The city of Santa Clarita’s Senses Block Party returned for the 2026 season on Thursday night with this month’s theme titled “On the Ranch” as a pre celebration to the 30th annual Cowboy Festival set for this weekend.
Throughout Main Street, the free family-friendly event had a series of games, such as ax throwing, horseshoe toss, and western roping. The event also had live country music, which filled up the atmosphere as people of all ages eagerly took the dance floor to participate in line dancing or indulge with drinks.
Ben Lebednik, 5, was curiously watching Dave Thornbury, a Cowboy Festival staple, do what he does best, trick rope.
“We love the cowboy theme, he loves it,” his mother Tiffany Lebednik as she paused from taking a picture of him. It was a family affair for them both, as a large number of their family members were present to enjoy in on the fun.
“These are great events that they put on, especially for kids,” Tiffany said. As a local resident, they make time to attend city hosted events to engage in local fun and it is something she appreciates.
Thornbury, who is usually seen at the Cowboy Festival taking photos or showing off with his trick roping skills, enjoys being a part of a local tradition that has allowed him to see generations of families attend.
“I get to see kids that now have kids,” he said, adding that on occasion some even bring photos of their younger selves to show him. “I meet people from everywhere … All over the place.”
Mikayla Bauer participated in some line dancing, something that she wasn’t very familiar with, but seeing many others engage in the fun caught her attention.
“It’s fun. It’s not hard, and I think if I can do it, anyone else can, too,” she said.
The Senses Block party takes place on the third Thursday of each month from April to September, from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Main Street in Old Town Newhall.
This year’s lineup is as follows:
- May 21 – Medieval Quest.
- June 18 – Honey, I Shrunk Senses.
- July 16 – Christmas in July.
- Aug. 20 – Time Machine.
- Sept. 17 – Oktoberfest.
