The streets of Old Town Newhall will once again transform into a thriving arts and entertainment district at night with the return of Thursdays @ Newhall, kicking off with free events hosted from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Thursday, March 7.

March will mark the return of exciting new themes, hands-on activities and delicious produce with Thursday night events including the Farmers Market, Art Slam, and SENSES.

“The Thursdays @ Newhall events provide an opportunity for community members to stay local and enjoy a fun nightlife vibe in Old Town Newhall,” said Mayor Bob Kellar.  “The events are extremely diverse and offer a little something for everyone with consistently great food, live music, entertainment, art and activities for all age.”

The weekly Farmers Market returns March 7, 2013 and is the perfect place to grab fresh, seasonal fruits, produce, and specialty food items.  The popular, street-fair style event takes place every Thursday from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Main Street.  Coastal Pacific, which is known as one of Southern California’s best market operators, manages the weekly event and brings a variety of new and returning vendors to Santa Clarita each week.

Thursdays@Newhall is launching a new free event in Old Town Newhall on the first Thursday of the month, called Art Slam.  Art Slam will guide artists responding to a theme by developing interactive opportunities, displaying large installations of art work, and featuring several thematic art galleries in local businesses and outdoors on Main Street.

On Thursday, March 7, the first event will be themed LIGHT Slam, located on the corner of Lyons and Main Street, from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m.  Attendees will be able to experience interactive art displays, exhibits and installations all focused around light at various businesses in Old Town Newhall.

SENSES returns to Main Street on the third Thursday of each month with a Carnivale themed block party hosted from 7:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. on March 21.  The evening will include live music from Vaud & the Villains, gourmet food trucks, street performers, and themed activities.

Since the launch of Thursdays @ Newhall, which kicked off in June 2011 with a 1980s themed SENSES party, the weekly free events have added new life, energy and visitors to the area. These events have drawn thousands of people to Old Town Newhall, introduced new audiences to its restaurants, theaters and shops, and established the region as a unique local hot spot.

For more information about other Thursdays @ Newhall events, call the City’s Arts and Events Office at (661) 250-3787.