By City Manager Ken Striplin
For 36 years, Santa Clarita’s Concerts in the Park series, presented by Logix Federal Credit Union, has been a defining part of summer in our community. What began as an opportunity to enjoy live music outdoors has grown into one of Santa Clarita’s most beloved traditions, transforming our cherished Central Park into a premier gathering place where friends, families and neighbors come together to enjoy warm summer evenings and create lasting memories.
As Concerts in the Park celebrates its 36th season, I am reminded that some of our community’s most enduring traditions are the ones that quietly become part of who we are. Throughout the years, generations of residents have gathered on the grass at Central Park to enjoy live music and experience the sense of community that makes Santa Clarita such a special place to call home. Even as our City continues to grow and evolve, Concerts in the Park remains a tradition that reflects the small-town spirit and strong community connections we value so deeply.
From July 11 through August 29, Central Park once again becomes a familiar gathering place on Saturday evenings. Families and friends often arrive early, setting out lawn chairs and blankets and settling into their own area of the park as the evening unfolds. Food trucks begin serving at 5:00 p.m., and long before the first note is played at 7:00 p.m., the park is already filled with conversation, laughter and the simple rhythm of neighbors spending time together.
What makes Concerts in the Park so special is not only the music, but the way it brings people together across generations. It is not uncommon to see grandparents, parents and children sharing the same space, each experiencing the evening in their own way while still being part of something shared. Over the years, many who once attended as children now return with families of their own, continuing a tradition that has become part of their summer routine. Whether it is sharing a meal with friends, watching children dance in front of the stage, singing along to familiar songs or simply enjoying the warm evening air, Concerts in the Park has a way of turning a simple summer night into something memorable.
The 2026 season continues that tradition with a lineup that spans generations and genres, including tributes to Selena, ABBA and Aerosmith, along with performances that highlight today’s Top 40 country hits and the soulful sounds of Motown and R&B. As the season continues, audiences will also experience the music of Paramore and Panic! At The Disco, bringing a modern edge to the stage while still honoring the familiar songs that have shaped so many summers. The series will conclude with a closing night tribute that celebrates the enduring influence of The Police, offering a fitting finale to another season under the stars.
I encourage residents to once again take part in this longstanding tradition and join us at Central Park throughout the summer season. Bring a blanket, bring a chair and bring your family and friends as we gather for another year of live music and community connection. For more information and the complete concert schedule, please visit SantaClarita.gov/Concerts.
