Good morning, Bakersfield.

McFarland police evacuated nearby homes and coordinated with Kern County Fire during a residential structure fire on San Lucas Street on Tuesday, June 23 + officers rescued dogs and connected displaced families with available support.

A free patriotic festival takes place in Bakersfield on July 3 at Park at Riverwalk from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.—families enjoy live music, colonial demos, a Benjamin Franklin hologram, food vendors, a kids’ zone, and fireworks.

Craftsman bungalows found in older neighborhoods from Fresno + Bakersfield reflect a century-old design that emphasizes simple, hand-crafted details.

Gustav Stickley’s 1909 plan in Fresno helped cement the style’s legacy in the Central Valley.

Local parents presented 5,000 signatures at a recent Bakersfield City School District board meeting calling for cameras in special education classrooms (aiming for better transparency).

The district said that legal, privacy issues may require state action before any changes are made.

Charmed and Chosen is offering free summer programs with mentorship, financial literacy, and STEM workshops for local youth to build confidence and prepare for future success.

The nonprofit's sessions (including Girls in Tech for third- to eighth-graders) run all summer in Bakersfield.

Kern County health officials detected West Nile virus in local mosquitoes on Friday, and no human cases have been reported.

Officials are monitoring the situation closely to safeguard community health.

In-Shape Fitness at Seven Oaks offers swim lessons and water workouts through September.

The program includes parent-and-child, group, and private sessions for all ages (from 6 months up) with reserved lap lanes available via the facility's app.

NASCAR drivers Zane Smith and Noah Gragson stopped at Hard Rock Casino Tejon in Mettler on Wednesday to prepare for the Sonoma road course race this weekend — they paused for a quick pit stop to recharge their focus.

CSUB acting athletic director Sarah Tuohy is rebuilding community trust—amid new hires and community engagement efforts—after a turbulent 2025.

The department also announced coaching appointments including Jenny Topping and Kristen Wright as it pursues a permanent AD to restore local pride in athletics.

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.

Bakersfield International Music Festival 2026

All day — CSUB Music — Registration required — A ten-day solo & chamber music program welcoming aspiring pianists and string players from 7th grade onward.

Midland Concert

8:00 – 9:30 PM — Mechanics Bank Arena — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy an evening with Midland as they bring their country hits to Bakersfield.

Hat Trick Watch Experience at Dave & Buster's

12 p.m. — Dave & Buster's Bakersfield — Starting at $24.99 — Enjoy unlimited wings, fries, and video games while cheering for your favorite team on massive screens.

Comedy Night with Joe Torry

8-10 p.m. — Legends Lounge & Event Center — Ticketed event — Enjoy an evening filled with side-splitting laughter from comedy legend Joe Torry.