Public Service Announcement

Recently I made a post on my socials talking about the newsletter and what it offers, and a crazy amount of people wanted to get it to see what it's about.

Welcome to all my new friends that are here to see what my weekly newsletter is all about. I really hope you like it.

I always have an events list with at least 40 events happening from Thursday to Wednesday. Honestly, the events list hasn't been shorter than like some 60 events almost all year. On top of that, I always add a mix of news I think you guys might be interested in.

Thanks for joining the journey guys. Now back to your regularly scheduled program.

Side note! Happy to announce I finally got a custom email! LMAO

[email protected]

In The City

It was a packed night at City Hall this week, covering public safety updates, sewer rate discussions, and a major retirement. Here’s a few topics.

Chief Greg Terry Retires After 30 Years

The meeting opened with a sendoff for Police Chief Greg Terry, who joined the department in 1997 and served as Bakersfield’s 21st police chief. The council honored him with a mayor’s medal, a plaque, and a custom “Greg Terry Way” street sign. Assistant Chief Brent Stratton is expected to step into the role. Terry kept his final message simple: thank you.

Crime Is Down Here’s What the Numbers Say

Bakersfield Police reported a 7.5% drop in overall crime for 2025. Auto theft saw a notable decline, gang-related homicides dropped to just three, and traffic fatalities were down 17%. The department’s Real-Time Information Center, now connected to around 400 cameras citywide, is helping officers respond more quickly. One area still being addressed is domestic violence, which made up a larger share of homicides this year.

Sewer Rate Increase Moves Toward Final Vote

The most discussed item of the night was the proposed sewer rate increase. The plan would raise rates from $247 to $475 starting July 1, 2026, with gradual increases reaching $875 by 2031. Thirteen residents spoke in opposition, citing affordability concerns and lack of Spanish-language outreach. No one spoke in favor. The council voted to continue the hearing to May 13th, where a final decision is expected. Vice Mayor Core also pushed for a low-income assistance program to be included if the increase moves forward.

If you want to weigh in, there are still ways to do it. Residents can submit a written protest letter must include your name, service address, signature, and your APN, or attend the meeting in person and speak during public comment. Under Prop 218 rules, if a majority of affected property owners submit written protests, the increase cannot move forward.

Featured Events

Looking for something family-friendly this Sunday? MB2 is hosting a Cinco de Mayo celebration featuring a live DJ, vendors, a car show, and a talent show open to all ages.

Participants have a chance to win some big prizes, including a Disneyland ticket package, a $300 gift card, and Six Flags Magic Mountain tickets. It’s a full afternoon event with a lot going on, whether you’re competing or just going to hang out.

Check out the flyer here.

Blu & Exile are making a stop in Bakersfield for a live show at Jerry’s Pizza, bringing one of hip-hop’s most respected underground duos to an intimate venue.

With nearly two decades in the rap game and a global following built through international touring and classic releases, they’ve carved out a reputation for soulful production and sharp lyricism. Shows like this don’t come around often locally, especially at this kind of scale.

I’ve partnered with Stellar Motion, the agency that put this show together, to give away 2 pair of tickets to the show on instagram. If you want to enter, read the caption for the details here.

Make sure to be there Wednesday May 6th at 7PM! Here’s the info for the tickets directly.

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

THURSDAY 4/30

• CSUB Spring BBQ @ CSUB's Icardo center (5:30PM) Annual campus BBQ with live music, beer and wine, and food vendors including Salty’s BBQ and Primetime BBQ.
• Chess Club @ Temblor Brewing (5PM) Weekly meetup open to all skill levels for casual and competitive play.
• City of Bakersfield Budget Conversation @ City Council Chambers (5:30PM) Public meeting to review city budget priorities with livestream available.
• People’s Policy Workshop on Energy Justice @ Salon Juarez (5:30PM–8PM) Community workshop focused on PG&E rates, energy policy, and alternatives. Free food and childcare if needed!
• 3G Activities Weekly Grab & Go Giveaway @ 4701 Marella Way (6PM–7PM) Free essentials giveaway; bring your own bag, one per family, first come first served.
• Cruise Night (Car Show & DJs) @ Chuy’s Baja Grill (6PM) Weekly car show with DJs, food, and a strong local turnout.
• Open Mic Comedy Night @ The Well Comedy Club (7PM) Free weekly stand-up night with sign-ups starting at 6PM.
• Oleander/Sunset Night Walk @ Beale Park (7PM) Community-led neighborhood walk hosted by Councilman Andrae Gonzalez.
• Pásala Soccer Pick-Up Games @ Secret Location (8PM–9PM) Weekly organized pickup soccer with a small fee.
• Karaoke Night @ Roosters Honky Tonk (8PM–12AM) Weekly karaoke night with DJ Durk and late-night crowd.

FRIDAY 5/1

• Send a Kid to Camp Fundraiser @ Outback Steakhouse (11AM–2PM) $25 fundraiser benefiting the Bakersfield Firefighters Burn Foundation, includes lunch.
• First Friday ArtWalk @ The Amare | 812 19th St. (5PM-9PM) Monthly downtown event with galleries, vendors, live music, and pop-ups across multiple locations.
• John Love Live @ TLO Wines (6PM–8PM) Live music set in a relaxed wine bar setting, good early evening option.
• Cosmic Blues Weekend: Neil Levin @ Temblor Brewing (6PM) Neil Levin kicks off a weekend of live blues performances.
• Friday Night Magic @ Bakersfield Esports Center (6:30PM) Weekly Magic: The Gathering event with casual and competitive play.
• Get Lit @ Mission Bank Neon Plaza (6:30PM) Ticketed Kern County Museum event held at Neon Plaza with lighting installations and vendors.
• Bret Ernst Live @ The Well Comedy Club (7PM) Stand-up comedy show from a nationally touring comedian.
• Emo Night @ Jerry’s Pizza (7PM) Popular emo and pop-punk themed night with DJs and a packed crowd.
• MCW After Hours @ 3311 Fairhaven Dr. (7PM–10PM) Community event featuring art, music, food, and drinks; RSVP required.
• Friday Night Dancing @ Fairfax Grange (7PM–9PM) Casual dance night with a welcoming, community-focused atmosphere.
• Jim Messina Live @ World Records (7:30PM) Performance from Loggins & Messina co-founder in an intimate venue.
• Chasing Monet @ Bakersfield Community Theatre (7:30PM–9:30PM) Opening weekend performance of the stage production.
• DreamWorks The Prince of Egypt @ Ovation Theatre (7:30PM) Opening weekend showing of the live musical.
• Prairie Fire Nights @ The Padre Hotel Rooftop (8PM–12AM) Free DJ/open decks night with RSVP and rooftop views.
• Hot Mess Express Live @ Roosters Honky Tonk (8PM–11PM) Live band followed by DJ Durk and drink specials.
• Cinco de Mayo Pre-Party @ Paradise Palace Event Center (9PM doors) Large baile featuring multiple regional acts.

SATURDAY 5/2

• Harmony Run Club x Girls Run B @ Lake Ming (6:30AM) Group run meetup, typically around 6 miles and open to all levels.
• F Street Farmers Market @ In Your Wildest Dreams Parking Lot (7:45AM–12PM) Weekly farmers market with produce, food vendors, and local goods.
• Relay for Life @ Kern County Fairgrounds (8:30AM) American Cancer Society fundraising walk supporting cancer research and survivors.
• Riverlakes Farmers Market @ CHS Parking Lot (9AM–1PM) Weekly farmers market with vendors, produce, and food options.
• Wall Street Alley Card Show @ 1522 Wall St (10AM–4PM) Monthly card and collectibles show with vendors and trading.
• Free Comic Book Day @ Diverted Comics (Brundage Swap Meet) (10AM-6PM) Annual comic event featuring free comics, giveaways, $2 back issue sale, and discounted $1 bins reduced to 25¢ while supplies last
• Flowers & Matcha Pop-Up @ Garden District Flowers (10AM–1PM) Matcha drinks and Mother’s Day flower pre-orders.
• Mother’s Day Sip, Shop & Sugar @ 1727 18th St (10AM–12PM) Cookie decorating and vendor shopping event.
• Choose Your Own Workshop by Lollipop’s Ceramics @ Otto’s Games & More (10AM) Hands-on ceramics workshop to create your own piece.
• Family Day @ Buena Vista Museum (10AM–4PM) Discounted admission for families with full access to exhibits.
• Bakersfield Fire Department Open House @ Fire Station 1 (10AM–1PM) Family-friendly event with fire engines, demos, and meet-and-greets.
• Truckin’ for Kids @ Famoso Dragstrip (12PM) Truck show, vendors, raffles, and fundraising benefiting Shriners Children’s.
• Storm Surge Showdown: Fortnite Build @ Bakersfield Esports Center (3PM) Competitive Fortnite tournament with $20 entry.
• Cinco de Mayo Celebration @ Temblor Brewing (4PM) Free all-ages event with DJs, music, and themed food and drinks. Mento Buru, Mariachi San Marcos De Bakersfield, Grupo Feliz and more.
• Mom’s Night Out Party @ Legends Event Center (4PM) 90s-themed event with food, drinks, and costume contest.
• Terra Vista Anniversary Celebration @ Terra Vista at Tejon (6PM–8PM) Community celebration with raffles, drinks, and giveaways.
• The 2026 Toucan Awards @ Padre Hotel (6PM) Awards event highlighting local people, places, and community contributions.
• Heather Shaw Live @ The Well Comedy Club (7PM & 9:30PM) Stand-up comedy shows from a viral comedian.
• Lipstick Revolver @ Chuy’s Baja Grill (7PM–11PM) Live patio performance as part of weekend lineup.
• Chasing Monet @ Bakersfield Community Theatre (7:30PM–9:30PM) Second showing of opening weekend.
• DreamWorks The Prince of Egypt @ Ovation Theatre (7:30PM) Evening performance of the musical.
• El Gallo de Mayo @ Roosters Honky Tonk (8PM–11PM) Cinco de Mayo themed live music night followed by DJ.
• John Milton Hypnosis Tour @ Fox Theater (8PM) Interactive hypnosis show with audience participation.

SUNDAY 5/3

• Feral Ladies Group Hike @ Wind Wolves Preserve (8:30AM–2:30PM) Women’s outdoor group hike open to all levels.
• Haggin Oaks Farmers Market @ 8800 Ming Ave (9AM–2PM) Weekly Sunday market with produce, vendors, and food.
• Bakolandia Market: Coffee & Cars @ 6710 Colony St (9AM–2PM) Vendor market featuring cars, coffee, and giveaways.
• Hello Kitty Market @ Wall St Alley (10AM–3PM) Themed vendor market with activities, treats, and local creators.
• Flip Phone Drag Brunch @ The Well Comedy Club (11AM) Selena and Jenni Rivera themed drag brunch with performances.
• Junk Journaling Moai @ In Your Wildest Dreams (11AM–1PM) Creative journaling meetup with guided prompts.
• Truckin’ for Kids @ Famoso Dragstrip (11AM) Final day featuring truck drags and competitions.
• DreamWorks The Prince of Egypt @ Ovation Theatre (2PM) Sunday matinee performance.
• Chasing Monet @ Bakersfield Community Theatre (2:07PM–4PM) Sunday matinee showing.
• Gran Celebración del 5 de Mayo @ MB2 Entertainment (2PM–6PM) Family-friendly event with talent show, vendors, and prizes.
• Cattle Call @ Chuy’s Baja Grill (2PM–6PM) Live patio music performance.
• Infinite Rivals Clash: Marvel vs Capcom @ Bakersfield Esports Center (5PM) Fighting game tournament with $20 entry.

MONDAY 5/4

• Motown Mondays @ Jerry’s Pizza (6PM–10PM) Weekly live music night featuring soul and Motown hits.
• Mother’s Day Paint Workshop @ Jerry’s Pizza (6PM) Paint night creating themed keepsakes.
• Cults & Classics: Close Encounters of the Third Kind @ Fox Theater (Doors 6PM, Show 7PM) Classic sci-fi film screening
• Star Wars Bar Crawl @ Downtown Bakersfield (6:30PM) “May the 4th” themed bar crawl across multiple stops.
• Bingo & Beer @ Temblor Brewing (7PM) Weekly bingo night with drinks and prizes.
• Dungeons & Dragons Meetup @ Bakersfield Esports Center (7PM) Weekly tabletop gaming session.

TUESDAY 5/5

• Cinco De Play-O: $5 attractions @ MB2 all day! (All business hours) For one day only, attractions like the go-carts are $5 only!
• Walking on Sunshine Moai @ Panorama Park (6PM–7PM) Community walk open to all ages.
• Cinco de Mayo Party @ Chuy’s Baja Grill (6PM–9PM) Live music with La Marcha Sound and themed celebration.
• Pub Trivia @ Temblor Brewing (7PM) Weekly trivia night.
• Cinco De Mayo Comedy Show @ The Well Comedy Club (7PM) Latino lineup stand-up showcase.

WEDNESDAY 5/6

• Family Game Night @ Temblor Brewing (4PM) Weekly casual games and social night.
• Cornhole Tournament @ Temblor Brewing (5:30PM) Weekly cornhole competition.
• City of Bakersfield Budget Conversation @ Kern City Civic Association (5:30PM) Final public meeting in the series.
• Western Wednesdays @ Fairfax Grange (6PM) Two-step dance lessons and social dancing.
• Bingo Night @ BarrelHouse (6PM) Bingo night.
• Blu & Exile @ Jerry’s Pizza (Doors 6PM. Show 7PM) Hip-hop concert with multiple opening acts. The Legendary duo comes to Bakersfield for the first time.
• Mother’s Day Zumba @ My Dance & Fitness Studio (7PM–8PM) $10 themed Zumba class.
• Emo Karaoke @ Jerry’s Pizza (7PM–Midnight) Weekly emo-themed karaoke night.
• Bingo Night + Live Music @ Roosters Honky Tonk (8PM) Weekly bingo followed by live music.

📲 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