By City Manager Ken Striplin
For many residents, SENSES Block Parties have become a seasonal tradition, a monthly night out that marks the start of spring and carries the community through summer. For those who have never attended, 2026 is the year to experience it for the first time. In less than one month, the 2026 SENSES Block Party season begins in Old Town Newhall. On the third Thursday of each month, April through September, from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., SENSES turns Main Street between Market Street and Sixth Street into a lively community gathering space.
One of the highlights of SENSES is its immersive, multi-sensory themes, designed to engage all of your senses, and the 2026 lineup is especially creative. The season begins on Thursday, April 16, with the On the Ranch SENSES Block Party, marking the official start of the 30th Anniversary Cowboy Festival, which takes place over the weekend on April 18-19. The event will feature live music, interactive games, classic rope-trick performances and western-inspired activities designed to set the tone for the weekend ahead. Test your skills at axe-throwing or take a turn on the mechanical bull to see who can hold on the longest. Grab your cowboy hats, dust off your boots and join us for this kick-off event.
The season continues with a variety of thoughtfully planned themes. On May 21, Medieval Quest SENSES offers an opportunity to explore traditions inspired by historic medieval festivals. Participate in activities such as archery, skill-based challenges and quest-style experiences inspired by historic festivals.
SENSES continues with Honey, I Shrunk SENSES on June 18, bringing an 80s-inspired experience to Newhall, with oversized games and larger-than-life props that shift perspective and invite play.
On July 16, Santa’s coming to town early for Christmas in July SENSES, blending holiday traditions with tropical summer energy, complete with a mechanical surfboard for all the Santa surfers in town. If you’re counting, July 16 is precisely 162 days away from Christmas.
If it feels like time is flying by, Time Machine SENSES takes over on August 20 with a mash-up of decades and historical periods for the ultimate time machine trip. The SENSES season concludes on Thursday, September 17, with Oktoberfest SENSES, bringing traditional German-inspired festivities to Santa Clarita, with activities like Stein Holding and Barrel Rolling challenges. Each SENSES Block Party features live music, food trucks, themed activities and an on-street bar throughout the evening.
I look forward to seeing the community come together once again for this much-anticipated event series. To learn more about SENSES, including themes and activities, please visit OldTownNewhall.com.
