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In The City

Harris BBQ closes its last Bakersfield location

Harris BBQ's Buena Vista Road spot shut its doors July 5, just over a year after it opened. The restaurant had bounced around before landing there, first setting up shop inside Sully's on Coffee Road near Truxtun. If you're missing that brisket, the original Harris BBQ at Harris Ranch Resort out in Coalinga is still open and still slinging the same beef the company built its name on.

Two earthquakes in 36 hours has Kern County talking prep

A magnitude 4.1–4.2 quake hit near Frazier Park early Sunday, then a second one in the 4.1–4.3 range struck near Johannesburg the next day. No injuries, no damage, but two shakes that close together is enough to get people's attention. Local Red Cross volunteer Russ Huge put it simply: too many of us aren't ready because we don't believe it's actually going to happen. His advice is the basics. Keep food, water, and medications on hand. Walk through your house and look for anything that could fall during strong shaking, since a lot of earthquake injuries come from sprains, cuts, and people scrambling around, not the quake itself. He also recommends the free MyShake app for alerts.

State of the City: Bakersfield doesn't want to be LA

City leaders gathered Wednesday for the annual address, and the standout line came from City Manager Christian Clegg, who said Bakersfield can have nice things without trying to become Los Angeles, San Francisco, or San Diego. Mayor Karen Goh shared that over $400,000 in city funding helped launch 250 small businesses and create 330 jobs. Clegg pointed to downtown as the clearest sign of progress so far, calling it the payoff from years of investment finally coming together. Going forward, the city says the focus stays on economic growth, public safety, and quality of life.

In-N-Out and Chick-fil-A officially confirmed for City Lights

The city dropped this news at the same State of the City address: In-N-Out and Chick-fil-A are locked in for the City Lights development going up at the old East Hills Mall site. This will be Bakersfield's 4th In-N-Out and 3rd Chick-fil-A. They'll join Boot Barn, Ross, Ulta, Marshalls, Hobby Lobby, Five Below, and Sprouts at the 350,000-square-foot center, which is now reportedly 90% leased ahead of a spring 2027 opening. The site sat empty for years after the mall closed, and east side residents have been waiting a long time for this kind of investment.

Click the underlined event name for tickets, reservations, or more information. If it’s highlighted like this, it’s a weekly, reoccurring event!

• $2 Day @ Buena Vista Museum of Natural History | 2018 Chester Ave. (10AM–4PM) All-ages museum day offering admission for just $2 per person.
• Children First Food Distribution @ 1511 Niles st. (4PM until food runs out) Monthly food distribution providing one box per family, with drive-thru and walk-up options available.
• Neighborhood Cafe Volunteer Opportunity @ First Congregational Church | 5 Real Rd. (5PM–7:30PM) Monthly volunteer opportunity centered on bringing food, dignity, connection, and compassion to the neighborhood.
• Chess Club @ Temblor Brewing (5PM) Weekly community chess meetup open to casual and competitive players.
• Bike Night & Burnout Contest @ Kern County Powersports | 3917 Buck Owens Blvd. (6PM–8PM) Community motorcycle night featuring a burnout contest, tacos, lemonade, vendors, and a red, white, and blue theme.
• Cruise Night @ Chuy’s Baja Grill (6PM) Weekly car show featuring local vehicles, music, and DJs.
• 6 Pillars of Health Cooking Demo @ Bakersfield Concierge and Longevity Medicine | 5500 Ming Ave., Suite 320 (6:30PM–7:30PM) Blue Zones-inspired cooking demonstration focused on nutrition, vitality, sustainability, and wellness.
• Sunsets on the River @ Yokuts Park | 4198 Empire Dr. (6:30PM) Family river event featuring a scavenger hunt, water play, crafts, wildlife demonstrations, and fly-fishing practice.
• Family Evening Hike @ Panorama Park (7PM) Family-friendly evening hike hosted by Little Hikers of Bakersfield.
• Stormy Daniels @ The Well Comedy Club | 1517 18th St. (7PM) Live appearance at The Well Comedy Club.
• Squishy Bingo @ The Lot | 7500 Rosedale Hwy. (7:30PM) Free-to-play bingo night alongside local vendors, food, and family activities.
• Midland @ Dignity Health Theater | 1001 Truxtun Ave. (8PM) Country trio Midland brings its hits, steel guitar, and Texas-inspired sound to Bakersfield.

• Mr. & Mrs. Mouse Meet and Greet @ Baker Branch Library | 1400 Baker St. (12PM–1PM) Free character meet-and-greet featuring Mr. and Mrs. Mouse from Bakersfield Fairytale Friends.
• Artist-Led Exhibition Tour @ Bakersfield Museum of Art (6PM–7PM) Artist-led tour of the museum’s current exhibition, with advance reservations required and museum admission purchased upon arrival.
• Gossamer Night Market @ Community Park, Shafter | Soaring Heights Way & Cobble Creek Dr. (6PM–9PM) Evening market featuring vendors, food, and live music under the Shafter night sky.
• Friday Night Dancing at the Grange @ Fairfax Grange | 4 Fairfax Rd. (7PM–9PM) $10 social dance night with no partner or previous dance experience required.
• Eleanor Kerrigan @ The Well Comedy Club | 1517 18th St. (7PM) Stand-up comedy performance from veteran comedian Eleanor Kerrigan.
• Girls Trip Paint Class @ Corks & Strokes | 2623 F St., Suite M (7PM–9PM) Guided painting session featuring three friends in colorful dresses and sun hats.
• Pirates! The Penzance Musical @ Edward Simonsen Indoor Theater, Bakersfield College (7:30PM–9:30PM) Jazzy and blues-inspired adaptation of the Gilbert and Sullivan classic. Tickets are $15–$20.
• BCT’s 38th Annual One Act Festival @ Bakersfield Community Theatre (7:30PM–9:30PM) Annual local theater festival featuring a collection of short one-act productions.
• Movie Night: Michael @ The Lot | 7500 Rosedale Hwy. (8:45PM) Outdoor screening of Michael with guests encouraged to bring their own chairs.
• Summerween: Added Outdoor Cinema Showing @ The Snuggle Barn (9PM) Added outdoor Halloween movie showing featuring a spooky classic under the stars with roaming alpacas.
• Friday Night Magic @ Bakersfield Esports Center (6:30PM) Weekly Magic: The Gathering meetup for local players.

• July Birthdays Run @ Hart Park | 6001–6003 Lake Rd. (6:15AM) Girls Run Bakersfield meetup celebrating July birthdays with a group run and post-run treats.
• F Street Farmers Market @ In Your Wildest Dreams Parking Lot (7:45AM–12PM) Weekly farmers market featuring local produce, food, and small businesses.
• Sunrise Market @ The Lot | 7500 Rosedale Hwy. (8AM–12PM) Morning community market featuring local vendors, handmade goods, food, and family-friendly shopping.
• The Valley’s Collectors Expo @ The Well Comedy Club | 1517 18th St. (9AM) Indoor expo featuring more than 80 tables of sports cards, trading cards, comics, toys, memorabilia, art, and collectibles.
• Riverlakes Farmers Market @ CHS Parking Lot (9AM–1PM) Weekly community farmers market featuring produce, food, and local vendors.
• Free Welding Experience Day @ Elite Metal Works Welding Training | 19450 Colombo St., Unit E (10AM) Free adults-only introductory welding experience with equipment, instruction, shop access, and hands-on welding time. Event is currently full.
• Mat Pilates Moai @ nX Annex | 616 18th St. (10AM–11AM) Weekly mat Pilates class focused on strength, balance, flexibility, and mindful movement.
• Special Needs Screening: Moana @ Studio Movie Grill (11AM) Sensory-friendly screening with free admission for family members accompanying guests with special needs; tickets are available at the box office.
• Cards & Coffee @ In Your Wildest Dreams | 2819 F St. (11AM–2PM) Trading-card meetup featuring coffee, Pokémon-themed drinks, Pokéball conchas, card trading, and opportunities to meet fellow collectors.
• Lisa Frank Junk Journal Workshop @ Jerry’s Pizza & Pub | 1817 Chester Ave. (11:30AM) $15 nostalgic craft workshop including a Lisa Frank-inspired journal kit and a best-dressed contest.
• Decorate Your Sole @ Lines and Living Art: Creative Outlet | 1101 18th St., Suite 100 (12PM–2PM) Creative workshop where attendees decorate a pair of flip-flops using provided craft supplies.
• Imagine Dragons Paint Class @ Corks & Strokes | 2623 F St., Suite M (1PM–2:30PM) Guided fantasy-themed painting class featuring a dragon beneath a moonlit sky.
• Second Nature: Exploring the Work @ Bakersfield Museum of Art (1PM–2PM) Artist conversation exploring the ideas, materials, processes, and themes behind the Second Nature exhibition.
• Hard Rock Casino Tejon’s Night at the Races @ Kevin Harvick’s Kern Raceway (Gates 5PM; pre-race party 6:15PM; racing 7PM) Major racing night featuring NASCAR divisions, spectator drags, a flag-pole figure-eight, and the Mayhem Machine destruction stunt.
• Lucha Libre: Mascarita Sagrada @ 3500 21st St. (7PM) Mexican lucha libre event featuring Mascarita Sagrada and five advertised wrestling matches. Admission is $20 for adults and $10 for children.
• Backcountry Paint Party: Alien, Bigfoot or Bear @ Corks & Strokes | 2623 F St., Suite M (7PM–9PM) Guided paint party offering attendees a choice between alien, Bigfoot, or bear artwork.
• BCT’s 38th Annual One Act Festival @ Bakersfield Community Theatre (7:30PM–9:30PM) Saturday performance of the annual festival featuring a collection of short theatrical productions.
• Spectra: Pride Extravaganza @ The Eligon Social Co. (8PM) 18-and-over Pride stage show featuring Laganja Estranja, Calypso Jeté Balmain, Alexander the Queen, Sasha Reign Dupree, and additional performers.
• Gothicumbia @ The Nile Theater (9PM) Late-night event blending goth music and aesthetics with cumbia influences.
• Summerween: An Outdoor Cinema Experience @ The Snuggle Barn (9PM) Outdoor Halloween movie experience under the stars with roaming alpacas.
• Korn Tribute by Elote @ Hard Rock Casino Tejon | 1777 Garden Farm Rd., Mettler (Time not shown) Live tribute performance celebrating Bakersfield band Korn.

SUNDAY • JULY 19
• Sunrise Market @ The Lot | 7500 Rosedale Hwy. (8AM–12PM) Sunday morning market featuring vendors, handmade goods, food, music, and family activities.
• Really Really Free Market @ Belle Terrace Park | 1101 E. Belle Terrace (9AM–11AM) Community gift-economy market where attendees can bring what they can and take what they need.
• 80s Market Rave @ Haggin Oaks Farmers Market | 8800 Ming Ave. (9AM–2PM) All-ages farmers market event featuring DJ Pollito and dancing to music from the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s.
• Kern County Vintage Flea @ Kern County Fairgrounds | 1142 S P St. (10AM–4PM) Large indoor vintage market featuring more than 75 vendors selling secondhand clothing, jewelry, handmade goods, collectibles, and more.
• Sunday Spread @ Centro Cali Brewing | 716 19th St. (11AM–3PM) $35 dining experience featuring wood-fired pizza, pasta, carved meats, focaccia sandwiches, salads, charcuterie, and more.
• BCT’s 38th Annual One Act Festival @ Bakersfield Community Theatre (2PM–4PM) Sunday matinee featuring a collection of locally produced one-act plays.
• Sunset Paint @ Corks & Strokes | 2623 F St., Suite M (3PM–5PM) Guided painting class featuring a bright tropical sunset and palm tree scene.
• Sip & Paint: Besties Edition @ Slice of Italy, Downtown (5PM–7PM) $40 social event featuring a paint-palette cake, cookie decorating, wine, music, games, and prizes.
• Adult Bingo @ The Well Comedy Club | 1517 18th St. (Doors 5PM; show 6PM) 18-and-over comedy game show featuring adult-themed bingo rounds, mini-games, and prizes.
• Sunrise Hike @ Wind Wolves Preserve (Must book to get time) Guided hike offering visitors an early-morning view of the preserve as it wakes with the rising sun. Reservations are required.

MONDAY • JULY 20
• Todd Lee Basketball Camp @ CSUB (8:30AM–3:30PM) Basketball camp for boys entering kindergarten through eighth grade featuring instruction, drills, competitions, lunch, and a camp T-shirt.
• Stay Cool, Stay Safe Volunteer Opportunity @ 712 17th St. (9AM–12PM) Volunteer outreach event focused on heat safety, hydration, and protection from harmful ultraviolet exposure.
• Emo Craft Night @ Jerry’s Pizza Basement (6PM) $35 all-ages workshop featuring band T-shirt customization and kandi bracelet making while listening to emo music.
• Motown Mondays @ Jerry’s Pizza & Pub (6PM–10PM) Weekly Motown night featuring music from Kev King.
• Bingo & Beer @ Temblor Brewing (7PM) Weekly bingo night with beer, prizes, and community fun.
• Dungeons & Dragons Meetup @ Bakersfield Esports Center (7PM) Weekly tabletop role-playing meetup open to new and experienced players.
• Iron Vixens Recruitment Night @ 1004 34th St. (6:30PM–8:30PM) Roller derby recruitment night with equipment provided; attendees only need to bring water.

TUESDAY • JULY 21
• Todd Lee Basketball Camp @ CSUB (8:30AM–3:30PM) Day two of the youth basketball camp featuring instruction, drills, competitions, lunch, and a camp T-shirt.
• Catholic Charities Senior Food Distribution @ Catholic Charities of Bakersfield | 825 Chester Ave. (9AM–10AM) Food distribution specifically serving local senior residents.
• Stampede Benefit Show @ Legends Event Center | 7900 Downing Ave. (Doors 6PM; show 6:30PM) $40 live music fundraiser benefiting the Golden Empire Gleaners, with appetizers included and a raffle available.
• Bakersfield Jazz Workshop @ Centro Cali Brewing | 1000 19th St. (6:30PM–9:30PM) Weekly community jazz workshop featuring local musicians and live improvisation.
• Family Evening Hike @ Hart Park (7PM) Family-friendly evening hike hosted by Little Hikers of Bakersfield.
• Pub Trivia @ Temblor Brewing (7PM) Weekly trivia competition featuring drinks, teams, and prizes.

WEDNESDAY • JULY 22
• Todd Lee Basketball Camp @ CSUB (8:30AM–3:30PM) Day three of the youth basketball camp featuring instruction, drills, competitions, lunch, and a camp T-shirt.
• Catholic Charities Farmer’s Market Food Distribution @ Catholic Charities of Bakersfield | 825 Chester Ave. (8AM–10AM) Free farmer’s market-style food distribution serving local families.
• Shelf Help Volunteer Event @ Apple Core Inc. | 616 Grace St. (3PM–5PM) Volunteer opportunity helping organize and distribute groceries to Bakersfield residents in need.
• Family Game Night @ Temblor Brewing (4PM) Weekly family-friendly evening featuring games, food, and drinks.
• Sound Social @ 1020 19th St. (5PM–7PM) Free networking night for Bakersfield and Kern County musicians featuring 10 open-mic spots, icebreakers, and local connections.
• Cornhole Tournament @ Temblor Brewing (5:30PM) Weekly cornhole competition open to local players.
• Wine Bottle Paint & Sip: Dolphin Dreams @ Tlo Wines Tasting Room (6PM) Guided wine-bottle painting event featuring a dolphin-inspired design, with tickets starting at $55.20.
• Bubbles, Boards & Bingo @ Wine Me Up | 3900 Coffee Rd., Suite 2 (6PM–8PM) 21-and-over event featuring three rounds of bingo, one drink, and an individual charcuterie board.
• Bingo Night @ BarrelHouse Bakersfield | 4200 Resnik Ct. (6PM) Free-to-play weekly bingo night.
• Western Wednesdays @ The Fairfax Grange (Doors 5:40PM; lesson 6PM) Weekly country dance lesson covering two-step basics, drills, and dance-floor etiquette.
• MixxedFit Dance Fitness Class @ My Dance & Fitness Studio | 4001 Union Ave. (7PM–8PM) High-energy dance fitness class led by Frank. Admission is $7.
• Emo Karaoke @ Jerry’s Pizza & Pub (7PM–12AM) Weekly karaoke night focused on emo, alternative, and pop-punk favorites.
• Bingo Night + Live Music with Vince Galindo @ Rooster’s Honky Tonk (8PM) Weekly bingo night paired with live country music.

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