5 Must-Visit Pumpkin Patches in (and around) SCV 🎃

76 🌡️ 49 | ☀️ | 💨 NE 10 mph

Good morning, SCV. This is The SCV Insider. Today we’re here to help you soak in every moment of the Halloween season—whether it’s decorating, picking out costumes, or just enjoying the excitement in the air.

These days, time moves so quickly. So let’s make the most of these spooky days, friends!

In today’s SCV Insider:

• Tricks and Treats for Tiny Goblins 👻

• More Home Haunts That’ll Raise Your Spirits 🏰

• Legacy of Filipino Culture in SCV 🇵🇭

Let’s get into it.

— Kate

Hey there, SCV business owners! Want to get your message front and center? This could be your custom ad spot, showcasing your business to 4,500+ engaged local readers!

Here’s how you can advertise with The SCV Insider:

• Custom Sponsored Ad (like this one!): We write a personalized ad for your business, giving it prime visibility.

• Headline Ads: Your business logo/image of choice featured at the top of the newsletter for maximum exposure.

• Banner Ads: Eye-catching and strategically placed in the body of our newsletter.

• Instagram Placements: Reach our audience on Instagram with engaging posts/Reels designed by us to showcase your brand.

BONUS: We will create all of these ads types for you free of charge so you wouldn’t have to lift a finger!

Why choose us?

• 5,000+ local readers ready to hear from you.

• 55% average open rate—that's real engagement.

• Affordable rates to fit your budget!

Interested?

_{Want to get your business in front of our 5,000+ local readers? ⬆️ Fill out THIS FORM!}

Spooktacular Kids Fest at Castaic Lake 🎃

Little monsters rejoice! The Castaic Lake Spooktacular Kids Festival is back on Saturday, Oct. 26, from 3 to 6 p.m. The Friends of Castaic Lake, along with Los Angeles County Parks and Recreation, are making sure kids 12 and under get a G-rated spooky adventure—without the nightmares.

Expect all the Halloween classics: a spook or treat hike, ghostly maze, face painting, games, crafts, and more—think of it as a Halloween starter pack for the next generation of thrill-seekers. It’s a perfect excuse to get the little ones dressed up, sugar-loaded, and tired out before bedtime.

More info HERE or call (661) 257-4050.

More Local Halloween Haunts 🏚

Turns out, some of your neighbors are making their yards and homes scarier than your mortgage statement. Local legends Alan Baxter, Chad Nix, and Mark Hartman have gone all-in on the DIY Halloween spirit, transforming their homes into elaborate haunts. Forget trick-or-treating—these setups are basically a rite of passage.

Alan Baxter’s “Bar Harbor Scares” brings back old-school haunted house vibes that’ll remind ‘80s kids of their own spooky childhoods. It all started when his daughter wanted a haunted maze experience—just without the actual scarring. Fast-forward five years, and now families come back every year to face their fears—and maybe get a little braver.

Newhall resident Chad Nix is keeping it Wild West this Halloween with “Wildwood Ghost Town”—think ghostly cowboys and Gold Rush spirits. It’s immersive, it’s interactive, and it’s got live actors, so there’s a good chance you’ll jump, scream, and then nervously laugh about it.

And then there’s Mark Hartman’s “Witch City,” a yard display that’s got animatronics, lights, and the kind of Halloween magic that can only come from someone with a background in special effects. If you’re into oversized Reapers and triggering spooky surprises with press pads, this one’s for you.

These haunts are what Halloween is all about—enjoying what scares us in a fun, safe way and maybe even conquering some fears along the way.

Read more HERE!

Filipino Cultural Fest in SCV 🇵🇭

The Filipino American Association of the Santa Clarita Valley has been keeping culture alive and kicking for over 40 years—and they just wrapped up their annual cultural festival at the Newhall Community Center earlier this month.

The festival was part of October’s Filipino American History Month celebrations and featured traditional clothing, foods like adobo and rice, and performances from the regions of Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. It’s all about sharing culture, connecting with the community, and inspiring the next generation of Filipino Americans.

Cirilo “Jun” Gatilao, one of the founders, came to SCV in the 70s and helped establish a place where Filipino culture could flourish. Now, the association’s supporting students with scholarships and keeping traditions alive, thanks to folks like Myra Miranda who’ve taken up the mantle to inspire younger generations. It’s heartwarming to see how far it’s come—and to know the legacy will keep growing.

Learn more HERE!

Whether you're a longtime local or new to the area, our blog has everything you need to explore the best of Santa Clarita.

Catch up on the latest! 👇

Non-Profit Community Resource Fair at COC 🫶

More than 25 non-profits from across SCV rolled up to College of the Canyons’ honor grove on Tuesday for the Non-Profit Community Resource Fair. Picture it: a bunch of do-gooders in one place, all ready to share how they're making the community a better place. The event was put together with the help of COC’s Golden Z Club and the Center for Civic and Community Engagement, because, well, community doesn't build itself.

The Golden Z Club is all about getting young folks the tools they need to make a difference—teaming up with non-profits that align with the U.N.'s Sustainable Development Goals (you know, little things like ending hunger, educating everyone, and making the world a fairer place). Plus, the L.A. County registrar-recorder was there, trying to get young voters to step up—because honestly, if there’s anything scarier than Halloween it’s low voter turnout.

More info HERE!

No sponsors here, just what you need to know.

🎭 Tonight, 8 PM - 10 PM | Something Wicked This Way Comes at The MAIN | Bradbury’s eerie carnival tale hits the stage. Bring your sense of wonder—and maybe a friend to hide behind. Tickets HERE!

🦕 Tomorrow, 10 AM - 12 PM | Fossils Sculpture Workshop at Canyon Country Community Center | Craft your very own “fossil” and imagine yourself as an ancient marine life sculptor—minus the whole “being under the sea” thing.

🍷 Tomorrow & Sunday, 10 AM - 5 PM | Agua Dulce Winery Fall Craft Fair | Unique crafts, gourmet treats, and festive vibes from local vendors. Find special gifts or just soak in the season!

_{P.S. If you have an event coming up and want to make sure it’s included, submit it HERE!}

🗓️ Want the convenience of every SCV event, all in one place? Become a Premium Insider and get full access to our SCV Events Shared Google Calendar!

No sponsors here, just what you need to know.

Click below to unlock your daily feel-good fix.

New day, new word. Can you guess the 5-letter mystery word from today’s stories? Let’s see what you’ve got!

If you refer 3 people to join our newsletter, you’ll get a custom shoutout at the top of our newsletter for your birthday, anniversary, or any special occasion.

Just share your unique referral link below, get 3 friends to sign up, and let us know the details. Let’s grow this awesome community together! ⬇️