Mid-Summer Update
What's Happening in SCV Right Now
Makers Festival, free outdoor movies, Nashville hot chicken, a new bridge and bike trail, and the best SENSES themes of the season — your mid-July through August 2026 update for Santa Clarita Valley.
Last updated July 10, 2026 · by Sam Silver
Summer in SCV is in full swing. The first concerts are behind us, the lakes are packed, and the valley is buzzing with new openings and community events. Here's everything that's new or happening between now and the end of August — stuff you won't find on our earlier summer guides.
New This Summer
Santa Clarita Makers & Music Festival
August 7–9, 2026 · Free Admission
This is one of the freshest additions to SCV's summer calendar. The Santa Clarita Makers & Music Festival is a three-day celebration of creativity, music, food, and community — right at Central Park, the same venue that hosts Concerts in the Park.
Expect artisan craft vendors, live music performances, food trucks, interactive maker demonstrations, and family-friendly activities across the weekend. It's the kind of event that brings together SCV's creative community in a way the valley hasn't seen before.
Sam's take: "This is exactly what SCV needed — a festival that celebrates the maker community and local creatives. I'm planning to be there all three days. If you're into handmade goods, live music, or just want a great weekend outing, this is it."
Free Outdoor Cinema
City Cinemas — Free Movies Under the Stars
The City of Santa Clarita's City Cinemas series brings free outdoor movie screenings to parks across the valley on select Friday evenings this summer. It's a classic summer experience — grab a blanket, bring the kids, and watch a movie under the Santa Clarita stars.
Screenings rotate between multiple venues including Bridgeport Park, Central Park, The Centre, and the Canyon Country Community Center — so there's likely one near your neighborhood.
The remaining 2026 dates are Friday, July 25 and Friday, August 22. Movies typically start at dusk. Bring low-back chairs, blankets, and snacks — or grab dinner from a nearby restaurant before the show.
Visit Santa Clarita Events"Free outdoor movies are one of those simple things that make SCV feel like a real community. Spread a blanket on the grass, watch the sunset, and enjoy a movie with your neighbors. It doesn't get better than that."
New Restaurants You Haven't Tried Yet
SCV's dining scene keeps growing. Beyond the big Valencia Town Center expansion, here are the newest openings and local spots that have popped up in the last few months — curated by someone who eats his way through the valley for a living.
Angry Chickz — Nashville Hot Chicken
19187 Golden Valley Road, Santa Clarita
The Nashville-style hot chicken chain that's been sweeping Southern California has arrived in SCV. Angry Chickz opened its first Santa Clarita location on June 16, 2026 — the brand's 41st location nationwide. Expect crispy fried chicken sandwiches, tenders, and loaded fries with heat levels ranging from mild to "angry." This one's been generating serious buzz.
Booku Poboys
Santa Clarita Valley
New Orleans-style po'boys have landed in SCV. Booku Poboys is serving up authentic Louisiana sandwiches with generous portions and bold flavors. A welcome addition for anyone who craves Gulf Coast cuisine without the drive to the actual Gulf Coast.
Guanatos Tacos
Santa Clarita Valley
Authentic street tacos are SCV's love language, and Guanatos Tacos is the latest spot earning local fans. Fresh tortillas, bold salsas, and the kind of tacos that make you wonder why you ever settled for chain Mexican food.
La Michoacana Plus
Santa Clarita Valley
The beloved Mexican ice cream chain has set up shop in SCV. Handmade paletas (ice pops), Mexican-style ice cream in creative flavors, and fruit cups. Perfect for cooling off on a triple-digit summer afternoon — especially with kids.
San Fernando Coffee Co.
Canyon Country & Newhall
If you haven't made it to San Fernando Coffee Co. yet, put it on your list. Craft drinks, a neighborhood café vibe, and a genuine community gathering spot. Locations in Canyon Country and Old Town Newhall are both worth the visit.
Sam's Tip
"SCV's best-kept dining secrets are often in strip malls and unassuming storefronts. Don't judge a taco shop by its parking lot — some of the best food in the valley comes from the places you'd drive right past. Ask me for my latest favorites anytime."
— Sam Silver
SENSES Themes & Celebrate Series Lineup
The City's two signature recurring summer series are halfway through their seasons, and the remaining themes are worth knowing about. Here's what's coming up at SENSES and the Celebrate Series through September.
SENSES Block Party
Main Street, Old Town Newhall
Third Thursday of every month through September, 7:00–10:00 PM. Free. Main Street shuts down for live music, food vendors, craft cocktails, and the best community atmosphere in the valley.
🎄 Christmas in July
Snow in summer, holiday music, and festive vibes on Main Street
⏰ Time Machine
Decades-themed street party — costumes encouraged
🎉 Season Finale
The final SENSES of 2026 — always the biggest of the year
Sam's tip: The "Christmas in July" SENSES is one of the most fun themes of the year — expect fake snow, holiday music, and a surprisingly festive atmosphere in the middle of summer. Arrive early for dinner on a Main Street patio before the party starts.
Celebrate Series
Canyon Country Community Center
Second Friday of every month through September, 6:00–9:00 PM. Free. Each evening spotlights a different cultural theme with live performances, food, and community activities.
Argentina Night
Friday, July 10 · 6:00–9:00 PM
Jamaica Night
Friday, August 14 · 6:00–9:00 PM
Season Finale
September · TBA
Infrastructure
Vista Canyon Bridge & Bike Trail Connection
Completing Summer 2026
One of SCV's most anticipated infrastructure projects is nearing completion. The Vista Canyon Road Bridge will span the Santa Clara River, connecting Mitchell Drive and Vista Canyon Boulevard to Soledad Canyon Road — and it includes a brand-new bike trail connection under the bridge.
For Canyon Country residents, this is a game-changer. The bridge and trail connection will provide a direct link between the Vista Canyon neighborhood and the broader trail network, making it easier to walk, jog, or bike between communities without navigating busy roads.
This project is part of the City of Santa Clarita's ongoing investment in trail connectivity and active transportation. When complete, it adds another piece to the valley's growing 100+ mile paseo system — the kind of infrastructure that makes SCV's outdoor lifestyle possible.
Why It Matters
- New bridge over the Santa Clara River connecting Vista Canyon to Soledad Canyon Road
- Dedicated bike trail under the bridge — seamless connection to SCV's paseo network
- Improves access for Canyon Country and Vista Canyon residents
- Part of the City's ongoing trail connectivity investment
- Expected completion: Summer 2026
"SCV keeps investing in the trail system, and projects like the Vista Canyon Bridge are exactly why the connected paseo network works so well. Every new connection makes it easier to walk or bike instead of drive."
SCV Calendar: July & August 2026
Celebrate: Argentina Night
Canyon Country Community Center · 6–9 PM · Free
Concerts: Dreaming of You
Selena Tribute · Central Park · 7 PM · Free
SENSES: Christmas in July
Main Street, Old Town Newhall · 7–10 PM · Free
Concerts: FABBA
ABBA Tribute · Central Park · 7 PM · Free
City Cinemas Outdoor Movie
Free movie at dusk · Multiple park locations
Concerts: RagDolls
Aerosmith Tribute · Central Park · 7 PM · Free
Concerts: Gold Rush Country
Top 40 Country · Central Park · 7 PM · Free
Makers & Music Festival
Central Park · 10 AM–5 PM · Free admission
Concerts: Blue Breeze Band
Soul, Motown & R&B · Central Park · 7 PM · Free
Celebrate: Jamaica Night
Canyon Country Community Center · 6–9 PM · Free
Concerts: Paramore! At the Disco
Pop Tribute · Central Park · 7 PM · Free
SENSES: Time Machine
Main Street, Old Town Newhall · 7–10 PM · Free
City Cinemas Outdoor Movie
Free movie at dusk · Multiple park locations
Concerts: Kenny Metcalf
Elton John Tribute · Central Park · 7 PM · Free
Concerts: Police Experience
Tribute to The Police · Central Park · 7 PM · Free
Want the Latest SCV Intel?
Sam stays plugged into everything happening in Santa Clarita — from new restaurant openings to park developments to community events. Follow him on social media or reach out directly for the latest.