welcome to the
Arts Council
of Kern
Come explore the arts
with us!
We work hard to make art accessible to all our residents and pride ourselves on highlighting traditional and contemporary artists in and around the county. We are your starting point for discovering new experiences and programs that will unlock your creativity and introduce you to new ideas.
OCTOBER 2026
FRI | OCT 23 | 5PM — 10PM
SAT | OCT 24 | 12PM — 5PM
PERFORMANCE LINEUP
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 23
5:00 PM | DJ Jesse Moreno
DJ Set (Both Days)
7:00 PM | Mento Buru
Live Performance
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 24
1:00 PM | Ballet Folkorico Mi Pasion
Live Performance
2:00 PM | Louie Cruz Beltran
Rhythm & Roots Performance
3:15 PM | Stephanie Soul
Live Performance
JOIN OUR CREATIVE COMMUNITY
Artist Directory
Our Artist Directory connects local artists with opportunities, resources, and the community.
Be Discovered
Get your work seen by the community and potential collaborators.
Stay Informed
Recieve updates on exhibitions, calls for art, and Arts Council events.
Support Local Arts
Help strengthen and grow Kern County’s creative community.
$20 / YEAR for non-members | FREE for Arts Council members
Sign up today and be part of Kern County’s arts community!
Shop local at Makers Market inside the Arts Council of Kern! Discover handcrafted goods by Bakersfield artists and take home a piece of our creative community.
Open Monday–Friday, 9 AM–5 PM at 1020 18th Street.
INTRODUCING SECOND SATURDAY!
Second Saturday is part of a larger, city-wide celebration of local art and small business that takes place one Saturday each month in downtown Bakersfield. As part of this grander event, the Arts Council of Kern hosts our own vendor fair from 9 AM to 1 PM inside our building at 1020 18th Street.
It’s a fun and creative opportunity for artists, makers, and vendors to sell their work, meet the community, and even create live during the event. Since we’re not usually open on Saturdays, Second Saturday gives artists a special extra day each month to connect, showcase, and make sales in a festive setting.
Support Local Artists at First Friday’s ArtWalk
Hosted by the Arts Council of Kern, the ArtWalk will showcase a diverse array of talents, featuring artists, artisans, and vendors, creating a dynamic atmosphere for attendees. Engage in hands-on experiences such as jewelry making and storytelling, making this event a unique and enriching way to celebrate the month of creativity!
ArtWalk takes place in downtown Bakersfield on the first Friday of every month, from October through June.
The cost to participate as an artist-vendor is $35 per month.
Become a Member With Us!
Become a Member of the Arts Council of Kern
When you become a member of the Arts Council of Kern, you’re not just joining a creative community—you’re helping build it. Your membership directly supports local artists, youth programs, public art projects, and arts education throughout Kern County.
As a member, you’ll enjoy invitations to exclusive events, gallery openings, and community celebrations, along with opportunities to connect with fellow art lovers and cultural leaders. Most importantly, you’ll be playing a vital role in ensuring the arts continue to thrive across our region.
Support the arts. Celebrate creativity. Make a lasting impact.
UPCOMING
Events
Discover arts happening across Kern County. From exhibition and workshops to performances and community events, there’s always something to experience with the Arts Council of Kern.