Bakersfield
Today
Saturday, November 29th, 2025
Good morning, Bakersfield. Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 29th of November.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Wasco State Prison staff delivered around 100 holiday baskets to local families last Thanksgiving—each basket included a full meal and a $25 gift card. The staff volunteered their time to spread cheer through this annual tradition. Bakersfield Now
- ➤ Kern County kicks off the holiday season as CALM Zoo launches its Holiday Lights fundraiser today—part of a 20-year master plan—and Bakersfield opens Christmas Town at the Kern County Fairgrounds with a 9th Annual Tree Lighting ceremony at 5:30 p.m. In Tehachapi, a new snow globe photo spot welcomes families at Railroad Park while the Hometown Christmas event on Dec. 6 will feature a parade and a Santa letter drop. Bakersfield Now
- ➤ Christmas Town opened November 28 at Kern County Fairgrounds and will run until January 3, offering both walk‐thru and drive‐thru options for families. The event features a sledding hill, ice skating, hay rides, and Santa visits with set pricing for each option—providing a festive holiday display. Bakersfield Now
- ➤ Last Thursday, Kernville Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Tricia La Belle learned that a group of grinches — possibly even a small army — disrupted a local Christmas display, but neighbors soon joined forces to restore the festive spirit. The Bakersfield Californian
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Shoppers braved cold weather on Black Friday and saw smaller crowds in stores as many mixed in-person and online buying; some shopped early to test offers—comparing prices in stores before ordering online—and nearly 187 million people are expected to shop through Cyber Monday. 23ABC News
- ➤ Reading Cinemas in Bakersfield has upgraded its theaters with heated seats, recliners, and a new lobby as part of holiday improvements rolled out earlier this month. The theater offers $8 tickets for traditional seating and a new membership plan and will finish renovations by early 2026 (inviting guests to enjoy a warmer movie experience). 23ABC News
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Kern County will host several Christmas tree lighting ceremonies this week; Bakersfield's 9th Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony is happening today at 5:30 p.m. at Centennial Plaza in front of Dignity Health Arena, with Santa and Mrs. Claus expected to appear—other towns hold festivities on December 2, 5, 6, and 7 that will celebrate the season in their communities. Bakersfield Now
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Bakersfield High lost a close Central Section Division 2 championship game 23-20 in overtime at Griffith Field—ending its title defense. The team was behind at halftime, rallied with a key touchdown from BJ Veasey in the third quarter, and tied the game before Arroyo Grande won with a field goal in extra time. 23ABC News
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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