Thursday, April 10 – Sunday, April 13
Howdy, partners! Come on down to the Santa Clarita Cowboy Festival, where the spirit of the Old West comes to life! Experience live entertainment across three stages, featuring a variety of Western music, storytelling and performances. Explore Sutlers Row, where you’ll find quality, handcrafted Western merchandise, chat with the Buffalo Soldiers, watch skilled blacksmiths at work and witness incredible rope tricks! Plus, feast on traditional cowboy grub from a variety of food vendors and local restaurants. General admission to the Cowboy Festival is FREE, so grab your cowboy boots and come on down!
Upgrade your Santa Clarita Cowboy Festival experience with exclusive access to the VIP Cowboy Cantina. Savor a delicious BBQ lunch with drinks on the scenic patio behind Hart Hall, served from 12:00 – 3:00 p.m. Enjoy snacks and refreshing libations throughout the day, with the Cantina open from 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Your ticket also includes a Cowboy Festival t-shirt, available for pick up at the Merchandise tent, and the special opportunity to mingle with festival performers in the Cantina. Plus, make your day hassle-free with front-of-the-line shuttle service to and from the festival.
Click the link button below to go directly to the Cowboy Festival website or keep reading for your four-day itinerary for the ultimate Cowboy Festival weekend!
Getting to Santa Clarita
Visitors from Los Angeles and beyond can easily reach Santa Clarita by taking the Metrolink Antelope Valley Line. Hop on the train from Union Station and arrive at the Newhall Metrolink Station, just minutes from the festival venue at William S. Hart Park.
Where to Stay
Santa Clarita has a variety of hotels just minutes from the festival. Stay at the festival’s host hotel, Hotel Lexen, or select from nine others that are just a short drive from the festival. Book early to secure your spot for the festival weekend!
Hotel Lexen
Embassy Suites by Hilton Valencia
Getting Around Santa Clarita
Getting to Old Town Newhall and the Cowboy Festival is easy with public transit and rideshare services. Take Santa Clarita Transit routes 4/14 or 5/6, which stop at Market St & Walnut St (#17253), or route 12 which stops at Railroad Ave & Newhall Metrolink Station (#11898) and Railroad Ave & Market St (#13310). Additionally, visitors can utilize GO! Santa Clarita, the City’s rideshare service, as an affordable alternative to get around. Transit will also be offering free rides on their local routes to anyone who is wearing Cowboy themed clothing on routes 4/14, 5/6 and 12. Visit SantaClaritaTransit.com or download the Santa Clarita Transit app for detailed trip planning.
For those driving, recommended parking is located at the Cowboy Festival Shuttle Site at 13th Street and Railroad Avenue, where complementary shuttles will run Saturday from 9:30 a.m. – 10:30 p.m. and Sunday from 9:30 a.m. – 7:30 p.m. Additional parking is available at the Old Town Newhall Parking Garage and the Newhall Community Center, both just a short walk from Hart Park.
Shuttle Route
Thursday, April 10:
After settling into your accommodation, spend the afternoon exploring Santa Clarita before the evening’s festivities. Up for an adventure? Santa Clarita is home to some of the best hiking trails in Southern California, drawing outdoor enthusiasts from all over the region. Vasquez Rocks Natural Area, just 20 minutes from Old Town Newhall, offers breathtaking rock formations that have been featured in countless films, commercials and television shows. For sweeping valley views, hike the trails at Towsley Canyon. If you want a quick but rewarding climb, Haskell Canyon Open Space boasts stunning wildflower blooms in the spring. No matter which trail you choose, Santa Clarita’s hiking scene is second to none—so lace up your boots and hit the trails before diving into a weekend of festival fun!
Craving some good grub after your adventures? Dig into some mouthwatering barbecue at places such as Rattler’s BBQ, Copper Hill BBQ and Smokehouse on Main, where slow-smoked, Southern-style meats will satisfy your cowboy appetite. Wash it all down and toast to the weekend ahead with a beer at one of our local breweries, each just a short drive from the festival site.
After an afternoon of exploring, make your way to The MAIN for Cody: An Evening with Buffalo Bill! Witness a one-man performance by actor and historian Peter Sherayko from 8:00 p.m. – 9:30 p.m., bringing Buffalo Bill Cody to life. Tickets: $18
Vasquez Rocks
Towsley Canyon
Credit: @dany_ielita_84
Smokehouse on Main
Friday, April 11:
Just a short drive from the festival venue, visit Rancho Camulos Museum from 11:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. and experience the Californio Fiesta De Rancho Camulos. Enjoy Western music, a Southwest Vaquero buffet and docent-led tours at this historic site. Tickets: $65
In the evening, head over to the Newhall Family Theatre for Cowboy Family Night from 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. Enjoy live music, yodeling lessons and cowboy comedy! Tickets: $18
Rancho Camulos Museum
Newhall Family Theatre
Saturday, April 12:
In addition to the daily festivities, each day of the festival offers unique events and experiences. If you’re looking to complete your festival look, discover handpicked western vendors featuring vintage fashion, cowboy boots, fine leather goods, and more—perfect for refreshing your western wardrobe or adding a touch of the Old West to your collection.
Cowboy grub not your thing? Head to Old Town Newhall and grab sushi, barbecue, Mexican food and more!
Do-si-do into your evening with Dancing into the Dusk from 7:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. Enjoy line dancing, a DJ, mechanical bull riding, games, food trucks and drinks from Lucky Luke Brewing. Tickets: $10
If you missed Thursday’s show, catch Cody: An Evening with Buffalo Bill at The MAIN from 8:00 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. Tickets: $18
Line Dancing
The MAIN
Sunday, April 13:
Finish off the festivities with Songs from the Saddle at The MAIN from 2:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. Enjoy an intimate Western music concert featuring six talented performers, plus Cowboy poetry presented by the International Western Music Association. Tickets: $20
As your weekend draws to a close, spend your last evening exploring Old Town Newhall! Browse unique boutiques along Main Street and grab dinner at a local brewery or eatery, just a short walk from Hart Park!
You can also download the Newhall Walking Tour app to take a self guided tour of the area and learn more about Santa Clarita’s rich western and film history.
Credit: @lulubguerrero
Newhall Press Room
Credit: @jesssie.nilsen
Additional Tips for Visitors:
- Book Accommodations Early: The festival attracts large crowds! Stay at the festival’s host hotel, Hotel Lexen or select from nine others that are just a short drive from the festival.
- Getting Around: Take public transit, shuttles or rideshare services for easy access.
- Weather: Southern California April offers pleasant weather, but pack layers for the evening.
Saddle up and we’ll see you there!
