Local Business Spotlight

Grandmas Tamales

If you live in or frequent the Eastside, you might have seen Grandmas Tamales. They have two locations. Firstly at 201 E California, which I believe was the original but could be wrong. The location I went to was 100 Bernard st. I don’t know why it took me so long to stop by because whenever I’d pass by during lunchtime, it is always packed!

My wife and I finally went in, and I am so glad we finally did. She got a wet burrito and I went with a plate with 3 quesabirrias.

Quite frankly I knew the place was going to be good when I walked in because I saw a Mexican Grandma making handmade tortillas, and that’s always a tell-tale LOL

We’ll be going back soon because the food was great, and the menu is vast w/ options! I really suggest everyone giving them a try if you’re a fan of authentic Mexican food.

A Look at Our City

Drone Pictures after the rain

When I saw rain in the forecast last week, I knew the views were going to be amazing once everything cleared. I went out the first day the rain stopped and got some great pictures and footage of some of the city. Check it out.

I even made a small edit of the videos I got. Check it out on my instagram or my TikTok.

🎟️ Events This Week: November 20th-26th

💡 Click the underlined event name for tickets or more info.

Note: I encourage everyone to double check official post info for accuracy! I normally review everything for accuracy but needless to say as a 1 man operation things can get by me, plus the rain can change things post publishing the newsletter.

Thursday, November 20

• Neighborhood Café Volunteer Opportunity @ First Congregational Church (4 PM–6:30 PM) 5 Real Rd – Volunteer-led community dinner supporting local residents through Blue Zones Project.
• Community Baby Shower Donation Drive @ 321 21st Street (4:45 PM–7 PM) 321 21st St – Drive-through charity event collecting baby items for families in need.
• Temblor Chess Club @ Temblor Brewing Co. (5 PM) 3200 Buck Owens Blvd – Weekly chess meetup open to beginners and experienced players.
• Digimon TCG Tournament @ Bakersfield eSports Center (6 PM) 7104 Golden State Hwy – Weekly Digimon card game tournament for all skill levels.
• ’night, Mother @ Bakersfield College – Edward Simonsen Black Box Theater (7:30 PM) 1801 Panorama Dr – Pulitzer-winning drama performed in an intimate theater setting.
• Megyn Kelly Live ft. Charlie Sheen @ Dignity Health Arena (7:30 PM) 1001 Truxtun Ave – National speaking event featuring Megyn Kelly with special guest Charlie Sheen. One-night stop in Bakersfield as part of Kelly’s live tour.

Friday, November 21

• CAPK Emergency Blue Boxes Volunteer Event @ CAPK Food Bank (7:45 AM–11 AM) 1807 Feliz Dr – Assemble emergency food boxes for local families in need.
• The Campus Thanksgiving Market @ Campus Vendors Market (5:30 PM–9:30 PM) 912 New Stine Rd – Holiday marketplace with small vendors, crafts, desserts, and games.
• Fright Night Market @ Downtown Bakersfield (6 PM–10 PM) 1438 19th St – Spooky vendor market with alternative shops, food, lights, and all-ages fun.
• Dinner & Live Music ft. Roger Martin @ Rio Bravo Country Club (6–9 PM, Friday) 15200 Casa Club Dr – Live country and folk performance paired with full dinner service and scenic foothill views.
• Friday Night Magic @ Bakersfield eSports Center (6:30 PM) 7104 Golden State Hwy – Weekly Magic: The Gathering card event for casual and competitive players.
• Boone’s Farm & Honky Tonk Heat @ Chuy’s Baja Grill (7 PM) 8660 Rosedale Hwy – 90s country concert on the patio; all ages and no cover.
• Crushed Glass Art Party @ Corks & Strokes (7 PM–9 PM) 2623 F St Suite M – Create shimmering glass artwork in a guided workshop.
• “Mary Poppins” @ Ovation Theatre (7:30 PM) 1622 19th St – A beloved musical classic brought to life by Spotlight Academy of the Arts. Magical songs, charming choreography, and a family-friendly story that’s practically perfect in every way.
• Once Upon a One More Time (Musical) @ Spotlight Academy of the Arts (7 PM) 5415 Woodmere Dr – Fairytale pop-musical performed by Spotlight Academy.
• ’night, Mother @ Bakersfield College – Edward Simonsen Black Box Theater (7:30 PM) 1801 Panorama Dr – Intimate dramatic performance exploring family tension.

Saturday, November 22

• 13th Annual Firefighters Fishing Derby @ The Park at River Walk (6 AM–12 PM) 11200 Stockdale Hwy – Community fishing derby stocked with over 1,000 lbs of trout. Pancake breakfast runs from 6–8 AM, with the derby continuing until noon. Family-friendly event with prizes and activities.
• Free Community Full Body Pump Workout @ XS Muscle (7:30 AM) 7850 White Ln Suite J – High-energy group workout open to all skill levels.
• F Street Farmers Market @ In Your Dreams parking lot (7:45 AM–12 PM, Saturdays)– Long-running downtown farmers market featuring farm-fresh fruits and vegetables, specialty foods, and local artisans.
• Girls Run Bakersfield Club Run @ Hart Park (8 AM) – “Run first, brunch later.” Community run followed by a potluck-style brunch where everyone brings coffee, fruit, pastries, or something to share.
• Riverlakes Farmers Market @ Centennial High School (9 AM–1 PM) 8200 Patton Way– Neighborhood market offering fresh produce, local honey, hot food, and handmade goods.
• Cozy Pajama Market @ Tractor Supply (9 AM–2 PM) 6710 Colony St – A cozy themed market with local vendors, warm drinks, handmade goods, and a family-friendly atmosphere. Pajamas encouraged for a fun, relaxed shopping vibe.
• Bakersfield Comic Con @ Kern County Fairgrounds (10 AM) 1142 S P St – Two-day pop culture convention featuring celebrity guests, artists, comics, toys, cosplay, and over 100 vendors. Doors open at 10 AM both days with panels and signings throughout the event.
• You Grow Girl DIY Planter Box Workshop @ Three Door Studios (10 AM–12:30 PM) 2024 20th St – Hands-on woodworking workshop where you build and decorate your own planter box. All materials included; great for beginners and plant lovers.
• Kern Corgi Club Turkey Trot @ The Park at River Walk (Meet 10:30 AM, Trot at 11 AM) 11298 Stockdale Hwy – Annual corgi community trot with a fun, easy walk around River Walk. Meet at 10:30 AM for photos and greetings; trot begins at 11 AM. Family-friendly and all breeds welcome.
• Bee Volks Anniversary Show & Shine @ Hart Park (11 AM–4 PM) – VW car meet with raffles, trophies, BBQ, and family-friendly fun.
• EMO Friendsgiving Paint Party @ Jerry’s Pizza & Pub (Doors 12 PM) 1817 Chester Ave – Emo-themed paint event; $15 cover.
• ’night, Mother (Matinee) @ Bakersfield College – Edward Simonsen Black Box Theater (2 PM) 1801 Panorama Dr – Afternoon staging of the emotional drama.
• Weenie Thanksgiving Paw-ty @ Hart Park (2 PM) 9000 Alfred Harrell Hwy – Dachshund meetup and Thanksgiving-themed dog social with snacks, playtime, and group photos. All friendly breeds welcome to join the fun.
• Holiday Gnome Paint Class @ Corks & Strokes (3 PM–4:30 PM) 2623 F St Suite M – Seasonal gnome painting workshop.
• Ethel’s Line Dancing Night @ Ethel’s Event Center (3:30 PM–7:30 PM) 4310 Alfred Harrell Hwy – Outdoor line dancing for all levels.
• Princess Night: Condors vs. Reign @ Dignity Health Arena (5 PM party, 7 PM game) 1001 Truxtun Ave – Special themed night with princess activities, photos, crafts, and a pre-game party included with the Princess Pack. Game starts at 7 PM.
• Donate to Skate @ Valley Children’s Ice Center (5 PM–7 PM) 1325 Q St – Free ice skating session with a donation of one shelf-stable food item; proceeds benefit Golden Empire Gleaners.
• Southwest Market @ Independence High School Parking Lot (5 PM–9 PM) 8001 Old River Rd – Evening community market with local vendors, food, desserts, handmade crafts, and family-friendly shopping. Pop-up style event with a relaxed weekend atmosphere.
• Dinner & Live Music ft. Joei Strader @ Rio Bravo Country Club (6–9 PM, Saturday) 15200 Casa Club Dr – Acoustic singer-songwriter set during dinner with a relaxed, cozy atmosphere.
• Prancing Into Christmas @ Corks & Strokes (7 PM–9 PM) 2623 F St Suite M – Festive holiday painting class.
• Starcrawler Live @ Jerry’s Pizza & Pub (Doors 7 PM) 1817 Chester Ave – Touring rock band in the Jerry’s basement venue; $23 cover.
• Teddy & The Tex Pistols @ Chuy’s Baja Grill (7 PM–11 PM) 8660 Rosedale Hwy – High-energy patio show; no cover, all ages.
• Once Upon a One More Time (Musical) @ Spotlight Academy of the Arts (7 PM) 5415 Woodmere Dr – Fairytale pop-musical performed by Spotlight Academy.
• ’night, Mother (Evening) @ Bakersfield College – Edward Simonsen Black Box Theater (7:30 PM) 1801 Panorama Dr – Final Saturday performance.
• “Mary Poppins” @ Ovation Theatre (7:30 PM) 1622 19th St – A beloved musical classic brought to life by Spotlight Academy of the Arts. Magical songs, charming choreography, and a family-friendly story that’s practically perfect in every way.

Sunday, November 23

• Riverwalk Artisan Fair @ The Park at Riverwalk (8 AM–2 PM) 11298 Stockdale Hwy – Outdoor artisan market featuring handmade goods and local creators.
• Haggin Oaks Farmers Market @ Haggin Oaks Shopping Center (9 AM–2 PM) 8800 Ming Ave – Weekly outdoor market with local produce, food vendors, baked goods, flowers, and small makers. Family-friendly and dog-friendly.
• Cozy Pajama Market @ Tractor Supply (9 AM–2 PM) 6710 Colony St – A cozy themed market with local vendors, warm drinks, handmade goods, and a family-friendly atmosphere. Pajamas encouraged for a fun, relaxed shopping vibe.
• Wilderness Trail Backcountry Challenge Hike @ Wind Wolves Preserve (9:30 AM–1:30 PM) 16019 Maricopa Hwy – Guided 3-mile hike through rugged terrain; reservations required.
• Bakersfield Comic Con @ Kern County Fairgrounds (10 AM) 1142 S P St – Two-day pop culture convention featuring celebrity guests, artists, comics, toys, cosplay, and over 100 vendors. Doors open at 10 AM both days with panels and signings throughout the event.
• Kern County Vintage Flea @ 1601 21st Street (10 AM–4 PM) 1601 21st St – Rescheduled vintage flea market featuring antiques, collectibles, clothing, home goods, and local vendors. Free entry; donate a canned good for raffle tickets.
• Junk Journaling Moai @ In Your Wildest Dreams (11 AM–1 PM) 2819 F St – Creative journaling meetup with shared supplies and prompts.
• Holly Jolly Christmas Paint Class @ Corks & Strokes (11 AM–12:30 PM) 2623 F St Suite M – Family-friendly holiday painting session.
• Morning Drive @ Jerry’s Pizza & Pub (Doors 11 AM) 1817 Chester Ave – Daytime live music.
• Audiobook Walking Club @ The Park at River Walk (12:30 PM) 11298 Stockdale Hwy – A relaxed community walk while listening to an audiobook together. Great way to move, meet people, and enjoy the park.
• Parasite Taste Memorial Show @ Jerry’s Pizza & Pub (Doors 12:30 PM) 1817 Chester Ave – Free memorial concert; donations welcome.
• Mary Poppins (Matinee) @ Ovation Repertory Theatre (2 PM) 1622 19th St – Family musical performance.
• Once Upon a One More Time (Musical) @ Spotlight Academy of the Arts (7 PM) 5415 Woodmere Dr – Fairytale pop-musical performed by Spotlight Academy.
• Amarin Productions Metal Show @ Jerry’s Pizza & Pub (Doors 6 PM) 1817 Chester Ave – Multi-band metal showcase; $10 cover.

Monday, November 24

• Thanksgiving Baseball Camp @ Bakersfield Baseball Academy (9 AM–12 PM, Nov 24–26) 7524 Calloway Dr – Three-day youth baseball camp for ages 6–13 focused on fundamentals, drills, and skill development. Daily sessions run from 9 AM to noon.
• D&D Meetup @ Bakersfield eSports Center (7 PM) 7104 Golden State Hwy – Weekly Dungeons & Dragons campaign open to all players.
• Cults & Classics: The Crow (1994) @ Bakersfield Fox Theater (7 PM) 2001 H St – Screening of the cult-classic gothic action film. Tickets around $5.

Tuesday, November 25

• Bakersfield Cactus Planting Volunteer Day @ Wind Wolves Preserve (9 AM–12:30 PM) 16019 Maricopa Hwy – Volunteer planting day supporting endangered cactus restoration.
• Thanksgiving Baseball Camp @ Bakersfield Baseball Academy (9 AM–12 PM, Nov 24–26) 7524 Calloway Dr – Three-day youth baseball camp for ages 6–13 focused on fundamentals, drills, and skill development. Daily sessions run from 9 AM to noon.
• Jason Leffler Memorial + USAC National Midgets @ Kevin Harvick’s Kern Raceway (Gates 4 PM, Cars on Track 5 PM) 13500 Raceway Blvd – National racing event with a $10,000 prize; includes CA Lightning Sprints.
• Trans-Siberian Orchestra: The Ghosts of Christmas Eve @ Dignity Health Arena (7 PM) 1001 Truxtun Ave – The legendary holiday rock-opera returns with lasers, pyrotechnics, and a full symphonic rock performance. One-night only show on the national winter tour.

Wednesday, November 26

• Thanksgiving Baseball Camp @ Bakersfield Baseball Academy (9 AM–12 PM, Nov 24–26) 7524 Calloway Dr – Three-day youth baseball camp for ages 6–13 focused on fundamentals, drills, and skill development. Daily sessions run from 9 AM to noon.
• Live Well, Give Well Volunteer Meal @ 712 17th Street (12 PM–3 PM) 712 17th St – Community meal serving individuals experiencing homelessness. Volunteers welcome to help prep, serve, and support.
• Family Game Night @ Temblor Brewing (4 PM) 3200 Buck Owens Blvd – Weekly Wednesday game night with board games, cards, and family-friendly fun.
• Cornhole Tournament @ Temblor Brewing (5:30 PM) 3200 Buck Owens Blvd – Wednesday cornhole tourney with casual competition, prizes, and great brewery vibes.
• Blackout Wednesday @ Jerry’s Pizza & Pub (Doors 7 PM) 1817 Chester Ave – DJ DOS MUCHOZ hosts a Thanksgiving-eve party in the basement bar. 21+ and no cover.
• Basque Bar Crawl @ Pyrenees Café & Downtown Basque Bars (Evening, Wednesday before Thanksgiving) 601 Sumner St – Annual pre-Thanksgiving tradition where crowds move through multiple Basque bars including Pyrenees Café. A busy local nightlife event known for packed bars, music, and social energy lasting late into the night.

That’s it for this week.

Thank for always supporting guys. You are all awesome, and I’m happy to have you guys building something with me.

📲 Follow The Bakersfield Guy on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and YouTube to stay connected between issues.

➡️ Know someone who’d love this? Forward it to a friend or tag them on one of my latest posts.

📩 Got an event, business, or rumor I should feature? Hit reply or email me at [email protected].

The Bakersfield Guy

[email protected].