Seasonal Guide
Fall 2026 in SCV
Pumpkin patches, harvest festivals, golden-hour canyon hikes, and crisp evenings on Main Street — fall in the Santa Clarita Valley is something special. Here's your insider guide to everything coming up this autumn.
Last updated July 13, 2026 · by Sam Silver
Summer in Santa Clarita Valley is loud and proud — concerts at the park, lake days at Castaic, and sizzling patio evenings. But fall? Fall is when the valley takes a deep breath. The heat retreats, the crowds thin, and the hills trade their golden summer glow for softer amber tones as the days cool down.
For those of us who live here year-round, autumn is the sweet spot. The hiking is actually enjoyable at midday instead of just dawn and dusk. Main Street Newhall patio season extends comfortably into October. And the calendar fills with harvest festivals, Halloween happenings, and community events that bring everyone together before the holiday rush.
This guide covers everything coming up this fall in SCV — from the must-mark festival dates to Sam's favorite fall hiking routes and the best spots for a cozy seasonal meal. Bookmark it — we'll keep it updated as new events are announced.
"Fall in SCV is the reward for surviving summer. The weather turns perfect, the community events get cozier, and you remember why you chose to live in a valley with mountains on every side. If you're thinking about moving here, September through November is the time to visit — you'll fall in love with it."
Harvest Festivals & Pumpkin Patches
Autumn in SCV means pumpkin patches, hayrides, corn mazes, and old-fashioned harvest fun. These family-friendly destinations are the heart of the season.
Gilchrist Farm Harvest Festival
September 26–27, 2026
Gilchrist Farm in Santa Clarita hosts its annual Harvest Festival and Pumpkin Patch — one of the most beloved family traditions in the valley. Hayrides wind through the farm property, the pumpkin patch is loaded with every size and color of pumpkin you can imagine, and farm animals make it a hit with the younger kids. There's also a corn maze, face painting, crafts, and seasonal food vendors serving up kettle corn, hot apple cider, and harvest treats.
Sam's tip: Go early on Saturday morning to beat the crowds and get first pick of the pumpkins. The golden-hour light here makes for incredible family photos.
Underwood Family Farms
October 1–31, 2026 · Moorpark
Just a short drive from SCV in nearby Moorpark, Underwood Family Farms runs one of Southern California's biggest and best fall harvest festivals. Open daily in October from 9 AM to 6 PM, the farm features a massive pumpkin patch, a 10-acre corn maze, tractor-drawn hayrides, a petting zoo, pig races, a sunflower field, and over 30 family-friendly attractions.
It's about a 25-minute drive from Valencia, making it a very doable day trip for SCV families. Weekdays are far less crowded than weekends if you have the flexibility.
Forneris Farms Pumpkin Patch
October 1–31 · Mission Hills
Another nearby favorite — Forneris Farms in Mission Hills runs a classic pumpkin patch and corn maze throughout October. It's a bit smaller and more low-key than Underwood, which some families prefer. The corn maze alone is worth the trip, with a different design each year.
About 20 minutes south of SCV on the I-5.
North Oaks Fall Festival
October 29, 2026 · Santa Clarita
A local community favorite right here in SCV. The North Oaks Fall Festival takes place at North Oaks Church of Christ from 5:00 to 8:30 PM on October 29. Expect games, trunk-or-treat, food, and a safe, family-friendly Halloween alternative. It's free and open to the community.
This is exactly the kind of neighborhood event that makes SCV feel like a small town in the best way. Sam's family has attended in years past — it's welcoming, well-run, and a great option for families with young kids.
Fall Events in SCV
Beyond the harvest festivals, SCV's fall calendar is packed with community events, cultural happenings, and seasonal traditions. Here's what's coming up from September through November.
Quilt Guild Show
October 24–25
The Santa Clarita Valley Quilt Guild presents "Where Quilts and Friendships Bloom" at the SCV Senior Center. Featuring stunning handmade quilts, demonstrations, vendors, and a silent auction. A unique autumn tradition that showcases incredible local craftsmanship.
Spooky Skate
October 29
Halloween on ice at The Ice Station Valencia. Spooky Skate runs from 7:00 to 9:15 PM, with costumes encouraged, Halloween music, and themed decorations. A fun alternative to traditional Halloween activities, especially for tweens and teens.
Ice Station ValenciaCelebrate Series — Fall Edition
September 12
The City of Santa Clarita's free cultural Celebrate Series continues at the Canyon Country Community Center through September. September's event (September 12) is the last of the 2026 season — don't miss it. Each month features live performances, cultural demonstrations, food, and family activities.
Veterans Day Ceremony
November 11
The City of Santa Clarita's annual Veterans Day Ceremony at Veterans Historical Plaza in Newhall. A moving community tribute starting at 11:00 AM with speeches, music, and a flag ceremony. As a U.S. Army veteran, Sam makes a point of attending every year.
Veteran Resources PageCanyon Country Fall Carnival
November 4–5
A free community carnival at the Canyon Country Community Center with games, inflatables, food, and autumn activities for the whole family. A great way to spend a fall Saturday with the kids.
SENSES Block Party
September 17 · Final 2026
The last SENSES Block Party of the 2026 season falls on Thursday, September 17. Main Street in Old Town Newhall transforms into a pedestrian-only block party with live music, food vendors, craft cocktails, and the signature community buzz that defines this event. Don't miss the final one of the year.
Events CalendarFright Fest & Holiday in the Park
Six Flags Magic Mountain transforms seasonally starting in late September. Fright Fest turns the park into a haunted theme park through October with scare zones, haunted mazes, and Halloween attractions. Then Holiday in the Park takes over after Thanksgiving with millions of lights, snow, holiday shows, and seasonal entertainment. Both are major SCV fall traditions that draw visitors from across Southern California.
Best Season
Fall Hiking in SCV
Why autumn is the best time to hit the trails
Summer hiking in SCV means waking up before dawn to beat the heat. Fall hiking? You sleep in, grab a coffee, and hit the trail at 9 AM without breaking a sweat. The temperatures drop into the comfortable 70s and 80s, the golden light is softer, and the trails are noticeably quieter after summer crowds fade.
Sam's favorite fall hikes in and around SCV:
Towsley Canyon Loop
Moderate · 2–3 hours · 4.5 miles. The Towsley View Loop is spectacular in fall — cooler canyon temperatures, oak trees showing subtle color, and clear views of the valley from the ridge. Go any time of day in fall, unlike summer when it's only bearable at dawn.
Placerita Canyon Nature Trail
Easy · 1–2 hours · 2 miles. The nature trail at Placerita Canyon is an easy family-friendly walk under oak and sycamore trees. In fall the creek often has some water flow, and the Nature Center hosts seasonal educational programs. Perfect for a golden-hour stroll.
Vasquez Rocks
Easy–Moderate · 1–2 hours · 2.5 miles. Vasquez Rocks is at its best in fall — the harsh summer sun gives way to comfortable hiking temperatures, and the angled sandstone formations cast dramatic shadows in the lower autumn light. A photographer's dream.
Haskell Canyon Bike Park
Fall is the absolute peak season at Haskell Canyon Bike Park. The 720-acre park with 15+ miles of trails is rideable all day in autumn temperatures. The directional downhill trails and skills zones are less crowded after summer, and the golden hillsides are stunning.
Learn About Haskell CanyonSanta Clara River Trail
Easy · Multi-mile flat trail. The river trail is a flat, shaded route that's perfect for fall bike rides or sunset walks. The river corridor attracts migrating birds in autumn, making it a great spot for birdwatching. Access from several points across the valley.
Crest to Coast Trail — Newhall
The ambitious Crest to Coast Trail project continues to take shape through Newhall. Volunteer trail-building sessions continue in fall — a chance to contribute to SCV's outdoor legacy. The completed sections through the Santa Susana Mountains are already worth exploring.
Read About the ProjectEducation
Back to School Season
Fall means back to school across SCV. The William S. Hart Union High School District and the Saugus Union, Newhall, Castaic, and Sulphur Springs elementary districts are among the highest-rated in Los Angeles County.
For families new to the area, fall is also the time to start researching school options for the following year. SCV has a mix of outstanding public schools, charter schools, and private institutions.
Sam helps relocating families navigate school assignments all the time — the feeder patterns can be confusing, especially in the master-planned communities of Valencia where your address determines your school. If you're moving to SCV and school quality is a priority, he's the person to talk to.
Did You Know?
- SCV is served by six public school districts, plus several private and charter options
- Many SCV schools are consistently rated 8–10 on GreatSchools
- The William S. Hart District offers award-winning music, arts, and STEM programs
- California Institute of the Arts (CalArts) is located in Valencia — a world-class arts university
Curious which school district serves a specific neighborhood? Ask Sam — he has the feeder patterns memorized.
Fall Dining in SCV
Summer patios are great, but fall dining has a different kind of magic. The evenings are cool enough for a light jacket, the patios still work (with heaters at some spots), and there's something about a warm meal after a day of hiking or pumpkin picking that hits differently.
Pocock Brewing Co.
Fall is the best season for Pocock's outdoor beer garden. The summer heat is gone, the evenings are cool, and they often release seasonal brews. Their rotating food truck lineup keeps things interesting. Sam's order: a flight of whatever's new and a taco from the visiting truck.
Newhall Refinery
The Main Street patio at Newhall Refinery is arguably even better in fall than summer — cooler evenings mean you can enjoy the outdoor space without wilting. The craft cocktail menu and elevated bar food make it Sam's top pick for a date night or a celebratory dinner.
KPOT Korean BBQ
New at Valencia Town Center — all-you-can-eat Korean BBQ and hot pot. Fall is the perfect weather for this: gathering around a grill with family, cooking your own meat, and sharing a steaming pot of broth. It's become a fast favorite in SCV's dining scene.
Texas Roadhouse
Now open at River Oaks in Valencia — hand-cut steaks, fall-off-the-bone ribs, and that famous hot bread with cinnamon butter. Fall weather calls for hearty meals, and Texas Roadhouse delivers. Expect waits on weekend evenings.
Cozy Coffee Spots
Fall is coffee season. Philz Coffee in Valencia for a pour-over. 85C Bakery for Taiwanese pastries and a sea salt coffee. San Fernando Coffee Co. in Canyon Country for their cozy neighborhood café vibe. Dutch Bros for a fun fast coffee run. Grab something warm and take a walk on the paseo.
Best Coffee Shops GuideSam's Fall Pick
"After a Saturday at the Gilchrist Farm pumpkin patch with the family, nothing beats walking over to Newhall Refinery for a fall cocktail on their Main Street patio. The air is cool, the string lights are on, and the whole valley feels like it's exhaling after a long summer. That's my kind of fall evening."
— Sam Silver
Holiday Preview: Winter 2026
While fall is just getting started, it's never too early to start planning for the holiday season. Here's what's coming after Thanksgiving in SCV.
Holiday in the Park
Six Flags Magic Mountain's winter transformation returns with millions of twinkling lights, fresh snow, holiday shows, and seasonal entertainment. A beloved SCV tradition for families. Typically runs late November through early January.
Tree Lighting Ceremonies
Santa Clarita's annual tree lighting events at Old Town Newhall and Valencia bring the community together with carols, hot cocoa, and the moment the town tree lights up. Typically the first weekend of December.
Holiday Parades & Events
The SCV holiday calendar fills up fast — parades, craft fairs, holiday markets, and seasonal performances across the valley. We'll post the full schedule once the City of Santa Clarita announces the 2026 dates. Stay tuned!
We'll update this guide with the full holiday schedule when details are announced by the City of Santa Clarita.
Fall in Love with SCV
Whether you're a longtime local looking for new fall traditions or considering a move to Santa Clarita Valley, Sam is your insider. He knows the best pumpkin patches, the fall events worth your time, and every real estate opportunity in the valley. Reach out anytime.