10 Must-Do Hikes in SCV This Spring 🥾🌼

Today’s Forecast

85 🌡️ 57 | ⛅️ | 💨 SW 10 mph

Good morning, SCV. This is The SCV Insider. Consider this your open invitation to reply to this email anytime—whether it’s with a cool local photo, a hot take, or just to say hi. We read every message and love hearing from you 🫶 

In today's SCV Insider:

• This weekend’s events 🤩 

• Spring hikes you’ll love 🥾🌸 

• Egg Hunt + Auction for Make-A-Wish 💫 

Let’s get into it.

— Kate

This Weekend’s Events

Friday, April 11

🆕 New Events

🐣 Easter Eggstravaganza | 12:00–6:00 PM | Venue Valencia | Free | Hop into spring at this festive celebration featuring an Easter egg hunt, face painting, games, food, and photos with the Easter Bunny! Hosted in partnership with Harley Davidson of Santa Clarita, True Barre, and D’Wilifri DanceArt and Entertainment, this family-friendly event promises a full day of fun and activities for all ages.

🐟 St. Clare of Assisi Catholic Church 47th Annual Lenten Fish Fry | 4:30–8 PM | St. Clare’s Catholic Church, Canyon Country | $16+ | Enjoy crispy beer-battered cod dinners every Friday from March 7–April 11. Special culture nights: Hispanic Night (March 21) with folklorico & mariachi and Filipino Night (March 28) with live music. April 11 is drive-through only. Dinners include coleslaw, fries & roll.

🎶 Breaking Up is Hard to Do: A Musical Celebration of Neil Sedaka | 7:00–9:00 PM | The Olive Branch, Valencia Town Center | $20+ | Step back in time with this toe-tapping tribute to Neil Sedaka’s greatest hits! Follow best friends Marge and Lois as they seek love and adventure at a 1960s Catskills resort in this charming, music-filled show. Featuring songs like “Stupid Cupid” and “Oh Carol,” this nostalgic production is packed with laughs, heart, and plenty of sing-along moments.

🤠 "Cody: An Evening with Buffalo Bill" – 29th Annual Santa Clarita Cowboy Festival | 8:00–9:30 PM | The MAIN, Old Town Newhall | $18 | Step into the boots of a legend with this one-man show starring actor and historian Peter Sherayko as Buffalo Bill Cody. This riveting performance brings the Wild West to life, exploring Cody’s journey from buffalo hunter to American icon. A must-see for history buffs, Western fans, and anyone who loves a good story well told. Part of the Santa Clarita Cowboy Festival!

🔄 Recurring Friday Events

🎵 Live Music at Lucky Luke Brewing | 6–9 PM | Lucky Luke Brewing | Start your weekend with great brews and even better tunes.

🎤 Fuel Pump Friday’s Karaoke at Route 66 | 8 PM | Route 66 Grill | Your shot at karaoke glory awaits.

Saturday, April 12

🆕 New Events

🌟 Make-A-Wish Auction & Egg Extravaganza | 11:00 AM–1:00 PM (Egg Hunt: 11:30 AM–12:00 PM) | The Learning Experience, Santa Clarita | Free to attend / $10 Egg Hunt Donation | Hop over to The Learning Experience for a day of fun and fundraising! This family-friendly event features a festive egg hunt, silent auction (with AWESOME prizes), music, food for sale, and more—all in support of Make-A-Wish. Come for the cause, stay for the celebration. Open to the public—RSVP by April 9 at (661) 360-9405!

🎭 "Cats" The Musical | 2:00–4:30 PM, 8:00-10:30 PM | Canyon Theatre Guild, Newhall | $15+ | Step into the whimsical world of the Jellicle Cats in this award-winning Broadway sensation! Based on T.S. Eliot’s Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats, this beloved musical features unforgettable songs, captivating choreography, and a heartwarming tale of second chances. Don’t miss your chance to witness this theatrical masterpiece at the Canyon Theatre Guild.

🎶 Breaking Up is Hard to Do: A Musical Celebration of Neil Sedaka | 7:00–9:00 PM | The Olive Branch, Valencia Town Center | $20+ | Step back to 1960 for a heartwarming, toe-tapping tribute to Neil Sedaka! Olive Branch Theatricals presents Breaking Up is Hard to Do, a romantic musical comedy packed with 20 of Sedaka’s greatest hits—like “Calendar Girl,” “Oh Carol,” and “Laughter in the Rain.” Follow best friends Marge and Lois on a weekend getaway filled with love, laughs, and music at Esther’s Paradise Resort.

🎶 Newhall Concert with Neil Byrne | 7:00–9:00 PM | Private Residence, 19345 Avenue of the Oaks, Newhall, CA | Ticketed | Experience an intimate evening of music with Neil Byrne of Celtic Thunder fame. This special house concert blends storytelling and song, offering a unique glimpse into Neil’s Irish roots and musical journey across folk, pop, and traditional Irish genres. Each ticket includes a pre-show Meet & Greet with Neil for a photo and autograph. Don't miss this chance to enjoy a world-class performance in a cozy setting.

🤠 Cowboy Festival: "Horseshoe Honky Tonk" and "Watering Hole" | 7:00–10:00 PM | William S. Hart Park, Newhall | $10 | Kick up your boots at this late-night Cowboy Festival experience! Dance the night away with live DJ-led country swing, two-step, and line dancing, plus on-site instruction to help you jump in. Ride the mechanical bull, sip on craft brews and seltzers at the Watering Hole (courtesy of Lucky Luke Brewing), and fuel up with local food trucks. It’s the rowdiest roundup in town—don’t miss it!

🤠 "Cody: An Evening with Buffalo Bill" – 29th Annual Santa Clarita Cowboy Festival | 8:00–9:30 PM | The MAIN, Old Town Newhall | $18 | Step into the boots of a legend with this one-man show starring actor and historian Peter Sherayko as Buffalo Bill Cody. This riveting performance brings the Wild West to life, exploring Cody’s journey from buffalo hunter to American icon. A must-see for history buffs, Western fans, and anyone who loves a good story well told. Part of the Santa Clarita Cowboy Festival!

🔄 Recurring Saturday Events

🍅 Old Town Newhall Farmers Market | 8:30 AM–1 PM | Old Town Newhall | Fresh produce, artisan goods, and local vibes.

🏍️ Motorcycles & Coffee | 9-11 AM | Ken and Joe’s Powersports | Donuts, coffee, and motorcycles—what else do you need?

🎵 Live Music at Pocock Brewing Tasting Room | 7-10 PM | Pocock Brewing | Sip, relax, and enjoy live performances from local artists.

Sunday, April 13

🆕 New Events

🪶 Discover Bird Migration at Bear Divide: A Hidden Hotspot | 2:00–3:30 PM | Placerita Canyon Nature Center, Newhall | Free | Calling all bird lovers! Join experts from the Bear Divide Bird Banding team for a fascinating look at one of California’s newest bird migration hotspots. Learn how bird banding research at Bear Divide is uncovering incredible insights into migration patterns. This free event is perfect for birdwatchers, nature enthusiasts, and curious minds of all ages.

🎵 "Songs from the Saddle" – 29th Annual Santa Clarita Cowboy Festival | 2:00–4:30 PM | The MAIN, Old Town Newhall | $20 | Saddle up for an afternoon of music and poetry that captures the true spirit of the American West. Presented by the International Western Music Association – California Chapter, this intimate concert features six talented performers sharing both modern and traditional cowboy songs. It's a heartfelt celebration of Western heritage through storytelling and song—perfect for fans of Americana and cowboy culture.

🎶 Breaking Up is Hard to Do: A Musical Celebration of Neil Sedaka | 2:00–4:00 PM | The Olive Branch, Valencia Town Center | $20+ | Step back to 1960 for a heartwarming, toe-tapping tribute to Neil Sedaka! Olive Branch Theatricals presents Breaking Up is Hard to Do, a romantic musical comedy packed with 20 of Sedaka’s greatest hits—like “Calendar Girl,” “Oh Carol,” and “Laughter in the Rain.” Follow best friends Marge and Lois on a weekend getaway filled with love, laughs, and music at Esther’s Paradise Resort.

🎭 "Cats" The Musical | 2:00–4:30 PM | Canyon Theatre Guild, Newhall | $15+ | Step into the whimsical world of the Jellicle Cats in this award-winning Broadway sensation! Based on T.S. Eliot’s Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats, this beloved musical features unforgettable songs, captivating choreography, and a heartwarming tale of second chances. Don’t miss your chance to witness this theatrical masterpiece at the Canyon Theatre Guild.

🤠 Cowboy Festival: "Horseshoe Honky Tonk" and "Watering Hole" | 7:00–10:00 PM | William S. Hart Park, Newhall | $10 | Kick up your boots at this late-night Cowboy Festival experience! Dance the night away with live DJ-led country swing, two-step, and line dancing, plus on-site instruction to help you jump in. Ride the mechanical bull, sip on craft brews and seltzers at the Watering Hole (courtesy of Lucky Luke Brewing), and fuel up with local food trucks. It’s the rowdiest roundup in town—don’t miss it!

🔄 Recurring Sunday Events

🍓 Valencia FivePoint Farmers Market | 8:30 AM–1 PM | 27426 Navigation Ave, Valencia | Free Entry | Shop fresh seasonal produce, artisan breads, pastries, locally raised meats, and farm-fresh eggs from California’s family farms. Enjoy ready-to-eat foods while you browse! Happening every Sunday.

🐮 Farm Visits at Gilchrist Farm | 9 AM–2 PM | Gilchrist Farm | $5 | Meet animals, try axe throwing, and milk a goat.

🐷 Visits at The Gentle Barn | 10 AM–12 PM | The Gentle Barn | Spend the morning cuddling cows and pigs for a peaceful start to your day.

Local Stories

Community

🥾🌼 It’s officially hiking season in SCV, and the trails are looking chef’s kiss. With wildflowers popping, temps still bearable, and post-hike burritos practically a local tradition, there’s no better time to get outside. Whether you’re looking for family-friendly strolls, dog-approved loops, or something that’ll leave your calves crying (in a good way), these Santa Clarita-area hikes have you covered. 

Entertainment

🕹️ Senses Block Party: Barcade Edition is hitting Main Street on Thursday, April 17 from 7–10 PM, and it's giving total throwback vibes. The City of Santa Clarita is turning Old Town Newhall into an open-air arcade—think pinball machines, classic games, food trucks, and an on-street bar hosted by local spots (because grown-ups need fun too). No quarters required, just good vibes, live music, and plenty of nostalgia. Whether you're in it for the dance floor or the Pac-Man high score, it's the perfect excuse to get out on a Thursday night.

Business

🐣 The Learning Experience in Santa Clarita is putting on a Make-A-Wish Auction & Egg Extravaganza tomorrow, Saturday, April 12 at their location off Copper Hill—and it’s one of those feel-good events that’s equal parts fun and heart. From 11 AM to 1 PM, families can enjoy a sweet lineup of activities: bubbles, music, food for sale, a silent auction, and of course, the big egg hunt at 11:30 AM ($10 donation to participate). All proceeds go toward Make-A-Wish as part of the Let’s Grant Wishes campaign, helping grant life-changing wishes to kids who need them most. It’s open to the public, so bring your friends, neighbors, and anyone who could use a little extra joy this weekend. To RSVP, call (661) 360-9405!

Education

🎓 The Fil-Am Association of SCV is now accepting applications for the Jose Rizal Scholastic Achievement Award, honoring local high school seniors of Filipino descent who excel in academics, leadership, and community involvement. Applicants must have a 3.80+ GPA and be graduating from an SCV high school (or equivalent). Awards include $1,000 for first place, $500 for second, and $300 for third, plus plaques of recognition. The deadline to apply is Friday, May 16 (SCV News)

Our Staff’s Weekend Picks

Watch

📺 The Residence (Netflix)

“If you love a good whodunnit with a side of absolute chaos, The Residence is your next binge. It’s part mystery, part political farce, and completely addictive. Think Clue, but set in the White House with a cast of 157 suspects and one very quirky detective. I was hooked from the first disastrous State Dinner.”

—Kate Gullett, Editor-in-Chief

Eat

🌮 Guanatos Tacos, Santa Clarita

“Guanatos Tacos on Taco Tuesday is my kind of math—$1 tacos, zero regrets. The tacos are legit, the vibes are casual, and it’s easily one of my favorite midweek treats. Pro tip: show up hungry and don’t sleep on the salsas.”

—Anne Baker, Head of Content

Read

📖 Be Ready When the Luck Happens by Ina Garten

“Reading Ina’s memoir felt like a warm hug with a side of solid life advice from your cool, well-traveled aunt. In her memoir, Ina recounts dating her beloved husband Jeffery, her career as a nuclear policy analyst in DC, having her own show on the Food Network, and more. I didn’t think I could love Ina more until I read this book. In the words of Ina herself, “how amazing is that?!””

—Nina Morrison, Contributing Editor

Nina’s Resources for Readers

• How to Read More 

• Get a Library Card

• Libby - audiobooks and e-books - for free! 

• Silent Book Club - set up a local chapter!

• Events at Santa Clarita Public Library

Thanks for reading today.

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Until next week,

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