Things to Do in Bakersfield This Weekend | July 17–19, 2026

Looking for fun things to do in Bakersfield this weekend? I've rounded up the best family-friendly events, local markets, live entertainment, and unique experiences happening all across Kern County. Whether you're looking for a date night, a family outing, or a reason to support local businesses, there's something for everyone!

⭐ Kristin's Weekend Picks

If I had to narrow it down, these would be at the top of my list:

• 🌅 Sunrise Market at The Lot
• 🛍️ Kern County Vintage Flea
• 🏁 Night at the Races at Kern Raceway
• 🎬 Outdoor Movie Night
• 🌽 Riverlakes & F Street Farmers Markets

👨‍👩‍👧 Family Fun

Mr. & Mrs. Mouse Meet & Greet

📅 Friday, July 17 | 12:00 PM–1:00 PM
📍 Baker Branch Library – 1400 Baker St.
Meet Mr. and Mrs. Mouse from Bakersfield Fairytale Friends during this free character meet-and-greet.

Movie Night: Michael

📅 Friday | 8:45 PM
📍 The Lot – 7500 Rosedale Hwy.
Bring your lawn chairs and enjoy an outdoor movie under the stars.

Special Needs Screening: Moana

📅 Saturday | 11:00 AM
📍 Studio Movie Grill
Sensory-friendly screening with free admission for accompanying family members.

Sunrise Market

📅 Saturday & Sunday | 8:00 AM–12:00 PM
📍 The Lot – 7500 Rosedale Hwy.
Family-friendly market with local vendors, food, handmade goods, music, and activities.

🛍️ Farmers Markets & Shopping

F Street Farmers Market

📅 Saturday | 7:45 AM–12:00 PM
📍 In Your Wildest Dreams Parking Lot

Fresh produce, food vendors, and local small businesses.

Riverlakes Farmers Market

📅 Saturday | 9:00 AM–1:00 PM
📍 CHS Parking Lot

One of Bakersfield's favorite weekly markets featuring local produce and vendors.

Gossamer Night Market

📅 Friday | 6:00 PM–9:00 PM
📍 Community Park – Soaring Heights Way & Cobble Creek Dr., Shafter

Enjoy food trucks, shopping, and live music under the evening sky.

Kern County Vintage Flea

📅 Sunday | 10:00 AM–4:00 PM
📍 Kern County Fairgrounds – 1142 S. P St.

Browse more than 75 vendors featuring vintage clothing, collectibles, jewelry, handmade goods, and unique treasures.

Really Really Free Market

📅 Sunday | 9:00 AM–11:00 AM
📍 Belle Terrace Park – 1101 E. Belle Terrace

A community gift-economy market where you can bring what you can and take what you need.

❤️ Date Night & Nightlife

Artist-Led Exhibition Tour

📅 Friday | 6:00 PM–7:00 PM
📍 Bakersfield Museum of Art

Tour the current exhibition with one of the featured artists. Reservations required.

Friday Night Dancing at the Grange

📅 Friday | 7:00 PM–9:00 PM
📍 Fairfax Grange – 4 Fairfax Rd.

No dance experience or partner needed. Admission is $10.

Eleanor Kerrigan Comedy Show

📅 Friday | 7:00 PM
📍 The Well Comedy Club – 1517 18th St.

Enjoy an evening of stand-up comedy with veteran comedian Eleanor Kerrigan.

Sunday Spread

📅 Sunday | 11:00 AM–3:00 PM
📍 Centro Cali Brewing – 716 19th St.

Wood-fired pizza, pasta, carved meats, charcuterie, salads, and more. Admission is $35.

Adult Bingo

📅 Sunday | Doors 5:00 PM | Show 6:00 PM
📍 The Well Comedy Club – 1517 18th St.

Adult-themed bingo, mini-games, comedy, and prizes.

🎨 Arts, Crafts & Entertainment

• Girls Trip Paint Class — Friday, 7:00 PM–9:00 PM, Corks & Strokes, 2623 F St., Suite M
• Pirates! The Penzance Musical — Friday, 7:30 PM–9:30 PM, Edward Simonsen Indoor Theater at Bakersfield College ($15–$20)
• BCT's 38th Annual One Act Festival — Friday & Saturday 7:30 PM–9:30 PM, Sunday 2:00 PM–4:00 PM, Bakersfield Community Theatre
• Lisa Frank Junk Journal Workshop — Saturday, 11:30 AM, Jerry's Pizza & Pub, 1817 Chester Ave.
• Decorate Your Sole Workshop — Saturday, 12:00 PM–2:00 PM, Lines and Living Art, 1101 18th St., Suite 100
• Imagine Dragons Paint Class — Saturday, 1:00 PM–2:30 PM, Corks & Strokes
• Backcountry Paint Party — Saturday, 7:00 PM–9:00 PM, Corks & Strokes
• Sunset Paint — Sunday, 3:00 PM–5:00 PM, Corks & Strokes
• Sip & Paint: Besties Edition — Sunday, 5:00 PM–7:00 PM, Slice of Italy, Downtown

🏁 Sports & Outdoor Adventures

July Birthdays Run

📅 Saturday | 6:15 AM
📍 Hart Park – 6001–6003 Lake Rd.

Night at the Races

📅 Saturday | Gates 5:00 PM | Pre-Race Party 6:15 PM | Racing 7:00 PM
📍 Kevin Harvick's Kern Raceway

Featuring NASCAR divisions, spectator drags, figure-eight racing, and the Mayhem Machine stunt show.

Sunrise Hike

📅 Sunday | Reservation Required
📍 Wind Wolves Preserve

Start your Sunday with a guided sunrise hike through one of Kern County's most beautiful preserves.

🌟 Kristin's Weekend Challenge

This weekend, pick one new place you've never visited before. Whether it's a farmers market, local theater production, community event, or small business, exploring our community is one of the best parts of calling Bakersfield home.

For even more local insights, neighborhood guides, and real estate resources, be sure to explore the rest of the A–Z Bakersfield Guide on my website.

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