Bakersfield Events, Things to Do and Festivals 2014 / 2015

(Bakersfield, California - CA, USA)

Well-known and highly regarded in the San Joaquin Valley area for its events scene, performing arts, frequent horse shows and annual festivals, the city of Bakersfield enjoys an especially active community and boasts no less than five different theater companies.

The Spotlight Theater serves as one of the city's premier theater venues and is to be found on 19th Street, within the Arts District and just a block away from the Buena Vista Museum of Natural History. In past years, the Bakersfield Independent Film Festival (BIFF) in November has been staged at the Spotlight Theater, although more recently it has taken place at the Empty Space on Oak Street, a community theater established in 2003 and boasting a non-profit ethos.

Also very much of note is the rather elegant Fox Theater on the corner of 20th Street and H Street, which opened here in the year 1930, on Christmas Day. The Fox Theater is known for its stylish Art Deco architecture and tall clock tower, and regularly screens foreign films, as well as hosting local festivals, dance recitals and the occasional concert or two. Famous past performers at the Fox have included the likes of Olivia Newton-John and Cyndi Lauper.

Bakersfield Calendar of Festivals and Events 2014 / 2015

First held in the year 1992 and taking place at Stramler Park on Chester Avenue, the Bakersfield Festival of Beers is strictly for grown-ups only (over 21 years old). This annual beer fest comes along each year at the end of April and as well as beer tasting, there is also live music provided by local bands.

The following month of May sees the arrival of the city's Greek Food Festival, hosted by the St. George Greek Orthodox Church on Truxtun Avenue. The stuffed grape leaves (dolmathes) and the shish ke bob dishes (souvlaki) always go down particularly well. Also in May is the Annual Bakersfield Jazz Festival, which is held towards the middle of the month at the CSUB Amphitheater (California State University Bakersfield), located on the northern side of the campus and just off the Stockdale Highway.

Usually held in the first week of June is the Kern County Nut Festival, which takes place on the grounds of the city's Kern County Museum on Chester Avenue. Celebrity chefs are always on hand cooking up their nut-themed dishes, while various contests include the best nutty hats, posters and recipe ideas.

Movie-buffs will likely appreciate the Outside the Box Bakersfield Film Festival, held each year in the early part of November at the Fox Theater.

Other notable festivals held each year in Bakersfield include:

• Polar Beach Plunge - January 1st, at the McMurtrey Aquatic Center
• Great 48-Hour Bluegrass Jam - mid-January, at the DoubleTree Hotel on the Camino Del Rio Court
• Bakersfield Spring Home and Garden Show - mid-February, at the Kern County Fairgrounds
• Scottish Clan Gathering and Games - mid-March, at the Kern County Fairgrounds
• Drag Racing - mid-March, at the Famoso Raceway
• Stampede Days Rodeo - early May, at the Kern County Fairgrounds
• Basque Festival - late May, held at the Kern County Basque Club Hall on South Union Avenue
• Standing Bear Pow Wow - mid-June, organised by the Native American Preservation Council of Kern County
• Independence Day - July 4th, with various events around the city center
• Lowrider Nationals - early August, at the Kern County Fairgrounds
• Village Fest - early September, at the Kern County Museum
• Kern County Fair - late September, at the Kern County Fairgrounds
• Bakersfield Fall Home and Garden Show - mid-October, at the Kern County Fairgrounds
• Harvest Moon Livestock Show - mid-November, at the Kern County Fairgrounds