living with paseos and top schools
Saugus
Suburban charm with a tight-knit community feel
Newhall
Historic heart of SCV with arts and culture
Canyon Country
Canyon living with accessible pricing
Stevenson Ranch
Upscale gated communities and hilltop views
Castaic
Lake life and outdoor adventure
"Every neighborhood in the Santa Clarita Valley has its own personality — Valencia has the paseos and master-planned perfection, Saugus has that old-school community warmth, and Newhall has the arts and the history. There's no wrong choice, just the right fit for your life."
Summer 2026
Summer in the
Santa Clarita Valley
From lake days at Castaic to free concerts under the stars, SCV comes alive in summer. Explore the trails at golden hour, cool off at splash pads, and make the most of everything this valley offers between June and September.
Full Summer GuideConcerts in the Park
Free Saturday evening concerts at Central Park, July 11 through August 29.
Lake Days at Castaic
Boating, fishing, and swimming at the 323-acre reservoir — SCV's summer playground.
Splash Pads & Pools
Free splash pads at Central Park and Canyon Country, plus city pools open all summer.
Trail Season
Golden hour hikes at Towsley Canyon, Placerita Canyon, and the new Haskell Canyon Bike Park.
SCV Events & Festivals
From cowboy festivals to summer concerts, there's always something happening in the valley. Here's a taste of what SCV is known for.
Jump to This Weekend's Events Full Events CalendarFright Fest 2026: Full Weekend
Friday-Sunday, September 25-27, 7 PM · Six Flags Magic Mountain runs its first full weekend of the 33rd Fright Fest: seven haunted mazes, seven scare zones, and new mazes Final Destination and Wolves' Blood, with family-friendly Tricks and Treats in the daytime.
Gilchrist Farm Harvest Festival Opens
Saturday-Sunday, September 26-27 · The valley's favorite fall tradition opens its gates: pumpkin patch, pony rides, hayrides, corn maze, and farm animals on Bouquet Canyon Road. Free admission and parking.
City Cinemas: Top Gun
Friday, September 25, 7 PM · The free outdoor movie series' season finale screens Top Gun at the Canyon Country Community Center. Food trucks open around 6 PM.
Be The Light 5K & Bras for a Cause
Saturday, September 26 · The 12th annual glow run lights up West Creek Park at 7 PM, and the 23rd annual Bras for a Cause gala fills the Hyatt Regency Valencia at 5 PM.
Dig Deep Theatre 5K Run/Walk
Saturday, November 7 · A community 5k run/walk fundraiser at West Creek Park supporting Dig Deep Theatre, a local theater group. Time and registration details TBA.
Cowboy Festival
Western heritage celebration at William S. Hart Park
Concerts in the Park
Free Saturday evening concerts at Central Park
SENSES Block Party
Third-Thursday street party on Main Street Newhall
Lake Days at Castaic
Boating, fishing, and swimming at the 323-acre reservoir
Fresh Off the Press
What's New in
Santa Clarita Valley
SCV is growing fast. The newly renovated David March Park reopened with a baseball field, 116-step exercise staircase, and expanded playground. The Haskell Canyon Bike Park, a $7.4 million, 720-acre mountain biking destination with 15+ miles of trails, is nearing completion. Via Princessa Park is coming to Canyon Country with four sports fields and a trail connection. And William S. Hart Park officially joined the city's park system. On the events calendar right now: the Patriot Day 9/11 Car Show & BBQ on Friday, September 11 at Higher Vision Church, and Celebrate: Mexico at the Canyon Country Community Center the same evening, plus a special Love on Main St benefit for Old Town Newhall on Thursday, September 17 at Hart & Main, followed by GRACEFEST at Castaic Lake on September 19 and Gilchrist Farm's Harvest Festival on September 26-27. The Concerts in the Park summer series wrapped up August 29, and the Birdstock Music Festival takes over the valley October 9-11. Click the links below for the full guides from Sam.
Curated Plans
Weekend in the
Santa Clarita Valley
Not sure where to start? Sam's curated weekend itineraries give you the perfect plan — outdoor adventures, family fun, foodie crawls, and date night ideas built around real SCV spots.
View Weekend GuideOutdoor Explorer
Hiking, biking, lake days, and canyon trails
Family Fun
Six Flags, parks, nature centers, and concerts
Foodie Crawl
Main Street dining, brunch spots, and cafés
Date Night
Golden hour hikes, craft cocktails, and ArtWalks
Parks, Trails &
Adventure
SCV is an outdoor paradise. Hike through Towsley Canyon's oak groves, explore the historic Placerita Canyon where California's first gold was discovered, or rock climb at the iconic Vasquez Rocks. The valley's connected paseo system makes it easy to walk or bike to shops, schools, and parks without ever touching a busy road.
Latest Local Guides
New articles, event spotlights, and insider guides from Sam Silver, your 22-year Santa Clarita Valley local.
Princessa Crossroads: 146-Acre East-Side Plan
New development briefing: the mixed-use plan introduced to the Planning Commission October 6 with up to 300 apartments, up to 1.5 million square feet of business park, and the Via Princessa extension. Research done, dates verified.
Ice Skating in Santa Clarita: The Cube
New winter guide: three rinks at 27745 Smyth Drive in Valencia, daily public skate, Saturday Glow Nights, skate school, and December's tree lighting and Nutcracker skate show. From local insider Sam.
Holiday in the Park 2026: Six Flags Guide
New seasonal guide: the winter wonderland runs November 26 through January 3, 2027, with two million lights among the coasters, the Oh Santa show, the nightly tree lighting, and Looney Tunes Land. Sam's complete guide with the best nights to go.
Bouquet Canyon Trail: Paved Path & Falls
New trail spotlight: the city's paved path from Saugus to Central Park and the Bouquet Falls hike in the Angeles National Forest, plus the history of Bouquet Reservoir. From local insider Sam.
Weekend Guide: December 4-6
New: 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.
Living in Castaic: A Local's Guide
New neighborhood guide: the valley's wide-open northern edge in ZIP 91384, with Castaic Lake recreation, the Castaic Union School District, Castaic High, and the honest tradeoffs. From local insider Sam.
Weekend Guide: November 20-22
New: the festival season's biggest weekend. Light Up Main Street in Old Town Newhall on Saturday the 21st, the Festival of Trees at the Canyon Country Community Center, tree farms, markets, and Thanksgiving prep. Research done, dates verified.
Mentryville Ghost Town & Pico Canyon Trail
New trail spotlight: California's first oil boomtown, two miles from Newhall, with the Pico No. 4 well, the Big House, the schoolhouse, and an oak-shaded canyon trail to Johnson Park. From local insider Sam.
Fall Color Hikes: Rice Canyon & St. Francis Dam
New: where to catch the valley's real autumn color right now. The Rice Canyon loop through maple and walnut woodland and the St. Francis Dam National Monument walk, a history hike in gold. From local insider Sam.
Patriot Day 9/11 Car Show & BBQ
Guardians SCV's annual Patriot Day observance returns Friday, September 11: remembrance ceremony, classic car show, free BBQ, live music, and first responder meet-and-greets. From Army veteran Sam Silver.
Hart of the West Pow Wow
The Native American Pow Wow returns to Hart Park October 3-4. Traditional dancing, drumming, food, arts, and a powerful cultural celebration.
Gilchrist Farm Harvest Festival
Pumpkin patch, pony rides, hayrides, archery, and the best family fall tradition in SCV. Running September 26-27 and October 3-4.
Weekend Events: September 25-27
Fright Fest's first full weekend at Six Flags, the City Cinemas Top Gun season finale, Gilchrist Farm's Harvest Festival opening, the Be The Light 5K, and Bras for a Cause. Sam's complete weekend plan.
Día de los Muertos in SCV 2026
The City of Santa Clarita's celebration returns to the Canyon Country Community Center each October with a Catrina parade, mariachi, Folklórico, and a community ofrenda.
Thanksgiving in Santa Clarita 2026
Turkey trots on Thanksgiving morning, community dinners at both community centers, and the valley's food drives. Start planning a generous holiday now.
Community Vlog — What's Happening in SCV?
Sam breaks down what's going on in the Santa Clarita Valley — covering neighborhoods, local events, market trends, and community updates across Valencia, Saugus, Newhall, Canyon Country, Stevenson Ranch, and Castaic. An honest local take on life in SCV.
SCV Community Update 2026
Valencia · Saugus · Newhall · Canyon Country · Stevenson Ranch · Castaic
Presented by Sam Silver · Local Expert
Have a Question About
Santa Clarita Valley?
Whether you're thinking about moving to SCV, looking for local recommendations, or just want to chat about the best taco shops in Newhall — we're always happy to talk. Send a message below or visit Sam's real estate site for home-buying and selling help.
Curated by Sam Silver · 22-year Santa Clarita Valley local
Send a Message
We personally respond to every inquiry.
Explore More Resources
Sam builds community guides for the places he knows best. Here are a few more sites you might find useful.
What's Happening in Santa Clarita
Your month-by-month guide to the best events, festivals, and community gatherings across the Santa Clarita Valley.
SCV Marathon & Half Marathon
Late January · Central Park
Winter Art Walk
Third Thursday · Old Town Newhall
Light the Night Parade
Mid-February · Main Street Newhall
SCV Home & Garden Show
Late February · Valencia
Spring Bike Parade
Early March · Valencia Heritage Park
St. Patrick's Day Celebration
March 17 · Various venues
Cowboy Festival
Late April · William S. Hart Park
SENSES Block Party
Third Thursday · Main Street Newhall
SCV Relay for Life
Early May · Central Park
Memorial Day Ceremony
Late May · Eternal Valley Memorial Park
Concerts in the Park Begin
June–August · Central Park
Summer Solstice Festival
Late June · Various locations
Santa Clarita Valley Community Flyer
Pick up the latest SCV community flyer to discover farmers markets, live music nights, outdoor movie screenings, and neighborhood block parties happening near you.
30 Things to Do in SCV
From iconic landmarks to hidden gems, here are the local experiences every Santa Clarita Valley resident and visitor needs to try.
Hike Placerita Canyon
Walk where California's first gold was discovered. The Nature Center's hands-on exhibits make it a perfect family outing any day of the week.
Concerts in the Park
Free Saturday evening concerts at Central Park all summer long. Bring a blanket, grab some food truck eats, and enjoy live music under the stars.
Explore Vasquez Rocks
The iconic rock formations you've seen in movies and TV shows. Just 30 minutes from SCV, it's a must for hiking, photography, and geology fans.
Lake Castaic Water Sports
Boating, fishing, jet skiing, and swimming at the 323-acre reservoir — SCV's summer playground and the perfect way to cool off on hot days.
SENSES Block Party
Third-Thursday street party on Main Street Newhall with live music, art vendors, food trucks, and local craft beer. One of SCV's best recurring events.
Visit The Gentle Barn
Hug a rescued cow, meet goats and horses, and experience one of the most heartwarming family outings in SCV. Reservations required, book ahead.
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