Local Business Spotlight

Over the years, and even before I started my newsletter, one of the things I really started enjoying was driving the downtown area and just cruising with some good music to see what was ongoing with business and businesses to come. The building that Centro Cali Brewing is in now I had the pleasure of seeing from when they acquired it and they began working to the beautiful building you see today.

The team at Centro Cali Brewing reached out to me and had me as a guest with my wife to try their new lunch menu items, and let me tell you, the transformation is incredible. The owner told me it took over two years to get the place ready. The building was rough when they started, but they didn't cut corners. Walking in now, you can see where all that time, effort and money went. The place is beautiful and feels like it has a life of its own.

They've got a party/venue room for events and just opened up their patio. Once the weather cooperates, that patio is going to be the move for some serious day drinking activities!

But here's what really sets Centro Cali apart; Everything is made from scratch. I'm talking the pizza dough, the focaccia bread for their sandwiches, the mozzarella sticks, their pasta, the beer, even the sauces. This is the only brewery in downtown Bakersfield, and they're doing it right.

I ordered the Wagyu Rosso, wagyu meatball, provolone, pomodoro sauce, and balsamic glaze on their house-made focaccia. My wife got the La Frites Focaccia with tri-tip, gruyere cheese sauce, fries, and pickled veggies. The focaccia bread alone was light, airy, perfectly chewy, and is worth talking about.

But those mozzarella sticks? Absolute scene-stealers. They're huge, golden and crispy on the outside, and when you pull them apart, the cheese stretches forever. With their house-made marinara? Chef's kiss. These alone are worth the trip downtown.

We also got the truffle fries, crispy, well-seasoned, hitting exactly how truffle fries should hit.

For drinks, I had their Golden Hour Haze IPA, which they brew in-house. It's a hazy New England-style IPA that goes down smooth without being too bitter. My wife tried the Pink Guava Margarita and the Gin Sour, both from their cocktail menu and both well-made with enough kick to matter.

Centro Cali's lunch menu runs Monday through Friday from 11am to 3pm. If you're looking for a legit lunch spot downtown with good food, solid drinks, and a space that actually feels like someone put their heart into it, this is the place.

I’m going back soon. We were so full we didn’t get to try any of the pasta, pizza and there was a lot more drinks I wanted to try as well, and they’re all made in house!

Centro Cali Brewing
716 19th St.
IG: Centro Cali Brewing
www.centrocalibewing.com

More events for this week. The summer has been jam packed with fun!

💡 Click the event name for tickets or more info.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 12

• Chess Club @ Temblor Brewing (5:00 PM) Casual weekly chess meetup open to all skill levels. Bring your own board or jump into a game.
• Cruise Night (Car Show & DJs) @ Chuy’s Baja Grill (6:00 PM) Weekly car meet featuring classic rides, custom builds, and rotating DJs. Food and drinks available inside.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 13

• Board Game Moai – Blue Zones Project @ 707 18th St. (5:00 PM – 8:00 PM) Community board game night encouraging connection and social wellness. Open to the public.
• Night Artisan Fair @ The Park at River Walk (5:00 PM – 9:00 PM) Evening vendor market featuring handmade goods, local makers, and food options.
• February Art Show 2026: Art of Flesh – Behind Closed Doors @ Bird Dog Arts Gallery (5:30 PM – 7:00 PM) 5701 Outlets at Tejon Pkwy., Suite 440, Tejon Ranch. A fine art exhibition exploring eroticism, sensuality, and the human form during the month of love. Open entry; show contains nudity and mature content.
• Fright Night Market @ Wall Street Alley & Outside Stage Fright Clothing (6:00 PM – 10:00 PM) Alternative and spooky-themed night market featuring crafts, oddities, clothing, accessories, and more. Valentine’s edition with vendors and DJ vibes in downtown’s Wall Street Alley.
• Friday Night Magic @ Bakersfield Esports Center (6:30 PM) Weekly Magic: The Gathering tournament-style play for casual and competitive players.
• Darren Carter @ The Well Comedy Club (7:00 PM) High-energy stand-up from “The Party Starter,” known for fast crowd work and improvisation.
• Ali Siddiq: In The Shadows @ The Historic Bakersfield Fox Theater (7:00 PM) Nationally touring comedian known for his long-form storytelling and viral stand-up specials.
• Valentine’s Special + Live Music @ Wine Me Up (7:00 PM – 9:00 PM · 21+) $30 bottle + flatbread deal with live music by Studio ‘O’ in an intimate setting.
• Friday Night Social Dance @ The Fairfax Grange (7:00 PM · $10) Community dance night featuring foxtrot, waltz, swing, and two-step. No partner required.
• Friday the 13th: Paint Jason’s Mask @ Jerry’s Pizza & Pub (1817 Chester Ave) (Doors 7:00 PM · $20) Friday the 13th themed event presented with Stage Fright Clothing where guests can paint their own Jason mask mold. All supplies included; reservations required.
• Misery @ Bakersfield Community Theatre (7:30 PM) Live stage production of Stephen King’s psychological thriller. Seating is limited.
• Late Night Comedy @ The Well Comedy Club (9:30 PM) Friday the 13th themed late show featuring multiple comedians and a reduced ticket price.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 14

• F Street Farmers Market @ In Your Wildest Dreams parking lot (7:45 AM – 12:00 PM) Weekly downtown farmers market with produce, baked goods, and local vendors.
• XS Muscle Free Community Workout @ XS Muscle (7:30 AM) Free high-energy group workout with a live DJ and community vibe.
• Girls Run Bakersfield group run @ 6001 lake Rd. (8AM) Weekly girls meet. All paces welcome.
• Riverlakes Farmers Market @ CHS Parking Lot (9:00 AM – 1:00 PM) Saturday farmers market featuring produce, local products, and food vendors.
• Valentine Market @ Tractor Supply (6710 Colony St) (9:00 AM – 2:00 PM) Valentine’s-themed market featuring local vendors, food, crafts, and music. A daytime pop-up perfect for picking up gifts and supporting small businesses.
• Second Saturday @ Arts Council of Kern (9:00 AM – 1:00 PM) Monthly downtown event with vendors, crafts, live activity, and family-friendly programming.
• Bako Market @ Centennial Plaza (1001 Truxtun Ave) (10:00 AM – 2:00 PM) Valentine’s weekend pop-up featuring local vendors, handmade goods, small businesses, and food options in the heart of downtown. Easy walk-up event and family friendly.
• Madness Market Pop-Up @ Toy Madness (10:00 AM – 3:00 PM) Valentine’s-themed pop-up market featuring local vendors inside Toy Madness.
• Spaghetti Lunch Fundraiser @ Bakersfield Animal Care Center (201 S. Mt. Vernon Ave) (11:00 AM – 2:00 PM · $15) Valentine’s Day spaghetti lunch benefiting the City of Bakersfield Animal Care Center. Enjoy a catered meal while supporting local shelter pets.
• Rosette Ribbon Workshop w/ Madeline Romans @ Arts Council of Kern (11:00 AM – 1:00 PM · $25) Hands-on ribbon workshop with limited seating.
• All-Ages Art Project @ Bakersfield Museum of Art (11:00 AM – 5:00 PM) Drop-in art activity open to all ages as part of Second Saturday.
• Second Saturday Market @ In Your Wildest Dreams (Daytime) Valentine-themed vendor pop-up with live music and curated small businesses.
• February Second Saturday Sale @ Junk-Atique outlet (9AM-5PM) 25–50% off select items during Second Saturday shopping hours.
• Valentine’s Day Dinner Date @ Rio Bravo Ranch (4:00 PM – 9:00 PM) 5-course chef-prepared tasting menu with optional wine pairing. Reservations recommended.
• Paint Your Partner Party @ Bakersfield Art Association (5:00 PM – 7:00 PM · $40 per couple) Guided Valentine’s paint session with snacks included.
• Southwest Market @ Independence High School Parking Lot (5:00 PM – 9:00 PM) Evening outdoor market featuring local vendors, food options, and small businesses.
• February Art Show 2026: Art of Flesh – Behind Closed Doors @ Bird Dog Arts Gallery (5:30 PM – 7:00 PM) 5701 Outlets at Tejon Pkwy., Suite 440, Tejon Ranch. A fine art exhibition exploring eroticism, sensuality, and the human form during the month of love. Open entry; show contains nudity and mature content.
• Valentine’s Date Night Drive-In @ Cherry Acres (4011 Wegis Ave) (Gates 5:00 PM · Movie 6:00 PM · $25 per car) A Valentine’s-themed drive-in movie night limited to the first 50 cars. Bring your date, tune in from your vehicle, and enjoy a cozy outdoor movie experience under the evening sky.
• Roy Rogers & The Delta Rhythm Kings @ World Records (Doors 6PM. Show 7:30PM) Live blues performance celebrating new music release.
• Love You to Death, Murder Mystery Dinner @ Buena Vista Museum(6:30 PM – 8:30 PM) Help solve the murder mystery and have dinner. Best dressed award will be happening.
• Paul Rodriguez @ The Well Comedy Club (7:00 PM) Comedy legend performing live for Valentine’s weekend.
• Love Sucks Emo Night @ Jerry’s Pizza & Pub (1817 Chester Ave) (7:00 PM · $15 Cover · All Ages) Live pop-punk, emo, and rock by Reissued for a Valentine’s-themed “Love Sucks” night. Doors at 7 PM with pre-sale tickets available.
• Misery @ Bakersfield Community Theatre (7:30 PM) Evening performance of the psychological thriller.
• Downtown Cruise Night @ Jerry’s Pizza & Pub (1817 Chester Ave) (9:00 PM – 12:00 AM · No Cover · 21+) Classic car cruise night featuring Central Roots live. Late-night downtown vibes with reggae, rides, and patio energy.
• Paul Rodriguez @ The Well Comedy Club (9:30 PM) Late-night set from the veteran comedian.
• Galentine’s Party w/ Lipstick Revolver @ Chuy’s (7:00 PM) Live band performance celebrating Valentine’s weekend with dance hits.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 15

• Haggin Oaks Farmers Market @ 8800 Ming Ave. (9:00 AM – 2:00 PM) Weekly Sunday farmers market featuring produce, crafts, and local vendors.
• Riverwalk Artisan Fair @ The Park at River Walk (9:00 AM – 2:00 PM) Sunday artisan market with handmade goods and food vendors.
• Junk Journaling Moai @ In Your Wildest Dreams (11:00 AM – 1:00 PM) Community journaling meetup focused on creativity and connection.
• Misery @ Bakersfield Community Theatre (2:00 PM) Sunday matinee showing.
• Patio Party w/ South 40 @ Chuy’s (2:00 PM) Live patio music performance to close out the weekend.
• Valentine’s Sunday: Baby Bash, Lil Rob & MC Magic @ The Historic Bakersfield Fox Theater (Doors 7PM. Show 8:00 PM) Valentine’s concert night featuring West Coast and Latin hip-hop/R&B favorites with special guest Antonio Cardenas.
• Los Hermanos Mendoza @ The NILE Theater (7:00 PM) Regional Mexican music performance presented by Monterrey Productions with special guest Jayden Secor. GA standing tickets available.

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 16

• Motown Mondays @ Jerry’s Pizza w/ Kev King (6:00 PM – 10:00 PM) Weekly Motown night featuring classic soul hits and dancing.
• Bingo & Beer @ Temblor Brewing (7:00 PM) Weekly bingo night with prizes and craft beer.
• Dungeons & Dragons Meetup @ Bakersfield Esports Center (7:00 PM) Weekly tabletop role-playing game meetup open to new and experienced players.

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 17

• Plant Bingo @ Wall Street Alley (1817 Chester Ave) (5:00 PM) A plant-themed bingo night hosted by Solie Loves Plants featuring tons of plant prizes and giveaways. Expect a fun, high-energy evening in downtown’s Wall Street Alley with greenery, games, and plenty of chances to win.
• ReMARKable Paint Party: Mardi Gras Gnome @ Chuy’s Baja Grill (8660 Rosedale Hwy) (6:00 PM – 8:30 PM · $45) Guided paint night hosted by Susan Anspach featuring a Mardi Gras–themed gnome on an 11x14 pre-traced canvas. All supplies included, no experience needed—arrive early to grab food and drinks before the class begins.
• Arvin High School Mariachi & Folklorico Showdown @ The Historic Bakersfield Fox Theater (6:00 PM) Student mariachi and folklórico showcase highlighting local talent and cultural performance. Affordable ticket pricing.
• Pub Trivia @ Temblor Brewing (7:00 PM) Weekly trivia night with rotating categories and team play.

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 18

• Audiobook Walk Moai @ Panorama Park (9:00 AM – 10:30 AM) Group walking meetup hosted by Blue Zones Project; bring headphones and listen as you walk.
• Family Game Night @ Temblor Brewing (4:00 PM) Family-friendly board games and casual hangout.
• Cornhole Tournament @ Temblor Brewing (5:30 PM) Weekly competitive cornhole tournament.
• Western Wednesdays @ The Fairfax Grange (Doors 5:40 PM · Lesson 6:00 PM) Two-step dance lessons followed by open dancing.
• Walking Moai @ The Park at River Walk (6:00 PM – 7:30 PM) Community wellness walk hosted by Blue Zones Project.
• Emo Karaoke @ Jerry’s Pizza & Pub (7:00 PM – Midnight) Weekly emo and pop-punk sing-along night.
• Bingo Night + Live Music w/ Vince Galindo @ Rooster’s Honky Tonk (8:00 PM) Bingo paired with live music in a honky-tonk setting.

Sorry I’ve been getting out so late on Thursdays. I’m trying to figure out ways to streamline things to get it out faster. Thanks for the patience and all the support!

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The Bakersfield Guy

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