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- The Bakersfield Guy's Newsletter! Issue #16
The Bakersfield Guy's Newsletter! Issue #16
A local wrestling promotion from Bakersfield?! Kern City and Bakersfield in the 1890s. Plus your usual event list that drives me crazy to curate weekly. We're so back.

Local Business Spotlight.
Rodeo Pro Wrestling.

All photos brought to you by EC Shots
A few days ago I was browsing instagram, checking for news and posts relative to Bakersfield. I ran into a wrestling promotion that was having an event here in Bakersfield. Rodeo Pro Wrestling. A few months ago I saw they had an event here as well. I thought to myself, “So cool for a wrestling company to be making multiple stops a year in Bakersfield.”
I ended up scrolling onto their IG page, and come to find out they don’t make stops in Bakersfield because they’re a wrestling promotion based out of Bakersfield!!!
When I saw this I could not believe that Bakersfield has a homegrown wrestling promotion! I was so excited I had to get in contact with them. I told them I was so excited to find out about them and where I could find more so I could spread the word. They responded directly and this is what I found out.
The company was started by 4 Bakersfield locals who are pro wrestlers. They came together to buy a ring because for them to get proper training in ring they had to travel to Los Angeles! They had their first show in May, and were incredibly surprised by the turnout.
“It was surreal to see the people in our city so excited for pro wrestling. October 25 will be our third show, and our mission statement is to provide family-friendly entertainment at an affordable price. There are a lot of great up-and-coming wrestlers on the California scene, and we want to make Bakersfield a cornerstone of that movement.”
— Rodeo Pro Wrestling
So everyone please let’s go show our local pro wrestling company a lot of love! Follow their instagram here. Tell wrestling fans and even just Bakersfield locals of what and who Rodeo Pro Wrestling is. Imagine if they got to the point where they could have monthly scheduled shows because of all the support they got right here? It would add another great event created by locals for locals! Let’s help them sell out their tickets for October 25th, and have a blast at their next show! Click here to get your tickets!

This event will feature a free Trunk or Treat event! Take your kids.
![]() pictures from their 1st event | ![]() Again, photo credits EC Shots |
Remembering the past. Bakersfield History.
Bakersfield’s Public Transit That Was
Part. I

A picture take from the Chester Clocktower roughly 1925.
Above you see another great picture from the turn of the century. What do you notice? The antique cars of the time? The incredible architecture of historic Bakersfield? Maybe the people walking? Look a little closer, and you might spot something easy to miss; The tracks from the electric trolley that once ran right through the heart of the city.
Let’s take a look back even before the 20th century. Have you ever wondered how people got around? This is going to give horse power a vintage meaning.
Imagine being a Bakersfield local in the year 1900. There’s about 5 thousand total locals so the city is a fraction of what it is today. The streets are not paved or smooth, some areas are muddy. You need to go from your work of downtown to old town kern. You get in line for the public transit of the time, you get in a street car, and this streetcar is being pulled by a horse.
You read that right, a streetcar being pulled by the horse was a revolutionary public transit system in the 19th century.

You can see the horse drawn streetcars vaguely

Talk about 2 horse power
The horse-powered transit system of the late 19th century was Bakersfield’s first form of public transportation. At the time, Bakersfield and Old Town Kern were two separate towns.
Fun fact: Old Town Kern was originally known as Sumner from about 1870 to 1890, and later as Kern City through the early 1900s. This means that Bakersfield’s first public transit line connected the two towns of Kern City and Bakersfield.
In many ways, this small horse-powered streetcar line was a miniature version of the Pacific Railroad that ran through Old Town Kern and connected the region to the rest of America. For locals, it meant you could hop on one side of Bakersfield and ride all the way to Sumner/Kern City. It wasn’t the smoothest trip, the dirt roads were rough, the weather unpredictable, but for just twenty-five cents it was a game-changing ride.
This was only the start of the public transit system. The horse-powered streetcar began operating in 1888, and by 1901 it was obsolete. That means that in about 13 years the next step in public transportation had arrived.
Make sure to check out next week’s newsletter to get a look into electric powered transportation on Part II of this mini series.
GUYS! Please double check any event info before fulling committing. Usually it’s pretty accurate overall, but I noticed I had some details off. I spent a lot of time fixing things, but I would hate to mislead you guys direction and time wise. Just double check any events yourself through the links I provide or look them up yourself. Thanks for the understanding! I think I fixed most of the errors but you never know if something slipped by.
🎟️ Events This Week: October 16th-22nd
More events for this week. October has been action packed!
💡 Click the underlined event name for tickets or more info.
Thursday, October 16
Food Distribution @ David Nelson Pocket Park (4pm) 1511 Niles St. – Monthly CAPK & Children First grocery distribution; volunteers welcome 2–6:30pm.
Cruise Night @ Chuy’s Baja Grill (5–10pm) 8660 Rosedale Hwy. – Weekly car show-style meetup with classic rides and patio vibes.
Chess Club Meetup @ Temblor Brewing (5pm–close) 3200 Buck Owens Blvd. – Weekly all-ages chess night; boards provided; casual play encouraged.
Hocus Pocus Paint Night @ Jerry’s Pizza & Pub (6:30pm) 1817 Chester Ave. – Spooky-themed guided paint class; $17 cover; RSVP by text (661) 932-1492.
Speed Dating Night @ Roosters (6:30–9pm) 7480 District Blvd. – Ages 37–50. Enjoy good company, conversation, and your first drink free with entry.
Well Comedy Club Open Mic @ Temblor Brewing (7pm) 3200 Buck Owens Blvd. – Open mic comedy night hosted at Temblor; sign-ups on site, beginners welcome.
R&B and Classic Rock with Los Vinyl @ The Marketplace (7–9pm) 9000 Ming Ave. – Live outdoor set featuring classics and R&B favorites; family-friendly atmosphere.
Friday, October 17
Bakersfield Fall Home Show @ Kern County Fairgrounds (10am–5pm) 1142 S P St. – Three-day home improvement & décor showcase with local vendors and builders.
Fall Festival & Resource Fair @ David Nelson Pocket Park (4–7pm) 1511 Niles St. – Community event with resource booths, games, music, and dance performances.
George the Giant’s Strange Museum of Oddities & Wonders @ 314 Norris Rd (5–10pm) – Sideshow artifacts, curiosities, and vintage collections.
Friday Night Magic @ Bakersfield eSports Center (6:30pm) 7104 Golden State Hwy. – Weekly Magic: The Gathering event featuring casual and competitive play.
Lisa Lisa – 40th Anniversary “Take You Home Tour” @ Dignity Heal Arena (7:30pm) 1001 Truxtun Ave. – Celebrate 40 years of hits from the iconic R&B and freestyle artist.
Harvest Magic Paint Night @ Corks & Strokes (7pm) 2623 F St. – Create a cozy fall-themed painting in this guided session; all supplies included.
Night at the Museum @ Buena Vista Museum of Natural History & Science (6–9pm) 2018 Chester Ave. – Flashlight-led tours through the museum after dark. $12 per child, $15 per adult. Reservations required.
The Children’s Hour @ Bakersfield Community Theatre (7:30–9:30pm) 2400 S Chester Ave. – A gripping classic drama performed by Bakersfield Community Theatre’s talented local cast.
Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors @ The Empty Space (8pm) 706 Oak St. – Fast-paced, funny retelling of Bram Stoker’s gothic classic.
Therapy Session Live @ Chuy’s Baja Grill (7pm) 8660 Rosedale Hwy. – Live patio performance as part of Chuy’s weekend music series.
Friday Nights @ The Campus Vendors Market (6–10pm) 912 New Stine Rd. – Evening market featuring local vendors, food booths, and live music; family-friendly atmosphere supporting small businesses.
Halloween Roller Disco @ Saunders Park Roller Rink (6:30–8:30pm) 3300 Palm St. – Outdoor community roller disco night with Halloween music and costumes encouraged. Only 30 skate rentals available; first come, first serve.
Saturday, October 18
Girls Run B Group Run @ Hart Park (7am, takeoff 7:20am) 6001–6003 Lake Rd. – Community run; all paces welcome; snacks provided.
Free Community Workout by XSMuscle @ 7850 White Ln, Suite J (7:30am) – Hosted by XSMuscle; all levels welcome; just show up.
F Street Farmers Market @ In Your Wildest Dreams Parking Lot (7:45am–12pm) – Weekly market with local produce, food, and handmade goods.
RiverLakes Farmers Market @ Centennial High School Parking Lot (9am–1pm) – Family-friendly Saturday market.
Boo at the Zoo @ CALM (9am–4pm) 10500 Alfred Harrell Hwy. – Halloween décor, treats, and kids’ activities.
Via Arte Italian Street Painting Festival @ The Marketplace (9am–8pm) 9000 Ming Ave. – 75 local and regional artists transform the pavement into stunning works of art during this annual two-day street painting festival.
Bakersfield Fall Home Show @ Kern County Fairgrounds (10am–5pm) 1142 S P St. – Three-day home improvement & décor showcase with local vendors and builders.
Artisan Fair @ Tractor Supply Co. of Rosedale (10am–3pm) 2749 Calloway Dr. – A petting zoo will be there! Handmade goods, crafts, and food vendors.
Mira Monte Market @ 1800 S Fairfax Rd (10am–3pm) – Family market with BBQ, vendors, and a petting zoo.
Bakersfield Card Expo @ Dignity Health Arena (10am) 1001 Truxtun Ave. – Sports and trading card expo featuring collectible vendors, memorabilia, and special guests.
Halloween Costume Giveaway @ Saunders Park (11am–1pm) 3300 Palm St. – Free community costume giveaway for kids. First come, first serve while supplies last.
Not So Scary Pumpkin Painting @ Grumpy’s Brewing Co. (1pm) 4205 Resnik Ct. #3. – Family-friendly pumpkin painting; bring your own or buy one for $5.
George the Giant’s Strange Museum of Oddities & Wonders @ 314 Norris Rd (2–10pm) – Sideshow artifacts, curiosities, and vintage collections.
Tonight We Fly: A Duet Paint Party @ Corks & Strokes (2pm) 2623 F St. – Partner paint session inspired by witchy autumn vibes; bring a friend or paint solo.
Night at the Museum @ Buena Vista Museum of Natural History & Science (6–9pm) 2018 Chester Ave. – Flashlight-led tours through the museum after dark. $12 per child, $15 per adult. Reservations required.
Spooky Street Fair III @ 19th St & Chester Ave (2–10pm) – 100+ vendors, food trucks, live music, and costume contests; free admission.
Rocket League PC Tournament @ Bakersfield eSports Center (3pm) 7104 Golden State Hwy. – Competitive Rocket League matches on PC; prizes awarded to top players.
Pumpkin Carving Contest @ Jerry’s Pizza & Pub (4pm) 1817 Chester Ave. – $25 entry; limited spots; winner-take-all cash prize.
Cars and Candy @ 6916 McCutchen Rd, Suite 100 (6–9pm) – Family-friendly car meet with trunk-or-treat fun. Prizes for best car decoration and kids costume.
Night of Destruction @ Kern Raceway (gates 5pm, races 7pm) 13500 Raceway Blvd. – Enduro, Skid Plates, Jet Car burndown, and fireworks.
The Children’s Hour @ Bakersfield Community Theatre (7:30–9:30pm) 2400 S Chester Ave. – Second evening performance of the powerful stage production exploring truth, lies, and reputation.
Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors @ The Empty Space (8pm) 706 Oak St. – Second evening performance of the comedic stage adaptation.
Last Call Live @ Chuy’s Baja Grill (7pm) 8660 Rosedale Hwy. – High-energy set from local band Last Call; great food, drinks, and live patio music.
Crushed Glass Art Party @ Corks & Strokes (7pm) 2623 F St. – Create sparkling crushed-glass art with step-by-step instruction; limited seats available.
Sunday, October 19
Really Really Free Market @ Jefferson Park (9–11am) – A community exchange where everything is free to share or take. Bring what you can, take what you need. Everything is 100% free.
Corgi-Ween Fest @ Tractor Supply Co. (9am–3pm) 6710 Colony St. – Get ready for the fluffiest Halloween celebration in town! Corgi costumes, vendors, and pet-friendly fun all day long.
Via Arte Italian Street Painting Festival @ The Marketplace (9am–8pm) 9000 Ming Ave. – 75 local and regional artists transform the pavement into stunning works of art during this annual two-day street painting festival.
Haggin Oaks Farmers Market @ 8800 Ming Ave. (9am–2pm) – Large weekly market with dozens of vendors.
Bakersfield Fall Home Show @ Kern County Fairgrounds (10am–4pm) 1142 S P St. – Three-day home improvement & décor showcase with local vendors and builders.
Bakersfield Art Association Gallery @ 1607 19th St (11am–4pm) – Free and open to the public; local art on display with works available for purchase.
Haunted Harvest Floral Pressing Workshop @ The Padre Hotel (11am–3pm) 1702 18th St. – Create your own floral press while enjoying a complimentary beverage and a grazing table of seasonal bites. Tickets required; includes all materials.
Kern County Vintage Flea Halloween Market @ 1601 21st St (10am–4pm) – Vintage finds, costume contest, and live DJ.
Artisan Fair @ Tractor Supply Co. (9am–1:30pm) 2500 Rosedale Hwy. – Local vendors and crafts with an on-site petting zoo; free to attend.
Bakersfield Fall Home Show @ Kern County Fairgrounds (10am–5pm) 1142 S P St. – Final day of the expo.
Scairport Fall Fest @ Best Aviation (11am–3pm) 410 E Planz Rd. – Free family event with trunk-or-treat, raffles, car show, and food trucks.
Penny Marie Locked & Loaded Live @ Chuy’s Baja Grill (4pm) 8660 Rosedale Hwy. – Sunday patio performance; family-friendly.
To Market We Go Paint Night @ Corks & Strokes (5pm) 2623 F St. – Guided painting featuring a vintage truck and pumpkin market scene; all materials included.
Marvel Rivals PC Tournament @ Bakersfield eSports Center (5pm) 7104 Golden State Hwy. – Marvel Rivals 5v5 team brawler tournament on PC; prizes for winners.
Ovation Theatre Auditions @ 1622 19th St (4–6pm) – Open auditions for upcoming productions; all experience levels welcome.
Bakersfield Condors vs. Coachella Valley Firebirds @ Dignity Health Arena (4pm) 1001 Truxtun Ave. – Division rivals face off in an early-season showdown; family-friendly atmosphere.
Carnivore A.D. + Splatter Grasp + Trencher @ Jerry’s Pizza & Pub (doors 6pm) 1817 Chester Ave. – All-ages metal show; $10 cover.
Monday, October 20
Ovation Theatre Auditions @ 1622 19th St (6–8pm) – Second night of auditions.
Annabelle Paint Night @ Jerry’s Pizza & Pub (6:30pm) 1817 Chester Ave. – Guided horror-themed paint class; $17 cover; RSVP required.
Tuesday, October 21
National Night Out Trick-or-Treat @ Stramler Park (5–8pm) 4003 Chester Ave. – Free community event hosted by KCSO with candy, games, and food fundraisers.
Spooky Candle Holder Sip & Paint @ BottleShock (6:30pm) 1002 19th St. – Halloween-themed sip-and-paint making candle holders; wine available for purchase.
The Bride of Frankenstein Paint Night @ Jerry’s Pizza & Pub (6:30pm) 1817 Chester Ave. – Guided horror-themed paint night; $17 cover.
Wednesday, October 22
Family Game Night @ Temblor Brewing (4pm–close) 3200 Buck Owens Blvd. – Weekly board & card games for all ages.
Cornhole Tournament @ Temblor Brewing (5:30pm) 3200 Buck Owens Blvd. – Weekly cornhole competition with prizes and food specials.
Charcuterie Board Workshop @ Tlo Wines (6pm) 1212 18th St. – Hands-on workshop to build a perfect charcuterie board; supplies included; complimentary glass of wine.
Kern Dance Alliance Presents Tiler Peck: Suspending Time @ The Historic Fox Theater (6:30pm) 2001 H St. – World-renowned ballerina Tiler Peck brings her acclaimed contemporary ballet performance “Suspending Time” to Bakersfield for one night only.
Freddy vs Jason Paint Night @ Jerry’s Pizza & Pub (6:30pm) 1817 Chester Ave. – Final Halloween paint night of the week; $17 cover.
That’s it for this week.
Thanks guys. I had so much fun on this issue with the public transit and Rodeo Pro Wrestling segments, but the events section is becoming an absolute nightmare LMAO The process of finding 40-50 events, double checking for accuracy then linking all pages is taking up so much time. I love you guys though, and I hope you guys enjoy it.
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The Bakersfield Guy