In The City

A new Vallarta Supermarket is coming to southwest Bakersfield. Construction is underway on a 55,000-square-foot Vallarta at Panama Lane and Old River Road, with the store expected to open in April 2027. Once complete, it'll become the company's sixth Bakersfield location and bring a full-service grocery store to one of the city's fastest-growing neighborhoods.

A $27 million senior housing project has officially broken ground. The East Bakersfield development will include 36 affordable apartments along with a brand-new senior center offering meals, wellness programs, educational classes, and other community services. The project is expected to open in early 2028.

Salty's BBQ has a new home. The longtime Bakersfield favorite is officially opening its new location at 3214 Coffee Road. As the restaurant transitions, its original location will temporarily close while operations move into the new space.

United Airlines begins nonstop LAX service next week. Daily nonstop flights between Meadows Field and Los Angeles International Airport begin August 11, giving Bakersfield travelers another direct connection for flights across the country and around the world.

City Pool Season Wraps Up This Weekend If you've been meaning to visit one of Bakersfield's public pools, this weekend is your last chance. Most City of Bakersfield recreation pools close for the season on Friday, Aug. 7, while McMurtrey Aquatic Center will remain open through Sunday, Aug. 9. The city's spray parks will continue operating through Labor Day.

Local Business Spotlight

Sovanni Cosmetics

Most people probably don't realize that one of Bakersfield's own is developing cosmetics, skincare, and grooming products from the ground up.

Sovanni Cosmetics is an independent beauty brand founded by a local cosmetic chemist who formulates every product himself. After studying chemistry and biochemistry, he saw a gap between flashy marketing and what was actually inside many beauty products. Instead of following trends, he decided to build products backed by real formulation science.

Today, Sovanni creates small-batch cosmetics, skincare, and men's grooming products right here in Bakersfield. The focus is on long-lasting performance while using ingredients chosen for how they actually perform, not because they're the latest marketing buzzword.

The long-term goal is ambitious: to grow Sovanni into a globally recognized independent beauty brand while proving innovative cosmetic science can come from Bakersfield.

I personally I’ve used two of his creams, and they’re really high quality. Thank you Phil!

If you'd like to support a local entrepreneur, you can follow Sovanni Cosmetics on social media on TikTok and instagram, or learn more at sovannicosmetics.com. Keep checking back because he updates his site as his products become available!

EVENTS THIS WEEK: AUGUST 7–13

Click the underlined event name for tickets or more info. If an event is highlighted in blue, it's a recurring weekly event.

Thursday, August 6th

BLVD Line Cook Open Interviews @ BLVD | 3200 Buck Owens Blvd. (8AM–11AM) Thursday open interviews for line cooks with 1–2 years of experience. Bring a résumé and be ready to interview.
Chase Back-to-School Resource Fair @ 2631 Oswell St. (9AM–11AM) Thursday resource fair offering free backpacks filled with school supplies while quantities last. Students must be present, and supplies are first come, first served.
Ready-Set Back 2 School Health & Wellness Fair @ Kern County Museum | 3801 Chester Ave. (9AM–12PM) Thursday family event providing free backpacks and school supplies, services, giveaways, community resources, games, and activities. Children must be present with an adult, be in grades K–12, and may receive one backpack while supplies last.
Salty’s BBQ Grand Opening @ Salty’s BBQ | 3214 Coffee Rd. (10AM) Thursday grand opening of Salty’s new location featuring indoor and outdoor seating, a drive-thru, and additional parking.
Chess Club @ Temblor Brewing (5PM) Thursday community chess meetup open to casual and competitive players.
NFL Hall of Fame Game Watch Party @ Legends Bar & Event Center (5PM) Thursday watch party for the Carolina Panthers versus Arizona Cardinals with the game shown on big screens and Happy Hour available during play.
Cruise Night @ Chuy’s Baja Grill (6PM) Thursday car show and community cruise night featuring DJs.
Open Mic Comedy Night @ The Well Comedy Club (Sign-Ups 6PM • Show 7PM) Free weekly open mic hosted by Bamphony. Watch local comedians perform or sign up to take the stage yourself.
The Blue Door Speakeasy @ nX Annex | 616 18th St. (Signups 6:15PM–7PM; Doors 7PM) Thursday open mic for musicians and poets. Guests under 18 must be accompanied by an adult, and the weekly passcode is posted to the venue’s Instagram and Facebook stories. This week’s passcode: Relationships
Stage Door Academy: Once Upon a One More Time TEENS @ The Empty Space (7PM–9:30PM) Thursday performance of the teen stage production presented by Stage Door Academy.

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Friday, August 7th

The Bluffs Boot Camp hosted by the Fitspot @ The Bluffs FREE (5AM) Free early-morning outdoor workout focused on burning calories while building strength and community. Open to all fitness levels.
BLVD Line Cook Open Interviews @ BLVD | 3200 Buck Owens Blvd. (8AM–11AM) Friday open interviews for experienced line cooks who are available to work nights and weekends. Bring a résumé and be ready to interview.
Kern County Fair Discount Day @ Online (10AM–10PM) Friday online-only sale offering the lowest Kern County Fair ticket price of the year.
Friends of the Library Used Book Sale @ Beale Memorial Library | 701 Truxtun Ave. (11AM–5:30PM) Friday sale featuring gently used books, CDs, DVDs, puzzles, and games for all ages. Friends of the Library members receive one hour of early entry.
BMoA First Friday @ Bakersfield Museum of Art FREE (11AM–8PM) Friday offers free museum admission and extended hours as part of Downtown Bakersfield’s First Friday activities.
Form Fridays @ Art with Heart | 2021 Chester Ave. (5:30PM–7PM) Friday creative gathering for young adults ages 18–30 featuring guided activities led by local artists. Admission is $10.
Bibles & Bulls @ FC Cadena Cattle Co. | Address provided by organizer (Practice 6PM–7PM; Worship 7PM–8PM) Friday faith-based gathering featuring bull-riding practice, worship, fellowship, and a jackpot competition. Attendees are encouraged to bring a Bible and chair.
Friday Night Magic @ Bakersfield Esports Center (6:30PM) Friday tabletop card-game meetup for local players.
Stage Door Academy: Once Upon a One More Time TEENS @ The Empty Space (7PM–9:30PM) Friday performance of the teen stage production presented by Stage Door Academy.
City of Bakersfield Comedy Show @ The Well Comedy Club (7PM) Stand-up comedy show headlined by local radio personality and social media creator Danny Hill, hosted by Raiders Nation content creator Joe Morley.
Summerween Outdoor Cinema Experience @ The Snuggle Barn (7PM) Friday outdoor horror-movie screening under the stars with roaming alpacas. Reservations are required.
Fast Friday Drag Racing @ Famoso Dragstrip (Gates 7PM; Racing 8PM–Midnight) Friday run-what-you-brung racing open to street-legal and NHRA vehicles, including cars, trucks, motorcycles, and EVs.
Babies & Bingo @ Private Location in Southwest Bakersfield (7PM) Friday moms’ bingo night featuring games, prizes, a nacho bar, and drinks. Admission is $7 per mom, babies are welcome, and the address is provided after registration.
Fireflies @ Bakersfield Community Theatre (7:30PM–9:30PM) Friday performance of the stage production, with regular and discounted senior, student, and military tickets available.
The Grown-Ups @ The Underground at The Ovation Theatre | 1622 19th St. (7:30PM) Friday performance of the dark comedy play about camp counselors confronting traditions, change, and adulthood.
CC Amore @ Jerry’s Pizza & Pub | 1817 Chester Ave. (Doors 8PM) Friday live music performance in the Basement Venue. The event is 21+ with no cover.
Neo Soul Night @ The Jazz Spot | 1410 Wible Rd. (8PM–Midnight) Friday night featuring live music by The BLK Out Band, open mic performances, spoken word, raffles, music games, and food from Momma Tee’s Kitchen.

Saturday, August 8th

Free Bulky Item Drop-Off Event @ Bakersfield Sports Village | 9001 Ashe Rd. (7AM–11AM) Saturday City of Bakersfield disposal event accepting bulky household items including furniture, mattresses, appliances, electronics, tires, BBQ grills without propane tanks, and water heaters.
F Street Farmers Market @ In Your Wildest Dreams Parking Lot (7:45AM–12PM) Weekly farmers market featuring local produce, baked goods, food vendors, and artisan booths.
Kernville Summer Festival @ Circle Park, Kernville (9AM–3PM) Saturday community festival featuring local vendors, arts and crafts, face painting, handmade goods, plants, local honey, and live music from The New! Band.
Riverlakes Farmers Market @ CHS Parking Lot (9AM–1PM) Weekly farmers market featuring local vendors, produce, food, and handcrafted goods.
Second Saturday @ In Your Wildest Dreams | 2819 F St. (9AM–5PM; Live Music 11AM–2PM) Monthly shopping event featuring over 80 local vendors, Jittery Geeks coffee, Sweet Peas treats, and live music.
Bluey Month Live Entertainment @ Drip House Coffee Co. | 2808 F St., Suite D (9:15AM–10AM & 7:15PM–8PM) Saturday Bluey-themed entertainment featuring sing-alongs, dancing, games, and character activities. Admission is $10 per child.
• SummerWeen Cookie Class @ Sweet Peas Bakersfield SOLD OUT (10AM & 10:30AM) Saturday Halloween-themed cookie decorating class in partnership with Jittery Geeks. All supplies are included, and the class is open to all ages.
Breathe With the Trees @ Kern River Parkway Nature Center, Peacock House (10AM–11AM) Saturday guided Heart Rhythm Meditation session led by Robin Carpenter. Free to attend; donations are welcome.
Bakolandia Back 2 School Bash @ California Truck | 5800 Wible Rd. (10AM–2PM) Saturday community event offering free school supplies while supplies last, free haircuts, vendors, giveaways, and family activities. Parent and child must be present.
Succulent Saturday @ 18th Street Collections | 1512 18th St. (10AM–5PM) Saturday Sip & Shop event featuring local plant vendors, handcrafted coffee, shopping, succulents, cacti, and local makers.
Senior Day @ Buena Vista Museum of Natural History | 2018 Chester Ave. (10AM–4PM) Saturday admission is just $2 for seniors ages 60 and older.
Moai BZP Mat Pilates @ nX Annex | 616 18th St. (10AM–11AM) Saturday mat Pilates class presented by Blue Zones Project Bakersfield.
Friends of the Library Used Book Sale @ Beale Memorial Library | 701 Truxtun Ave. (10AM–3:30PM) Saturday community book sale featuring books, CDs, DVDs, puzzles, and games.
Author Talk: Stories from Below Bear Mountain @ Beale Memorial Library, Local History Room (11AM) Saturday presentation by author Ruth Leon Barba highlighting stories from Arvin, Lamont, and Weedpatch, with signed book giveaways.
Shrek Junk Journaling @ Jerry's Pizza & Pub (Doors 11AM) Saturday Shrek-themed watch party and junk journaling workshop. RSVP required. Admission includes a junk journaling pack.
Bakersfield Collector-Con @ Dignity Health Arena Convention Center | 1001 Truxtun Ave. (11AM–5PM) Saturday collector convention featuring comics, toys, anime, cosplay, artists, vendors, collectibles, and family activities. Children ages 8 and under are admitted free with a paid adult.
Summer Luau @ MB2 Entertainment (1PM–6PM) Saturday luau featuring a live DJ, hula and limbo contests, Hawaiian shirt contest, tropical treats, mocktails, and free leis while supplies last.
Stage Door Academy: Once Upon a One More Time TEENS @ The Empty Space (1PM–3:30PM) Saturday afternoon performance of the teen musical.
Emotional Art Class @ Southwest Branch Library | 8301 Ming Ave. (1PM–3PM) Saturday therapeutic-style art class where participants explore emotions through guided creative activities.
Bluegrass @ Dagny's Coffee (2PM–4PM) Weekly Saturday bluegrass music session.
Urban Legends Speakeasy @ The Westchester | 2801 F St. (2PM, 4PM, 6PM & 8PM) Touring immersive theater experience pairing four famous urban legends with themed cocktails during a 90-minute performance. Mocktails are available, and guests must be 21 or older.
Kern County Vintage Flea Market @ Historic Woolworth's (5PM–10PM) Saturday evening market featuring vintage clothing, handmade goods, local vendors, food, and shopping.
The Baka Few Live @ Paleteria Y Neveria | 914 7th St., Wasco (6PM) Saturday free live music performance.
Buck's Birthday Bash @ The Basement at Historic Woolworth's (Doors 6PM; Show 6:30PM) Saturday live music celebration honoring Buck Owens featuring numerous local performers.
Bleakness / Leak / Hurt Hawks / Take Hold @ Jerry's Pizza & Pub (Doors 6PM) Saturday all-ages punk and hardcore show. Admission is $10.
Wheel, Words & Wags @ David Nelson Pocket Park FREE (9AM-12PM) Saturday community event celebrating Frosty Fun Wagon's birthday with bike activities, music, writing contests, giveaways, and family fun. Story walk, helmet decorating, bike safety and repairs, meet and adopt a shelter pet!
Stir It Up! Karaoke @ Stir Cocktails & Kitchen (7PM) Saturday karaoke night hosted by KJ Wild West Wendy with food and drink specials.
DIY Punk Rock Show @ Beale Park (7PM) Saturday free punk rock show featuring live music plus complimentary food and drinks. (I got this event submitted to me via email. I haven’t been able to find more info on it.)
Stage Door Academy: Once Upon a One More Time TEENS @ The Empty Space (7PM–9:30PM) Saturday evening performance of the teen musical.
Fireflies @ Bakersfield Community Theatre (7:30PM–9:30PM) Saturday evening performance of the stage production.
The Grown-Ups @ The Underground at The Ovation Theatre | 1622 19th St. (7:30PM) Saturday performance of the dark comedy play.
Strangelove: The Depeche Mode Experience @ The Nile Theater (Doors 7PM; Show 8PM) Saturday tribute concert celebrating the music of Depeche Mode.
Michael Yo @ The Well Comedy Club (7PM) Stand-up comedy performance by comedian, actor, and TV host Michael Yo, whose credits include Netflix, Chelsea Lately, and The Joe Rogan Experience.
Hunks: Girls Night Out @ Legends Bar & Events | 7900 Downing Ave. (Doors 7PM; Show 8PM) Saturday 21+ male revue featuring general admission and VIP seating.
BLADE: Vampire Protocol Rave @ Paradise Palace Event Center | 1430 Weedpatch Hwy. (8PM–3AM) Saturday immersive vampire-themed rave headlined by WaterSpirit with support from Rayburger, Acid Jewels, DJ Asher, and more. Guests are encouraged to wear all black or vampire attire.

Sunday, August 9th

The Community Market @ Rio Bravo Ranch | 15701 CA-178 (9AM–1PM) Sunday market featuring more than 40 local vendors, fresh produce, baked goods, artisans, boutiques, coffee, food, wellness vendors, brunch, bottomless mimosas, olive oil, and wine tasting.
Haggin Oaks Farmers Market @ 8800 Ming Ave. (9AM–2PM) Weekly Sunday farmers market featuring local produce, food vendors, artisans, and community activities.
Petals & Play @ Mesa Marin Park | 10315 Hwy. 178 (10AM) Sunday family event featuring flower bouquet making, sensory play, and dirty sodas. The $25 registration includes one bouquet, one sensory kit, and two drinks.
Moms meetup for Bagels & Brew @ ??? (11AM) Sunday moms-only meetup featuring a free bagel and coffee or matcha from Uncharted Adventures. Relax, connect, and meet other local moms—this one is just for the moms, no kids this time.
Bakersfield Collector-Con @ Dignity Health Arena Convention Center | 1001 Truxtun Ave. (11AM–5PM) Sunday collector convention featuring toys, comics, anime, Funko, Hot Wheels, Disney merchandise, artists, cosplay, vendors, and family activities. Children ages 8 and under are admitted free with a paid adult.
Almost Perfect Acoustic Set @ Jerry’s Pizza & Pub | 1817 Chester Ave. (11:30AM–2:30PM) Sunday family-friendly brunch performance featuring an acoustic set from Almost Perfect. No cover.
Americana Paint Class @ Corks & Strokes (1PM–2:30PM) Sunday guided painting class where guests create a rustic Americana-inspired red barn landscape. No experience is required.
Stage Door Academy: Once Upon a One More Time TEENS @ The Empty Space (1PM–3:30PM) Sunday afternoon performance of the teen stage production presented by Stage Door Academy.
Fireflies @ Bakersfield Community Theatre (2PM–4PM) Sunday matinee performance of the stage production, with discounted senior, student, and military tickets available.
Nature Journaling: A Class for Families @ Kern River Parkway Nature Center, Peacock House (2PM) Sunday family workshop led by Claire Lahorgue focused on observing and recording the natural world through journaling.
Snack to School: Kidcuterie Workshop @ Graze Craze | 13061 Rosedale Hwy., Suite H (3PM) Sunday hands-on workshop for children ages 6–12 to create a back-to-school-themed charcuterie board. Supplies, games, and prizes are included, and reservations are required.
Taste the Hash @ Location Announced Day of Event (6PM–8PM) Sunday cannabis tasting event featuring vendors, music, food, confections, dabs, gummies, chocolates, drinks, hash rosin, and a complimentary goodie bag. Tickets are limited.
The Grown-Ups @ The Underground at The Ovation Theatre | 1622 19th St. (7:30PM) Sunday performance of the dark comedy play following camp counselors confronting traditions, change, and adulthood.

Monday, August 10th

Motown Mondays @ Jerry’s Pizza & Pub (6PM–10PM) Monday night featuring Motown music with Kev King.
Bingo & Beer @ Temblor Brewing (7PM) Monday bingo night paired with local craft beer.
Dungeons & Dragons Meetup @ Bakersfield Esports Center (7PM) Monday community meetup for Dungeons & Dragons players.

Tuesday, August 11th

Songwriters Soap Box @ Ethel’s Old Corral Cafe (6:30PM–8:30PM) Tuesday evening featuring acoustic performances from local singer-songwriters.
Bakersfield Jazz Workshop @ Centro Cali Brewing | 1000 19th St. (6:30PM–9:30PM) Tuesday community jazz workshop featuring live performances and opportunities for local musicians to participate.
Pub Trivia @ Temblor Brewing (7PM) Tuesday trivia night featuring team-based questions and craft beer.
HUNKS The Show @ The Well Comedy Club (Doors 7PM | Show 8PM) 18+ male revue bringing an energetic girls' night out experience with choreographed performances. VIP and general admission tickets available.
Little Hikers of Bakersfield @ Hart Park, Sheriff's Shooting Range Parking Lot (7PM) Beginner-friendly weekly hike open to all ages and experience levels. Hikes may be canceled due to weather, so check their Instagram Story before heading out.

Wednesday, August 12th

Family Game Night @ Temblor Brewing (4PM) Wednesday community game night featuring family-friendly tabletop games.
Cornhole Tournament @ Temblor Brewing (5:30PM) Wednesday cornhole tournament open to local players.
Western Wednesdays @ The Fairfax Grange (Doors 5:40PM; Lessons 6PM) Wednesday country dance class teaching two-step basics, drills, and dance-floor etiquette.
Bingo Night @ BarrelHouse Bakersfield | 4200 Resnik Ct. (6PM) Wednesday bingo night that is free to play.
Sip & Bedazzle Night @ Wine Me Up Bakersfield (6PM–8PM) Wednesday 21+ craft night where guests can bring an item to decorate with rhinestones and charms. The $20 admission includes tools, materials, and the first drink.
MixxedFit Dance Fitness Class @ My Dance & Fitness Studio | 4001 Union Ave. (7PM–8PM) Wednesday high-energy dance fitness class led by Frank. Admission is $7.
Emo Karaoke @ Jerry’s Pizza & Pub (7PM–Midnight) Wednesday karaoke night focused on emo and pop-punk favorites.
Bingo Night + Live Music with Vince Galindo @ Rooster’s Honky Tonk (8PM) Wednesday bingo night featuring live music from Vince Galindo.

That’s it for this week.

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