Major Events & Festivals in Bakersfield, California, United States

Bakersfield, United States, Bakersfield, Culture & Entertainment, Major Events & Festivals

Major Events & Festivals in Bakersfield, California, United States

1. Kern County Fair

Annual fair featuring agriculture, food, livestock shows, and entertainment.
  • Livestock Shows: Showcases local agricultural industry and provides insights into farming practices.
  • Entertainment: Offers various music, dance, and comedy performances throughout the fair.
  • Food Court: Features a wide variety of regional and international cuisines to sample.

2. Fiesta de Mexico

Celebration of Mexican culture with food, music, dance, and traditional crafts.
  • Authentic Food: Provides an opportunity to try authentic Mexican dishes.
  • Cultural Performances: Showcases various regional Mexican dances and music.
  • Craft Market: Offers traditional Mexican crafts for sale, supporting local artisans.

3. Kern County St. Patrick's Day Parade

Annual parade celebrating Irish culture with floats, music, and festivities.
  • Irish Culture: Provides a glimpse into Irish traditions and history.
  • Floats and Performers: Includes elaborate floats, bagpipe bands, and Irish dancers.
  • Community Spirit: Brings together the Bakersfield community in a fun and lively atmosphere.

4. Bakersfield Music Boom

A series of music events showcasing local and national musicians.
  • Local Talent: Highlights up-and-coming artists from the Bakersfield area.
  • National Acts: Attracts well-known musicians and bands for performances.
  • Variety of Genres: Caters to various music preferences, from country to rock.

5. Bakersfield Renaissance Faire

Annual event recreating the atmosphere of a medieval English village.
  • Historical Reenactments: Features jousting tournaments, sword fighting demonstrations, and other period activities.
  • Costumes: Encourages attendees to dress in medieval-style clothing for an immersive experience.
  • Artisans Marketplace: Offers a variety of handmade goods, including jewelry, pottery, and clothing.

6. Kern County Cowboy Days

Celebration of cowboy culture with rodeos, concerts, and Western activities.
  • Rodeo Events: Includes bull riding, barrel racing, and other traditional rodeo events.
  • Western Entertainment: Features country music concerts, cowboy poetry readings, and cowboy mounted shooting.
  • Historical Presentations: Offers lectures and demonstrations on Western history and heritage.

7. Bakersfield Chocolate Festival

Annual celebration of chocolate with tastings, workshops, and competitions.
  • Tastings: Allows attendees to sample a wide variety of chocolates.
  • Workshops: Offers educational sessions on chocolate making and pairing.
  • Competitions: Hosts contests for amateur and professional chocolatiers.

8. Bakersfield Greek Festival

Celebration of Greek culture with food, music, dance, and tradition.
  • Authentic Food: Features traditional Greek dishes, including gyros, moussaka, and baklava.
  • Dance Performances: Showcases various traditional Greek dances, such as the Zorba and Kalamatianos.
  • Greek Marketplace: Offers a variety of handmade Greek products, including jewelry, ceramics, and textiles.

9. Bakersfield Film Festival

Annual event showcasing independent films and supporting emerging filmmakers.
  • Independent Films: Showcases a diverse selection of independent films from around the world.
  • Filmmaker Workshops: Offers educational workshops and panels for aspiring filmmakers.
  • Networking Opportunities: Provides opportunities for filmmakers to connect with industry professionals.

10. Bakersfield Comic Con

Annual event celebrating comic books, pop culture, and cosplay.
  • Celebrity Guests: Attracts well-known actors, artists, and writers from the comic book and film industries.
  • Artist Alley: Features a variety of independent artists selling original artwork and prints.
  • Cosplay Contest: Hosts a cosplay contest for attendees to showcase their creative costumes.

11. Bakersfield Car Show

Annual event showcasing classic and custom cars.
  • Classic Cars: Features a wide variety of classic cars, from Model T's to Muscle Cars.
  • Custom Cars: Showcases custom-built and hot rods, showcasing the ingenuity of car enthusiasts.
  • Car Clubs: Allows various car clubs to display their vehicles and network with fellow enthusiasts.

12. Bakersfield Pride Parade

Annual celebration of the LGBTQ+ community with a parade, festival, and speakers.
  • Community Spirit: Brings together the LGBTQ+ community and allies to celebrate diversity.
  • Parade: Includes floats, marching bands, and performances from local groups.
  • Festival Activities: Offers food vendors, live music, and a variety of activities for attendees.

13. Bakersfield Art Walk

Monthly event showcasing local artists and their work.
  • Local Artists: Showcases a variety of artists from the Bakersfield area.
  • Art Gallery Openings: Includes openings of new art exhibitions at participating galleries.
  • Live Music and Performances: Features live music, dance, and poetry performances throughout the event.

14. Bakersfield Wine & Food Festival

Annual event showcasing Central California wines and local cuisine.
  • Wine Tastings: Offers tastings of Central California's finest wines.
  • Local Cuisine: Features a variety of regional dishes, showcasing the area's culinary offerings.
  • Cooking Demonstrations: Includes cooking demonstrations from local chefs and wine pairings.

15. Bakersfield Holiday Light Show

Annual event featuring a driving tour of decorated homes and neighborhoods.
  • Holiday Spirit: Celebrates the holiday season with festive lights, music, and decorations.
  • Driving Tour: Takes attendees on a guided tour of beautifully decorated homes.
  • Community Participation: Encourages local residents to participate and showcase their own holiday decorations.