Events in Kern County today

The Barony of Calafia celebrates its New Year’s Harvest anniversary with a theme inspired by the Navajo season of Gháájí', meaning half, a time that marks the shift between summer and winter. This moment also aligns with the first new moon and the close of the harvest, and attendees are encouraged to show their harvest best as Calafia’s new year begins. The day includes lysts and both an opening and a closing court at Their Excellencies’ leisure. Adult Event Registration is $25, with a $15 Adult Member Discount. Youth under 18 attend as guests of the Barony. Cash and checks are accepted at gate, and checks should be made payable to SCA Inc./Barony of Calafia. A county fee of $3 per car, cash only, is collected at the park entrance. Combat competitions in Armored, Rapier, Cut and Thrust, and Youth combat will determine the next Baronial Champions. Archery and thrown weapons will not be held at this anniversary, and will instead take place during the Calafia Equestrian Championship in December. Activities feature the Dirty Dozen Largesse Competition, the Taste of Calafia brewers competition, a special mini archery range, and more. Additional details will be shared on the event page as they become available. For the Dirty Dozen Largesse Competition, entrants create twelve coordinated items suitable for largesse, for example a dozen needle books, twelve hats drawn from one or multiple periods, twelve items tied to a specific era, or a dozen children’s toys. Items that normally come in pairs should be submitted as twelve pairs. Each piece should be tagged with the item type, the artisan’s name and province, and be ready to be gifted that day. No documentation is required, and items should not carry heraldry. Voting is by populace token, with a cup placed by each display. After votes are counted, the top entry selects three items from any of the submissions as a prize, then the remaining entrants choose in order of finish, with each entry chosen only once. The other eleven items from each entry are given to Their Excellencies for future largesse. The Taste of Calafia, hosted by the Calafian Brewers Guild in the spirit of the Potrero gathering, welcomes entries that are fermented beverages such as ales, meads, or ciders, or non alcoholic drinks to comply with site rules. Cordials and mixed drinks are not permitted. Each submission should be at least 22 ounces. Organizers ask prospective entrants to share their plans in advance to help anticipate numbers and styles, and questions are welcome. Calafia Archery presents a mini range hosted by Order of the Mark Vigilant Ronan de Bhal as part of a wandering vigil. All ages can try a few shots with suction cup arrows and rubber band bows, no experience required, simply a willingness to have fun. Lunch is prepared by the Willie family clan and its matriarch, offering a modern take on comforting homestyle foods suited to the seasonal change. Vegetarian options will be available, water will be on hand, and participants should bring their own feast gear. A $10 suggested donation supports the meal. Site notes include a damp site policy. Smoking, including vaping, is prohibited on park grounds. Pets are welcome and must remain leashed at all times. Groups from visiting baronies planning to bring a pavilion should contact the event stewards in advance to arrange space. Merchants are welcome with a California seller’s permit and may reach out to the stewards for details. Event stewards are Noble Ádeezbáá, dxʷdəwʔabš nishłį́ Tł’ízídaalchí’í bashishchiin, and THLady Adella Silberfpeil.

This certified farmers market brings together farm-fresh produce, local vendors, and a welcoming place to connect with neighbors. Browse colorful fruits and vegetables, handcrafted goods, and other locally sourced items while supporting small businesses. The easygoing setting makes it simple to slow down, chat with growers and makers, and enjoy a relaxing walk through the stalls. Whether stocking up for the week or exploring what is new at each booth, visitors can head home with quality ingredients and finds that feel authentic.

In Cottonwood, a long-running tradition closes the street to make room for vendors, food trucks, and more. Hosted by the Cottonwood Chamber and Old Town Marketplace, the celebration includes raffle baskets at participating merchants. Set in a historic small-town setting, this event has been part of the community for over 10 years. Vendor applications are available at Old Town Marketplace.

Open Gym at CATS Gymnastics offers kids and teens ages 6 and up a safe, supervised space to burn energy, tumble, and build confidence. Participants can flip, practice skills, and test coordination in a padded gymnastics facility with room to spend time with friends and work on new goals. Parents can enjoy a stress-free break while children explore their abilities. Drop-in admission is $15 per session. Punch cards are available, buy 5 sessions and get 1 free, or buy 10 sessions and get 3 free. Pre-registration is encouraged but not required.

Hang out with others at the local library and work on crafts together.

This family-friendly storytime in Bakersfield is designed for children ages 6 to 11 and features lively read-alouds, catchy songs, and simple movement activities that encourage participation from the whole family. It blends storytelling, music, and motion to keep school-age kids engaged in a welcoming setting.

Teens ages 12 to 17 can play Dungeons and Dragons at Beale Memorial Library in Bakersfield every other Saturday. A Dungeon Master leads the group through quests where players explore dungeons, meet nonplayer characters, and take on battles, with dice rolls determining what happens next.

This quilting meet up welcomes all experience levels to learn new techniques or practice familiar ones. Participants work together on meaningful projects, creating quilts for the Missions Team to take to Mexico and making receiving blankets for new babies in the community. For more information, visit the Connections Counter or call the office.

The NOR Fall Festival returns to Fruitvale Norris Park with an afternoon of family friendly activities. Expect carnival style games, exciting bounce houses, music and entertainment, and tasty snacks, along with opportunities to connect with community partners. The event is free and welcoming to all ages. Businesses, organizations, and community groups are invited to participate as partners. Volunteers are also being recruited for a variety of roles, with lunch and volunteer shirts provided.

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.

Designed for ages 2 to 6, this sign language storytime features an interactive activity led by educators from NAMI Kern County. Children explore simple signs and visual communication through playful learning that supports early literacy and social emotional development.

Crossroads Retired Older Women (CROWS) holds a monthly gathering where retired older women connect and enjoy each other’s company. This month’s meeting centers on a discussion about fire prevention. Transportation support is available, with options to sign up to give or receive a ride at the Connections Counter or by calling the office.

Seniors’ Guide to Gadgets offers personalized technology support for adults ages 50 and up. Build confidence with your computer or a handheld device such as an iPhone, an Android device, or a tablet through private 30-minute sessions tailored to your needs. Bring your questions and concerns about any device and receive patient, one-on-one guidance in a friendly setting. To schedule an appointment, call (661) 868-0701.

For ages 12 to 18, this weekly Monday meetup at Beale in Bakersfield features a variety of craft activities and time to create alongside other teens.

Every other week, a casual meetup at Starbucks in Rosamond brings people together to hang out and craft while enjoying a drink.

Set aside an hour for yoga led by Claudia, a certified instructor. This class occurs on the second Monday of each month.

Compete in a recurring Rocket League leaderboard showdown at Bakersfield eSports Center, where every match contributes to your standing. Points come from goals, results and challenge scoring while play is open. Fast-paced offense can boost your rank quickly, though steady performance across all your games is the reliable route to the top. Keep playing, build your total and aim to finish the night as the King of Rocket League.

This preschool storytime in Bakersfield is designed for children ages 3 to 6. It blends music and movement with activities that build visual literacy and support language development. Children enjoy a playful session that also nurtures social skills.

Baby Café offers a no-cost, drop-in, relaxed breastfeeding support group with ongoing care from lactation professionals. Whether you are nursing, pumping, using bottles, navigating tongue tie, or working through infant sleep, supportive guidance is available for it all.

The Ridgecrest Chamber’s monthly luncheon brings together community leaders, business owners, and nonprofit professionals to exchange updates, ideas, and inspiration. Designed to foster connection and learning, the program explores business, community, and legislative topics while sharing stories of people making an impact. Attendees can expect practical takeaways that support both professional growth and personal development. Each in-person gathering includes time to network with local businesses and features a locally catered meal, along with an engaging presentation for participants and their teams. Pricing is $25 for members with an RSVP and can be billed to a business, and $30 for non-members or those without an RSVP. A six-lunch bundle is available for $125 through the Chamber office.

Designed for ages 6 to 12, this creative session provides plenty of LEGO bricks for building original designs. When finished, participants can showcase their creations in the display case for everyone to enjoy.

Visit the library for one-on-one free legal assistance with Victor VeVea of Bakersfield Paralegal. Service is provided in the order of arrival, and early arrival is recommended to be among the first to add your name to the sign-up sheet.

CS2 Iron Resolve is a recurring Counter-Strike 2 leaderboard competition at Bakersfield eSports Center. Participants earn points from match outcomes and kills recorded while the challenge is active. Wins provide the largest boost, while piling up kills can still move a player up the standings. All attempts made during the active window combine into a single total score, with the goal of finishing near the top of the leaderboard.

Discover what Scouting America offers at a Cub Scout sign-up night at Fremont Elementary. Learn about camping, hiking, and hands-on activities that help young people build confidence and leadership. Attendance is open even if your child does not go to this school. Cub Scouts are for ages 5 to 10, and Scouts BSA is for ages 11 to 18.

Get a fresh cut for less every Wednesday, with men’s haircuts for $20 and women’s haircuts for $30 at Simply Different Hair & Nails.

Designed for children ages 2 to 5, this early literacy session focuses on letter sounds through songs, storybooks, and hands-on, play-centered activities.

Admission is free and all are welcome to this film screening at Rasmussen Senior Center. The story reflects on how the words we use shape our understanding of the world, and how deep connections invite us to cherish joy even when loss is inevitable. Amy Adams portrays Louise Banks, a linguist recruited by the United States Army to communicate with newly arrived extraterrestrials, working to build understanding before conflict erupts.

Kids ages 10 to 13 can take part in a structured flag football program at Windsor Park that builds core skills and confidence in a supportive setting. Sessions emphasize fundamentals and teamwork, and all experience levels are welcome. Parents are welcome to watch from the sidelines. A tots option is coming soon.

At Bakersfield eSports Center, players come together for casual, in-person battles across favorites like Mortal Kombat, Tekken, Street Fighter, Guilty Gear, and Smash. Setups are ready so matches begin quickly with local competitors who know their characters and matchups. The atmosphere is friendly and laid back, and participation is open to all ages and all skill levels. It is a chance to take skills practiced at home into a live setting where victories are seen.

A Cub Scout sign-up night at Hort Elementary introduces families to Scouting America and the ways camping, hiking, and interactive activities help youth build confidence and leadership. Learn what the program offers and how to get started. Attendance is open to families even if their child does not attend this school. Cub Scouts are for ages 5 to 10, and Scouts BSA serves ages 11 to 18.

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

This program in Bakersfield, CA is for ages 2 to 4. Children will enjoy songs, stories, and movement that build early childhood skills.

Judicium Serpentis brings four days of combat, pageantry, and tongue in cheek mischief to Pyles Boys Camp. Under the Serpent’s gaze, tournaments span heavy rattan sword, light steel rapier, and armored steel buhurt, with the added thrill of thrown weapons. A crowning ceremony names the Light Sword foam Emperor and Empress, champions decided in the arena. Between bouts, the gathering offers arts and entertainment, shopping and food, and Roman themed revelry filled with glory, drama, laughter, and whirling weapons, plus plenty of full bellies and boisterous arena cries. Entry is $30 for the weekend or $25 for a single day, all in the spirit of the Empire.

Because the book is especially long, discussion of The Calamity Club will span two months, with this session covering chapters 1 to 24. The Cottonwood Community Library will be closed to the general public during the meeting, and entry is through the back door next to the book drop. Book club titles are placed on hold for members one month in advance and can be requested at the front desk.

Children ages 6 to 12 can explore their creativity in a weekly Thursday session that features a new craft or art project each time, with all supplies provided.

Set aside a quiet moment to slow down and unwind with a relaxing sound bath. Soothing sounds and gentle vibrations are used to support deep rest, a sense of reset, and peaceful quiet time. Open to ages 14 and up. Located in the Large Community Room.