Headshot Photo Opportunity with Sean Navejas
2025-02-27 15:00 - 17:00, 2025-03-01 11:00 - 13:00 UTC | Arts Council of Kern – 18th Street, 1020 18th Street, Bakersfield, CA, 93301-1345, United States

March First Friday ArtWalk
2025-03-07 17:00 - 21:00 | Arts Council of Kern – 18th Street, 1020 18th Street, Bakersfield, CA, 93301-1345, United States

Stories on the Sidewalk Day One
2025-03-14 17:30 - 20:30
Step into the Past at STORIES ON THE SIDEWALK!
Take a stroll through history as Stories on the Sidewalk brings the remarkable figures of Bakersfield and Kern County to life! Walk along 18th Street in the east Chester Arts District and experience live reenactments of pivotal moments from our local past. This immersive event is a collaboration of local writers, actors, historians, theater groups, civic organizations, and downtown businesses, all coming together to share the rich history of our community. Fun for all ages! Don’t miss this chance to see history step off the page and onto the streets!
Tickets only $15!
(Purchase HERE!)

EVENT DATES AND TIMES

Friday, March 14th
5:30 PM – 8:30 PM
Saturday, March 15th
11 AM – 2 PM

18th and N Streets
Downtown Bakersfield

Stories on the Sidewalk Day Two
2025-03-15 11:00 - 14:00

April First Friday ArtWalk
2025-04-04 17:00 - 21:00 | Arts Council of Kern – 18th Street, 1020 18th Street, Bakersfield, CA, 93301-1345, United States

Best of Kern Art Gallery Opening
2025-04-11 16:00 - 20:00 | Arts Council of Kern – 18th Street, 1020 18th Street, Bakersfield, CA, 93301-1345, United States
Celebrating the Best of Kern, an art exhibit that honors the diversity and beauty of all five districts of our county.

May First Friday Artwalk
2025-05-02 17:00 - 21:00 | Arts Council of Kern – 18th Street, 1020 18th Street, Bakersfield, CA, 93301-1345, United States

Skate the Art - SAUNDER THROUGH CALIFORNIA
2025-05-02 18:00 - 20:00 | Saunders Park, 3300 Palm St,, Bakersfield, CA, 93309, United States
Skate the Art – May 2 at Saunders Park! 🎨🛼
Join the City of Bakersfield Recreation & Parks Department and the Arts Council of Kern for Skate the Art—a fun, family-friendly evening where creativity meets movement!
On May 2nd at 6 PM, bring your roller skates to Saunders Park and enjoy a vibrant evening of art-making, music, and community vibes. Whether you’re skating or creating, this is your chance to be part of the excitement surrounding the Saunders Park mural project.
All ages welcome. Let’s roll into art together! 🎶🌟

Grand Opening /Ribbon Cutting (KCHCC)
2025-05-07 17:00 - 20:00 | Arts Council of Kern – 18th Street, 1020 18th Street, Bakersfield, CA, 93301-1345, United States

June First Friday Artwalk
2025-06-06 17:00 - 21:00 | Arts Council of Kern – 18th Street, 1020 18th Street, Bakersfield, CA, 93301-1345, United States

Movie in the Park/Art - SAUNDER THROUGH CALIFORNIA
2025-06-13 18:00 - 20:00 | Saunders Park, 3300 Palm St,, Bakersfield, CA, 93309, United States
Movie in the Park – June 13 at Saunders Park! 🎬🎨
Grab your blankets and lawn chairs and join the City of Bakersfield Recreation & Parks Department and the Arts Council of Kern for a special evening under the stars at Saunders Park!
On June 13th starting at 6 PM, enjoy Movie in the Park, where guests can watch a family-friendly film while taking part in free community art activities. It’s a perfect night of creativity, connection, and entertainment for all ages.
Come early, make some art, and stay for the movie! 🍿🌙

July First Friday Artwalk
2025-07-04 17:00 - 21:00 | Arts Council of Kern – 18th Street, 1020 18th Street, Bakersfield, CA, 93301-1345, United States

August First Friday Artwalk
2025-08-01 17:00 - 21:00 | Arts Council of Kern – 18th Street, 1020 18th Street, Bakersfield, CA, 93301-1345, United States

September First Friday Artwalk
2025-09-05 17:00 - 21:00 | Arts Council of Kern – 18th Street, 1020 18th Street, Bakersfield, CA, 93301-1345, United States

Paint and Play - SAUNDER THROUGH CALIFORNIA
2025-09-19 18:00 - 20:00 | Saunders Park, 3300 Palm St,, Bakersfield, CA, 93309, United States
Paint and Play – September 19 at Saunders Park! 🎨🛝
Come out and enjoy an evening of creativity and fun at Saunders Park with Paint and Play, hosted by the City of Bakersfield Recreation & Parks Department and the Arts Council of Kern!
On September 19th at 6 PM, families are invited to play, explore, and get creative with free hands-on art activities for all ages. While the kids enjoy the playground, everyone can join in the fun of making art in the park!
It’s a perfect way to wind down your week with community, color, and play. See you there! 🌟

October First Friday Artwalk
2025-10-03 17:00 - 21:00 | Arts Council of Kern – 18th Street, 1020 18th Street, Bakersfield, CA, 93301-1345, United States

Art Sherwyn's "On Becoming an Artist"
2025-10-11 10:00 - 13:00 | Arts Council of Kern – 18th Street, 1020 18th Street, Bakersfield, CA, 93301-1345, United States
Discover a formula for a lifelong journey of learning and growth in the visual arts. The session explores the “Four Stages of Artistic Growth and Development”, the balance of storytelling and technique, the dynamics of creating compelling art, and methods for critiquing your work. Hands-on activities with provided materials will enhance the experience. Artists of all ages won’t want to miss this opportunity to gain insights and perspectives to carry throughout your creative career.

Toni Best's, "The Art of Weaving"
2025-11-06 09:00 - 13:00 | Arts Council of Kern – 18th Street, 1020 18th Street, Bakersfield, CA, 93301-1345, United States
Students will learn to coil glycerin-treated pine needles onto a prepared gourd using the distinctive “V” stitch, creating beautiful contrast and texture. Working on smaller gourds allows most participants to finish their piece during class, with materials provided to complete it at home if needed. This time-honored craft reflects techniques still practiced by Native American artisans today.

Intertwined
2025-11-07 05:00 - 19:00 | Arts Council of Kern – 18th Street, 1020 18th Street, Bakersfield, CA, 93301-1345, United States
This art show will highlight weaving in all its forms — not just in fiber, but in story, sound, and imagery. From paintings and mixed media to music, sculpture, or poetry, artists are invited to explore the idea of connection — how threads, ideas, and cultures intertwine to create something new.

Community Grant Writing & Securing Sponsorships
2025-12-03 12:00 - 13:30 | Arts Council of Kern – 18th Street, 1020 18th Street, Bakersfield, CA, 93301-1345, United States
Jeanette Richardson teaches how to apply for community grants and scholarships for nonprofits.
In person and zoom.

December First Friday Artwalk
2025-12-05 17:00 - 21:00 | Arts Council of Kern – 18th Street, 1020 18th Street, Bakersfield, CA, 93301-1345, United States

First Friday Holiday Market
2025-12-05 17:00 - 21:00 | Arts Council of Kern – 18th Street, 1020 18th Street, Bakersfield, CA, 93301-1345, United States
First Friday Holiday Market
Hosted by the Arts Council of Kern
Part of Holiday on 18th Street
Join us for a festive and creative evening at the First Friday Holiday Market hosted by the Arts Council of Kern as part of our month-long Holiday on 18th Street festivities! The First Friday Holiday Market brings together artists and community to kick of the season with creativity and cheer. Visitors can stroll through artist booths, meet local makers, and find unique holiday treasures while enjoying treats and family friendly activities.
Come celebrate art, community, and the holiday spirit at the First Friday Holiday Market!

The Holiday Shoppe
2025-12-12 17:00 - 21:00 | Arts Council of Kern – 18th Street, 1020 18th Street, Bakersfield, CA, 93301-1345, United States
The Holiday Shoppe
Hosted by the Arts Council of Kern
Part of Holiday on 18th Street
Join us for a magical night of local shopping and Holiday cheer during our Holiday Shoppe hosted by the Arts Council of Kern as part of our month-long Holiday on 18th Street celebration.
Browse unique items from local makers, enjoy the seasonal festivities, and experience the warmth and creativity of our arts community under the glow of holiday lights. Whether your picking out meaningful gifts or simply soaking in the festive atmosphere, our Holiday Shoppe offers a joyful way to support local artists and celebrate the season.

Santa's Second Saturday
2025-12-13 09:00 - 15:00 | Arts Council of Kern – 18th Street, 1020 18th Street, Bakersfield, CA, 93301-1345, United States
Santa’s Second Saturday
Hosted by the Arts Council of Kern
Part of Holiday on 18th Street
Celebrate the season during Santa’s Second Saturday, a festive daytime shopping experience hosted by the Arts Council of Kern as part of our month-long Holiday on 18th Street Celebration. Stroll through the market and discover handcrafted treasures, support local artists, and enjoy the warm, welcoming atmosphere.
Whether your looking for the perfect present or simply enjoying a cheerful weekend outing, Santa’s Second Saturday brings together art, shopping, and the seasonal spirit.

Carol-Oke; Cowboy Christmas Karaoke
2025-12-19 17:00 - 21:00 | Arts Council of Kern – 18th Street, 1020 18th Street, Bakersfield, CA, 93301-1345, United States
Carol-oke Cowboy Christmas Karaoke Get ready to saddle up and sing your heart out at our Carol-oke Cowboy Christmas Karaoke, happening Friday, December 19th at the Arts Council of Kern!
This rootin’-tootin’ good time is the grand finale of our month-long celebration, Holiday on 18th Street. We’re wrapping up the season with a night full of country-style Christmas cheer — where you can step up to the mic and belt out your favorite country-themed Christmas songs. Whether you’re a country crooner or just in it for the jingle and jangle, this is the perfect way to close out the holidays with friends, family, and festive fun.
So dust off those boots, tune up your twang, and join us for a night of merry melodies and cowboy Christmas spirit at the Arts Council of Kern!

Cutting Edge: Art off the Wall
2026-02-20 17:00 - 21:00 | Arts Council of Kern – 18th Street, 1020 18th Street, Bakersfield, CA, 93301-1345, United States
An Art Gallery dedicated to the alternative, metalworks and sculptural arts.

March First Friday ArtWalk
2026-03-06 17:00 - 21:00
First Friday ArtWalk is a monthly community market where local artists, artisans, and vendors set up booths at our location to showcase and sell their handmade artwork, crafts, and specialty goods. It’s a lively evening of shopping, creativity, and connection—giving the community a chance to support local makers and discover unique, one-of-a-kind finds.

Cultivate Kern
2026-03-12 13:00 - 16:00
Cultivate Kern is a free, hands-on workshop series designed to strengthen nonprofit leaders, arts and culture organizations, schools, libraries, grassroots groups, and civic leaders across Kern County. Through arts-based strategies and practical tools, the program helps organizations build capacity, diversify funding, strengthen leadership, and move from survival to sustainability. Featuring interactive sessions, peer networking, and real-world application, Cultivate Kern equips participants to grow stronger and more connected to the communities they serve—at no cost thanks to support from The Wonderful Company and the Arts Council of Kern.

Reigning Cats and Dogs - SUBMISSION DEADLINE
2026-03-13 | Arts Council of Kern – 18th Street, 1020 18th Street, Bakersfield, CA, 93301-1345, United States
Reigning Cats and Dogs is a playful and heartwarming exhibition celebrating our favorite furry companions. Featuring pet-inspired artwork by talented local artists from across Kern County, the gallery highlights a variety of styles and mediums that capture the charm and personality of cats and dogs. The celebration will also include a lively Pet Parade, inviting the community to show off their beloved companions. Many of the artworks will be available for purchase, making it a fun and meaningful way to support local artists.
