This Weekend’s Hottest Opening 👀🔥

Good morning, SCV. It’s the last weekend of April, and if you’ve spent the week in a strange combo of flip-flops, a fleece, and mild seasonal confusion—you’re not alone. This is our Super Bowl, baby.

In today's SCV Insider:

• This weekend’s events 🤩 

• Orchard Village gets a redo (Sorta) 🚧 

• Sand Canyon Plaza breaks ground 🏡 

Let’s get into it.

— Kate

This Weekend’s Events

Friday, April 25

🆕 New Events

🎨 Plein Air Outdoor Artmaking Meetup | 9:00 AM–12:00 PM | Castaic Lake Recreation Area (Beach Area) | Free + Vehicle Entry Fee | Join the Santa Clarita Artists Association for a morning of creativity and community at beautiful Castaic Lake. Whether you're a seasoned plein air painter or just curious to try, bring your supplies and enjoy a scenic, open-air art session alongside fellow artists. All levels welcome! Just register through the SCAA website to participate.

🚧 Louis Brathwaite Street Dedication Ceremony | 10:00 AM | Sand Canyon Plaza | Free | Join the City of Santa Clarita in honoring one of its founding leaders, Louis E. Brathwaite, with a special street dedication on what would have been his 92nd birthday. Held at the newly named Louis E. Brathwaite Drive in Sand Canyon Plaza, this ceremony commemorates Brathwaite’s contributions to the city’s formation and legacy. A reception hosted by the Brathwaite family will follow at the Mitchell River House. RSVP to Billie Abreu at 661-255-4939 or [email protected].

💼 Santa Clarita Job Fair | 10:00 AM–2:00 PM | West P.E. Gymnasium, College of the Canyons, Valencia | Free | Looking for your next career move? Connect with nearly 100 employers from a variety of industries at the Santa Clarita Job Fair, hosted by the College of the Canyons Employment Center. Whether you're seeking entry-level or executive roles, come prepared with resumes and questions. Free parking available in student lots until 2 p.m.

🔭 Spring 2025 Star Party – The Unfolding Story of Exoplanets | 6:30–10:00 PM | COC Canyon Country Campus, Lower Plaza | Free | Explore the universe at College of the Canyons’ Spring 2025 Star Party! Enjoy a keynote talk by Professor Michaela Blain on the search for exoplanets, followed by telescope viewings, hands-on STEM demos, and cosmic conversations with COC students and faculty. Perfect for families, science lovers, and curious minds of all ages.

🎭 "Cats" The Musical | 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.

🔄 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 26

🆕 New Events

🛍️ Summit Valencia Weekend Garage Sale | All Weekend, 7 AM-12 PM | Summit Valencia Neighborhood, Valencia | It’s the ultimate spring clean scene—garage sale style! Cruise through the Summit Valencia neighborhood this weekend and score deals on everything from furniture and home decor to kids’ gear and vintage gems. You never know what treasures you’ll find… or who you’ll bump into 👀 (we might be there, too 😉). Bring cash, comfy shoes, and your best bargain-hunting game!

📚 Library Express Launch & Día de los Niños/Día de los Libros Celebration | 9:30 AM–12:00 PM | Old Town Newhall Library & Jo Anne Darcy Canyon Country Library | Free | Celebrate stories, imagination, and the power of mobile learning as Santa Clarita launches Library Express, a fully loaded mobile library set to bring books, programs, and tech to neighborhoods across the city. The fun kicks off with a ribbon-cutting at Old Town Newhall Library at 9:30 AM, followed by the mobile debut at Jo Anne Darcy Library around 11:00 AM. Families can enjoy foosball, chess, storytimes, and more in this joyful Día de los Niños/Día de los Libros celebration.

🏞️ St. Francis Dam Tour | 10:30 AM–4:00 PM | College of the Canyons + San Francisquito Canyon | $75 (SOLD OUT, waitlist available) | Join the Santa Clarita Valley Historical Society for an in-depth tour of the St. Francis Dam disaster site—California’s second deadliest catastrophe. This annual event features lectures from four historians followed by a narrated bus tour through San Francisquito Canyon with moderate hikes at key historic points. Discover the story behind the dam’s tragic failure in 1928 and its lasting impact on water policy and engineering across the country. Note: This year’s tour is sold out, but you can join the waitlist online.

🎭 "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.

🎶 Cabaret & Cabernet Benefit: "The Beat Goes On" | 5:00–8:00 PM | Hyatt Regency Valencia | $150 Individual / $1,750 VIP Table | Join the Santa Clarita Master Chorale for a groovy evening of wine, dinner, and classic '60s hits at their annual Cabaret & Cabernet benefit. Enjoy live music, a delicious dinner, a silent auction, and entertainment by the Chorale and live band. Come dressed in your best retro attire and help support arts programming in our community.

🎭 Senior Center 2025 Celebrity Waiter Dinner: "Broadway Lights" | 5:00 PM | SCV Senior Center at Bella Vida | $250 | Get ready for an evening of glitz, glam, and giving back at the SCV Senior Center’s signature fundraising event! This year’s Celebrity Waiter Dinner brings Broadway to Bella Vida with a themed celebration under the stars. Enjoy entertainment from singer and actor Michael B. Levin, performing beloved Broadway classics, all while supporting vital programs for local seniors. Sponsorships and tickets available online.

🖼️ SCAA Gallery Reception: “Things with Wings” | 5:00–8:00 PM | SCAA Art Gallery, Newhall | Free | Celebrate flight and imagination at the opening reception for “Things with Wings,” the latest group show from the Santa Clarita Artists Association. Enjoy winged dancers, a live butterfly encounter, harp music, and live art-making by SCAA artist Kristen Baladi. This whimsical exhibit runs through May 25, but the kickoff night promises magic in every corner.

🔄 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 27

🆕 New Events

🏀 3rd Annual 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament – Hosted by COC Foundation | 9:00 AM–12:00 PM | COC West P.E. Gymnasium, Valencia | $25/player or $75/team | Lace up your sneakers and hit the court for the College of the Canyons Foundation’s 3rd Annual 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament! Open to students, staff, and community members, this high-energy event raises funds to support student success. Entry includes breakfast, bragging rights, and a shot at victory. Sponsorships available for individuals and businesses. Check-in begins at 8:30 a.m.

🎨 Santa Clarita Artists Association 2025 Spring Art Festival and Sale | 10:00 AM–4:00 PM | Le Chêne French Cuisine, Agua Dulce | Free | Join the Santa Clarita Artists Association for their 11th Annual Spring Art Festival and Sale! Stroll the scenic grounds of Le Chêne while discovering original works by over 40 local artists—from paintings and photography to handcrafted jewelry and memorabilia. Enjoy live music, local wine, and the opportunity to meet the artists behind the work. A must-attend event for art lovers and collectors alike.

🥾 Community Hike at Towsley Canyon | 10:00 AM–12:00 PM | Towsley Canyon, Newhall | Free | Hit the trails with the City of Santa Clarita’s Outdoor Recreation team for a family-friendly community hike through scenic Towsley Canyon! This 1.6-mile loop trail features a moderate 226-ft elevation gain—ideal for beginners and casual hikers. Stick around after your trek for fun lawn games like Connect 4, cornhole, and giant Jenga. Leashed pups welcome! A perfect way to enjoy the outdoors and connect with fellow adventurers.

🎤 Charles Phoenix Live Show: A Celebration of Retro Americana | 3:00–4:30 PM | Newhall Family Theatre, Newhall | $25 | Get ready for a technicolor time warp with Charles Phoenix, the Ambassador of Americana, in his first-ever Santa Clarita Valley performance! This laugh-out-loud live comedy slide show dives into the zaniest and most delightful moments of mid-century American life—from kitschy space-age design to vintage vacation slides and classic cars. Hosted by the Raising the Curtain Foundation, this one-of-a-kind show is a joyful blast from the past you won’t want to miss.

🔄 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

🚧 The Orchard Village “paddles” have officially been... paddled out. After months of public side-eyes (and a few strongly worded emails), the city has quietly removed the vertical white markers from its much-debated safety lane near Henry Mayo. The raised curbs are still hanging on for now, as part of the $763,000 state-funded pilot meant to protect walkers, cyclists, and stroller-pushers on a sidewalk-less stretch of road. The city says it’s still collecting feedback—so stay tuned! (The Signal)

Entertainment

🎢 It’s almost time for one of SCV’s longest-running high school traditions—the 40th Annual All Schools Dance at Six Flags, hosted by the SCV Sheriff’s Station! On Friday, May 2 from 7:30–11:00 p.m., Hart District students (grades 9–12) can dance the night away, ride select coasters, and vibe to a live DJ—no field trip form required. 🎧 Tickets are $30 cash at the gate (student ID required), and the event is fully supervised by deputies and volunteers. Heads up: no backpacks, hats, or sports gear allowed. Questions? Reach out to the SCV Sheriff’s Station for the full scoop.

Business

🏡 After years of planning and plenty of community chatter, construction is officially underway on the first phase of Sand Canyon Plaza. The initial 119 homes—brought to you by Orange County developer Intracorp—are rising just north of Sand Canyon Country Club, in partnership with Resmark. These detached single-family homes will feature “Contemporary California Ranch” floor plans (think: up to 4 beds, 2.5 baths, and side-by-side garages), with models expected to hit the market by the end of the year. Originally approved back in 2017, Sand Canyon Plaza is a massive mixed-use project slated to include 580 homes, retail space, and even an assisted living facility. The project’s pitch? Big views, easy freeway access, and a strollable distance to Sprouts and Starbucks. (The Signal)

Sports

🏐 The Mustangs are heading to Iowa—undefeated and No. 1! The Master’s University men’s volleyball team (23-0) just clinched the top seed at the NAIA National Championships for the second year in a row. Pool play kicks off April 29, with TMU taking on No. 9 seed Mount Mercy (IA) first, followed by No. 8 seed Park University (MO) on May 1. If they win their pool, it’s on to the semifinals May 2. Catch the action and follow their title run at GoMustangs.com. (SCV News)

Education

🎤 Big congrats to West Ranch High’s Elina Ghosh, 15, who just snagged the Grand Prize in Non-Classical Voice at The Music Center’s 37th Annual Spotlight program! Selected from over 1,600 students across SoCal, Elina is one of just 14 winners, each taking home a $5,000 scholarship and a spot in the June 6 Grand Finale performance at the Ahmanson Theatre. Past alumni include icons like Misty Copeland and Adam Lambert, so she’s in excellent company. (SCV News)

Our Staff’s Weekend Picks

Watch

📺 Conclave (Amazon Prime Video)

“With the recent news from the Vatican, Conclave hits a little differently right now. It’s a tense, beautifully shot political thriller set behind the closed doors of the papal election—full of secrets, power plays, and quiet chaos. Ralph Fiennes is incredible, the cast is stacked, and if you’re into prestige dramas with a side of scandal, this one’s a must-watch.”

—Kate Gullett, Editor-in-Chief

Eat

🍕 Slice House by Tony Gemignani

“We got the awesome opportunity to try Slice House before it opens this weekend, and let me just say: this pizza lives up to the hype. From NY and Grandma style to Detroit & Sicilian style, every slice hits. You can tell they take their dough seriously, and the flavor combos are next level. Go check them out this weekend!”

—Cole Moeller, Head of Sourcing

Read

📖 Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver

“This book won the 2023 Pulitzer for a reason, it’s an utter masterpiece. Set in Appalachia, the story follows a boy, Demon Copperhead, who struggles as he grows up in foster care surrounded by poverty, addiction and abandonment. It’s definitely heartbreaking, but a powerful and beautifully written story 100% worth the read.”

—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.

If you’re wondering what to do next, just know you can always choose the path of least resistance. It is Friday, after all.

Until next week,

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