Pet of the Week

Arwen

Arwen aka Stinky!

Okay, her name is technically Arwen, but nobody calls her that. She only answers to Stinky!

Stinky was discovered as a kitten hiding inside a car engine, rescued by her human companion Mel's roommate, and has been running the household ever since. This fluffy tuxedo girl loves supervised outdoor time, has flown cross-country like it's nothing, and takes her role as a couch-climbing household conversationalist very seriously.

She is, by her own family's admission, a terrible hunter. Catches bugs. Releases them and tries again.

Here she is supervising peach harvest in the backyard, looking like she owns the orchard, because in her mind, she absolutely does.

Want to submit your pet for a future Pet of the Week? Reply to this email with a photo and a little bit about them! [email protected]

Local News

First Look: Grit Valley Climbing

The corner of 19th and L Street, where Bakersfield's first modern bouldering gym is taking shape.

Got an early look at what's going into the corner of 19th and L Street downtown, and it's going to be Bakersfield's first modern bouldering gym. The building dates back to 1886 and is currently being completely gutted. Cement trucks, exposed brick, raw bones. But the vision for what's going in there is impressive.

The owner's vision is to build an amazing facility, and from what I saw, they're not cutting corners to get there. When you're standing inside, you realize just how much room there is to work with. This isn't a small operation.

The gym will feature multiple climbing walls, a Kilter Board that constantly switches up routes so every session feels fresh and challenging, a weightlifting area, and down in the basement, yoga space.

Another great business is coming downtown to add to the growing area. What an exciting time for downtown Bakersfield.

We'll keep you updated as this one progresses. Stay tuned.

The inside of the building, currently!

🎟️ Events This Week: March 13th-18th

💡 Click the event name for tickets or more info.

FRIDAY, MARCH 13
Friends of the Library Book Sale @ Beale Memorial Library (11AM–5:30PM) Large used book sale fundraiser supporting library programs.
Sportsmen’s Boat & RV Show @ Kern County Fairgrounds (12PM–8PM) Multi-day expo featuring boats, RVs, outdoor gear, and vendors.
Emotional Art Class @ Southwest Branch Library (2PM–4PM) Blue Zones Project art session exploring emotional expression through creativity.
Board Game Moai @ The Center for Sexuality & Gender Diversity (5PM–8PM) Community board game meetup focused on social connection and casual tabletop games.
Mesmerica 360 @ William M Thomas Planetarium (5:30PM) Immersive full-dome visual music experience inside the BC planetarium.
Fright Night Market @ Wall St Alley (6PM) Friday night vendor market featuring food, art, and themed vendors.
John Love Live Music @ TLO Wines (6PM–8PM) Acoustic performance during evening wine tasting hours.
Friday the 13th Comedy Showcase @ The Well Comedy Club (Doors 6PM · Show 7PM) Stand-up comedy lineup celebrating the spooky holiday.
Mesmerica 360 @ William M Thomas Planetarium (6:45PM) Immersive full-dome visual music experience inside the BC planetarium.
• Friday Night Magic @ Bakersfield Esports Center (6:30PM) Weekly Magic: The Gathering tournament for local players.
Cumbia Night w/ DJ Richie Rich & La Marcha Sound @ Chuy’s Baja Grill (7PM) Latin dance night featuring cumbia and regional hits.
Zumba Master Class @ MP Fit Studio (7PM) High-energy dance fitness class led by certified instructors.
• Fairfax Grange Social Dance @ Fairfax Grange (7PM–9PM) Community dance night featuring two-step and social dancing.
Pretty Little Sloth Paint Night @ Corks & Strokes (7PM–9PM) Guided paint-and-sip class creating a sloth-themed artwork.
The Black Jacket Symphony: Pink Floyd’s The Wall @ Fox Theater (Doors 6:30PM · Show 7:30PM) Full live recreation of Pink Floyd’s legendary album.
Midnight Ride Band @ Legends Lounge (7:30PM) High-energy cover band performing live.
Oliver! @ Bakersfield Community Theatre (7:30PM) Musical adaptation of the Charles Dickens classic.
Mesmerica 360 @ William M Thomas Planetarium (8PM) Immersive full-dome visual music experience inside the BC planetarium.
La Nuit Rouge Cabaret @ The Eligon (8PM VIP · 8:30PM GA) Theatrical cabaret show featuring burlesque and live performance.
Rooster’s Honky Tonk Friday the 13th Party @ Rooster’s Honky Tonk (8PM–11PM) Country dance night and themed party.
Shrek Rave @ The Nile Theater (9PM) Meme-inspired dance party celebrating the beloved ogre.

SATURDAY, MARCH 14
• F Street Farmers Market @ In Your Wildest Dreams parking lot (7:45AM–12PM) Weekly downtown farmers market featuring local produce and vendors.
Motorcycle Skills Competition @ The Park at River Walk (8AM) Police motorcycle officers compete in a precision riding course demonstrating balance, control, and maneuvering skills. Free public event featuring competitors from multiple law enforcement agencies.
Free Bulky Item Drop-Off Event @ 4200 Panorama Dr (8AM) City service event allowing residents to dispose of large household items.
Girls Run Bakersfield Health & Wellness 5K @ CSUB (8AM) Community run promoting wellness and healthy lifestyles.
Second Saturday @ Arts Council of Kern (9AM) Monthly downtown arts event with galleries and vendors.
Purpose at Panorama Volunteer Event @ Panorama Vista Preserve (9AM–11AM) Community volunteer day supporting habitat restoration.
• Riverlakes Farmers Market @ CHS Parking lot (9AM–1PM) Neighborhood farmers market with produce and artisan goods.
Early Spring Morning Market @ Ridgeview High School Parking Lot (10AM) Vendor market featuring food and handmade goods.
Rock & Mineral Sale @ Buena Vista Museum (10AM) Large sale of crystals and geology collectibles.
• Friends of the Library Book Sale @ Beale Memorial Library (10AM–3:30PM) Continued community book sale fundraiser.
Sportsmen’s Boat & RV Show @ Kern County Fairgrounds (10AM–8PM) Outdoor recreation expo continues with vendors and demonstrations.
Financial Wellness Moai @ 200 New Stine Rd (10AM–11AM) Community meetup discussing personal finance strategies.
Pilates in the Park @ Community Park (Shafter) (11AM) Outdoor fitness session combining movement and fresh air.
Central California Tiki Marketplace @ 1919 K St (11AM) Vendor market celebrating tiki culture and art.
BuildHER Women’s Workshop @ Tin Cup Coffee (11AM–2PM) Workshop teaching drywall basics and home improvement skills.
Second Saturday Live Music @ In Your Wildest Dreams Consignment (11AM–2PM) Live music during the monthly vintage market event.
Zebra Sculpt: Zebras & Barre @ All Seated In A Barn (1:30PM–4:30PM) Fitness and art fusion class combining sculpture and barre.
Lucky the Gnome Paint Night @ Corks & Strokes (3PM–4:30PM) St. Patrick’s themed paint-and-sip class.
Self Defense Moai @ 1201 24th St (3:30PM–4:30PM) Personal safety meetup teaching self-defense basics.
Kern County 160 @ Kevin Harvick’s Kern Raceway (4PM Gates · 6PM Opening Ceremonies · 6:30PM Race) NASCAR regional touring race event featuring late model stock cars.
Book Bag Paint Party @ Bakersfield Art Association (5PM–7PM) Creative workshop painting personalized tote bags.
Moments of Reflection Artist Reception @ nX Annex ArtHouse (5PM) Gallery reception celebrating the work of Wes Villicaña-Maas.
Mesmerica 360 @ William M Thomas Planetarium (5:30PM) Immersive visual music dome experience.
Rodeo Pro Wrestling Vendetta @ BPAL Center (Doors 6PM · Show 7PM) Local pro wrestling event featuring multiple matches.
Mesmerica 360 @ William M Thomas Planetarium (6:45PM) Immersive visual music dome experience.
Electric Elton Tribute @ Fox Theater (Doors 6:30PM · Show 7:30PM) Tribute concert celebrating the music of Elton John.
PBR: Professional Bull Riders Velocity Tour @ Dignity Health Arena (7PM) National touring professional bull riding competition bringing top riders and bulls to Bakersfield for a night of high-energy rodeo action.
Guns N Roses Tribute – Lose Your Illusion @ Bakersfield Music Hall of Fame (7PM) Tribute band performing classic GNR hits.
Nurse’s Night Out Comedy Show @ The Well Comedy Club (7PM) Comedy show celebrating healthcare workers.
Heated Rivalry Night @ The Nile Theater (9PM) Professional wrestling showcase featuring regional performers.
Boot Scootin’ Beauty Paint Night @ Corks & Strokes (7PM–9PM) Western-themed paint-and-sip class.
It’s Gonna Be Green-Go Bingo @ BottleShock Wine & Brew (7PM–9:30PM) St. Patrick’s themed bingo party.
• Boone’s Farm & HTH Live Music @ Chuy’s Baja Grill (7:30PM) Live country and rock performance.
Mesmerica 360 @ William M Thomas Planetarium (8PM) Immersive visual music dome experience.
Rooster’s Honky Tonk PBR Afterparty w/ In Kahootz @ Rooster’s Honky Tonk (8PM–11PM) Post-rodeo dance party featuring live music.
The Soda Crackers Live @ Rustic Rail Saloon (9PM–12AM) Local country band performing live.

SUNDAY, MARCH 15
• Haggin Oaks Farmers Market @ 8800 Ming Ave. (9AM–2PM) Weekly neighborhood farmers market with produce and vendors.
Really Really Free Market @ Pioneer Park (9AM) Community sharing event where everything is free.
Kern County Vintage Flea Market @ The Wall St Market (10AM–4PM) Vintage vendors selling antiques and collectibles.
Sportsmen’s Boat & RV Show @ Kern County Fairgrounds (10AM–6PM) Final day of the outdoor recreation expo.
Wind Wolves Preserve Wildflower Guided Hike @ Wind Wolves Preserve (10AM–12PM) Guided hike exploring seasonal wildflowers.
• v (11AM) Anime-themed vendor and cosplay event.
Pokemon Paint Party @ Jerrry’s Pizza. (11AM) Paint your own Pokemon!
Ms Fluff Paint Night @ Corks & Strokes (11AM–12:30PM) Guided painting class featuring a fluffy animal design.
Pop-Up Brunch Market @ Hacienda El Oasis (12PM–10PM) Brunch market with food vendors, drinks, and local sellers.
Rock & Mineral Sale @ Buena Vista Museum (12PM) Continued sale of crystals and minerals.
Oliver! @ Bakersfield Community Theatre (2PM) Matinee performance of the musical adaptation.
Karol G Bichota SZN Sip N Paint @ Ay Mi Pa Cocina de Brasas (2PM) Latin music themed paint-and-sip event.
Patio Party w/ South 40 @ Chuy’s Baja Grill (2PM) Outdoor live music and patio gathering.
Hot Off The Press. The Ninja Twins @ Jerry’s Pizza (11:30AM–2:30PM) Live music brunch event.
Rescued to Redeemed Social Event & Fundraiser @ Redemption Ranch (5PM–8PM) Charity event supporting animal rescue efforts.
The Afraid, The Gimps, Broken Luck & Understated @ Jerry’s Pizza (5:30PM) Punk rock show featuring multiple bands.

MONDAY, MARCH 16
Bakersfield Tennis Open @ Bakersfield Racquet Club (10AM) Competitive tennis tournament featuring regional players.
• Motown Mondays @ Jerry’s Pizza w/ Kev King (6PM–10PM) Live Motown music night.
Vinyl Record Craft Night @ Jerry’s Pizza (6PM) Creative craft event decorating vinyl records.
Bouquets & Bubbly: Spring Sip & Snip @ Wine Me Up (6PM–8PM) Floral arranging workshop with wine.
• Bingo & Beer @ Temblor Brewing (7PM) Weekly bingo night with drink specials.
• Dungeons & Dragons Meetup @ Bakersfield Esports Center (7PM) Weekly tabletop roleplaying group.

TUESDAY, MARCH 17
Bakersfield Tennis Open @ Bakersfield Racquet Club (10AM) Tournament play continues.
Downtown Coffee Rave @ 1623 19th St (11AM–2PM) Daytime DJ event with coffee and dancing.
Complimentary Mini Golf Promotion @ MB2 Entertainment (all day) Free mini golf promotion for guests.
Downtown Bakersfield St Patrick’s Day Bar Crawl (6PM) Self-guided downtown bar crawl celebrating St. Patrick’s Day.
• Pub Trivia @ Temblor Brewing (7PM) Weekly trivia night with prizes.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 18
Bakersfield Tennis Open @ Bakersfield Racquet Club (10AM) Final day of tournament matches.
MI Studios Grand Opening & Ribbon Cutting @ 414 21st St (10AM) Opening celebration for the new downtown studio.
• Family Game Night @ Temblor Brewing (4PM) Weekly family-friendly board game gathering.
• Cornhole Tournament @ Temblor Brewing (5:30PM) Casual cornhole competition open to players.
Durand Jones & The Indications – Flowers Tour @ Central Park at Mill Creek (5:30PM–10PM) National touring soul band performing outdoors.
• Bingo Night @ BarrelHouse Bakersfield (6PM) Weekly bingo night open to the public.
• Western Wednesdays @ Fairfax Grange (Doors 5:40PM · Lessons 6PM) Two-step dance lesson followed by social dancing.
• Emo Karaoke @ Jerry’s Pizza & Pub (7PM–Midnight) Karaoke night focused on emo and pop-punk hits.
MixxedFit Dance Fitness Class @ My Dance & Fitness Studio (7PM–8PM) High-energy dance fitness class led by Frank.
• Bingo Night + Live Music w/ Vince Galindo @ Rooster’s Honky Tonk (8PM) Weekly bingo and live music night.

That’s it for this week.

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