Good morning, Bakersfield.

Volunteers from The Garden Church will serve free meals every Monday and Tuesday at 10:30 a.m. at 900 22nd Street and Mill Creek as new CalFresh rules tighten access amid high grocery prices; Ministry Leader Dwayne Switter said the outreach, ongoing for (2) years, now meets rising community demand.

Greenlawn Southwest and the Bakersfield Young Marines will host their annual National Flag Day event at 10 a.m. Sunday at the sprawling cemetery on Panama Lane plus up to 500 flags will be ceremoniously cremated during the service.

Kern County businesses are preparing for the 2026 World Cup by expanding hours+ increasing inventory to serve local soccer fans, with Bakersfield Beer Company expecting strong turnout as high travel costs keep fans from traveling.

Kern County influencer Mariela Orozco had nearly $7,000 in camera equipment stolen from her downtown car on May 31, and local business owners who benefited from her work are rallying to help her rebuild her livelihood.

The Kern County Fair announced its 2026 Hard Rock Casino Tejon Concert Series at the Budweiser Pavilion with country artist ERNEST set to perform on opening night, and concerts will be free with a fair ticket on Tuesdays and Thursdays until July 16.

Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Tejon is boosting Kern County's economy today with plans to attract two to three million visitors in its first year (creating new jobs and driving local investment) as the Tejon Tribe invests $10 million in a new sheriff's and fire substation near the property.

The Bakersfield City School District board narrowed options for renaming Cesar Chavez Elementary on Tuesday night, reviewing suggestions like Helen Chavez and si se puede elementary school as it plans a decision on June 23 and a change in August.

Supervisors proposed a new contract for the public baseball park in northwest Bakersfield to a fresh operator after over 20 years with the current group.

County staff hope the change will boost park services + community engagement.

Residents in eastern Kern County have raised objections to two proposed AI data centers by R&L Capital near Ridgecrest.

They urged the Board of Supervisors to review the projects that could affect local water quality and set a precedent for future development.

The Ghost Brothers of Darkland County

7:30 p.m. — Bakersfield Community Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Experience a haunting tale of love and tragedy set to music from Stephen King and John Mellencamp.

The Lovers Rock - Sade Tribute

8-11 p.m. — BottleShock Wine and Brew — Fundraising event — Enjoy a night of Sade's legendary sounds while supporting Kern County students in music and STEM education.

Garden Bros Nuclear Circus: Fun Factory

4:30 PM — Mechanics Bank Arena — Ticket prices vary — Experience the thrilling and colorful world of the Garden Brothers Nuclear Circus in a fantastic family-friendly performance.

Summer Nights Truck and Car Show

All day — Kern County Fair And Event Center — Check the event page for pricing — Celebrate automotive culture with trucks, classic cars, and vibrant entertainment.

NEF The Pharaoh

4:20-10 p.m. — Paradise Palace Hall — Free entry — Experience live music, local vendors, and delicious food at this vibrant community event.

USPA Tested and Open WE ARE THE STRONG 2 Meet

8 a.m. — National Academy of Strength and Power — Registration required — Compete against some of the best lifters in the area with both tested and non-tested divisions.

BELY Y BETO

3-6 p.m. — Mechanics Bank Arena — Tickets required — Experience joy and magic with these beloved children's entertainers.

Comedy Night with Jeff Dye

6:30-11 p.m. — Temblor Brewing Company — $30-$40 — Experience a night of laughter with Jeff Dye's sharp and hilarious comedy.