Things to Do in Bakersfield, CA This Weekend | August 1–2

If you're looking for something fun to do this weekend in Bakersfield, CA, there are so many great events happening all over town.

⭐ Kristin's Pick of the Weekend

If I had to choose just one event, I'm definitely picking the FREE Toy Story screening at the Historic Bakersfield Fox Theater.

Not only is it one of my favorite childhood movies, but the first 300 guests through the doors will receive a free backpack, making it a perfect event for families getting ready for the new school year.

📍 Historic Bakersfield Fox Theater

🕚 Doors Open: 11:00 AM

🎬 Movie Begins: 12:00 PM

If you're planning on going, I'd definitely get there early to get a good seat and a backpack!

🌽 Saturday Morning

If you're an early riser, there are plenty of ways to start your Saturday.

🥕 F Street Farmers Market
📍 In Your Wildest Dreams Parking Lot
🕢 7:45 AM–12:00 PM

🌱 Harvest Helpers Volunteer Day
📍 Fortitude Community Farm School
🕗 8:00 AM–12:00 PM

🍓 Riverlakes Farmers Market
📍 CHS Parking Lot
🕘 9:00 AM–1:00 PM

If you're looking to slow things down a bit...

🧘 FREE Mat Pilates Moai
📍 nX Annex
🕙 10:00 AM–11:00 AM

Or let the kids explore science with:

🦋 Just for Kids: Hands-on STEM
📍 Buena Vista Museum
🕥 10:30 AM–12:00 PM

🎨 Get Creative

There are so many fun workshops happening this weekend.

Saturday includes:

• 🏺 Wheel Throwing Workshop
  Meraki Creative Works
  9:00–11:00 AM
• 🎨 Choose Your Own Workshop
  Lollipots Ceramics
  10:00 AM
• 💕 National Girlfriend Day Paint Night
  Jerry's Pizza & Pub
  11:00 AM & 3:00 PM
• 🦥 Pretty Little Sloth
  Corks & Strokes
  3:00–4:30 PM
• 🐢 Turtle Planter Pot
  Lollipots Ceramics
  6:00 PM
• 🦁 King of the Savannah
  Corks & Strokes
  7:00–9:00 PM

Sunday:

🌸 Happiness in Bloom
📍 Corks & Strokes
🕚 11:00 AM–12:30 PM

🛍️ Shop Local

One of my favorite ways to spend a weekend is supporting local businesses.

This weekend you can visit:

🥪 Taking Back Sandwich
📍 Sub Station
1605 20th St.
🕚 11:00 AM–4:00 PM

🍺 Grumpy's Brewing Co. 3-Year Anniversary
🕐 1:00 PM

🎉 The Southwest Market
📍 Independence High School Parking Lot
🕕 6:00 PM–10:00 PM

With over 130 vendors, food trucks, shopping, desserts, and live entertainment, this is one of the biggest markets happening this weekend.

👨‍👩‍👧 Family Fun

🎒 Back-to-School Summer Fest
📍 Calvary Bakersfield
4040 Niles St.
🕡 6:30 PM–8:30 PM

A free event featuring backpack and school supply giveaways (while supplies last), food, games, music, prizes, and community resources.

🎭 Saturday Night

Looking for a date night or evening out?

🤣 Jokes On You Roast Battle
📍 The Well Comedy Club
🕖 7:00 PM

🎤 Mickey Avalon: 20th Anniversary Tour
📍 Temblor Brewing
🕘 9:00 PM

🎭 Once Upon a One More Time
📍 The Empty Space
🕢 7:30 PM

🎸 Rock & Wings Niles 6th Anniversary
📍 Rock & Wings East Side
🕕 6:00 PM–11:00 PM

🌿 Sunday Highlights

Start your Sunday at the:

🥕 Haggin Oaks Farmers Market
📍 8800 Ming Ave.
🕘 9:00 AM–2:00 PM

Then spend the afternoon exploring:

🌳 Nature Center Tours
📍 Kern River Parkway Nature Center
8000 River Rd.
🕛 12:00 PM–4:00 PM

And if you're looking for a relaxing way to end the weekend...

🎷 Jazz with Kris
📍 Dagny's Coffee Co.
🕕 6:00 PM–8:00 PM

I can't think of a better way to wrap up the weekend.

💙 Kristin's Weekend Recommendation

If I were planning my perfect weekend, I'd start with Toy Story at the Fox, grab lunch from a local spot, spend the evening wandering through the Southwest Market, and finish Sunday with Jazz at Dagny's.

One of the best parts about living in Bakersfield, CA is that there is always something happening—you just have to get out and enjoy it.

📍 Weekend with Kristin

Every week I'll share my favorite events, hidden gems, family activities, and local happenings around Bakersfield, CA to help you make the most of your weekend.

Coming Next Weekend...

Another roundup of the best things happening around Bakersfield, CA, plus my personal favorite pick of the week.

Until then...

Have an amazing weekend, support local, and I'll see you around Bakersfield!

Kristin Zaben
Amjadi Zaben Trifecta Group
"Where we have you covered from A–Z!"