Old Town Newhall will once again transform into a thriving arts and entertainment district at night as Thursdays @ Newhall returns in April with free events hosted from 4:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 4, 2013.

“April is an exciting event month for the City, especially with two of our largest annual celebrations, Earth Arbor Day and the 20th Anniversary Cowboy Festival, happening on back to back weekends. In anticipation of these events, we’re kicking off the festivities early with complimentary themed Thursdays at Newhall events,” said Mayor Bob Kellar.

On Thursday, April 4, 2013 the newest art-inspired Thursdays @ Newhall event, Art Slam, returns with a “Green” theme in celebration of Earth Arbor Day. Hosted every first Thursday from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m., Art Slam is a free interactive art happening that features local and regional visual artists, performers, and much more.

April’s event will feature art and fashion made from recycled, re-purposed, and raw materials. Environmental art installations will be on display throughout Old Town Newhall. Additionally, interactive opportunities are available including a recycled art contest at The Vu, a t-shirt scarves activity at the City’s Earth Arbor Day Festival Booth, and an outdoor screening of the documentary film “No Impact Man” at Railroad Café.

SENSES returns on Thursday, April 18, from 7:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. with a “Saddle Up” themed evening. In anticipation of the 20th Annual Cowboy Festival, Main Street will serve as the backdrop for the wildest event in town, featuring: mechanical bull rides, line dancing, trick roping, live country music, gourmet food trucks, street performers, and the unveiling of three plaques as part of the Walk of Western Stars. Western film history stars Rodolfo Acosta, Stuart Hamblen and Lee Marvin will be immortalized in bronze stars and stamped into the streets of Old Town Newhall. The induction ceremony is open to the public and will take place at 7:30 p.m.

In addition to ArtWalk and SENSES, Thursday @ Newhall events also features a weekly Farmers Market with 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.

For more information about other Thursdays @ Newhall events, please contact the City’s Arts and Events Office at (661) 250-3787 or visit arts.santa-clarita.com.