A Word From Our Partner

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In The City

One of the biggest transportation projects in California could be taking a different path through Bakersfield. The California High-Speed Rail Authority is proposing a temporary station north of 7th Standard Road to help open passenger service between Merced and Bakersfield sooner while reducing construction costs. The long-planned downtown Bakersfield station has not been canceled, but officials say it would only move forward if additional funding is secured in the future. That has raised concerns among local leaders, who worry the temporary station could become Bakersfield's long-term stop if the funding for the downtown station never materializes.

The City of Bakersfield is warning residents and businesses about a scam involving fake invoices that appear to come from the City. Scammers are using official logos, real employee names, and permit information to make the invoices look legitimate before requesting payment by wire transfer.

The City says official emails will only come from @bakersfield.gov, @bakersfieldcity.us, @bakersfieldpd.us, or @bakersfieldfire.us. If you receive an invoice from any other domain, don't send payment.

If you believe you've been targeted, contact the Bakersfield Police Department's Financial Crimes Unit at [email protected] or (661) 326-3536.

Please warn the older people in your life! I used to work retail and they’re far more susceptible.

Recap

The Bakersfield City Council approved a $926 million budget for the 2026–27 fiscal year on a 6-1 vote Tuesday night. The adopted budget includes additional funding for tree planting and urban canopy expansion, continued support for low-cost mobile spay and neuter services, and the purchase of a new fire rescue apparatus. Council Member Bob Smith cast the lone dissenting vote, citing concerns about the city's long-term spending trajectory.

Several residents urged the City Council to continue supporting efforts to keep water flowing through the Kern River in Bakersfield. Speakers highlighted the river's environmental, recreational, and community value, saying a flowing river creates a space for families while improving habitat and the city's overall quality of life. Multiple speakers also encouraged continued collaboration to extend the river flow beyond this summer.

Developers investing in southeast Bakersfield told the City Council they've spent more than $100,000 cleaning illegal dumping from land planned for future housing and development. They said the dumping quickly returned and asked the city for additional enforcement and support to protect the area as investment continues.

In response to concerns from developers, Councilmember Andre Gonzalez requested city staff explore stronger enforcement against illegal dumping in southeast Bakersfield. His proposal includes working with Bakersfield Police, improving signage on affected properties, and identifying funding to help clean up illegal dumping before it spreads.

Community members urged the City Council to strengthen Bakersfield's urban forestry efforts by adopting stronger tree protection policies and improving enforcement. Speakers also requested more transparency around tree removal, replacement, and maintenance as the city works to expand its tree canopy.

Several residents urged the City Council to halt expansion of the city's Flock camera network, citing privacy, transparency, and oversight concerns. Speakers also called for public hearings, annual audits, and the release of camera locations and usage information before any future expansion or contract renewal. These comments came during the public comment portion of the budget discussion; no council action was taken on the requests during the meeting.

If it’s underlined like this, it’s a recurring event

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

• Chess Club @ Temblor Brewing (5PM) Weekly community chess meetup open to casual and competitive players.
• Kern County C10 Night & Biggy's Birthday Bash @ Chuy's Baja Grill (5:30PM–9PM) Community truck night featuring classic C10s, food, drinks, and music.
• Sushi Making Class @ Corks & Strokes (6PM–8PM) Hands-on sushi making class in partnership with Poke Express.
• Book Bingo @ Jerry's Pizza & Pub (6:30PM) Book-themed bingo night with prizes including a Kindle, gift cards, and more.
• Concerts at The Marketplace: Mento Buru @ The Marketplace (7PM–9PM) Free outdoor concert featuring Jamaican ska, reggae, salsa, and funk.
• Art After Dark: Celebrate Pride @ Bakersfield Museum of Art (7PM–10PM) Pride celebration featuring live performances, drag entertainment, DJs, and museum access.
• Free Open Mic Night @ The Well Comedy Club (Sign-ups 6PM / Show 7PM) Weekly comedy open mic welcoming new and experienced comics.
• Central Groove Industry Night @ Crash Lounge (10PM–Close) Deep house, tech house, and minimal house night with a secret lineup and industry specials.

• Bakersfield Fairytale Friends @ Rathbun Branch Library (12PM–1PM) Meet a tropical princess during this family-friendly library event.
• The Krock Pot featuring Nef the Pharaoh @ Paradise Palace (4:20PM–10PM) Live music festival featuring Nef the Pharaoh, DJ Twenty-Four KG, vendors, food, drinks, and surprise guests.
• The View Night Market @ Ridgeview High School Parking Lot (5:30PM–9:30PM) Community night market featuring local vendors, shopping, food, and entertainment.
• Hip-Hop Music Bingo Night @ Centro Cali Brewing (6PM–9PM) Interactive music bingo featuring hip-hop and R&B favorites from every era.
• Friday Night Magic @ Bakersfield Esports Center (6:30PM) Weekly Magic: The Gathering meetup for casual and competitive players.
• Critical Mass Bakersfield Ride @ Beach Park (Meet 6:30PM / Roll Out 7PM) Monthly community bike ride exploring Bakersfield neighborhoods.
• Boy Band Night @ Jerry's Pizza & Pub (Doors 7PM) Throwback dance party featuring NSYNC, Backstreet Boys, and more. No cover.
• We Own The Laughs @ The Well Comedy Club (Doors 6PM / Show 7PM) Stand-up comedy showcase featuring D'Maurier Johnson and other comedians.
• Crushed Glass Art Party @ Corks & Strokes (7PM–9PM) Instructor-led workshop creating custom crushed glass artwork.
• The Heights @ Spotlight Academy Theatre (7PM) Live theatrical performance.
• Mean Girls @ Ovation Theatre (7:30PM) Live production of the hit Broadway musical.
• The Ghost Brothers of Darkland County @ Bakersfield Community Theatre (7:30PM–9:30PM) Musical by Stephen King with music and lyrics by John Mellencamp.
• Hi Friends Secret Rave @ Secret Location (9PM) Secret 21+ rave featuring EDM, house, techno, dubstep, and Latin EDM.
• Afrobeats Night @ El Portal (10PM) Dance party featuring Afrobeats, Amapiano, and Dancehall. No cover.

• Girls Run B Pride Run @ The Park at River Walk (6:15AM) Community co-ed Pride Month fun run encouraging participants to wear rainbow colors.
• F Street Farmers Market @ In Your Wildest Dreams Parking Lot (7:45AM–12PM) Weekly farmers market featuring produce, baked goods, and local vendors.
• Sun & Soundbath @ The Point (8:30AM–9:30AM) Blue Zones wellness event focused on relaxation, recovery, and mindfulness.
• Family Fun Day @ Hart Park (9AM) Bring bikes, games, balls, and scooters for a morning of outdoor family fun.
• Riverlakes Farmers Market @ CHS Parking Lot (9AM–1PM) Weekly farmers market featuring produce, artisan vendors, food, and local businesses.
• Mat Pilates Moai @ nX Annex (10AM–11AM) Community mat Pilates class focused on strength, flexibility, and mindful movement.
• Science Saturday @ Buena Vista Museum of Natural History & Science (11AM–2PM) Hands-on science demonstrations and museum admission included.
• Teresa Casa de Modas Grand Opening @ 316 H St. (12PM) Grand opening celebration featuring bridal, quinceañera, gala fashions, refreshments, and giveaways.
• Curious Giraffe Paint Party @ Corks & Strokes (2PM–3:30PM) Guided paint-and-sip workshop.
• Feral Ladies Monthly Meet & Greet @ Lengthwise The Pub (2PM–4PM) Community social meetup hosted by Feral Ladies of Bakersfield.
• The Baka Few Tour @ Northeast Branch Library (2:30PM) Free live performance as part of the Kern County tour.
• BEC No Walls Warfare: Fortnite Zero Build @ Bakersfield Esports Center (3PM) Fortnite Zero Build tournament. $20 entry.
• American Kids Sports Center Grand Opening @ 5010 Young St. (3PM–6PM) Grand opening celebration with tours, games, giveaways, demonstrations, and special offers.
• Minecraft Kids Rave: Creeper Glow Fest @ Jerry's Pizza & Pub (5PM–8PM) Family-friendly Minecraft-themed dance party featuring glow gear, games, and costumes.
• Magnolia Kitchen Grand Opening @ Magnolia Kitchen (6PM–8PM) Grand opening featuring live music, Italian ice, Del's Lemonade, homemade classics, and sweets.
• Downtown Photowalk + Movie Screening @ 700 22nd St. (6PM–9:30PM) Community photowalk followed by an outdoor screening of The Secret Life of Walter Mitty.
• Southwest Night Market @ Independence High School Parking Lot (6PM–10PM) Night market featuring food, desserts, drinks, crafts, boutiques, antiques, collectibles, and local vendors.
• Jim Trino @ The Well Comedy Club (7PM) Live stand-up comedy performance.
• The Heights @ Spotlight Academy Theatre (7PM) Live theatrical performance.
• Sip & Paint: 50 First Dates @ Drip House Coffee Co. (7PM–9:30PM) Couples paint night where you'll paint each other's portraits while watching the movie.
• 15th Annual Richie McGowan Memorial @ Bakersfield Speedway at Kern Raceway (Racing 7PM) IMCA racing featuring multiple divisions and on-track autographs before the races.
• Mean Girls @ Ovation Theatre (7:30PM) Live performance of the Broadway musical.
• The Ghost Brothers of Darkland County @ Bakersfield Community Theatre (7:30PM–9:30PM) Evening performance of Stephen King's musical.
• Lucha Libre Mexicana @ Athletic Goal Club (Doors 7PM / Bell 8PM) Family-friendly professional lucha libre event.
• Michael Jackson Night @ Temblor Brewing (9PM) 18+ tribute dance night celebrating the King of Pop.
• Night Hike @ Wind Wolves Preserve (Reservation Required) Guided evening hike through San Emigdio Canyon. Reservation required; hike time varies.

• Community Market @ Rio Bravo Ranch (9AM–1PM) Community market featuring 50+ local businesses, food, coffee, produce, boutiques, wellness vendors, brunch, and olive oil & wine tastings.
• Haggin Oaks Farmers Market @ 8800 Ming Ave. (9AM–2PM) Weekly farmers market featuring produce, artisan vendors, food, and local businesses.
• Primo's Smoke & Spirits Patio Opening @ Scarlett & Gray Golf Course (During business hours?) Grand opening celebration featuring BBQ, signature cocktails, live music, and the new public patio.
• Bakolandia Cowboy Market @ Tractor Supply (10AM–2PM) Western-themed community market featuring local vendors, handmade goods, treats, drinks, family activities, and more.
• Madness Market Pop-Up @ 2720 Calloway Dr. (10AM–3PM) Pop-up market featuring toy vendors, collectibles, and local sellers.
• America Turns 250: Red, White & Boom @ Ethel's Old Corral Café (11AM–7PM) Patriotic celebration featuring live entertainment, vendors, raffles, food specials, and family fun.
• Mean Girls @ Ovation Theatre (2PM) Final matinee performance of the hit Broadway musical.
• The Ghost Brothers of Darkland County @ Bakersfield Community Theatre (2PM–4PM) Sunday matinee performance of Stephen King's musical.
• Snail Races @ Kern River Parkway Nature Center (2PM) Family-friendly snail races with snails provided by the Nature Center.
• Paper Portrait Picnic @ 1101 18th St., Suite 100 (2PM–3:30PM) Adults-only Pride Month art gathering celebrating creativity and community.
• Power Moves 365 Fam-Fest: Love & Wellness Tour @ Residences at West Columbus (3PM) Free family festival featuring live music, pizza, ice cream, wellness checkups, haircuts, games, jumpers, and community resources.
• The Heights @ Spotlight Academy Theatre (3PM) Live theatrical performance.
• Soul Fair: Summer Solstice @ The Amara (4PM–9PM) Summer Solstice celebration featuring wellness experiences, a sunset sound bath, music, and community.
• BEC King of Iron Fist: Tekken 8 @ Bakersfield Esports Center (5PM) Tekken 8 tournament. $20 entry.
• Hydrangea Bouquet Paint Party @ Corks & Strokes (5PM–6:30PM) Guided paint-and-sip workshop featuring a hydrangea bouquet.
• Tim Kasher North American Tour @ Temblor Brewing (7PM) Live performance featuring Tim Kasher with Heartwrench and Selfsame.

• Bingo & Beer @ Temblor Brewing (7PM) Weekly community bingo night.
• Dungeons & Dragons Meetup @ Bakersfield Esports Center (7PM) Weekly tabletop gaming meetup welcoming new and experienced players.

• Pub Trivia @ Temblor Brewing (7PM) Weekly trivia night testing knowledge across multiple categories.

• Family Game Night @ Temblor Brewing (4PM) Weekly family-friendly board game meetup.
• Cornhole Tournament @ Temblor Brewing (5:30PM) Weekly community cornhole tournament.
• Western Wednesdays @ Fairfax Grange (Doors 5:40PM / Dance Lessons 6PM) Weekly western dance night featuring two-step instruction and dance fundamentals.
• Bingo Night @ BarrelHouse Bakersfield (6PM) Weekly free-to-play bingo night.
• MixxedFit Dance Fitness Class @ My Dance & Fitness Studio (7PM–8PM) High-energy dance fitness class led by Frank.
• Emo Karaoke @ Jerry's Pizza & Pub (7PM–Midnight) Weekly emo and pop-punk karaoke night.
• Bakersfield Jazz Workshop @ The Phoenix at Sundale Country Club (6:30PM-8:30PM) Weekly live jazz session with food, drinks, and no cover.
• Bingo Night + Live Music w/ Vince Galindo @ Rooster's Honky Tonk (8PM) Weekly bingo night paired with live country music.

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The Bakersfield Guy