For many Santa Clarita residents, the Cowboy Festival is a spring tradition that brings the City together to celebrate our western roots. We are now less than one month away from the 30th Anniversary Santa Clarita Cowboy Festival, taking place at William S. Hart Park (24151 Newhall Avenue) on Saturday, April 18, and Sunday, April 19, from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
This year carries special significance. It marks the first Cowboy Festival held at Hart Park since the City assumed ownership of the historic property. Hosting the festival in this setting connects the event even more closely to the heritage it honors. Guestscan expect a weekend filled with music, hands-on activities and the unmistakable energy of the Old West.
Throughout the weekend, Hart Park will come alive with performances across the three stages. More than 15 entertainers will perform Cowboy, Country, Folk and Bluegrass music. Roaming performers, including trick roper Dave Thornbury, will keep the spirit of the West moving throughout the grounds. Living History demonstrations will highlight blacksmithing, frontier craftsmanship and a working cattle camp that offers a closer look at traditional cowboy life.
There is no shortage of ways to jump in on the action. Test your aim at archery and axe throwing at The Range, try your luck at Gold Rush Games presented by Damien White Farmers Insurance, practice your lasso skills or see how long you can stay on the mechanical bull. The Horseshoe Honky Tonk will host line dancing starting at 2:00 p.m., complete with DJs and lessons for all skill levels. At Pioneer Corner, hosted by Gilchrist Farm, guests can pan for gold, make candles, stamp leather and watch demonstrations of wool spinning and butter making.
Food and shopping are a central part of the experience. Enjoy barbecue, old-fashioned soda pop and the Rotary Club of Santa Clarita Valley’s Dutch oven peach cobbler. Browse Sutler’s Row and Mercantile Row for Western apparel, handcrafted goods and specialty gear.
Visit the Watering Hole for craft beer, wine and seltzers, provided by Lucky Luke Brewing Santa Clarita. General Admission is free, but guests seeking an enhanced experience may purchase two-day VIP passes. VIP perks include priority shuttle service, access to Dancing into the Dusk on Saturday evening, entry to the VIP Cowboy Cantina and a commemorative 2026 Festival t-shirt.
Also new this year is the Line Dance Competition, with preliminary rounds on April 11 at Lucky Luke Brewing Santa Clarita (25108 Rye Canyon Loop) and the championship round on April 17 at Hart Park. From seasoned dancers to first-time competitors, the event promises lively music, friendly competition and plenty of opportunities to hit the dance floor!
I encourage you to join us as we celebrate three decades of Cowboy Festival tradition and the heritage that continues to shape our community. For more information, please visit CowboyFestival.org.
Ken Striplin is the City Manager for the City of Santa Clarita and can be reached at kstriplin@santaclarita.gov.
