Events in Bakersfield, CA

This relaxed creative writing workshop welcomes writers of all backgrounds. The atmosphere is informal and may revolve around a theme. Participants can expect a prompt to spark ideas and time for discussion, all aimed at generating fresh writing and boosting creativity.

Barenaked Ladies bring a high-spirited, sing-along show to the Kern County Fair as part of the Hard Rock Casino Tejon Concert Series at the Budweiser Pavilion. Expect fan-favorite hits and upbeat performances that keep the crowd moving. Admission to the concert is included with fair entry, and seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

One person with a simple skill can make the critical difference during a cardiac emergency. Nine in ten people who experience cardiac arrest outside a hospital do not survive, often because no one nearby performs CPR. The Kern County Heart and Stroke Walk brings the community together to champion healthier lives and renewed hope. Participants and donors help expand CPR training, advance research, and create more moments when lives are saved.

The next Motorz & Mugs gathering brings car enthusiasts together for a relaxed morning meetup. Bring a standout ride and positive energy, and connect with others who appreciate great vehicles.

Over two days, this cow horse clinic centers on reining work on the first day, then shifts to cow work on the second. Instruction is led by Dan Roeser, an NRCHA Hall of Fame inductee recognized for a patient approach and deep expertise as a cow horse trainer and instructor. The format highlights focused skill development in both areas.

This two day event offers instruction with a focus on rein work on the first day and cow work on the second. It is led by NRCHA Hall of Fame inductee Dan Roeser, known for his patient approach and expertise as a cow horse trainer and instructor. Rider spots are limited, and auditing is open without limit.

Beale Memorial Library is offering an orientation for prospective volunteers. The session explains typical duties, outlines how to get started, and provides time for questions. It also includes a tour of the library so attendees can see the spaces and services they may support. This introduction is intended to help community members feel prepared to begin volunteering.

Designed for ages 12 to 17, this Dungeons and Dragons session at Beale Memorial Library takes place every other Saturday. A Dungeon Master leads the party as players set out on quests, explore perilous locations, converse with nonplayer characters, and take part in combat. Dice rolls determine the results of actions, shaping the adventure from moment to moment.

Smooth R&B takes center stage at the Kern County Fair as Mario performs at the Budweiser Pavilion, presented as part of the Hard Rock Casino Tejon Concert Series. Expect soaring vocals and throwback favorites, including the hit Let Me Love You, for a feel-good Fair atmosphere. Access to the concert is included with Fair admission, and seating is unassigned and filled in order of arrival, so early entry is the best way to secure a seat.

Create a whimsical take on autumn with Ghost of the Forest at Corks and Strokes Studio. This in-studio paint party features a playful seasonal theme that mixes a hint of Halloween with peaceful woodland scenery, offering festive fun without the fright. Every painter receives a pre-traced 11x14 canvas to take home, along with paints, brushes, an apron, and an easel. An Artist and Party Facilitator provides step-by-step guidance so all skill levels can feel comfortable and supported. Admission is $35 per person. Guests may bring their own drinks and snacks, and beer, wine, and champagne are permitted for those 21 and older. Entrance and parking are located behind the Westchester Promenade Building, and the studio is upstairs with no elevator.

Ezequiel Peña brings an evening of live music to the Budweiser Pavilion as part of the Hard Rock Casino Tejon Concert Series. Recognized for a commanding voice and a classic Mexican style, he delivers a memorable performance for Fair attendees. Concert entry is included with paid Fair admission, and seating is available on a first come, first served basis. Enjoy the show alongside your favorite Fair treats.

Gretchen Wilson brings her signature country sound to the Kern County Fair as part of the Hard Rock Casino Tejon Concert Series at the Budweiser Pavilion. Known for songs including 'Redneck Woman', 'Here for the Party', and 'All Jacked Up', she performs a set of country hits at the Fair. The concert is included with Fair admission, and seating is first come, first served.

Carly Pearce brings her country sound to the Kern County Fair with a performance at the Budweiser Pavilion, presented as part of the Hard Rock Casino Tejon Concert Series. Known for hits such as Every Little Thing, What He Didn’t Do, and Next Girl, she pairs heartfelt storytelling with powerful vocals and plenty of opportunities to sing along. The concert is included with fair admission, seating is first come, first served, and no separate concert ticket is required.

VIPink is an annual tea party that brings together survivors, advocates, and supporters dedicated to the fight against breast cancer. The event highlights that 1 in 8 women are affected and underscores how early detection and timely screenings save lives. It centers on raising awareness, honoring resilience, and bolstering vital breast health programs that support the community. Admission is free and no registration is required.

An annual beauty sale comes to Bakersfield, CA with deep discounts on makeup, skincare, hair care, and more, offering savings of up to 75 percent. Attendees receive a free eyeshadow upon arrival. Admission is free, children are welcome, and both cash and cards are accepted. The event takes place at Four Points by Sheraton Bakersfield.

Day of the Cowgirl at the Kern County Fair features three arena events under a single flat-fee entry. Riders compete in poles, barrels, and speed ball, and must use the same horse for all three to remain eligible for buckles awarded to the average winners in each age division. Four divisions are offered: 12 and under, 13 to 18, 19 to 40, and 40 and over, with payouts in every event for each age group. A dress code will be enforced. Each entry is limited to one horse and one rider. Penalties and timing rules include a +5 for a knocked barrel or pole and no time for an off pattern, and in speed ball there is no time if the ball is dropped or the cone is knocked. Entry is managed through SaddleBook. The fee is a $60 flat rate that covers all three events.

An annual 5K run and walk that brings families, friends, and coworkers together to celebrate strength, hope, and community. Participants of all ages can take part by running, walking, or cheering from the sidelines. Every dollar raised stays in Kern County, providing direct support for breast cancer patients and their families. Early registration offers the best pricing. The day is filled with pink and includes a heartfelt salute to survivors throughout the community.

Cope’s Tackle and Rod Shop celebrates 11 years of Fishapalooza with fishing-focused fun. Expect sales, raffles, vendors, presentations, music, and food, plus a fishing pond for kids and more. A range of fishing tackle manufacturers will be on site to share expertise and offer special pricing on gear. Activities are set in the shop’s parking lot.

Explore a craft and vendor show at The Villas at Scenic River. Browse offerings from local vendors and crafters, with displays set up both inside and outside the clubhouse. This event will take place rain or shine. It is a monthly event. For vendor inquiries, contact Jeannie Davis at JeannieLDCrochet@yahoo.com and be cautious of scammers, as she is the only person adding participants.

Open to all, this monthly gathering brings people together for stitching and laughs at Lorene's Downtown. Bring your project, connect with others, and enjoy a relaxed, creative atmosphere. The space is provided by the venue, and attendees are encouraged to show appreciation by purchasing a drink or meal.

Veterans can meet one-on-one with a representative from the Bakersfield Vet Center to learn about available support. Receive guidance on insurance options, health and wellness programs, community support groups, financial aid, and opportunities for education, vocational services, and job training tailored for those who served.

Spend the day at Duivenvoorden Farms, a local raw milk dairy, and enjoy family friendly fun with complimentary raw milk and cookie samples. Explore more than 40 local vendors and browse the farm store while food trucks serve burgers, sides, brews and cider, iced coffees, soft serve ice cream, and desserts. Mechanical bull rides add to the excitement, and getting there is easy with free parking and a complimentary hayride from the parking pasture. For the comfort and safety of all attendees, dogs are not permitted.

This recurring gathering is the monthly baronial meeting at Rusty's Pizza, held on the month's second Wednesday.

Children and their caregivers can share a lively storytime filled with read-aloud tales, playful rhymes, music, and gentle movement in a friendly, welcoming setting. After the stories, take part in a themed craft that encourages creativity and learning while offering hands-on fun for participants of every age.

NAMIWalks Kern County gathers the community at The Park at River Walk to show support for people impacted by mental health challenges. Activities include a 2K walk, speaker presentations, entertainment, and a resource fair. There is no fee to register.

At Riverwalk Park, a team will participate in NAMIWalks Kern County, an annual walk in Kern County. The team has a page available for donations, and a resource table will offer free materials and giveaways.

Designed for ages 4 to 8, this new children's music program offers a lesson based on the Kodály Method. Children learn songs and enjoy simple games while strengthening literacy through storytelling.

Fortune Feimster brings the Takin’ Care of Biscuits Tour to Bakersfield Fox Theater with an evening of stand-up shaped by candid stories and inclusive humor. The comedian, writer, and actor behind the Netflix specials Sweet & Salty and Good Fortune, each recognized by the Critics Choice Awards, explores love, relationships, sexuality, and the everyday moments that connect people, all with a Southern flair and the perspective of someone who grew up in the 1980s. Her set often includes tales about meeting her spouse in a parking lot, falling in love, and a lavish proposal that didn’t go according to plan, delivered in a warm, conversational style. Audiences may also know her from Netflix’s FUBAR alongside Arnold Schwarzenegger, from series such as The Mindy Project and Kenan, and from films like Yes Day and Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar, as well as voice roles in The Simpsons and Pixar’s Soul. Expect a welcoming, story-forward show that highlights why her comedy resonates with people from many backgrounds.

Part of Fortune Feimster’s national Takin’ Care of Biscuits tour, this stop spotlights a fan favorite comedian, actor, and host with a bright, buoyant style and a high-energy presence. Fresh off the Netflix special Fortune Feimster: Crushing It, where she mines her own life for laughs including a tongue-in-cheek take on her honeymoon and on no longer being her mom’s surrogate husband, she continues the personal storytelling that has connected with audiences. That special follows Good Fortune and Sweet & Salty, each recognized with Critics Choice nominations. Her work stretches across TV, film, and audio. She appears in season 2 of the Netflix action comedy FUBAR with Arnold Schwarzenegger and is in production on Will Ferrell’s untitled Netflix golf comedy series. She hosts the podcast Handsome with Tig Notaro and Mae Martin, which has surpassed 20 million downloads, and co-hosts Netflix’s What A Joke with Papa and Fortune on SiriusXM every morning. Additional credits include Chelsea Lately, The Mindy Project, Champions, Kenan, Claws, Nora from Queens, and Life in Pieces, plus film roles in Yes Day, Office Christmas Party, and Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar, along with voice work in The Simpsons, Soul, and Bless the Harts. This fall she voices Nibbles in Zootopia 2. Originally from North Carolina, she now lives in Los Angeles.

Megan Woods brings The Truth Tour to Victory Outreach Bakersfield Bold in Bakersfield, CA, with special guest Jeremy Rosado. After a breakout year and a successful spring run, this expanded 30-city U.S. leg builds on her first headlining tour as she continues to share the songs and stories that have connected with fans across the country. Rosado, known from American Idol and The Voice, returns to the lineup, adding a warm, authentic voice to an evening centered on worship, meaningful connection, and a clear reminder of God's truth. Entry will be staggered for VIP, early entry, and general admission, and the schedule is subject to change. Tickets are available, and for protection against scams TPR does not permit third party resales on its event pages. Purchase only through the official ticketing outlet to ensure valid tickets, updates, and support, since tickets from third parties are not guaranteed by TPR.

Switchfoot takes the stage for a live show. The band performs their music in a concert setting, offering a straightforward night centered on their performance.

Cowhand Campout brings a small group together at Non-Pareil Ranch & Trading Co in Kern County, California for a weekend of riding, learning, and life on a working ranch. Open to men and women ages 16 and older, it offers a chance to slow the pace, spend meaningful time in the saddle, and focus on practical horsemanship you can use at home. Days are devoted to covering country, navigating obstacles, and improving habits with your horse or mule. Evenings are relaxed, with good food, a campfire when the weather cooperates, and time to unwind after a full day. Participants can choose the full Friday through Sunday experience or opt for a single day on Saturday or Sunday. Bring your own horse or mule, or reserve one of a limited number of ranch horses in advance. The weekend includes guided rides across the property with the option to go out on your own, access to an obstacle course, interactive clinics and workshops, and cow work when conditions permit, along with time between sessions to ride, rest, and reset. On site camping is available, and horses are housed in outdoor panel pens with water and alfalfa hay provided. Space is limited, and a minimum number of participants is required for the campout to take place.

Latination 13 returns to the Arts Council of Kern for a downtown celebration of art, music, and culture. The event features a live performance by Mento Buru, and artist submissions are currently open.

Dan Topping leads Champagne Jam alongside J.T. Simpson, Glenda Robles, Tracy Peoples, Chris Nufeld, Rodney Armstrong, and Joseph Stratemeier. The band delivers a lively mix of classic rock and yacht rock made for dancing.

After nearly 14 years, Reverend Horton Heat returns to Bakersfield for a high-energy night at the historic Fairfax Grange with local support from The Soda Crackers. Led by Jim Heath, the Reverend blends country, blues, and rock into a psychobilly-charged set with 1950s rock and roll flair, paired with driving stand up bass and fiery showmanship. The Soda Crackers, a five piece from Bakersfield, bring the Bakersfield Sound with a generous helping of Western Swing, celebrating deep cuts, B side gems, and the dance hall spirit of the classics. Presented as part of The Rancho Round-Up, this all-ages show offers both general admission standing and reserved seating, with advance and at the door pricing. Snacks, soft drinks, beer, and wine will be available for purchase.

Victory Family Services presents the 4th annual Trunk or Treat, a free Halloween celebration for families in Bakersfield. Expect festively decorated trunks, loads of candy, a costume contest, games, raffles, and lively music. Local vendors will be on site with food available for purchase, and there will be photo opportunities to capture the fun. Admission is free and all are welcome. Family-friendly costumes are encouraged, with a focus on safe, community-centered fun for every age.

SVH brings a full-tilt Van Halen celebration to the Nile Theater, turning the room into an 80s rock party with a faithful run through the band’s biggest anthems plus selections tied to the Sammy Hagar and Joe Satriani periods. The performance aims for the feel of a classic arena show, with blazing guitar work, giant singalong hooks, and an electrifying atmosphere that keeps everyone moving. The night also features an 80s-themed costume contest. Outfits must reflect genuine 80s style to qualify, and one standout participant will take home a grand prize... a real electric guitar. The event is designed to deliver a memorable evening for Bakersfield.

Fred Armisen delivers a comedy show crafted for musicians, yet welcoming to everyone. The set is designed to connect with musicians and non-musicians alike.

Illusionist Reza brings his Edge of Illusion stage show to the historic Fox Theatre in Bakersfield for a single performance that welcomes all ages. Recognized as a leading touring illusionist and honored with the 2026 Merlin Award as Illusionist of the Year, he presents a high-energy theatrical experience that blends large-scale magic, crisp sleight of hand, playful comedy, and interactive moments only a few steps from the audience. The production evokes a Las Vegas style and features a performer seen on Penn & Teller: Fool Us and Masters of Illusion.

This event focuses on ranch riding, horsemanship, body control, and reining maneuvers, all aimed at improving communication in the saddle. It also includes a dedicated lesson day.

This in-person workshop helps prospective buyers understand the full journey to owning a home. Presented by My Way Home, it is a HUD-approved course led by HUD-certified Homeownership Specialists who provide clear guidance on credit, budgeting, and mortgage lending. The session explains how first time homebuyer loans and down payment assistance programs may be used, and it walks through the real estate process along with home inspections and home insurance. Participants who satisfactorily complete the workshop may request a certificate, which is accepted by most down payment assistance programs and by some mortgage lenders.

Presented by Bakersfield Music Hall of Fame, Matchbox Twenty Too is billed as America's longest-running Matchbox Twenty tribute act. Known for note-for-note precision and a high-energy concert feel, the band celebrates the music of Matchbox 20 and Rob Thomas, including Smooth. Their tribute draws on favorites such as 3AM, Bent, Push, Real World, and Unwell, capturing the sound and spirit of a true Matchbox 20 live show. This event welcomes all ages.

Journey USA is back at the Historic Bakersfield Fox Theater for another appearance. Their return brings the group once again to this historic stage.

GRAMMY-nominated singer-songwriter Anne Wilson brings the third leg of The STARS Tour to Dignity Health Theater in Bakersfield, with Peter Burton and support from Aodhan King. Expect a live set featuring new music from her album STARS alongside favorites like "God Story", "Strong", "Hey Girl", and the multi-week No. 1 hit "My Jesus". A VIP experience is scheduled before doors open, followed by the main performance. Tickets are on sale. To protect against scams and ensure official support, purchase only through the authorized ticketing outlet, as third party sales are not permitted for TPR event pages and tickets from unofficial sellers are not guaranteed.

Anne Wilson brings a live country and faith-driven concert to Bakersfield, blending heartfelt storytelling with modern country energy and worshipful moments. Featuring her commanding vocals and songs such as My Jesus, Sunday Sermons, and Strong, the performance offers uplifting lyrics, memorable melodies, and a meaningful connection with the audience.

NUTCRACKER! Magical Christmas Ballet brings a lavish staging of the beloved holiday story, presented as the largest production of The Nutcracker in North America. The show features acclaimed dancers from around the world, thrilling acrobatic feats, rich costumes, and giant puppetry, all set to Tchaikovsky’s classic score. The result is a vibrant celebration of the season that aims to create lasting memories for the whole family.

Free rock wall climbing is available for participants of any age with special needs. Individuals with physical or intellectual disabilities are welcome, including people who are blind or have low vision, are deaf or hard of hearing, or have Down syndrome or autism.

Doors open with live music to set the tone for the day. The awards ceremony follows, and the headliner takes the stage afterward.

St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Bakersfield hosts an intimate candlelit tribute to the music of Fleetwood Mac, performed by a Listeso string quartet. The program features string arrangements of favorites including Everywhere, Gypsy, You Make Loving Fun, Never Going Back Again, Don't Stop, Gold Dust Woman, Go Your Own Way, Landslide, Songbird, Rhiannon, and The Chain. The performance lasts about 60 minutes. Doors open 45 minutes before the start and late entry is not permitted. Guests must be at least 8 years old, and anyone under 16 must attend with an adult. The venue is ADA compliant. Seating within each zone is assigned on a first come, first served basis. This is a tribute concert and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by the artist, their estate, or official representatives.

Golden Future Senior Expo brings an upbeat, welcoming experience to the Kern County Fairgrounds, created for seniors, caregivers, families, aging professionals, and the local community. Connect with trusted providers, play bingo, enjoy live entertainment, and take part in arts and crafts. Explore Livin’ Life Lane, a social hub designed to keep people engaged and connected, and take advantage of complimentary makeovers, free haircuts and nail manicures, free health screenings, and informative seminars and workshops that include guidance on financial and retirement planning. The expo showcases more than 60 exhibitors and offers plenty of chances to win, including over 20 door prize drawings. All guests receive a Golden Future tote bag, and five bags will hide a Golden Ticket redeemable for a $100 gift card. Admission and parking are free, and a free swag bag is included. Pre-registration is available, and walk-ins are welcome. This once-a-year Bakersfield Kern County edition continues a tradition of more than 15 years of events that educate, connect, and celebrate the senior community.

All are welcome to a friendly get-together focused on stitching and plenty of laughs. Lorene's donates the space, so please show appreciation with a drink or meal purchase.

Michael Blaustein brings the final leg of his Taste Me Tour to the stage, giving fans a last opportunity to see this set live. A rapidly rising stand-up, his online clips have drawn more than 900 million views across social media, and he has filled venues worldwide, wrapping his 2025 run with over 70,000 tickets sold. When he is not touring, he co-hosts the comedy podcast Stiff Socks with Trevor Wallace, which has surpassed 70 million downloads. His projects have also included partnerships with brands like Manscaped, Liquid Death, and BetterHelp.