Thursday nights are heating up in Santa Clarita with a series of events happening in Old Town Newhall, including the weekly Farmers Market, Art SLAM, SENSES and the return of J.A.M Sessions.

“The events on Thursday nights in Old Town Newhall are unlike any other in Santa Clarita,” said Mayor Bob Kellar. “Main Street has not only grown to become the City’s arts and entertainment district, but also a local hot spot for art, dining, shopping, live music and more. The lineup of activities for the summer season is something you won’t want to miss.”

Residents can pick-up flavorful herbs, vegetables or fresh fruit to add to any summer recipe at the weekly Farmers Market, which is now hosted in the Old Town Newhall Library parking lot, between Market and 8th Street, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Interactive art installations and themed galleries are featured on the first Thursday of the month from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. at Art SLAM.  Each event represents a different theme with Thursday, June 6, featuring electronic, folk and sonic musical instruments to design and create a sound inspired evening.  In honor of the Fourth of July holiday, Art SLAM will not be hosted in July, however, the event will return on August 1, 2013 with a car theme.

On the third Thursday of the month, thousands of residents fill the streets of Old Town Newhall to enjoy bands, food trucks, themed activities, contests and more at the popular SENSES events. Hosted from 7:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m., the summer SENSES season includes “Happy Birthday,” celebrating the second year anniversary of SENSES on June 20; “On the Boardwalk” on July 18; and “Oddball Sports” on August 15.

J.A.M. Sessions also returns to Thursdays @ Newhall summer series beginning June 6, at the Farmers Market.  This free series features musical movements by various performing arts groups and is presented in partnership by the Ford Theatre Foundation, the James Irvine Foundation and the City of Santa Clarita.  June’s upcoming schedule includes: African Dance with CalArts African Dance Ensemble on June 6; Square Dance with Susan Michaels and Sausage Grinder on June 13; Drum Circle with Christopher Ramirez on June 20; and Salsa with Contra-Tiempo on June 27.  To learn more about J.A.M. Sessions, visit FordJamSessions.org.

To enjoy one of the best local hot spots for events this summer, try using public transportation and save money on gas. Santa Clarita Transit offers local services that make it convenient and affordable to travel to Old Town Newhall for Thursday events using routes 1, 2, 4, 5, 6 and 14. To learn more, visit SantaClaritaTransit.com

For more information about Thursday @ Newhall events, contact the Arts and Events Office at (661) 250-3787 or visit ThursdaysAtNewhall.com.