Local Business Spotlight

Taqueria Y Birrieria El Guero

If you follow me on socials you’ve seen I started a new series called Good Food in Dangerous Places. After my first episode I got a lot of suggestions. One I got a few times was Tacos El Guero on 29 s King St.

I’m glad I finally went and tried them because they’re a delicious, classic Mexican taco stand! They have any kind of meat you’d want for these type of street tacos; asada, chicken, birrieria, lengua, and more!

The owner told me he has been running his taco stand for over a decade! While I was there I talked to a customer that had driven all the way out to s King St from Wasco, and someone else that had driven from the SW of Bakersfield. That goes to show how good and flavorful the tacos are!

Make sure to go give them a try sometime while you’re in the Brundage/58/Union area. Again they’re at 29 s King St, and they’re open daily from 5PM-12AM with extended hours Friday and Saturday all the way to 1AM.

Here’s their Instagram and TikTok 

Local Creator Spotlight

The Soda Crackers & Their Album Release Party

A few days ago I got an email about a local band. A family member of theirs sent me an email telling me a little about them and how they are gearing up to have an album release party for their new project. I had never heard of the band so I proceeded to look them up.

Upon listening to a couple songs, I realized that they are in fact a product of the Bakersfield Sound and that they’re keeping the sub genre that was popularized in our own city by Buck Owens and company alive!

If you or someone you know is a fan of the Bakersfield Sound, I highly recommend going to their album release party. A great show at a great price.

I looked up the venue and had no idea the building was such a venue! The inside looks like a great place to host a small, intimate concert.

Let’s please go out and show our local band keeping the Bakersfield Sound alive a lot of love and have a great time at their show!

PSA the show has two showtimes. Both Saturday. One at 2pm and another at 8pm! The show will also include Emily Rose and The Rounders. Dancer lessons will be free at the show! $15 through Saturday and it goes up to $20 at the door!

Follow them on instagram. Here’s their link tree as well. They have a YouTube page and merchandise linked as well. Here’s also a review that was published on their new album

🎟️ Events This Week: December 11th-17th

Christmas time is in full swing. Just a ridiculous amount of things to do

💡 Click the event name for tickets or more info.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11

• Temblor Chess Club @ Temblor Brewing Co. (5pm) 3200 Buck Owens Blvd – Weekly open chess meetup for all skill levels.
• Wreck the Halls @ 501 18th St (5pm–8pm) – Holiday pop-punk event with vendors, raffles and emo Santa.
• Digimon TCG @ Bakersfield Esports Center (6pm) 7104 Golden State Hwy – Weekly Digimon card game meetup.
• Cruise Night @ Chuy’s Baja Grill (6pm) 8660 Rosedale Hwy – Weekly car meet with classic cars and trucks.
• Matilda the Musical Auditions @ The Empty Space (6pm–9pm) 5417 Woodmere Dr – Auditions for adult roles in the 2026 production.
• CSUB Men’s Basketball vs North Dakota State @ Icardo Center (6:30pm) 9001 Stockdale Hwy – Roadrunners home game.
• Christmas With The Cranktones @ Temblor Brewing Co. (7pm–10pm) – Holiday show benefiting Kern County Cancer Foundation.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 12

• Fiesta Night Market @ 5301 White Lane (5pm–9pm) – Evening holiday market with food, vendors and entertainment.
• Campus Vendor Holiday Market @ 912 New Stine Rd (5:30pm–9:30pm) – Crafts, handmade goods and small businesses.
• Fright Night Market @ Stage Fright Clothing (6pm–10pm) – Holiday oddities and vendor night.
• Miracle on 19th Street Toy Drive Show @ Jerry’s Pizza (6pm) – Music show; toy donation encouraged.
• Jingle Bell Jukebox @ Bakersfield Community Theatre (6pm) 2400 S Chester Ave – Youth holiday performance.
• Ugly Sweater Party & Karaoke @ Grumpy’s (6pm) – Karaoke and sweater contest.
• Jingle Bell Jukebox @ Bakersfield Community Theatre (6pm) 2400 S Chester Ave – A festive holiday jukebox-style show featuring classic Christmas hits performed live.
• Friday Night Magic @ Bakersfield Esports Center (6:30pm) 7104 Golden State Hwy – Weekly Magic: The Gathering Commander event for all skill levels. Bring your own deck or borrow one; small entry fee required.
• Joys of Winter Paint Night @ Corks & Strokes (7pm–9pm) 2623 F St – Guided winter paint class.
• Angels Roost (Live Music) @ Chuy’s Baja Grill Rosedale (7pm–11pm) – Rock and country covers.
• The Nutcracker @ Dignity Health Theater (7:30pm) 1001 Truxtun Ave – Holiday ballet performance.
• Scott Bradlee’s Postmodern Jukebox Holiday Show @ Fox Theater (8pm) 2001 H St – Vintage holiday concert.
• A Christmas Carol @ The Empty Space (8pm–10pm) 5417 Woodmere Dr – Live stage performance..

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 13

• F Street Farmers Market @ In Your Wildest Dreams Parking Lot (7:45am–12pm) – Weekly downtown farmers market.
• Free Bulky Item Drop-Off @ 15050 Stockdale Hwy (8am–12pm) – City bulky item disposal day.
• Girls Run B Ugly Sweater Sprint @ Bakersfield Sports Village (8am) 9001 Ashe Rd – Holiday run/walk event.
• Riverlakes Farmers Market @ Centennial High School parking lot (9am–1pm) – Weekly southwest farmers market.
• Christmas Market @ Tractor Supply (9am–2pm) 6710 Colony St – Petting zoo, crafts, food and Santa.
• Paleo Workshop @ Buena Vista Museum (9am–3pm) 2018 Chester Ave – Hands-on paleontology workshop.
• Sweet Peas Holiday Pop-Up @ In Your Wildest Dreams (9am–1pm) 2819 F St – Gluten-free and vegan baked goods.
• Santa’s Second Saturday @ Arts Council of Kern (9am–5pm) – Local handcrafted gifts, shopping and holiday art.
• Wilderness Trail Backcountry Challenge @ Wind Wolves Preserve (9:30am–1:30pm) – Guided 3-mile hike along the El Camino Viejo Wilderness Trail, featuring rugged backcountry terrain and expert staff leading the route. Recommended for ages 13+; reservations required and space is limited.
• Neighborhood Christmas Parade @ N. Chester Ave (10am) – Award-winning NOR Christmas Parade featuring floats, performances, and family-friendly holiday fun. Free to attend.
• Read & Roots Market @ Jerry’s Pizza & Pub (10am–2pm) 1817 Chester Ave – A cozy winter market featuring books, plants, local vendors, food and hot cocoa. Presented by Jerry’s Pizza & Pub.
• Toy Madness Pop-Up Market @ 2720 Calloway Dr (10am–3pm) – Toys, vendors and collectibles.
• Family Day @ Bakersfield Museum of Art (10am–4pm) 1930 R St – Second Saturday family programming including all-ages art projects, Kern County Library storytime at 10:30–11am, and exhibit tours at 1–2pm.
• Holiday Fun Day Pot Luck @ Bakersfield Art Association (10:30am–3pm) 1607 19th St – Potluck party at 10:30am, free ornament painting 1–3pm and local art shopping.
• RAM’s 3rd Annual Art Market @ 614 Kentucky St (11am–5pm) – Local artists, vinyl DJs, drinks and handmade goods.
• Photos with Santa @ Cherry Acres (11am–2pm) 4011 Wegis Ave – Santa photos; $25 includes 3 digital images.
• Palestine Culture Fest @ 4901 Stockdale Hwy (11am–5pm) – Art, food, vendors and cultural exhibits.
• Pickleball & Matcha @ Location shared after ticket purchase (11:30am) – Fun morning of pickleball and matcha with paddles provided. Open to all skill levels; $30 per ticket; dress code pink, green, or white. Saturday, December 13th.
• Cinema With Santa: How the Grinch Stole Christmas @ Outlets at Tejon (doors 10:30am, movie 11:30am) – Movie, activities and Santa meet-and-greet.
• Photowalking Moai Meetup @ Lake Ming (12pm–1:30pm) – 13375 Lake Ming Rd. Photography community walk.
• Holiday Sip & Shop (Live music as well) @ TLO Wines (12pm–5pm) 1212 18th St – Sixth annual holiday market featuring live music, wine, food and over 20 local vendors in the tasting room and parking lot.
• Galsmas @ Jerry’s Pizza & Pub (12pm) 1817 Chester Ave – Holiday craft event where you paint a pre-built mini Christmas house using provided supplies (glitter, mini wreaths, mini trees, textures & more). $17 cover.
• TJ Storm Actor Signing @ Toy Madness (12pm–5pm) 2720 Calloway Dr – Meet the actor behind Godzilla, Red Hulk Colossus in Deadpool, Iron Man in Captain America Civil War and more. autographs and photos.
• The Nutcracker @ Dignity Health Theater (1pm) – Matinee show.
• Holiday Ornament Painting Session @ Bakersfield Art Association (1pm–3pm) 1607 19th St – Free, all-ages ornament-painting afternoon hosted by Wendy & Raji. Materials provided; create your own handmade holiday ornament in a relaxed, creative environment. Saturday, December 13th.
• Jingle Bell Jukebox @ Bakersfield Community Theatre (Sat 2pm) 2400 S Chester Ave – Matinee performance of the holiday jukebox show featuring live Christmas music for all ages.
• Rancho Round-Up by the Soda Crackers @ Fairfax Grange 570 (2pm & 8pm) – Country swing dance event with DJs. The Soda Crackers released debut album, Emily Rose and the Rounders, and dance lessons!
• Festive Penguin Paint Class @ Corks & Strokes (4pm–5:30pm) – Guided painting session.
• Feliz Skavidad ft. Mento Buru @ Temblor Brewing Co. (doors 5pm, music 6pm) – Holiday ska concert with sweater contest. $5.
• Night Artisan Fair @ The Park at River Walk (5pm–9pm) – Vendors and food trucks.
• Southwest Christmas Market @ Independence High School (5pm–9pm) 8001 Old River Rd – Holiday shopping, vendors and Santa photos.
• Christmas in the Alley @ Jerry’s Pizza (6pm–9pm) 1817 Chester Ave – Free event with vendors, food, Santa and ornament painting.
• Jingle Bell Jukebox @ Bakersfield Community Theatre (Sat 6pm) 2400 S Chester Ave – Evening performance of the holiday jukebox show with classic Christmas songs performed live.
• Teddy Bear Toss CSUB Men’s Basketball vs Pepperdine @ Icardo Center (6:30pm) – Home matchup with a teddy bear toss.
• 420 Glowing Paint Night @ BottleShock Wine & Brew (7pm)
1002 19th St – Paint under black lights using neon paints with a pre-drawn canvas of your choice. Includes a complimentary party favor from Mary Jane’s Express to “spark creativity” and a glass of wine. Food and desserts available for purchase from Zepeda’s Fire Stone Pizza. Saturday, December 13th.
• The Nutcracker @ Dignity Health Theater (7:30pm) – Evening show.
• Skate With Santa @ Skateland (7:30pm–11pm) – Skate night with Santa.
• A Christmas Carol @ The Empty Space (8pm–10pm) – Evening performance.
• Rancho Round-Up by the Soda Crackers @ Fairfax Grange 570 (2pm & 8pm) – Country swing dance event with DJs. The Soda Crackers released debut album, Emily Rose and the Rounders, and dance lessons!
• Taylor Swift Night @ Rooster’s Honky Tonk (9pm) – DJ Durk spinning Taylor Swift hits all night with dance-floor anthems, glittery shooter cocktails, a Taylor look-alike contest, best breakup story contest, singalongs, and a friendship-bracelet swap. 21+. Saturday, December 13th.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 14

• Riverwalk Artisan Fair @ The Park at River Walk (8am–2pm) – Sunday artisan market.
• Christmas Pajama Market @ Tractor Supply (9am–2pm) 6710 Colony St– Petting zoo, food, vendors; PJs encouraged.
• Haggin Oaks Farmers Market @ 8800 Ming Ave (9am–2pm) – Weekly Sunday market.
• Kern County C10 Crew Toy Drive @ Beach Park (10am, cruise at 2:30pm) 3400 21st St – Annual holiday meetup featuring classic trucks from the C10 and OBS crews. Bring a toy to donate; gathering starts at 10am with a community cruise rolling out at 2:30pm.
• Little Makers Ornament Workshop @ Three Door Studios (10am–11:30am) – Holiday crafting workshop where kids (ages 4+) and an adult create confetti snow globe ornaments together. All materials included. $40 for one mini + adult.
• Holiday Pop-Up Bookshop @ Dagny’s Coffee Shop (10am–4pm) 1600 20th St #3902 – Holiday-themed pop-up by The Index Bookshop with books, gifts, and seasonal finds. Perfect for last-minute holiday shopping.
• Villas at Scenic River Holiday Craft Show @ 4015 Scenic River Ln (10am–3pm) – Indoor holiday boutique event.
• Kern County Vintage Flea @ The Eligon (11am–5pm) 307 E 21st st – Christmas at the Elgion! Vintage goods and holiday shopping.
• Meet Santa @ Legends Event Center (12pm–2pm) – Free Santa meet-and-greet.
• Girlsmas Boots n’ Brunch @ For the Girls 661 (12pm)– Holiday-themed brunch event with brunch bites, a festive mimosa bar, and fun games for the girls. Boots required. $25 fee. RSVP @forthegirls661.
• Last Call (Live Music) @ Ethel’s Old Corral (1pm–5pm) – Sunday live music set.
• The Nutcracker @ Dignity Health Theater (1pm) – Holiday ballet.
• A Christmas Carol @ The Empty Space (2pm–4pm) – Matinee show.
• Bakersfield Blades Holiday Show @ Dignity Health Arena (3pm) – Winter skating showcase.
• Silent Night Paint Class @ Corks & Strokes (5pm–6:30pm) – Holiday paint night.
• Nightmare Before Christmas Paint Night @ Jerry’s Pizza (6pm) – All-ages paint event.
• The Night Before Christmas Paint Night @ Jerry’s Pizza & Pub (6pm) 1817 Chester Ave – All-ages paint night featuring a Nightmare Before Christmas–themed design. $15 cover; paint supplies provided. Text 661-932-1492 to RSVP.
• A Drag Queen Christmas @ Bakersfield Fox Theater (7:30pm) 2001 H St – A big holiday drag spectacular hosted by Nina West, featuring touring performers from across the country. Ages 18+.

MONDAY, DECEMBER 15

• Rocket Fizz Grand Opening & Ribbon Cutting (5:30pm) 8200 Stockdale Hwy – Free tastings, music and giveaways.
• The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus @ The Nile Theater (6:30pm) 1721 19th St – The emo/post-hardcore legends return to Bakersfield with openers Nothing More and Talon Reid. Standing GA available; doors open at 6:30pm.
• D&D Meetup @ Bakersfield Esports Center (7pm) – Weekly Dungeons & Dragons session.

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 16

• CSUB Women’s Basketball vs Cal State East Bay @ Icardo Center (11am) – Morning matchup.
• Pub Trivia: Alcohol Brands @ Temblor Brewing Co. (7pm) – Weekly themed trivia.
• Christmas Jeopardy (21+) @ Jerry’s Basement (TBD) 1817 Chester Ave – Holiday Jeopardy night; $10 cover.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 17

• Family Game Night @ Temblor Brewing Co. (4pm) – Weekly family board games.
• Cornhole Tournament @ Temblor Brewing Co. (5:30pm) – Weekly cornhole event.
• Wine Bottle Paint & Sip @ Wine Me Up (6pm–8pm) – Holiday bottle painting event.
• Holiday Movie Night: Home Alone @ BottleShock Wine & Brew (6:30pm) 1002 19th St – Cozy outdoor movie night featuring the holiday classic Home Alone. Drinks and snacks available for purchase. Wednesday, December 17th.
• Bakersfield Condors vs Ontario Reign @ Mechanics Bank Arena (6:30pm) – AHL matchup.
• Agapeland Christmas Show: RAP-TURED @ Fox Theater (6:30pm) – Student holiday performance.
• EMO X-Mas Karaoke (21+) @ Jerry’s Basement (8pm–12am) – Emo Christmas karaoke and ugly sweater contest.

That’s it for this week.

Christmas SZN is in full swing! Sorry for the lack of history segments, but it’s really, really hard to squeeze those in between work and the lengthy list of events. It will be back soon!

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The Bakersfield Guy

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