Memorial Day weekend in and around Santa Clarita will offer a mix of solemn remembrance and family-friendly tradition — from the long-running ceremony at Eternal Valley Memorial Park to a slate of holiday events that reflect the region’s history, community spirit and seasonal start to summer.
The day starts with a solemn remembrance of those who have served and it holds extra significance this year as the country celebrates its 250th birthday.
Afterwards, Santa Claritans continue with the tradition of kicking off the summer with events.
Eternal Valley Memorial Park
The Santa Clarita Valley Memorial Day Ceremony will return to Eternal Valley Memorial Park and Mortuary on May 25 at 10 a.m., continuing a longstanding local tradition honoring the nation’s fallen service members.
Held at 23287 N. Sierra Highway in Newhall, the annual event is organized by the Santa Clarita Valley Memorial Day Committee and typically draws between 1,500 and 2,000 attendees. The ceremony features a flyover by the Condor Squadron, a patriotic performance by the Santa Clarita Valley Concert Band, and keynote remarks by Maj. Gen. Matthew P. Beevers.
A highlight of the ceremony is the reading of more than 1,000 names of local veterans engraved on the Veterans Memorial Wall, which overlooks the valley from the top of the memorial park. In addition, Scouts — including Brownies, Girl Scouts and Cub Scouts — participate in placing more than 5,000 American flags on veterans’ graves ahead of the ceremony.
The program also includes a wreath-laying tribute and access to the park’s Remembrance Room, where visitors can view curated displays of military memorabilia from private collections. Past exhibits have included World War II artifacts accompanied by music from the era, with plans to continue expanding the exhibition in future years.
For more information, call (661) 259-0800 or www.eternalvalleymortuary.com.
Newhallywood Silent Film Festival
Kicking off the Memorial Day weekend, the Newhallywood Silent Film Festival returns to Old Town Newhall from May 22 through May 24, offering a nod to the Santa Clarita Valley’s early ties to the film industry.
The three-day festival takes place at venues including the Newhall Family Theatre for the Performing Arts, The MAIN and the Newhall Community Center, where audiences can enjoy screenings, guest speakers and special programming centered on the golden age of silent cinema.
While not a Memorial Day ceremony, the festival is part of the broader holiday weekend lineup of community events, giving residents and visitors an opportunity to reflect on local history and culture. This year’s event includes tributes to silent film legends Rudolph Valentino and F.W. Murnau, with official induction recognitions highlighting their impact on the industry.
The festival also underscores Santa Clarita’s role in early Hollywood — often referred to as “Newhallywood” — through curated presentations and discussions across its historic venues.
For more information, call (661) 250-3775, or visit santaclaritaarts.com/newhallywood.
Hurricane Harbor
Six Flags Hurricane Harbor in Valencia will open for the Memorial Day weekend from May 23 through May 25, offering a seasonal option for families looking to cool off during the holiday.
Located at 26101 Magic Mountain Parkway, the water park will operate from 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day, featuring a variety of waterslides, wave pools and attractions for all ages. The opening weekend traditionally marks the start of the summer season in Santa Clarita and is a popular choice for residents seeking a recreational complement to Memorial Day observances.
While the holiday centers on honoring fallen service members, venues like Hurricane Harbor provide families with an opportunity to gather and spend time together over the three-day weekend.
For more information, visit sixflags.com/hurri
caneharborlosangeles.
Los Angeles County Fair
For those willing to venture outside the Santa Clarita Valley, the Los Angeles County Fair returns to Fairplex in Pomona through May 31, with a special Memorial Day opening on May 25.
Typically operating Thursdays through Sundays, the fair adds the holiday Monday to its schedule, offering an extra day for visitors to experience its full slate of attractions. Guests can expect live concerts and entertainment, carnival rides, food vendors, themed exhibits and hands-on activities, with additional programming and featured performances often scheduled to coincide with the holiday weekend.
Located about an hour’s drive from Santa Clarita, the fair offers a full-day outing for families looking to round out their Memorial Day weekend with a mix of entertainment and seasonal tradition.
For more information, including daily schedules and featured performers, visit lacountyfair.com.
Santa Anita Memorial Weekend Carnival
Those looking for a festive way to spend Memorial Day weekend can head to Santa Anita Park for a three-day carnival packed with rides, games and entertainment.
The Santa Anita Memorial Weekend Carnival runs May 23 through 25, in the infield at Santa Anita Park, 285 W. Huntington Drive in Arcadia. Gates open daily at 11 a.m., with activities continuing through 7:30 p.m. First post for racing is 1 p.m.
The event features a mix of classic carnival attractions, including a Ferris wheel, roller coaster, spinning rides and inflatable jumpers. Unlimited ride wristbands are available, giving guests access to a wide selection of attractions, though height restrictions apply on certain rides and offerings are subject to change.
In addition to rides, visitors can enjoy carnival games, arts and crafts, and pony rides, which are available for an additional cost. Food options and family-friendly packages are also offered, including bundled deals with ride wristbands, meals and admission.
Admission to the infield is $5, while children 17 and under are admitted free. Parking is free at Gate 6 off Colorado Place. Unlimited ride wristbands are priced at $35 at the gate, with discounted early bird pricing available in advance. Individual tickets can also be purchased for rides and games.
Online ticket sales close 30 minutes prior to the start of each day’s event.
For more information or to purchase tickets, call (626) 574-7223 or visit santaanita.com.
