Live Music & Theater Guide in Bakersfield, California, United States
1. Bakersfield Museum of Art
Discover local and national artists in this vibrant museum. Explore temporary exhibitions and educational programs.
- Rich Artist Collection: Features an extensive collection of California art, including works by artists from the early 20th century to the present.
- Educational Programs: Offers various workshops and classes for both children and adults, providing opportunities to learn new artistic techniques.
- Community Events: Hosts events such as First Friday Art Hops and Art in the Park, fostering a strong connection with the local community.
2. Pioneer Women's Memorial
Honor the resilience of pioneer women in this moving outdoor sculpture garden. Learn about their hardships and contributions.
- Unique Sculptures: Features over 40 life-sized bronze statues, each depicting a different pioneer woman performing daily tasks.
- Historical Context: Offers insights into the hardships and accomplishments of the women who helped shape the American West.
- Community Pride: Serves as a source of pride for the community, symbolizing the strength and resilience of Bakersfield's pioneer heritage.
3. Kern County Museum
Step back in time at this expansive museum, featuring exhibits on local history, agriculture, and oil industry.
- Historic Buildings: Includes over 40 historic structures, including a one-room schoolhouse, a general store, and a pioneer home.
- Agriculture Exhibits: Dedicated to showcasing the rich agricultural history of Kern County, with displays on farming equipment and techniques.
- Oil Industry Displays: Highlights the area's significant role in California's oil production industry, featuring vintage drilling equipment and oilfield memorabilia.
4. Buck Owens' Crystal Palace
Experience the Bakersfield Sound at this iconic venue. Dine on country-style cuisine while enjoying live music performances.
- Iconic Venue: Legendary home of Buck Owens, one of the founders of the Bakersfield Sound.
- Live Music Performances: Hosts live music performances featuring local and national artists, preserving the spirit of the Bakersfield Sound.
- Country Cuisine: Serves authentic country-style dishes, such as fried chicken, mashed potatoes, and homemade pie.
5. Kern County Star Theatre
Enjoy Broadway-caliber productions at this intimate community theater. Experience the magic of live theater in a cozy setting.
- Intimate Setting: Smaller seating capacity creates an intimate, immersive experience for audience members.
- Broadway-Quality Shows: Produces high-quality productions of Broadway classics and contemporary musicals.
- Community Involvement: Supports local talent through auditions, workshops, and educational programs for actors and technicians.
6. Kern Space Theater
Explore the wonders of space at this digital planetarium. Experience stunning full-dome shows and star gazing events.
- Digital Planetarium: Features state-of-the-art digital projection technology for immersive, realistic celestial experiences.
- Educational Programs: Offers educational programs and resources to foster a deeper understanding of astronomy and space exploration.
- Stargazing Events: Hosts stargazing events, allowing visitors to view the night sky through telescopes and observe celestial events.
7. The Bakersfield Symphony Orchestra
Experience the magic of live symphonic music with this professional orchestra. Attend concerts featuring masterpieces from various eras.
- Professional Orchestral Music: Performs a wide range of symphonic repertoire, ranging from classical masters to contemporary compositions.
- Community Engagement: Engages with the community through educational programs and performances in local schools.
- Concert Variety: Offers a diverse range of concert formats, including traditional symphonic concerts, pops concerts, and family-friendly events.
8. The Guild Theatre
Experience classic plays and cutting-edge performances at this historic theater. Enjoy a night of live theater in an elegant setting.
- Historic Architecture: Beautifully restored art deco architecture adds an extra layer of charm to the theater experience.
- Diverse Productions: Presents a variety of classic plays, modern works, and world premieres, catering to diverse audiences.
- Community Involvement: Involves local actors, technicians, and artists in productions, fostering a strong connection with the community.
9. The Fox Theater
Enjoy live music performances, movies, and special events at this beautifully restored art deco theater.
- Art Deco Architecture: Stunning art deco design and ornate decor create an unforgettable atmosphere for every event.
- Live Music Venue: Hosts live music performances from a variety of genres, providing a platform for local and national artists.
- Community Events: Serves as a venue for community events, such as film festivals, comedy shows, and dance recitals.
10. Kern County Live Theater
Experience live theater productions that showcase local talent. Enjoy a variety of performances throughout the year.
- Local Talent: Provides a platform for local actors, directors, and technicians to showcase their talents.
- Variety of Productions: Presents a diverse range of productions, from classic plays to contemporary works and musicals.
- Community Engagement: Engages with the community through educational programs, workshops, and auditions for local actors.
11. The Magic Fountain Theatre
Enjoy a family-friendly evening of live theater at this charming outdoor venue. Watch as the magic of storytelling comes to life.
- Outdoor Setting: Beautifully landscaped grounds create an idyllic setting for performances under the stars.
- Family-Friendly Productions: Presents a variety of family-friendly productions, including children's shows and classic plays.
- Community Involvement: Involves local actors, technicians, and artists in productions, fostering a strong connection with the community.
12. The Hillcrest Center for the Arts
Explore visual arts, dance, music, and theater at this versatile community center. Participate in classes, workshops, and performances.
- Versatile Venue: Offers multiple spaces for various art forms, including a theater, dance studio, and visual arts gallery.
- Community Engagement: Engages with the community through classes, workshops, and performances that foster artistic growth.
- Arts Education: Provides educational programs for both children and adults, encouraging lifelong learning in the arts.
13. The Mature Lions Theatre
Experience the magic of live theater with performances by senior actors. Enjoy thought-provoking plays and musicals.
- Senior Talent: Provides a platform for senior actors to share their talents and showcase their skills.
- Thought-Provoking Productions: Presents plays and musicals that tackle relevant and thought-provoking themes, appealing to a mature audience.
- Community Engagement: Engages with the community through educational programs, workshops, and auditions for senior actors.
14. The Kern County Improv Company
Laugh your way through improv shows featuring local talent. Enjoy a night of spontaneous and hilarious comedy.
- Local Talent: Provides a platform for local actors, comedians, and writers to showcase their improv skills.
- Spontaneous Comedy: Offers fast-paced, spontaneous comedy that keeps audiences on the edge of their seats.
- Community Engagement: Engages with the community through workshops, classes, and improv shows for all ages.
15. The Bakersfield Comedy Club
Laugh it up at this comedy club featuring national touring acts. Enjoy a night of stand-up comedy in an intimate setting.
- National Acts: Features national touring comedians, bringing the best in stand-up comedy to Bakersfield.
- Intimate Setting: Small seating capacity creates an intimate and interactive experience for audience members.
- Local Talent Showcase: Gives local comedians the opportunity to open for national acts, providing a platform for local talent.