Howdy, partners! Santa Clarita’s most iconic tradition is riding back into town, and for its 30th Anniversary, there’s never been a better time to experience it in true VIP style or dive headfirst into authentic cowboy culture. The 30th Anniversary Santa Clarita Cowboy Festival returns Saturday, April 18, and Sunday, April 19, from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at William S. Hart Park (24151 Newhall Ave), bringing with it an expanded lineup of entertainment, new festival experiences and the opportunity to enjoy it all in premium Western style. Hosted under full City ownership for the first time, this milestone year blends rich heritage with elevated offerings.
While the Cowboy Festival remains a free, family-friendly event, several limited-capacity experiences are available throughout the time leading up to and the weekend of Cowboy Festival, offering additional opportunities to engage with Western culture, live entertainment and premium hospitality.
For those looking to trade their dusty boots for a little luxury and glitz, the VIP Cowboy Cantina is the ultimate way to experience it, and passes are limited but available for purchase at CowboyFestival.org. Whether you’re escaping the crowds or simply treating yourself, the VIP Cowboy Cantina offers a front-row seat to the best of the West—with comfort to match. The two-day VIP experience includes:
- A savory BBQ lunch, snacks and refreshments available throughout both days
- Access to an exclusive lounge to relax and recharge
- Opportunities to mingle with festival performers
- A commemorative Cowboy Festival t-shirt
- Complimentary admission to Dancing into the Dusk, the festival’s high-energy evening celebration
If you’ve got a competitor’s spirit, this year we are happy to introduce the first-ever Line Dance Competition! Consider this the official call for competitors. Dancers 18-years-of-age and older are invited to compete on April 11 at Lucky Luke Brewing Santa Clarita, with finals taking place April 17 at William S. Hart Park. There is a $10 competitor entry fee; however, the Finals will be free for qualifying dancers. Competitors will be judged on technique, accuracy, style and flair with a custom Cowboy Festival belt buckle, VIP Cowboy Cantina Pass, official Cowboy Festival t-shirt and admission into Dancing into the Dusk all on the line for the big winner. And of course, bragging rights as the first-ever Cowboy Festival Line Dance champion!
Cowboy Festival transforms after dark into Dancing into the Dusk on Saturday, April 18 from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Don’t miss out on an evening of dancing, games and good vibes. Tickets are required and are on sale now at CowboyFestival.org. The DJ will be spinning the crowd’s favorite line dancing hits from country swing to two-step. There will be line dancing instructors throughout the evening, so this is the perfect event for everyone from novice line dancers to experts!
Beyond the VIP experiences and on-site events, we are excited to announce the return of our collaboration with Melody Ranch Motion Picture Studio for the Melody Ranch Film Tours! This is a rare behind-the-scenes experience at the historic movie ranch with guided walking tours led by local film historians, E.J. and Kimi Stephens. Sign up for this unique tour happening Sunday, April 19, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. with a bus departing from the Cowboy Festival shuttle site at 13th Street and Railroad Avenue. Capacity is limited and tickets are required. Don’t miss your chance to experience a first-hand look at iconic filming locations from productions such as Gunsmoke, Deadwood and Once Upon a Time in Hollywood – not to mention the studio is the original home of the Cowboy Festival. Capacity is limited and tickets are required.
If you’re looking for a way to kick off Cowboy Festival weekend with the entire family, make a day of it on Friday, April 17. From 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., enjoy an afternoon of history, film and music at the Fiesta de Rancho Camulos. The afternoon spent in the Rancho includes a screening of Ghosts of California by Katie Ryan, a live Western Music performance by the Placerita Canyon Singers and a docent-led tour of the historic buildings and grounds. Tickets are required and are on sale now.
Feeling the Cowboy Festival energy after Fiesta de Rancho Camulos, but not ready to call it a night quite yet? Head to Cowboy Family Night, presented by Raising the Curtain Foundation at the Newhall Family Theatre (24607 Walnut Street) where a special evening of music and storytelling awaits. Campfire stories from award-winning cowboy poet Joe Herrington will enchant you, Western tunes performed by Joni Harms will transport you to the prairie and songs by Doug Figgs will make you feel like you’re working on the ranch. Cap the night off with a family sing-along that’s perfect for all ages.
Cowboy Festival season in Santa Clarita delivers a full lineup of events and experiences for the community to enjoy. Secure your spot, step back in time and experience Cowboy Festival the way it was meant to be: up close, comfortable and unforgettable. For tickets, schedules and full event details, visit CowboyFestival.org/Tickets.
