Things to Do in Bakersfield This Weekend | September 18–20

Okay Bakersfield, we actually have a LOT going on this weekend. 😂

Whether you want live music, brunch with the girls, a car show, something with the kids, or an excuse to get out of the house, there’s plenty to choose from.

And yes… Emo Night is back. 🖤😂

❤️ Kristin’s Pick of the Weekend

I already told you guys not to sleep on Emo Night after going with my girlfriends and having an absolute blast… and now they're doing Emo Night at Rollerama.

Emo music + roller skating? This could either be amazing or remind me that I am no longer 17. 😂

It’s Saturday from 8–11 PM at Rollerama, 1004 34th Street, and admission is $12.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18

Friday has a little bit of everything. Golden Spoon Bakersfield is celebrating its grand opening starting at noon, with free mini frozen yogurt for the first 100 guests. Friday Night Cruizin’ is also back at Salty’s BBQ from 4–8 PM with classics, customs, hot rods, music and BBQ.

You can also check out the Cantarito de Barro painting workshop at Lamont Branch Library at 4:30 PM, or head to Links at RiverLakes for the Bakersfield Golf Social’s first open nine-hole round, also beginning at 4:30 PM.

For Friday night, you’ve got the Comedy Mama Show at BottleShock, Dirty Bingo at The Leaf Lounge, Texas Headhunters at World Records, Oathbound at Jerry’s Pizza, AJ Wilkerson at The Well Comedy Club, Karaoke Nites at Bakersfield Community Theatre, Machinal at The Empty Space and Los Dos de Tamaulipas at Paradise Palace. So basically, staying home is a choice this Friday. 😂

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 19

Saturday starts EARLY for those of you who voluntarily exercise before I've properly had coffee. 😂 The IBProFun Run Club and Bakersfield Marathon group run starts at 6:45 AM at Juice It Up on Allen Road.

The NJBA Fall Classic kicks off at Lake Ming, and the 10th Annual C10s & Tacos starts at 10 AM at Pyles Boys Camp with trucks, cars, motorcycles, live music, vendors, raffles and—most importantly—free tacos while they last. 🌮

One event I LOVE the idea behind is Streets of Bakersfield Doggy Day Out. You can pick up a shelter dog from Kern County Animal Services between 10 AM and noon and take them on a hike, coffee date, park trip or just give them a few hours outside the shelter. 🐶❤️ Dogs need to be returned by 3:30 PM, and participants must be 18+.

There’s also The Light Market, Temblor Fest, National Dance Day, the Outlets at Tejon Car Show, Celebrando Nuestra Herencia, a Mini Bookshelf Workshop, a Women’s Squad Clinic and BarrelHouse Oktoberfest throughout the day.

Saturday night brings First Responders Night + Auto Soccer at Kern Raceway, R&B Night Out at Stramler Park, AJ Wilkerson at The Well, La Vie Bohème at The Basement at Woolworth’s, Machinal at The Empty Space and, of course, Emo Night at Rollerama. 🖤🛼

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 20

Sunday is giving us brunch, shopping and “I just need something chill to do” energy.

The Kern County Vintage Flea is celebrating its third anniversary with a special $20 & Under Market from 8 AM–2 PM with more than 60 vendors expected. The NJBA Fall Classic also continues at Lake Ming.

There’s a Mom Walk at Belcourt at 9:30 AM, followed by Besties Brunch at Ay Mi Pa from 10 AM–3 PM with a $25 buffet, NFL games and an optional $10 bottomless mimosa add-on. 👀🥂

You can also hit the Barbie Watch Party + Junk Journal at Jerry’s Pizza, Mimosas & Chismosas at Buena Vida, free live acoustic music at Jerry’s, Bingo Day at Bakersfield Community Theatre, Machinal at The Empty Space, FamFest Love & Wellness Tour and a free CSUB soccer game Sunday night.

So…What Are We Doing This Weekend? 😂

There is officially no “there’s nothing to do in Bakersfield” excuse this weekend.

Personally, Emo Night at Rollerama has my attention—although taking a shelter dog out for a Saturday adventure is pretty freaking hard to beat. ❤️🐶

Pick something. Grab your people. Get out and enjoy Bakersfield.

And if you go somewhere good, TAG ME. I’m always looking for the next place or event to add to my Bakersfield list. ❤️

FAQ

What is there to do in Bakersfield this weekend?
Bakersfield has events happening September 18–20, 2026, including live music, car shows, community events, brunches, family activities, markets, comedy and Emo Night at Rollerama.

What are some fun things to do in Bakersfield on Saturday?
Saturday’s lineup includes C10s & Tacos, the NJBA Fall Classic, Streets of Bakersfield Doggy Day Out, Temblor Fest, the Outlets at Tejon Car Show, BarrelHouse Oktoberfest and Emo Night at Rollerama.

Are there free things to do in Bakersfield this weekend?
Yes. Several events are free or offer free admission, including Pásala 661 Pickup Soccer, C10s & Tacos, and other community events. Always confirm event details with the organizer before heading out.

What can families do in Bakersfield this weekend?
Families can choose from community markets, car shows, outdoor activities, sporting events and family-focused events happening throughout the weekend.

Where can I find Bakersfield events every weekend?
Check back here for my Weekend with Kristin guide, where I round up things happening around Bakersfield each week—from family activities and local markets to date nights and events with friends.

Kristin Zaben
Amjadi Zaben Trifecta Group
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