Santa Clarita’s rich Western heritage takes center stage each year at the Cowboy Festival. This year marks the 24th annual event and looking back, some residents may wonder why the City hosts this Festival, which attracts more than 10,000 visitors each year.

More than two decades ago, City leaders were inspired by the National Cowboy Poetry Gathering in Elko, Nevada, and decided to create a unique celebration of Santa Clarita’s Western history – from art and music to film and television. In 1994, the Santa Clarita Cowboy Festival made its debut, honoring the authentic Old West through music, poetry, cowboy gear, food and storytelling in a setting that was unique to the area…and the rest is history!

Although elements of the event have changed over the years, Santa Clarita’s Cowboy Festival has always delivered a one-of-a-kind, multi-day lineup of music, food, entertainment and activities for Western enthusiasts of all ages.