Good morning, Bakersfield.

Nick Cullen offered pet safety tips for Thanksgiving food during this week's Wag Wednesday in Studio B while showcasing adoptable puppies Comet and Cupid at Kern County Animal Services.

The agency hosted a drive-through foster pickup event on November 26— and will accept dog returns on November 29.

Families gathered Wednesday night for the decades-old Basque Crawl—a Thanksgiving Eve tradition at local Basque restaurants where multi-generational groups reunited.

Restaurateurs noted that patrons reserved tables months in advance to secure their preferred time slots.

On the morning before Thanksgiving, a local nonprofit hosted its largest food distribution in its history by providing free meals to families in Bakersfield — a milestone that highlighted its ongoing effort to support local residents.

On November 26th, Bakersfield College hosted a Holiday Harvest Giveaway where Renegade Nexus and the College Foundation distributed over 250 turkeys to enrolled students—later, the Office of Student Life held Friendsgiving at the Renegade Event Center with games, crafts, and dinner to bring the campus together.

With grocery prices rising, churches and non-profits are boosting food help this Thanksgiving as the Mission at Kern County plans to serve nearly 1,000 people and Blessing Corner (101 Union Avenue) hosts a meal today at 11 a.m. (Over 250 volunteers from local high schools and community groups have helped, reaching more than 5,000 people through a week of service).

Kern County is opening local centers for Thanksgiving so that anyone feeling alone can have a meal and a caring space—officials said the effort will also help ease holiday loneliness and stress.

Local organizations in Bakersfield are urging shoppers to support small businesses on Small Business Saturday.

At the kickoff event, Gabe Ulloa, a local business owner, said that shopping locally will boost the community and help the local economy.

Collector's Vault Comic Con will open this weekend at the DoubleTree Hotel for fans of wrestling, anime— and all things pop culture.

Organizer Javier Bautista and actor Douglas Tait shared details on plans for the November 29 and 30 event.

AAA reports that 81.8 million people are expected to travel at least 50 miles from home for Thanksgiving, and Kern County drivers are facing mixed conditions on congested routes — travelers are advised to leave early and check their vehicles as the California Highway Patrol stresses safe driving. This news comes as local motorists prepare for heavier traffic and potential delays on holiday roads.

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.

Bakersfield Condors vs San Diego Gulls

7:00-8:30 p.m. — Mechanics Bank Arena — Ticket prices vary — Watch as the Bakersfield Condors take on the San Diego Gulls in an exciting hockey matchup.