Good morning, Bakersfield.

Skye's the Limit and The Blue Zone Project Bakersfield are hosting a cookout ahead of Thanksgiving + offering free meals to those in need.

Food banks in Kern County face record demand as families struggle with rising grocery costs this holiday season.

CAPK and local partners have expanded support ahead of the holidays—adding extra distribution sites and outreach, a move highlighted by 15-year-old Xavier who walks seven miles daily to help his family.

Today, media toured Bakersfield Christmas Town at the Kern County Fairgrounds—an attraction built with nearly three dozen unpacked containers—and the preview featured interactive light displays and a hayride ahead of its official opening on November 28th when families can enjoy classic holiday activities.

Hard Rock Tejon Casino is partnering with Golden Empire Gleaners to distribute over 1,000 turkeys to employees and donate more to local families as part of its annual Thanksgiving tradition.

The casino, which opened Nov. 13, has already awarded $10 million in jackpots over 10 days — marking a historic milestone in its early operation.

Bakersfield esthetician De’Shanay Wilkerson has converted a truck into a mobile beauty salon to cut costs and offer convenient services—she will unveil California Beauty at a grand opening on December 6 at Anthem Blue Cross on 1491 White Lane.

Nearly 70 workers lost their jobs when the Glass Mat Plant closed on January 24th—GAF made the decision to optimize its plant network—and Kern County helped affected employees file for unemployment and get career training.

King Door in southwest Bakersfield is offering a unique holiday gift idea by showcasing a variety of garage door styles including insulated and modern designs at its showroom (7450 District Blvd) and provides annual maintenance plans to keep doors working well.

Marie Callender's is offering fully cooked Thanksgiving meals and a variety of pies that customers can pre-order or pick up in-store on Thanksgiving Day from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.—feasts range from $169 to $199 and include turkey with gravy, mashed potatoes, stuffing, and desserts like French Apple Pie topped with cinnamon streusel, according to manager Joel Lopez at the California Avenue location.

Amtrak, now re-branded as the Golden Runner, is offering more stops nationwide for local travelers headed to visit family, providing a scenic and less stressful alternative to driving or flying; over 1.2 million riders used the service last Thanksgiving (according to its PR manager) and tickets are selling quickly for the holiday season. The move aims to ease planned trips for those staying under 250 miles.

Reading Cinemas at Valley Plaza Mall in Bakersfield announced a multi-million-dollar renovation that will add heated recliners, upgraded Titan Luxe screens, Dolby Atmos sound and an $8 ticket price for traditional seating when the project completes in January 2026.

The upgrades will also make its IMAX auditorium the only one in a 100-mile radius with heated seats—bringing new luxury to local moviegoers.

City leaders and local business owners urge Bakersfield residents to shop small on the upcoming Small Business Saturday—local stores like In Your Wildest Dreams will offer special deals— to boost local commerce during the busy holiday season.

The HolidayLights at CALM festival will begin this weekend on Saturday, Nov.

29 and run through Jan. 3 to start Kern County’s holiday season - CALM is preparing festive displays for this annual celebration.

On Tuesday, Bakersfield residents rushed to stores for Thanksgiving essentials amid chaotic lines and higher national dinner prices—local prices stayed nearly the same as last year with only a minor increase above the Western average.

Experts noted that inflation led stores to adjust their pricing strategies and advised planning ahead for holiday shopping.

Today, the Kern County Fire Department announced that open burning of hazard reduction fuels will begin at 8 a.m.—residents must obtain a burn permit from the appropriate air pollution control district and follow all rules as officials monitor weather and fuel conditions for public safety.

Bakersfield Symphony Orchestra - Home for the Holidays

6:30-8:30 p.m. — Dignity Health Arena, Theater and Convention Center — Cost Info Not Provided — Experience a festive musical celebration perfect for the holiday season.

Sustainable Mushroom Growing Class

6-8 p.m. — 3601 Eton St, Bakersfield, CA — Cost to be determined — Learn to grow your own delicious mushrooms sustainably using the bucket technique.

CSUB Holiday Concert

3-5 p.m. — Doré Theatre — $12 General Admission, $7 Seniors and Students, CSUB Students Free — Experience festive performances from local music groups in a theatric setting.

Gryffindor House Celebration

5-11:30 p.m. — Bakersfield Elks Lodge #266 — Ticket entry — An enchanting evening filled with courage, trivia, and a themed feast honoring Gryffindor's legacy.

Philip Labes and The Opener Screening

7-10 p.m. — Doré Theatre — Tickets available at the door — Catch the inspiring documentary followed by a live performance and autograph session with Philip Labes.

Hanukkah 8 Krazy Kilometers Fun Run

8:30 AM – 6:00 PM — Panorama Vista Preserve — Registration required — Celebrate Hanukkah with a fun run for all ages through the beautiful landscape of Bakersfield.

Nobel University Knights vs. CSU Bakersfield Roadrunners Men's Basketball

6:30-8:00 p.m. — Icardo Center — Ticket prices may apply — Cheer on the local Knights as they face off against the Roadrunners in an exciting basketball showdown.

Nutcracker Magical Christmas Ballet

11 AM – 2 PM — The Historic Bakersfield Fox Theater — $63 per ticket — Experience a magical ballet with international dancers and whimsical puppetry this holiday season.

Women's Basketball Match: CSUB vs. Eastern Washington

2-5 p.m. — Icardo Center — Tickets from $11.20 — Catch an exciting women's basketball game as CSUB faces off against Eastern Washington.