As the Santa Clarita Valley shakes off the last of the cooler days, our local arts community is blooming with a vibrant array of events that promise to delight residents of all ages. From theatrical productions and student showcases to continuwing gallery exhibitions, the options for cultural engagement this May are plentiful. Whether you are a dedicated patron of the arts or simply looking for a weekend outing, here is your curated guide to cultural experiences unfolding across our valley during this beautiful spring season.
Old Town Newhall Art Walk
The vibrant cultural heartbeat of our valley will be on full display on Saturday, May 16, as the annual Old Town Newhall Art Walk transforms the Arts & Entertainment District into an immersive creative playground. Taking place from noon to 6 p.m. around the intersection of Main and Market streets, this free, family-friendly event invites residents to wander through the heart of our city and witness the immense talent of local makers and performers.
Whether you’re a seasoned art collector or simply looking for an engaging afternoon out, the event offers a unique self-guided experience that turns local businesses into curated “Art Stops.” By stepping inside participating galleries, restaurants, and shops, you can discover an eclectic array of original artwork, meet the artists behind the pieces, and engage in hands-on creative activities. Throughout the day, the district will come alive with live musical performances and interactive displays, highlighting the diverse artistic spirit that defines Santa Clarita.
Organized through a collaborative partnership between the Old Town Newhall Association and Arts for Santa Clarita, and supported by the City of Santa Clarita, the event is designed to be fully accessible for all ages. It is important to note that the Art Walk is integrated directly into the fabric of the district; streets remain open to vehicle traffic, while sidewalks are open and pedestrian-friendly, making it easy to stroll between venues at your own pace. With creativity waiting around every corner, it is the perfect opportunity to support our local business owners while celebrating the vibrant, ongoing evolution of our community’s artistic scene.
Details Saturday, May 16, from noon to 6 p.m.
Location Main and Market streets, Old Town Newhall Arts & Entertainment District
Info www.artsforsantaclarita.org/artwalk
Youth Creativity on Full Display
While many of the major outdoor festivals have already graced our community, the artistic output of our local students continues to shine in indoor gallery spaces. A major highlight this spring is the ongoing youth art exhibit hosted by the City of Santa Clarita, which celebrates the immense talent of local TK–12 students. Following its debut during the Art Hop in late March, the collection of student masterpieces transitioned to the Old Town Newhall Library, where it remains on view through late May. This exhibition provides a fantastic opportunity to support our young artists and witness the future of Santa Clarita’s creative landscape firsthand.
Details Daily through Wednesday, May 27.
Location Old Town Newhall Library Branch, 24500 Main Street
Info Old Town Newhall Library, (661) 259-0750
‘Go Figure’
The Santa Clarita Artists Association Gallery in Old Town Newhall is welcoming spring with a fresh perspective on the human form. Its upcoming exhibit, “Go Figure,” runs May 1 through May 31 and invites visitors to explore the expressive possibilities of figurative art across a range of styles and mediums.
The exhibition brings together a diverse group of artists, each offering their own interpretation of the human figure — from realistic renderings to more abstract and emotional approaches. The result is a collection that reflects both the physical and psychological dimensions of the human experience.
Free and open to the public, “Go Figure” offers an inviting opportunity for both seasoned art enthusiasts and casual visitors to engage with art in a meaningful way.
Details Regular gallery hours are Fridays from 5 to 8 p.m., Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Location SCAA Gallery is located at 22508 6th St. in Old Town Newhall.
Info santaclaritaartists.org. Updates can be found on social media at @santaclaritaart and @artgallery.scaa.
Theatrical Delights in Newhall
The Newhall Family Theatre, known for its community-focused programming, continues to host family-friendly sessions that capture the imagination. Events taking place in May include a jazz and modern dance performance on May 18, and a
performance by Disney’s The Aristocats Kids on May 31.
For more arts events in May, keep an eye on their weekend schedule, as these intimate performances often sell out quickly. These events serve as a testament to the thriving theatrical scene in Santa Clarita, which offers everything from professional productions to community-led showcases.
Details Ongoing weekend programming in May.
Location Newhall Family Theatre, 24607 Walnut St.
Info newhallfamilytheatre.com/ or call (661) 291-4016.
Looking Ahead to Seasonal Transitions
As we move through May, the city begins to transition from the peak of spring events toward the early summer season. Music and performance remain at the forefront of the upcoming calendar, with organizations like West Ranch High School often coordinating daylong jazz festivals and local performance groups keeping the stages busy. Keep a close watch on the City of Santa Clarita’s official arts calendar for pop-up events and last-minute announcements, as our valley’s artistic spirit rarely rests for long. Whether you are seeking a quiet afternoon in a gallery or a lively evening of music and dance, the Santa Clarita Valley continues to prove that our community’s commitment to the arts is as strong as ever.
For a complete, up-to-date listing of ongoing cultural events and venue schedules, please visit the City of Santa Clarita Arts and Culture page at santaclarita.gov/arts-and-culture/ and the official arts calendar at calendar.santaclarita.gov/arts/calendar.
