
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.