CALM Zoo needs our help

Bakersfield’s California Living Museum (CALM Zoo) is at a critical moment, and they’re asking the community for help.

CALM is a place Kern County residents have seen grow over the years. From school field trips to family visits, it’s become a staple for education, conservation, and local wildlife.

Right now, a signature effort is underway that could determine its future. These signatures don’t immediately change funding or make a final decision. What they do is allow the issue to be placed on a future ballot, giving the community the opportunity to vote and decide what that future should look like.

If enough signature happens, I’ll break down exactly what it will look like once we have numbers so you can decide for yourself what to vote for.

There’s a limited window to collect signatures, so if this is something you care about, take a moment to sign and be part of the process. You can view the link right here and sign!

In The City

Condor fans!

The Bakersfield Condors are headed to the 2026 Calder Cup Playoffs and will face the Coachella Valley Firebirds in Round One. Game 1 is set for Thursday, April 23 at 7PM at Dignity Health Arena.

This is a matchup that’s been building all season. Bakersfield has had the edge in the regular season series, but expect Coachella Valley to come in ready.

If you want to go support our local Condors, the time is now! Get tickets here. There rest of the series heads to Coachella, so it could possibly be the last opportunity of the season.

Thursday. 7PM. Dignity Health Arena.

Kern River flows are expected to return through Bakersfield again this summer, bringing a seasonal stretch of visible water back to parts of the Kern River, especially around areas like Beach Park.

The amount and timing will depend on snowpack runoff and upstream water management, but early projections suggest we could see consistent flows during peak melt months.

I for one am excited. I’ve already seen a lot of locals saying the same thing. It’s one of those things a lot of us grew up around, and when it’s flowing, it completely changes the feel of the city.

Fun fact: As I kid I went in there River by Beach Park, and nearly drowned lol Thank you to my cousin for saving my life. He grabbed me, dragged me to where I could stand, and said nothing and continued to swim… Good times.

We’ll keep an eye on when flows actually start, but this is shaping up to be something worth looking forward to this summer.

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

If event is marked w/ a highlighted blue, it’s a recurring event that happens weekly.

• Chess Club @ Temblor Brewing Company (5PM) Weekly casual chess meetup open to all skill levels with food and drinks available.
• Cruise Night @ Chuy’s Baja Grill (6PM) Weekly car show-style meetup with music, cars, and a steady evening crowd.
• Melvins Live @ Temblor Brewing Company (7PM) Legendary heavy rock band performing live in an intimate venue.
• Bakersfield Condors vs Coachella Valley Firebirds @ Dignity Health Arena (7PM) Round 1 playoff opener bringing high-energy hockey to Bakersfield.
• Open Mic Comedy Night @ The Well Comedy Club (7PM) Free comedy night where local comics test material with sign-ups starting at 6PM.
• Supervolcanoes @ Bakersfield College Planetarium (7:30PM) Immersive dome show exploring the science behind massive volcanic eruptions.
• Julius Caesar @ The Empty Space (7:30PM) Live stage performance of Shakespeare’s political drama in an intimate theatre setting.
• Gary Owen Comedy Show @ Fox Theater (8PM) Stand-up performance from a nationally touring comedian with doors at 7PM.

• Choice Base Food Program @ 712 17th St (1PM–3PM) Free community food distribution with additional services like showers available while supplies last.
• Tee Off for Education Golf Tournament @ Sundale Country Club(7AM) Charity golf event supporting North Bakersfield high school students with team and individual participation.
• Evening Hike @ Tejon Ranch (4:30PM–7PM) Guided scenic hike with wildlife spotting and a sunset finish over the reservoir.
• Carnival Festival @ Rehabilitation Center (5:30PM) Family-friendly event with food, music, games, and a petting zoo.
• Fast Fridays @ Famoso Dragstrip (6PM–10PM) Open drag racing night featuring street cars, burnouts, and a spectator-friendly atmosphere.
• Karaoke Night @ King Leo’s Pizza w/ $7.99 pitchers of beer (6PM–9PM) Casual karaoke night with a family-friendly vibe and food available.
• DIY Clip & Tote Bag Workshop @ 18th St Collections (6PM–8PM) Hands-on craft workshop designing your own tote bag and accessories with materials included.
• Tomi Tom Show @ Temblor Brewing Company (6PM) Live local music performance in a relaxed brewery setting.
• Friday Night Magic @ Bakersfield Esports Center (6:30PM) Weekly card tournament with a strong local community and competitive play.
• Prickly Paradise Paint Night @ Corks & Strokes (7PM–9PM) Guided painting class with a desert-themed canvas open to all skill levels.
• DreamWorks The Prince of Egypt @ Ovation Theatre (7:30PM) Opening weekend of the large-scale musical based on the DreamWorks film.
• Julius Caesar @ The Empty Space (7:30PM) Evening showing of the theatre production.
• Chasing Manet @ Bakersfield Community Theatre (7:30PM) Local stage production centered around art and identity.
• Keep CALM Jamboree ft. Yächtley Crëw @ CALM Zoo (5:30PM gates, 7:30PM show) Annual fundraiser concert with food, drinks, and live yacht rock.
• Prairie Fire Rooftop Event @ Padre Hotel (8PM–12AM) 21+ rooftop party featuring DJs and a late-night downtown atmosphere.
• Goth Receptionist @ Temblor Brewing Company (9PM) Late-night live music set with an alternative vibe.
• Gothicumbia @ The Nile Theater (9PM) Dance party blending gothic and cumbia music with a unique crowd.

• Girls Run Bakersfield Hill Run @ Alfred Harrell Hwy & Hill Rd (7AM) women Group fitness run focused on hill training for all experience levels.
• F Street Farmers Market @ In Your Wildest Dreams (7:45AM–12PM) Weekly farmers market with fresh produce and local vendors.
• Hope on the Move 5K @ River Walk (8AM–2PM) Community walk/run event open to all fitness levels with vendors and activities.
• World Tai Chi Day @ Yokuts Park (9AM–11AM) Free community wellness session open to all experience levels.
• Riverlakes Farmers Market @ CHS Parking Lot (9AM–1PM) Weekend market with food, produce, and local businesses.
• Fatherhood Collective Meetup @ River Walk (9AM) Casual meetup for dads and families with a walk and park hangout.
• HYDE: Morning Frequencia @ Fredo’s (9AM) High-energy daytime music and brunch-style event.
• Pickleball & Pilates @ River Ranch Park SOLD OUT (9:30AM) Fitness event combining classes, vendors, and giveaways.
• Pilates, Matcha & Wellness @ Park (10AM) Outdoor wellness session combining pilates, matcha drinks, and guided activities.
• Bakersfield Card Expo @ Dignity Health Theater (10AM–4PM) Large collectibles show featuring cards, memorabilia, and vendors.
• Auto Safari @ Tule Elk Reserve (10AM) Drive-through wildlife experience viewing tule elk in their natural habitat.
• Financial Wellness Moai @ 200 New Stine Rd STE 171(10AM–11AM) Workshop focused on budgeting, goal-setting, and financial habits.
• Kern Corgi Club Easter Egg Hunt @ High Gate Park (11AM) Dog-friendly event with an egg hunt and community atmosphere.
• Festa Italiana @ Kern County Museum (11AM–4PM) Italian festival with food, wine, music, and cultural activities.
• Sweet Bee Paint Class @ Corks & Strokes (1PM–2:30PM) Beginner-friendly guided painting session.
• Spring Dream Tea Party @ Rasmussen Senior Center (1PM–2:30PM) Family-friendly themed tea experience.
• Toy Madness Cosplay Food Festival @ Toy Madness | 2720 Calloway Dr (2PM–7PM) Anime-themed event with vendors, cosplay, and guest appearances including Laura Post.
• USDM Super Meet @ Famoso Dragstrip (5PM-10PM) Import car meet bringing together modified vehicles and enthusiasts.
• Ride with a Pro @ Kern Raceway (Evening options) High-speed experience riding shotgun in a real race car.
• Day Drinking Photowalk @ Bottleshock (5PM) Social bar crawl through downtown combining photography and drinks.
• Southwest Night Market @ Independence High School (5PM–9PM) Outdoor night market with food vendors, desserts, and local shopping.
• Wall Street Market @ Downtown Bakersfield (5PM–10PM) Night market with vendors, food, and a strong downtown atmosphere.
• RTS Salute to the American Trucker Night: Drift Showdown @ Kern County Raceway Park (5PM pre-race party. 7PM main events) Head-to-head drift battles, tire smoke action, and NASCAR local racing elements.
• Family Camp Night @ Wind Wolves Preserve SOLD OUT (Check-in 5PM) Overnight camping experience with guided activities and a night walk.
• Kern Oil Documentary Premiere @ Fox Theatre Taft (6PM–9:30PM) Film screening highlighting Kern County’s oil industry history.
• BVM 30th Anniversary Dinner @ Buena Vista Museum (6:30PM) Celebration dinner honoring volunteers with food and recognition.
• Low Dough Comedy Show @ The Well Comedy Club (7PM) Stand-up comedy show featuring local comedians.
• The Little Mermaid @ Spotlight Theatre (7PM) Live stage adaptation of the Disney classic.
• Paris in Bloom Paint Night @ Corks & Strokes (7PM–9PM) Evening guided painting experience.
• DreamWorks The Prince of Egypt @ Ovation Theatre (7:30PM) Weekend performance of the musical.
• Julius Caesar @ The Empty Space (7:30PM) Final Saturday showing of the play.
• Ferris Bueller’s Day Off @ Triple Ark Film Club (7:30PM) Anniversary screening in a casual setting.
• Crimewave @ Jerry’s Pizza (8PM) Darkwave/post-punk themed nightlife event.
• Tino Cochino Comedy Night @ Temblor Brewing (8PM) Stand-up comedy show as part of his tour.

• Haggin Oaks Farmers Market @ 8800 Ming Ave (9AM–2PM) Weekly farmers market with produce and local vendors.
• Bakolandia Market @ Tractor Supply | 6710 Colony St (9AM–2PM) Community market with vendors, petting zoo, and family-friendly activities.
• Community Market @ Rio Bravo Ranch (10AM–2PM) Outdoor market with food, coffee, and local vendors.
• Read & Roots Market @ Wall St Alley (10AM–3PM) Downtown market featuring books, plants, and creatives.
• Car Wash Fundraiser in loving memory of Jaime Ayala @ Park House Tires | 115 Union Ave. (10AM–4PM) Community fundraiser supporting a local family with food and donations.
• Vegan Brunch @ Jerry’s Pizza (10AM–1PM) Plant-based brunch with live music and a relaxed atmosphere.
• Volunteer Brunch @ Yokuts Park (10:30AM–12:30PM) Community appreciation event honoring local volunteers.
• Junk Journaling Moai @ In Your Wildest Dreams (11AM–1PM) Creative meetup focused on journaling and mindfulness.
• 26th Annual Latino Food Festival: Menudo & Pozole Cook-Off @ Kern County Fairgrounds (11AM–6PM) Cultural food festival hosted by the Kern County Hispanic Chamber featuring menudo and pozole competitions, vendors, and live entertainment including Baby Bash!
• Meditate & Dance Meetup @ 7840 Brimhall (11:30AM) Wellness event combining movement, music, and connection.
• Let Them Cook Fundraiser @ Elks Lodge (12PM–4PM) Food, music, and community event supporting a local cause.
• Bollywood Dance Moai @ 7691 White Ln (1PM–2PM) Beginner-friendly dance session with guided instruction.
• Chasing Manet @ Bakersfield Community Theatre (2PM–4PM) Matinee performance of the stage play.
• DreamWorks The Prince of Egypt @ Ovation Theatre (2PM) Matinee showing of the musical.
• The Little Mermaid @ Spotlight Theatre (3PM) Afternoon showing of the stage adaptation.
• Karaoke @ Guthrie’s Alley Cat (3PM–7PM) Casual karaoke event with a fun social atmosphere.
• Springtime Concert Series: Mento Buru live @ Jastro Park (4PM–7PM) Outdoor live music performance as part of a seasonal series.
• Nate Parrish, Heartwrench @ Temblor Brewing (6PM) Multi-band live music performance.
• Dungeons & Dragons @ Jerry’s Pizza (6PM–9PM) Guided campaign with themed drinks and beginner-friendly gameplay.

• Motown Mondays @ Jerry’s Pizza (6PM–10PM) Weekly music night with live DJ and a laid-back crowd.
• Bingo & Beer @ Temblor Brewing (7PM) Weekly bingo night combining games, drinks, and prizes.
• Dungeons & Dragons Meetup @ Bakersfield Esports Center (7PM) Weekly campaign session for new and experienced players.
• KUZZ Class of 2026 @ Fox Theater (7:30PM) Country showcase featuring rising artists on one stage.

• Choice Base Food Program @ 712 17th St (1PM–3PM) Free food distribution available while supplies last.
• Walking on Sunshine Moai @ Panorama Park (6PM–7PM) Weekly group walk promoting health and connection.
• Pub Trivia @ Temblor Brewing (7PM) Weekly trivia night with teams competing for prizes.
• Plant Powered Cooking Moai @ nX Annex (7PM–8:30PM) Interactive cooking class focused on plant-based meals.

• Family Game Night @ Temblor Brewing (4PM) Weekly family-friendly games with food and drinks available.
• Cornhole Tournament @ Temblor Brewing (5:30PM) Weekly competition with a casual but competitive atmosphere.
• City Budget Conversation @ Compassion Christian Center (5:30PM) Public meeting to learn about and give input on Bakersfield’s proposed budget.
• Bingo Night @ BarrelHouse (6PM) Free weekly bingo with a relaxed social setting.
• Western Wednesdays @ Fairfax Grange (6PM) Dance lessons followed by open dancing with a community vibe.
• Emo Karaoke @ Jerry’s Pizza (7PM–midnight) Weekly themed karaoke night with a high-energy crowd.
• MixxedFit Dance Fitness Class @ My Dance & Fitness Studio (7PM) High-energy dance workout open to all levels.
• Bingo + Live Music @ Rooster’s Honky Tonk (8PM) Weekly bingo paired with live music in a lively bar setting.

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The Bakersfield Guy

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