One of the best things about visiting or living in the Bakersfield area is that there is so much to do – all year round! Below we’re going to share a few of our favorite annual events that you much check out. Read on to learn about the best events and festivals the Bakersfield area has to offer!
Polar Bear Plunge
Start off the New Year right by being part of this Bakersfield tradition. Come to McMurtrey Aquatic Center and ride the slides into the icy activity pool. You can join other polar bear fanatics by then swimming 25 yards. You will be met when exiting the pool with a steaming cup of hot chocolate.
Bakersfield Jazz Fest
April in Bakersfield bring Jazz to the valley. The Bakersfield Jazz Fest has featured internationally acclaimed artists since it began in 1987. Every year, it gives back to the community by raising money for scholarships for deserving students. The festival has also given local artists an opportunity to share their talents with the community. Come thirsty and hungry because the festival also offers a wide selection of beer and local wines, and a variety of foods from BBQ to Pizza to Food Trucks.
Stampede Days Rodeo
In May, the Biggest Little Rodeo in California brings bareback riding, steer wrestling, team roping, saddle bronc riding, tie-down roping, bull riding, and barrel racing. This event brings a high caliber of contestents who compete for the largest purses of any other comparably sized rodeo in the state.
Via Arte Italian Street Paining
Hosted by the Bakersfield Museum of Art, this October public art exhibition has brought the community and visual arts together since 1998. Artists use the parking lot of The Marketplace as a canvas for their creations using only chalk to create masterpieces before our eyes.
Bacon and Craft Beer Festival
What’s better than bacon? How about bacon and craft beer! This festival features food vendors serving up unlimited samples of bacon inspired dishes. To wash all that goodness down, they also bring only the very best craft beer brewers from across the state with unlimited samples from their amazing beer selections. The best part of the festival is that it raises money for local non-profit organizations.
Holiday Lamplight Tours
The Kern County Museum offers you and your family to step back in time and celebrate holidays of a by-gone era. The tours delight all family members with village tours, carolers, hayrides, ice-skating and sledding.