A Music Festival Takes over Kern County

I had the great pleasure of being invited to cover Lightning in a Bottle. I mentioned it a few issues ago, but LIB is a music festival that brings in travelers from all over the country, and at times beyond. My neighbors in the campground included people from Denver, Seattle, Tennessee, North and South California, and someone told they met a neighbor that traveled from Mexico!

Empire of the Sun announced on Sunday that all tickets had been sold out. All in all, about 30k tickets.

The festival started Wednesday May 20th, and went through Sunday May 24th. Five days filled with concerts, workshops, classes and so much more!

I came to realize LIB is more than just music. The community that looks forward to it yearly love it for the human connection. I’ve been wanting to attend the festival since it moved to Bakersfield in 2019, and I’m so glad I finally went and got to cover it for you guys!

One of the coolest things that happened at LIB was seeing real Bakersfield talent at the festival! If you guys are not aware of Hyde Underground, it puts on a bunch of EDM experiences here in Bakersfield. The owner, Sam Cypher, performed Sunday at the Junk Stage. Here’s a few pictures of the show.

LIB has called Buena Vista Lake home since 2019, and it’s easy to take for granted that something this significant happens right here in Kern County every spring. 30k people, five days, classes, workshops, concerts, community, and it all happens in our backyard.

Until next year!

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In The City

Small update on the city council meeting from yesterday, May 27th. As the title says, our rates will now be going up. About 100% next year, and a total of about 260% in 5.

I thought it appeared they were going to vote this down as they did last year after some of the public outcry, but here we are.

Figures are approximate averages for a single-family residential household under the city’s proposed multi-year sewer rate plan.

Aquatic season is officially underway in Bakersfield as spray parks are now open daily from 11AM–6PM through September 7th, closed Mondays except holidays. The City also announced that all four public pools, McMurtrey Aquatic Center, Jefferson Park, MLK Jr. Park, and Silver Creek Park, will officially open June 4th with low cost summer swim sessions available throughout the season. Swim lesson registration for upcoming summer sessions is also continuing through June.

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

💡 Click the underlined event name for tickets or more info. Highlighted in blue like this means it’s a reoccurring event

THURSDAY 5/28

• DBA Business Vitality Series @ KCSOS City Centre Room 1A (10AM–12PM) Downtown Bakersfield Association workshop focused on marketing strategies that help bring in customers. Lunch is included and the event is free for DBA members.
• One Book/One Coast: Emma Buckmaster — Bakersfield’s Hero, A Family’s Legend @ Beale Memorial Library (11AM) Local history discussion focused on Emma Buckmaster’s impact on Bakersfield’s Japanese American community as part of the One Book/One Coast series.
• Chess Club @ Temblor Brewing (5PM) Weekly community chess meetup open to casual and competitive players alike.
• Tokyo Thursdays: UNKAGED @ Kage Asian Bistro (5PM–1:30AM) Tokyo-inspired nightlife event featuring premium drinks, bottle specials, live DJs, and late-night vibes at Kage Asian Bistro. Food served until 1AM. 21+ nightlife atmosphere.
• Cruise Night w/ DJ Richie Rich @ Chuy’s Baja Grill Rosedale (Starts 5PM) Community cruise night featuring classic cars, music, food, and DJ Richie Rich.
• Legacy Run Club @ Marketplace Bakersfield (6PM) Community 3-mile group run beginning in front of Lululemon at The Marketplace.
• May Sip & Cookie Workshop @ Wine Me Up (Doors 6PM / Class 6:30PM) 21+ cookie decorating workshop featuring guided instruction, decorating tools, and a complimentary drink.
• FREE Open Mic Night @ The Well Comedy Club (Sign Ups 6PM / Show 7PM) Weekly comedy open mic featuring local comics and newcomers testing new material.
• Concerts at The Marketplace featuring South 40 @ The Marketplace Bakersfield Postponed because of rain! (7PM–9PM) Free outdoor concert series continues with country and southern rock from Bakersfield’s own South 40.
• Slasher Paint Night @ Jerry’s Pizza & Pub (7PM) Horror-themed paint night featuring iconic slasher characters in an all-ages creative event.

FRIDAY 5/29

• Veteran Gathering & Meet Up @ Crusader Brewing Co. (4PM–8PM) Casual community meetup welcoming veterans to connect, share stories, and build friendships over drinks and conversation.
• Golden Ox Grand Opening @ 2933 N Chester Ave (All Day) Official opening celebration for the new Golden Ox location serving burgers, fries, breakfast, shakes, and comfort food classics.
• Kyle Kounter Live @ Tlo Wines (6PM–8PM) Downtown live music performance paired with wine tastings and patio hangs.
• Friday Night Magic @ Bakersfield Esports Center (6:30PM) Weekly Magic: The Gathering meetup bringing together local card players for casual and competitive play.
• Critical Mass Bakersfield Bike Ride @ Beach Park (Meet 6:30PM / Roll Out 7PM) Monthly community bike ride heading into Northwest Bakersfield for the first time with an 18-mile mostly flat route.
• Feather Da’Wyz Comedy Show @ The Well Comedy Club (7PM) Stand-up comedy night featuring Feather Da’Wyz live at The Well.
• Teacher & School Staff Appreciation Night @ Wine Me Up (7PM–9PM) Appreciation night featuring 20% off tabs, complimentary cookies while supplies last, and live music for teachers and school staff with school ID.
• Will Gail Dance? Live @ Chuy’s Baja Grill Rosedale (7PM) Friday night live music and dancing event at Chuy’s Baja Grill.
• AANHPI Heritage Month Community Paint Night @ Corks & Strokes (7PM–9PM) Guided paint night celebrating AANHPI Heritage Month in downtown Bakersfield.
• 13 The Musical @ The Empty Space (7:30PM–10:30PM) Youth musical production featuring the coming-of-age Broadway favorite.
• Locked-In Drag Racing Series Round 2 @ Famoso Dragstrip (Test & Tune 6PM–11PM) Multi-day drag racing event featuring multiple classes, racers, and camping options for participants.
• Prairie Fire Finale @ The Padre Hotel Rooftop (8PM–12AM) Final edition of the Prairie Fire rooftop series featuring minimal, deep house, deep tech, and tech house music from Marco B, GAX, EVOSS, and Gatas Only. Free entrance. 21+ event hosted by Central Groove Collective.
• Panter Belico Live @ Paradise Palace Event Center (Doors Open 8PM) Regional Mexican concert featuring Panter Belico alongside Los Austeros de Durango, Banda MP, and Equipo Avanzado. All ages event with VIP tables available.
• House of Funk @ Temblor Brewing Company (9PM) 18+ funk and old-school dance party featuring DJs and late-night dance floor energy.

SATURDAY 5/30

• Girls Run B Birthday Celebration Run @ River Walk (7AM) Community celebration run hosted by Girls Run B as part of their May running schedule.
• F Street Farmers Market @ In Your Wildest Dreams Parking Lot (7:45AM–12PM) Local farmers market featuring produce, baked goods, handmade items, and small businesses.
• PASALA Pick Up Soccer @ Mondavi Park (8:30AM–10:45AM) Free community soccer pickup games welcoming players of all skill levels.
• Riverlakes Farmers Market @ CHS Parking Lot (9AM–1PM) Weekend farmers market featuring local produce, vendors, and food options.
• Bako Ducks Football & Cheer Car Wash Fundraiser @ Jimmy John’s Parking Lot on Panama Ln (9AM–2PM) Community fundraiser supporting the Bako Ducks football and cheer program with giveaways available for families in need.
• Walk for Kids @ Kern County Museum / Ronald McDonald House Bakersfield (7:30AM Check-ins) Family-friendly and pet-friendly walk benefiting Ronald McDonald House Southern California.
• Streets of Bakersfield Shelter Day @ Kern County Animal Services (Pickup 10AM–Noon / Return by 3:30PM) Community program allowing residents to take shelter dogs out for the day to help socialize and support adoptable pets.
• Patriots Park Clean Up @ Patriots Park (10AM) Community cleanup event hosted by Love From Above Community focused on beautifying and protecting the park. Gloves and supplies provided.
• Fireflies Auditions @ Bakersfield Community Theatre (11AM–1PM) Open auditions for Fireflies by Matthew Barber. Additional details available through Bakersfield Community Theatre.
• Trinket Fest @ Downtown Bakersfield (11AM–3PM) Downtown trinket crawl featuring vendors, crafts, passport stamp stations, food, drinks, and multiple participating locations.
• Dopamine Menu Workshop @ Jittery Geeks (11AM–1PM) Hands-on creative workshop hosted by Blue Zones Project Bakersfield focused on brain health and mindfulness.
• Antongiovanni Park Groundbreaking Ceremony @ Mountain Ridge Dr near Douglas J. Miller Elementary (11AM) Official groundbreaking celebration for Bakersfield’s newest city park.
• Sister Cities: Bakersfield & Wakayama: 65 Years of Friendship @ Beale Memorial Library (11AM–12PM) Community presentation celebrating the long-standing relationship between Bakersfield and Wakayama, Japan.
• Bak-Anime @ Kern County Fairgrounds (10AM-5PM) Anime convention weekend featuring cosplay, vendors, collectibles, guests, and anime-themed activities.
• K-Pop Demon Hunters Event @ Bumble Tea & Cafe (1PM–8PM) K-pop themed event featuring karaoke, games, vendors, and community activities.
• The Habbits Live @ Tlo Wines (2PM–5PM) Saturday afternoon live music performance at Tlo Wines.
• The Rancho Round-Up presented by The Soda Crackers @ Fairfax Grange 570 (2PM Matinee / 8PM Evening Show) Country and western music showcase featuring live performances, dance lessons, and vinyl DJ sets.
• The Goonies Movie Night & Hunt @ Murray Family Farms (Activities 2PM–8PM / Hunt Starts 8:15PM) Family-friendly Goonies-themed evening featuring activities, berry picking, and an outdoor movie experience.
• Mortal Kombat 1 Tournament @ Bakersfield Esports Center (3PM) Competitive gaming tournament with community players battling for bragging rights and prizes.
• The Baka Few Wasco Tour Stop @ Paleteria Y Neveria(6PM) Kern County tour stop featuring a local music and community performance from The Baka Few.
• The Wall St. Market @ Wall Street Alley (5PM–10PM) Evening downtown market featuring vintage goods, handmade items, jewelry, physical media, and local vendors.
• Robert Jon & The Wreck @ World Records (Doors 6PM. Show 7PM) “Heartbreaks & Last Goodbyes” US Tour stop with opening set by Jimmy Johnson.
• Zootopia 2 Movie Night @ Wind Wolves Preserve (Activities 6:30PM–8:15PM / Movie 8:30PM) Outdoor movie night under the stars featuring pre-movie activities and family fun.
• Tex Pistols Live @ Chuy’s Baja Grill Rosedale (7PM) Live country music performance at Chuy’s Baja Grill.
• Pretty in Pink Paint Night @ Corks & Strokes (7PM–9PM) Floral-themed guided paint night downtown.
• The Regulars Comedy Show @ The Well Comedy Club (7PM) Multi-comedian showcase featuring local and touring comics.
• The Virgin Suicides Screening @ Triple Ark Film Club (Doors 7PM / Show 7:30PM) Free screening hosted by Triple Ark Film Club at 700 22nd St.
• 13 The Musical @ The Empty Space (7:30PM–10:30PM) Continuing performances of the Broadway musical production.

SUNDAY 5/31

• Haggin Oaks Farmers Market @ 8800 Ming Ave (9AM–2PM) Sunday farmers market featuring local produce, food vendors, and artisan goods.
• Bakolandia Summer Market @ Tractor Supply Co. (6710 Colony St) (9AM–2PM) Outdoor family-friendly market featuring local vendors, treats, shopping, and activities for kids.
• FREE Family Portrait Day @ 1510 19th St (9AM–12PM) Free family portrait event hosted through Blue Zones Project Bakersfield with volunteer photographers.
• Bak-Anime @ Kern County Fairgrounds (10AM-5PM) Anime convention weekend featuring cosplay, vendors, collectibles, guests, and anime-themed activities. Final day.
• Fireflies Auditions @ Bakersfield Community Theatre (11AM–1PM) Second day of auditions for Fireflies by Matthew Barber.
• Junk Journaling Moai @ In Your Wildest Dreams Consignments (11AM–1PM) Free mindful journaling meetup featuring prompts, rotating supplies, and creative community connection.
• Sunday Spread @ Centro Cali Brewing (11AM–3PM) Downtown Sunday spread featuring carving stations, pasta bar, pizza bar, charcuterie, focaccia sandwiches, and more for $35 per person.
• Live Music Brunch featuring The Double J’s @ Jerry’s Pizza Basement Bar (11:30AM–2:30PM) Sunday brunch performance with live music and no cover charge listed.
• Teddy Spanke Live @ Ethel’s Old Corral Cafe (1PM–5PM) Afternoon live music performance paired with food, drinks, and patio vibes.
• Outlaw Country Sunday @ Chuy’s Baja Grill Rosedale (2PM) Sunday country-themed hangout event at Chuy’s Baja Grill.
• 13 The Musical @ The Empty Space (2PM–5PM) Sunday matinee performance of the youth musical production.
• Linda Larma & Daughters Academy of Dance Matinee Show @ Historic Bakersfield Fox Theater (2PM) Dance recital showcase featuring local performers.
• Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Tournament @ Bakersfield Esports Center (5PM) Community Smash Bros tournament featuring competitive bracket play.
• Groovy Guppy Paint Night @ Corks & Strokes (5PM–6:30PM) Family-friendly fish-themed paint session.
• Linda Larma & Daughters Academy of Dance Evening Show @ Historic Bakersfield Fox Theater (7PM) Evening dance showcase performance.

MONDAY 6/1

• Hey There Delilah Golf Classic @ Bakersfield Country Club (Shotgun Start 9AM) Charity golf tournament benefiting local cancer fighters and their families with raffle prizes and community support.
• Motown Mondays w/ Kev King @ Jerry’s Pizza & Pub (6PM–10PM) Weekly Motown night featuring classic hits and downtown vibes.
• Linda Larma & Daughters Academy of Dance Evening Show @ Historic Bakersfield Fox Theater (7PM) Additional recital showcase performance at the Fox Theater.
• Bingo & Beer @ Temblor Brewing (7PM) Weekly bingo night paired with drinks and community hangs.
• Dungeons & Dragons Meetup @ Bakersfield Esports Center (7PM) Weekly tabletop meetup for new and experienced D&D players alike.

TUESDAY 6/2

• Sailor Moon Paint Night @ Jerry’s Pizza & Pub (4:30PM–6:30PM) Sailor Moon-themed creative night featuring glitter, rhinestones, tarot readings, vendors, and themed drinks.
• Pub Trivia @ Temblor Brewing (7PM) Weekly trivia night testing local knowledge across multiple categories.

WEDNESDAY 6/3

• Family Game Night @ Temblor Brewing (4PM) Weekly family-friendly board game and community meetup.
• Cornhole Tournament @ Temblor Brewing (5:30PM) Weekly cornhole competition with casual community play.
• Western Wednesdays @ The Fairfax Grange (Doors 5:40PM / Lessons 6PM) Weekly western dance night featuring two-step lessons, etiquette, and dance drills.
• Bingo Night @ BarrelHouse Bakersfield (6PM) Free-to-play weekly bingo night at BarrelHouse.
• MixxedFit Dance Fitness Class @ My Dance & Fitness Studio (7PM–8PM) High-energy dance fitness class led by Frank at 4001 Union Ave.
• Emo Karaoke @ Jerry’s Pizza & Pub (7PM–Midnight) Weekly emo and pop-punk karaoke night downtown.
• Baby I’m Strange Tour 2026 @ Temblor Brewing Company (8PM) Live performance featuring Morrissey’s golden-era musicians Gary Day, Spencer Cobrin, Gustavo Manzur, and Craig Gannon.
• Bingo Night + Live Music w/ Vince Galindo @ Rooster’s Honky Tonk (8PM) Weekly bingo night paired with live country music performances.

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