The Santa Clarita Cowboy Festival began in 1994 after efforts by city leaders who looked to embrace Santa Clarita’s Western history.[5] The event was first held at Melody Ranch, but due to complications with filming contracts, it had to be relocated to the William S. Hart Park in 2015.[6] In 2018, the festival celebrated its 25th anniversary.[7] Due to pandemic closures, Cowboy Festival was cancelled in 2020 to 2021 for Covid 19 pandemic limitations. Festival was postponed again in 2022 due to County Covid Vaccine requirements for Hart Park. 2023 brings the festival to the streets of Downtown Newhall Main street.