Bakersfield
Today
Saturday, October 18th, 2025
Good morning, Bakersfield. Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 18th of October.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ The remains of fighter pilot Arthur M. Lingo were laid to rest in Kern County 81 years after he was lost in World War II—bringing his legacy back home. The service honored his sacrifice and returned him to his community. The Bakersfield Californian
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Hundreds are expected to attend the Philippine Weekend Festival in Delano which began Friday at Memorial Park and runs through the weekend—this free event celebrates Filipino culture with authentic food, traditions and live performances honoring resilience, strength and unity. Bakersfield Now
- ➤ California is now the third state to recognize Diwali as a holiday and Bakersfield’s Hindu and Sikh communities are lighting up the Festival of Lights with a big event today at Kaiser Sports Village — featuring free performances and a fireworks show. Local shops are also joining by offering sweets and decorations to share the festive spirit. 23ABC News
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ Kern County now controls local oil drilling after a Bakersfield summit where over 100 oil producers and officials met, and industry experts say the shift may lower costs and create jobs—but they warn that planned refinery closures could raise gas prices statewide. 23ABC News
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ The Kern County Board of Education is set to vote on a resolution about displaying the Ten Commandments in schools as community members give mixed views on how faith should be shown in education. Pastor Angelo Frazier supports the change as a nod to history — while others worry it may lead to demands for other faith displays. Bakersfield Now
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Low-income families in Bakersfield may see delays in SNAP and CalWORKs benefits if the federal shutdown continues—funds for October are available, but a prolonged shutdown could affect benefits beginning in November. The Department of Social Services will notify recipients if disruptions occur. Bakersfield Now
- ➤ Bakersfield finished building the Kern River Canal Backup Weir (just east of the Coffee Road bridge) to control floodwater and manage river water for the city. The new structure also added a multi-use bike path linking Kern River Parkway to the Friant-Kern Canal Bike path which is under construction. Bakersfield Now
- ➤ Local leaders in McFarland celebrated state approval of $21 million for floodplain restoration in Kern, Kings, and Tulare counties to protect homes and reduce flood risks—funds provided under Proposition 4. River Partners will plan improvements along Pozo Creek—measuring channel conveyance to better control floods. 23ABC News
- ➤ Today, leaders and community members in McFarland celebrated securing $21 million through Senate Bill 556 for floodplain restoration after years of severe flooding along Poso Creek. The bill will start projects to improve flood protection, water quality, and groundwater recharge— a vital first step for local safety. Bakersfield Now
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Halloween Pub Crawl in Bakersfield
4:30-9 p.m. — Jerry's Pizza & Pub — Tickets required — Embrace the spooky season with contests, prizes, and a night of haunted fun.
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Black Jacket Symphony Fundraiser
4:00 – 5:30 PM — The Historic Bakersfield Fox Theater — Benefitting the St. Paul Civic Symphony — Enjoy an evening of music supporting a great cause.
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Whittier Poets vs. Cal State Bakersfield Roadrunners Basketball Game
7:00 PM — Icardo Center — Check ESPN+ for broadcasting — Don’t miss the showdown as the Whittier Poets take on the Cal State Bakersfield Roadrunners in an exciting basketball matchup.
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Women's Basketball Game vs. Fresno State
12 AM – 9 PM — Icardo Center — Ticket prices vary — Cheer for the home team in an exciting matchup against Fresno State.
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Bakersfield Symphony Orchestra - An American Salute
4:30-6 p.m. — Dignity Health Arena, Theater and Convention Center — Ticket prices vary — Experience a patriotic musical tribute with festive marches and stirring classics honoring those who serve.
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Hyde Sundayz: Week 2
9:00 PM – 1:30 AM — Ay Mi Pa Mexican Grill & Cantina — $10 — House music enthusiasts will enjoy a night of continuous beats.
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Bakersfield Career Fair
9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. — Hilton Garden Inn Bakersfield — Free entry — Connect with local and Fortune 500 employers to explore job opportunities in various fields.
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2025 CARS Tour West at Kevin Harvick's Kern Raceway
6:00 PM – 8:59 PM — Kevin Harvick's Kern Raceway — Cost information not specified — Witness thrilling racing as the CARS Tour West ends its 2025 season with exciting late model action.
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Los Admirables De La Sierra Concert
8 PM — La Movida Night Club — Ticket prices available — Experience the vibrant rhythms and heartfelt melodies of traditional Mexican music.
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TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
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