Concerts in the Park
    The City of Santa Clarita 's Concerts in the Park series is one of the most popular summertime traditions year after year. The 2009 talent lineup, complete with returning favorites and first-time bands, ensures that the hits will keep on coming. The concert series is free to attend and kicks off July 11 at Central Park , continuing every Saturday evening at 7 p.m. through August 29. For the complete summer series, visit www.santa-clarita.com/concerts.

4th of July 5k
    The 4th of July festivities will kick off with an Independence Day 5K starting at 8 a.m. at Newhall Park, located at 24933 Newhall Avenue. The race, presented by the Santa Clarita Runners' Club, will stretch along the Santa Clarita 4th of July Parade route. Sign up your little ones for the Kiddie K, starting at 7:45 a.m. The cost to register is $30 for the 5K and $10 for the Kiddie K. Community members can register for the 5K at Whole Foods Market, located at 24130 Valencia Boulevard, or visit www.scrunners.org.

Santa Clarita 4th of July Parade
    The Santa Clarita 4th of July Parade, presented by Magic Mountain and the SCV Parade committee, will begin at 9 a.m. in Old Town Newhall. The parade route stretches along Main Street, Lyons Avenue and Orchard Village Road before finishing at 16th Street in Newhall. More information on this great community tradition visit www.scvparade.com.

4th of July Picnic
    Bristol Farms and the Bridgeport Marketplace will also host a Fourth of July Picnic and Carnival from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the Bridgeport Marketplace on the corner of Newhall Ranch Road and McBean Parkway. The event will feature live music, BBQ fare and sweet treats, as well as a dunk tank, petting zoo, pie eating contest, pony rides, carnival games, and more. In addition to providing Family-friendly activities and delicious food, the Fourth of July Picnic and Carnival is also benefits a great cause — 75 percent of all Carnival Booth ticket sales at the event will be donated to local charities.