Announcement
Bakersfield’s Best Halloween House Competition by The Bakersfield Guy
I’ve been sitting on this idea for more than a year.
Last Halloween, I came up with the idea while I was at work: find the homes that really go all out for the season, put them in a bracket, and let Bakersfield vote on the best one.
At the time, I was working too much to give it the attention it deserved, and The Bakersfield Guy was still a much smaller brand. This year feels like the right time to finally make it happen.
We’re looking for eight homes to compete in Bakersfield’s first Halloween House Competition. Nominate your own house or send in a neighbor whose decorations deserve to be seen. Just make sure the homeowner is cool with being nominated.
Nominations close Tuesday, October 20. We’ll select the final eight homes, reveal the bracket, and let Bakersfield vote through Instagram, Facebook and possibly TikTok polls until one house is crowned Bakersfield’s Best Halloween House.
Nominate your favorite house in Bakersfield here!
Want to help make Bakersfield’s first Halloween House Competition even bigger?
We’re looking for community partners and a presenting sponsor to help build the prize package for our eight finalist homes. If you own a local business and would like to contribute a $50–$200 gift card, that works too.
Interested? Email [email protected].
A word from our partner
D Best Realty
This week’s newsletter is proudly sponsored by D Best Realty, a local team that has been serving Bakersfield since 1985.
Whether you are buying your first home, selling your current one, or simply starting to explore what is possible, their team is ready to help you take the next step with confidence.
Learn more at dbestrealty.com or give them a call at 661-241-0336
In The City
Chuy’s is back on Rosedale
After seven weeks closed following a kitchen fire, Chuy’s on Rosedale Highway reopened October 14, bringing its employees back to work. General manager Drew LaSala says he plans to lower prices on several menu items and bring back happy hour, live music and Thursday car shows. Good to see the doors open again.
I’ve seen some criticism of Chuy’s, and I can only speak to my own experience. As a big brown guy who’s been there a few times, I’ve always been treated with respect. I’m happy to see the doors open again for the employees and families whose livelihoods depend on it.
A new home for Bakersfield’s VA clinic
Bakersfield’s VA clinic is scheduled to open at 900 Old River Road on December 7. The 30,000-square-foot facility will offer more exam rooms and parking, with services including primary care, mental health, dental and women’s health. Veterans receiving care at the current clinic will be able to keep their providers when the location changes.
New plans for the Buena Vista mansion
Palazzo Destefani could be headed for another chapter. Plans for the property on Buena Vista Road, south of McCutchen Road, include an event center for approximately 250 to 300 guests, a drive-thru restaurant and a convenience store with fuel pumps. The Planning Commission unanimously approved preliminary planning steps October 15, but additional approvals are still needed.
Hard Rock Tejon has bigger plans
An 11-story, 400-room hotel is part of the next phase planned for Hard Rock Casino Tejon near Mettler. The expansion would also bring a convention and events venue, more dining and additional resort amenities. The Bakersfield Californian reported September 23 that an October groundbreaking was planned, giving us another major local development to watch.
More room to dance at Arvin High
Arvin High School’s Ballet Folklórico program started with just five students. Now, it’s getting a dedicated studio nearly three times the size of its current space, with dressing rooms, laundry facilities and more storage. The project is expected to be completed in early 2027, giving the growing program more room to rehearse and welcome students.
WHAT’S HAPPENING IN BAKERSFIELD
October 16–22
If it’s highlighted blue like this, it’s a reoccurring event.
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 16
Boo at the Zoo @ CALM Zoo (9AM–4PM) Enjoy Halloween family fun with games, prizes, and $2 train rides.
Bakersfield Fall Home Show @ Kern County Fairgrounds (10AM–5PM) Explore home improvement ideas, tiny homes, local vendors, and family attractions.
Used Book Sale @ Beale Memorial Library (11AM–5:30PM) Shop books, CDs, DVDs, puzzles, and games; Friends members receive early entry at 10AM.
FREE Children First Fall Harvest Festival @ David Nelson Pocket Park (4PM–6PM) Enjoy live music, danza, arts and crafts, a petting zoo, and face painting.
48th Annual Philippine Weekend @ Delano Memorial Park (5:30PM–8:30PM) Celebrate Filipino heritage and community at Delano’s annual festival.
Campus Night Market @ 912 New Stine Rd (5:30PM–9:30PM) Shop local vendors and enjoy food, drinks, music, and family fun.
Birdies & Brews @ Bottleshock Wine + Brew (6PM–10PM) Enjoy free golf simulator play for customers and pay to play closest to the pin contests.
Order of the Dragon @ Confirm location with NOR (White belts 6PM–6:40PM, yellow belts 6:45PM–7:25PM, orange and up 7:30PM–8:10PM) Martial arts and self-defense instruction for ages 4 and older.
Party in the Garden @ Luigi’s (Hors d’oeuvres 6PM, dinner 7PM, dancing 8:30PM) Join Apple Core Project for its fourth annual celebration.
Friday Night Magic @ Bakersfield Esports Center (6:30PM) Join the weekly Magic: The Gathering event.
Night at the Museum @ Buena Vista Museum (6:30PM–9:30PM) Explore darkened exhibits on a guided flashlight tour; reservations required.
FREE Drive In of the Dead @ Drip House Coffee Co. (6:30PM) Watch World War Z in the parking lot; zombie costumes welcome.
Karaoke with John Chandy @ Ethel’s Old Corral Cafe (6:30PM) Head to the patio for an evening of karaoke.
The Comedy Throwdown @ Legends Event Center (Doors 7PM, show 8PM) Catch Lance Woods, Chinedu Unaka, and Keon Polee; ages 21 and older.
Jon Ranger Live @ Tlo Wines (7PM–9PM) Enjoy an evening of live music.
Millennial Homecoming @ Historic Woolworths Basement (7PM–9:30PM) Dress up and dance to hits from 1999–2009 at this campaign fundraiser.
The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus @ Temblor Brewing (7PM) Catch the band with special guests If I Fall and Happy Now!; all ages welcome.
Gaslight @ Bakersfield Community Theatre (7:30PM) Catch an evening performance of the stage production.
Jagged Little Pill @ The Ovation Theatre (7:30PM) Enjoy the musical featuring the songs of Alanis Morissette.
VHS: VYBE Horror Story @ The Studio, 4062 Rosedale Hwy (Doors 7:30PM, show 8PM) Catch a Halloween themed stage show.
The Smokin’ Lokies @ Taps & Tapas by Chef Lino (8PM) Enjoy live music downtown; ages 21 and older after 10PM.
Noche de Brujas @ Jerry’s Pizza & Pub (8PM–1AM) Dance to goth, darkwave, post punk, industrial, and EBM; ages 18 and older.
Los Tigres del Norte @ Dignity Health Arena (8PM) Catch the legendary norteño group live.
United We Dance @ Nile Theater (Doors 8:30PM) Enjoy a festival energy dance night for ages 18 and older.
Haunted Latin Rave @ Paradise Palace (8PM) Ocho and Ella headline a Halloween dance night for ages 18 and older.
RJ Mr LA Halloween Costume Party @ Paradise Palace (9PM–2AM) Catch RJ Mr LA live; ages 18 and older, with free admission advertised with RSVP.
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 17
JATO Lot Sale @ Junk Atique Outlet (7AM–11AM) Browse hardware, electronics, outdoor goods, and discounted clothing at 212 21st St.
F Street Farmers Market @ In Your Wildest Dreams Parking Lot (7:45AM–Noon) Browse the weekly farmers market.
Trick or Trot 5K @ Cherry Acres (8AM) Run in costume with medals for top finishers and best costume.
Octoberfest: Drag Boat Racing @ Lake Ming (8AM–3:30PM) Visit the event with B Town Burgerz on site; admission is $25, with children 12 and under free.
FREE Halloween Costume Giveaway @ MB2 Entertainment (Special needs families 8AM, general event 9AM–11AM) Pick out costumes while supplies last and enjoy candy, pumpkin painting, vendors, and community resources.
Goat Yoga @ Cherry Acres (8:30AM–9:30AM) Bring your mat for a morning yoga session with baby goats.
Boo at the Zoo @ CALM Zoo (9AM–4PM) Enjoy Halloween games, prizes, and family fun among the animals.
Discover Sports: Flag Football @ Emerald Cove Park (Ages 3–4: 9AM–9:45AM; ages 5–6: 10AM–10:45AM) Learn basic sports skills through parent participation and noncompetitive play; program runs through November 7.
DreamFest @ Stramler Park (9AM–3PM) Celebrate Down Syndrome Awareness Month with Kern Down Syndrome Network’s family festival.
Riverlakes Farmers Market @ CHS Parking Lot (9AM–1PM) Shop the weekly farmers market.
Mini Condors Learn to Play Hockey @ Valley Children’s Ice Center (9AM–10AM) A six week Saturday program introduces children ages 6–9 to hockey.
FREE Entry Collect & Connect @ Bakersfield PAL (9AM–6PM) Browse trading cards and collectibles, trade with fellow collectors, and enjoy trunk or treat.
Via Arté Chalk Festival @ The Marketplace (9AM–8PM) Watch artists create pavement masterpieces and enjoy Mento Buru from 6PM–8PM.
Paint Your Memories Acrylic Workshop @ Bakersfield Art Association Art Center (Doors 9:45AM, workshop 10AM–4PM) Paint a Yosemite scene with artist Marilyn J. Smith; registration required.
48th Annual Philippine Weekend @ Delano Memorial Park (10AM–8PM) Celebrate Filipino heritage with Saturday festival activities and a Car/Bike Show.
Halloween Cookie Class @ Tin Cup Coffee, Shafter (10AM) Decorate Halloween cookies with Sweet Peas Bakersfield.
Bako Market @ Centennial Plaza at Dignity Health Arena (10AM–2PM) Browse local vendors at the community market.
Bakersfield Fall Home Show @ Kern County Fairgrounds (10AM–5PM) Explore home improvement vendors, tiny homes, workshops, a car show, and trunk or treat.
Used Book Sale @ Beale Memorial Library (10AM–3:30PM) Shop books, movies, music, puzzles, and games for all ages.
FREE Breathe with the Trees @ Hart Park Peacock House (10AM–11AM) Join Robin Carpenter for a session exploring the connection between heart, breath, and mind.
Mickey’s Magical Morning @ Halloween Town Pumpkin Patch (10AM–11AM) Enjoy a character themed morning for little ones.
Coptic Orthodox Annual Church Festival @ St. Demiana Coptic Orthodox Church (11AM–7PM) Attend the annual two day church festival.
Urban Arts Exhibit @ Bird Dog Arts (11AM-7PM) Catch the exhibit on its final day.
KCL Bookmobile Storytime & Craft @ Kern River Parkway Nature Center (11:15AM) Enjoy a One Book Project family storytime and make a squirrel hat.
Joey Kuntz Live @ Tlo Wines (2PM–5PM) Enjoy afternoon live music.
Pumpkin Queen @ Corks & Strokes (2PM–3:30PM) Create a seasonal painting during a guided session.
FREE Howl O Ween @ Wind Wolves Preserve (Activities 3PM, costume parade 6:15PM, movie 6:45PM) Dress up for an afternoon of nature inspired Halloween activities.
Roof on Brand Grand Opening @ 231 California Ave (3PM–6PM) Celebrate the business’s grand opening with FREE tacos, drinks and a Halloween theme.
Bakersfield Carne Asada Festival @ Noble Park (Gates 3PM) Enjoy food and live music from Trinere, Tierra Legacy, Thee Midniters, Richard Bean, and more.
BC Alumni Tailgate @ Memorial Stadium Parking Lot (4PM) Enjoy food, football, and a beer garden before homecoming; ticket packages include game admission.
Bakersfield Movie Club: You Can See Everything @ Regal Edwards (4:30PM) Watch the movie with the club, then meet up afterward at Lengthwise.
Discover Sports: Basketball @ Riverlakes Ranch Community Center (Ages 3–4: 4:30PM–5:15PM; ages 5–6: 5:30PM–6:15PM) Parents and children learn basic basketball skills together; Saturday program runs October 17–November 21.
Trunk or Treat @ Mira Monte High School (5PM–9PM) The View Night Market hosts a family evening with a costume contest, prizes, and raffles.
Ghostface Junk Journal Party @ 18th St Collections (5:30PM–7:30PM) Create with a themed scrap pack, beverage, snacks, and raffle ticket included.
Kernville Stampede Rodeo @ John E. McNally Arena (Gates 5:30PM, mutton busting 6PM, main events 7PM) Head to Kernville for bulls, barrels, and breakaway.
The Last of Us PLU Meet @ Heavy Iron Training (5:30PM) Attend the lifting meet; contact the gym for the schedule.
BC Football Homecoming @ Memorial Stadium (6PM) Cheer on the Renegades at their homecoming game.
Aiai & Tekla Comedy Tour @ Nile Theater (Doors 6PM, show 7PM) Catch the touring comedy show downtown.
Streets of Bakersfield Art Show @ nX Annex, 616 18th St (6PM–9PM) Meet local artists at the opening reception celebrating Bakersfield street art.
Coco Sip & Paint @ Drip House Coffee Co. (6PM) Paint a Coco inspired canvas with supplies and a drink included.
Night at the Museum @ Buena Vista Museum (6:30PM–9:30PM) Take a guided flashlight tour through darkened exhibits; reservations required.
Witchy Coo @ Corks & Strokes (7PM–9PM) Create a witch themed painting during a guided session.
Shayne Smith @ The Well Comedy Club (Doors 6PM Show 7PM) Catch the comedian’s Saturday performances.
Condors Home Opener @ Dignity Health Arena (7:10PM) Cheer on Bakersfield as the Condors face the Calgary Wranglers.
Gaslight @ Bakersfield Community Theatre (7:30PM) Catch the evening stage production.
Jagged Little Pill @ The Ovation Theatre (7:30PM) Enjoy the musical featuring Alanis Morissette’s songs.
Fright Night in the Patch @ Halloween Town Pumpkin Patch (10PM) Watch a horror movie under the stars with alpacas nearby; advance tickets required.
Halloween Party @ Uruapan Night Club / O Lounge 1200 (Doors 10PM) Dress in costume for a Halloween party with a costume contest and prizes.
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 18
Good Morning Hart Hikers Moai @ Hart Memorial Park (7:30AM–8:30AM) Start the morning with a community trail walk.
Boo at the Zoo @ CALM Zoo (9AM–4PM) Catch the final day of Halloween games, prizes, and zoo fun.
Haggin Oaks Farmers Market @ 8800 Ming Ave (9AM–2PM) Shop the weekly farmers market.
Village Flea @ Kern County Museum (9AM–3PM) Browse 75 vendors offering vintage finds, antiques, art, and handmade goods, with live music and food trucks.
Via Arté Chalk Festival @ The Marketplace (9AM–8PM) Explore the chalk artwork during the festival’s second day.
Chuck and Friends Fall Cleanup @ Outside Sandrinis (9:30AM–10AM) Help clean downtown with supplies, water, and lemonade provided.
Kern County Vintage Flea @ 1601 21st St (10AM–4PM) Shop vintage clothing, handmade goods, secondhand finds, and Halloween costumes.
Bakersfield Fall Home Show @ Kern County Fairgrounds (10AM–4PM) Catch the final day of home improvement vendors and family attractions.
Henna Workshop @ Haggin Oaks Farmers Market (10AM–Noon) Learn henna techniques with a cone, worksheet, and market drink included.
48th Annual Philippine Weekend @ Delano Memorial Park (11AM–8PM) Celebrate the final day of the annual Filipino heritage festival.
Coptic Orthodox Annual Church Festival @ St. Demiana Coptic Orthodox Church (11AM–7PM) Attend the annual two day church festival.
Spooky Family Day @ Temblor Brewing (Mommy & Me 11:15AM–Noon, ages 3–6 class 12:30PM–1:30PM) Enjoy children’s activities, costumes, and face painting.
Buddy Baby Live Music Brunch @ Jerry’s Pizza & Pub (11:30AM–2:30PM) Enjoy live music during brunch with no cover.
Outlaw Country @ Ethel’s Old Corral Cafe (1PM–5PM) Enjoy afternoon live country music.
Karaoke at the Cat @ Guthrie’s Alley Cat (Doors 2PM, karaoke 3PM–7PM) Sing along with host Big Bubba.
Jagged Little Pill @ The Ovation Theatre (2PM) Catch the Sunday matinee of the musical.
FREE Birding 101 and Migration @ Hart Park Peacock House (2PM–3PM) Explore Warbler Alley with Audubon birding expert Karen Evans.
Twilight Trivia Tea Party @ 18th St Collections (3:30PM–5:30PM) Test your Twilight knowledge and enjoy themed crafts and prizes.
FREE Made in Kern Concert @ Fairfax Grange (4PM–8PM) Enjoy The Baka Few at 4PM and Grupo Feliz at 5PM.
Fortune Feimster @ Historic Fox Theater (Doors 4PM, show 5PM) Catch the Taking Care of Biscuits comedy tour.
Moonlight Silhouette @ Corks & Strokes (5PM–6:30PM) Create a moonlit painting during a guided session.
Galloween Paint Night @ Jerry’s Pizza & Phttps://jerryspizza.com/events/ub (6:30PM) Paint a framed ghost masterpiece with supplies, glitter, and gems included.
MONDAY, OCTOBER 19
Ready, Set, Cook! @ Riverview Community Center (4PM–6PM) Children ages 8–10 learn recipes and kitchen skills during the October 12–26 session; registration subject to availability.
Line Dancing @ Greenacres Community Center (5:30PM–7:30PM) Beginner and intermediate dancing for ages 13 and older.
Motown Mondays @ Jerry’s Pizza (6PM–10PM) Enjoy an evening with Kev King.
Cults & Classics: Psycho @ Historic Fox Theater (Doors 6PM, movie 7PM) Watch Hitchcock’s classic on the big screen.
Halloween Trivia Night @ Cherry Acres (6PM) Test your spooky knowledge with teams of up to six.
Galloween Paint Night @ Jerry’s Pizza & Pub (6:30PM) Create a framed ghost painting with materials included.
Bingo & Beer @ Temblor Brewing (7PM) Join the weekly bingo night.
Dungeons & Dragons Meetup @ Bakersfield Esports Center (7PM) Gather for the weekly tabletop meetup.
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 20
Sips, Snacks, and Princess Storytime! @ Suck It Up Soda Shop (11AM–11:45AM) Order a soda and pretzel bites while children meet a princess and hear stories.
Keep Bakersfield Beautiful 25th Anniversary @ Dignity Health Arena (11AM–1PM) Celebrate community volunteers at the awards ceremony and luncheon.
Fire Fades Run Club @ Riverwalk Park (6PM) Join a three to five mile run with all paces welcome.
Spooky Lotería @ Jerry’s Pizza & Pub (Doors 6PM, games 7PM) Play for horror themed merchandise and prizes.
Taco Tuesday Bingo @ Cherry Acres (6PM) Enjoy tacos, bingo, and prizes; $5 entry and $2 per card.
Bakersfield Movie Club: Whalefall @ Regal Edwards (6:10PM) Watch the movie with the club, then meet up afterward at Lengthwise.
Bakersfield Jazz Workshop @ Centro Cali Brewing (6:30PM–9:30PM) Enjoy the weekly jazz gathering.
Pub Trivia @ Temblor Brewing (7PM) Bring your team for weekly trivia.
Tuesderays: DeRay Davis @ The Well Comedy Club (7PM) Catch the club’s special comedy event.
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 21
Step Into Motion @ Riverlakes Ranch Community Center (10AM–Noon) Join the movement program for ages 10 and older.
Family Game Night @ Temblor Brewing (4PM) Enjoy the weekly family game gathering.
Discover Sports: Basketball @ Riverlakes Ranch Community Center (Ages 3–4: 4:30PM–5:15PM; ages 5–6: 5:30PM–6:15PM) Parents and children learn basic basketball skills together; Wednesday program runs October 14–November 18.
Cornhole Tournament @ Temblor Brewing (5:30PM) Join the weekly cornhole competition.
Western Wednesdays @ Fairfax Grange (Doors 5:40PM, lessons 6PM) Learn dance steps during the weekly lesson night.
Bingo Night @ BarrelHouse Bakersfield (6PM) Enjoy free weekly bingo.
Order of the Dragon Martial Arts @ 401 Willow Dr (6PM–8:10PM) Martial arts classes for ages 4 and older.
Become a Neighborhood Vote Protector @ Online (6PM–7:30PM) Join PowerCA Action’s virtual training on safely documenting issues and protecting voting rights in local communities.
Wine Bottle Paint & Sip: Pumpkin Patch @ Tlo Wines (6PM) Decorate a wine bottle with a seasonal painting.
White Pumpkin Sip & Paint @ Cherry Acres (6PM–8PM) Paint a white pumpkin canvas with supplies and one glass of wine included.
Switchfoot with Anberlin @ Historic Fox Theater (Doors 6:30PM, show 7:30PM) Catch the Forever Now Tour with special guest Anberlin. Use code ROCK for 50% off
Bonsai for Beginners @ Silver Creek Community Center (6:30PM–9:30PM) Begin the third Wednesday course on growing and caring for miniature trees.
MixxedFit @ My Dance & Fitness Studio (7PM–8PM) Join the weekly dance fitness class.
Bingo + Vince Galindo @ Rooster’s Honky Tonk (8PM) Enjoy weekly bingo and live music.
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22
Line Dancing @ Rasmussen Senior Center (10:30AM–2:30PM) Join beginner and intermediate dancing for ages 13 and older.
Chess Club @ Temblor Brewing (5PM) Join the weekly chess gathering.
Spooky Book Bingo @ Jerry’s Pizza & Pub (Doors 5PM, bingo 6:15PM) Enjoy book bingo, a costume contest, photo opportunities, and a Kindle giveaway.
Eastside Book Club @ Venue not provided (5PM) Discuss The Witches of El Paso by Luis Jaramillo.
Scale Art Workshop @ Lines and Living Art: Creative Outlet (5:30PM–7:30PM) Create resin jewelry using shed snake skin.
Practical Magic Cookie Experience @ KR Farms (6PM–7PM) Decorate cookies and enjoy small bites and virgin midnight margaritas.
The Blue Door Speakeasy @ nX Annex (Early entry and signups 6:15PM, front doors 7PM) Share music and poetry at the weekly open mic.
Night at the Museum @ Buena Vista Museum (6:30PM–9:30PM) Explore the exhibits on a guided flashlight tour; reservations required.
FREE Concerts at the Marketplace @ The Marketplace (7PM–9PM) Enjoy an ’80s tribute party with Will Gail Dance?
Christopher Titus @ The Well Comedy Club (7PM) Catch the comedian’s special event.
That’s it for this week.
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The Bakersfield Guy
