A Quick Hello
Hey Bakersfield families,
Hi, and welcome to the very first issue of The Bakersfield Family Bulletin. I’m so glad you’re here.
I started The Bakersfield Mom because there’s so much happening in this city — places to go, things to do, people doing interesting work, resources families should know about — but finding it all can be a job in itself.
My hope is that this newsletter makes Bakersfield a little easier to discover, one week at a time. I can’t wait to show you more of what’s here.
And a quick note before we get into it: I promise I won’t usually talk this much before giving you the goods. But introductions first.
ONE MORE THING, WHILE WE’RE NEW HERE
You’ll notice space in this newsletter for local sponsors and partners, and I want to be transparent about why that’s here from the beginning.
The more sustainable I can make The Bakersfield Mom, the more I can build for you.
Finding all of this, keeping the calendar updated, researching resources, creating guides, covering local businesses, and putting this newsletter together takes real time and work. Partnerships and advertising help make that work possible — and allow me to do more of it.
My goal is to work with businesses and organizations that actually make sense for this community, while keeping the information and resources you come here for useful and accessible.
The better supported TBM is, the better I can serve Bakersfield families. That’s the whole point.
Okay. Introductions over. Let’s get into it.
THIS WEEK IN BAKERSFIELD
We’re a couple of weeks into the school year now, and the rhythm is finally starting to settle — quieter mornings, a little grief mixed in with the relief, and figuring out what to do with time you haven’t had in a while. If that’s you right now, you’re not alone.
And there’s plenty happening around town this week. We’ve got monster trucks downtown three nights running, three farmers markets, a percussion show at the library, and more storytimes than any one family could possibly attend.
Everything below is what’s actually on the TBM calendar — not just a highlights reel, but the whole list — so you can find what works for your family and get on with your week.
I’m really glad you’re here. Let’s see what Bakersfield has for us this week.
Want to reach local families?
Put your business in front of Bakersfield parents who are actively looking for where to go, what to do, and who to know.
This Weekend
Friday, August 21 – Sunday, August 23
FRIDAY, AUG. 21
Mindful Mornings at the Library — 8:00 AM · Beale Memorial Library, 701 Truxtun Ave. · Elementary aged · Event info
Lactation Lounge Free Drop-In Visits — 9:00 AM–12:00 PM · The Nest & Co., 1031 17th St. · Free · Moms/adults · thenestandco.com
Mini Makers — 10:00 AM · Kern County Library, 701 Truxtun Ave. · Early Learner Mornings; age-appropriate crafts
Toddler Time Storytime — 10:30 AM · Kern County Library, 701 Truxtun Ave. · Songs, stories, movement
Baby Bounce Storytime — 11:00 AM · Northeast Branch Library · Ages 0–2 (feed notes sensory play at 10 AM)
Sensory Play — 11:00 AM–12:00 PM · Northeast Branch Library · Every Friday; hands-on sensory toys and activities
Toddler Time (Back to School) — 11:30 AM · Wilson Branch Library, 1901 Wilson Rd. · Songs, story time, finger plays
Audiobooks + Art — 2:00 PM · Kern County Library, 701 Truxtun Ave. · Teens
Family Storytime and Craft (Ages 6–11) — 3:30 PM · Kern Library, 1400 Baker St. · Story plus a matching craft
Between the Lines — Teen Book Club — 4:00 PM · Baker Branch Library, 1400 Baker St. · Teens · This month: A Year to the Day by Robin Benway
Dungeons and Dragons Club — 4:00 PM · Northeast Branch Library, 2671 Oswell St. · Teens · Every Friday
LEGO League — 4:00–5:00 PM · Library Center, Southwest Branch Library · All ages · Every Friday
SATURDAY, AUG. 22
F Street Farmers Market — 7:45 AM–12:00 PM · 2819 F St. · All ages · fstfarmersmarket.com
Riverlakes Farmers Market — 9:00 AM–1:00 PM · 3825 Riverlakes Dr. · All ages · @riverlakes_farmers_market
BZP Mat Pilates — 10:00 AM · nX, 616 18th St. · Moms/adults
Family Storytime — 10:30 AM · Southwest Branch Library, 8301 Ming Ave. · Elementary aged
Family Storytime (Ages 2–7) — 11:00 AM–12:00 PM · Northeast Branch Library · Every Saturday; age-inclusive
Kids (Under 10) Skate Free — 11:00 AM–1:00 PM · Rollerama, 1004 34th St. · Free for kids under 10 with each paid adult · Every Saturday afternoon
Preschool Storytime and Craft (Ages 3–6) — 11:00 AM · Kern Library, 1400 Baker St. · Stories plus a craft
Sign Language with Liz — 11:00 AM · Kern County Library, 701 Truxtun Ave. · Elementary aged · Sign language basics
Special Needs Movie Screening — Paw Patrol: The Dino Movie — 11:00 AM · Studio Movie Grill, 2733 Calloway Dr. · FREE for all family members of guests · Arrive 20 min early for the best experience
Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live — Glow-N-Fire — 11:30 AM · Dignity Health Theater, 1001 Truxtun Ave. · All ages · Special kids pricing at every show · Tickets
Louie Cruz Beltran's "Rhythm and Roots" — 1:00 PM · Baker Branch Library, 1400 Baker St. · All ages · Interactive solo percussion show on Afro-Cuban and Mexican rhythms
Perler Bead Art Challenge — 4:00–5:00 PM · Wilson Branch Library, 1901 Wilson Rd. · Teens · All materials provided
Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live — Glow-N-Fire (evening show) — 6:30 PM · Dignity Health Theater, 1001 Truxtun Ave. · All ages · Tickets
SUNDAY, AUG. 23
Haggin Oaks Farmers Market — 8:00 AM · 8800 Ming Ave. · All ages · hagginoaksfarmersmarket.com
Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live — Glow-N-Fire (final show) — 1:30 PM · Dignity Health Theater, 1001 Truxtun Ave. · All ages · Tickets
The Week Ahead
Monday, August 24 – Friday, August 28
MONDAY, AUG. 24
Family Flix — 8:00 AM · Beale Memorial Library, 701 Truxtun Ave. · All ages
Miss Lynn Park Day — 8:00 AM · Belcourt Park, 3801 Windermere St. · Toddlers · Check @misslynnstorytime — dates subject to cancellation
Baby Session Storytime — 9:30 AM · Library Center, Southwest Branch Library · Ages 0–17 months
Monday Milk Bar Free Lactation Support Group — 10:00 AM–12:00 PM · The Nest & Co., 1031 17th St. · Free · Details
Mondays Date Night Showing — all day · Maya Cinemas, 1000 California Ave. · 2 tickets, 2 popcorns, 2 drinks
Baby Bounce — 10:30 AM · Beale Memorial Library, 701 Truxtun Ave. · Toddlers
Preschool Storytime — 10:30 AM · Southwest Branch Library, 8301 Ming Ave. · Toddlers
Middles Makerspace — 4:00 PM · Middles Room, 701 Truxtun Ave. · Ages 8–12 · Crafts and STEAM
Teen Craft Club — 4:00 PM · Beale Memorial Library, 701 Truxtun Ave. · Teens
Hand Sewing Club — 5:00–6:15 PM · Community Room · Ages 12+ · Beginners welcome
TUESDAY, AUG. 25
Baby Cafe — 8:00 AM · Beale Memorial Library, 701 Truxtun Ave. · Moms/adults
Toddler Time Storytime — 9:30 AM · Library Center, Southwest Branch Library · Ages 1–3
Toddler Time — 10:00 AM · Southwest Branch Library, 8301 Ming Ave. · Toddlers · Library events
Reel Kids — $1 Showings — 11:00 AM · Reading Cinemas Valley Plaza 16, 2000 Wible Rd. · $1 at the theater (first come, first served) or $3.19 reserved online
Toddler Time Storytime (Ages 2–3) — 11:00 AM–12:00 PM · Northeast Branch Library · Every Tuesday
S.T.E.M. Masters (Ages 6–11) — 3:30 PM · Kern Library, 1400 Baker St.
Bead Massing — 4:00 PM · Wilson Branch Library, 1901 Wilson Rd. · Ages 12+ · Friendship bracelets; small beads are a choking hazard for toddlers
Edible Under the Sea Craft — 4:00 PM · Northeast Branch Library · Elementary aged · While supplies last
Family Bingo — 4:00 PM · Middles Room, 701 Truxtun Ave. · All ages · Prizes for winners
Karaoke Club — 4:00 PM · Wilson Branch Library, 1901 Wilson Rd. · Ages 12+
Kids Get Crafty — 4:00 PM · Kern County Library, 701 Truxtun Ave. · Elementary aged
Special Event: Experience the Bakersfield Sound — Buck Beats, Books and Buck Owens — 4:30–6:00 PM · Library Center, Southwest Branch Library · Ages 6–12 · Music, dancing, and readings from Freight Train Runnings: A Biography of Buck Owens, hosted by DJ Sherman
WEDNESDAY, AUG. 26
Family Storytime — 9:30 AM · Library Center, Southwest Branch Library · All ages
Little Letter Lessons — 10:00 AM · Kern County Library, 701 Truxtun Ave. · Toddlers · Early Learner Mornings
Baby Bounces Storytime — 10:30 AM · Kern County Library, 701 Truxtun Ave. · Toddlers
LEGO Challenge (Ages 6–11) — 3:30 PM · Kern Library, 1400 Baker St. · Builds get displayed
LEGO Masters — 4:00 PM · Middles Room, 701 Truxtun Ave. · All ages · Take home a prize
THURSDAY, AUG. 27
Mumbo Tots — 10:00 AM · Kern County Library, 701 Truxtun Ave. · Toddlers · Music, movement, stories
Preschool Storytime — 10:30 AM · Kern County Library, 701 Truxtun Ave. · Toddlers
Preschool Storytime (Ages 3–5) — 11:00 AM–12:00 PM · Northeast Branch Library · Every Thursday
Reel Kids — $1 Showings — 11:00 AM · Reading Cinemas Valley Plaza 16, 2000 Wible Rd. · $1 at the theater or $3.19 online
Toddler Time (Ages 2–4) — 12:00 PM · Kern Library, 1400 Baker St.
Create & Trade Artist Trading Cards — Teen Thursday — 3:00 PM · Northeast Branch Library, 2671 Oswell St. · Teens
Origami — 3:30 PM · Baker Branch Library, 1400 Baker St. · Teens · Tutorials and staff help provided
Bingo! — 4:00 PM · Baker Branch Library, 1400 Baker St. · All ages · Monthly bingo night, prizes
Crafting Literacy Club — 4:00 PM · Middles Room, 701 Truxtun Ave. · Teens
Kids Get Crafty — 4:00 PM · Beale Memorial Library, 701 Truxtun Ave. · Teens
Nintendo Gaming — 4:00–5:00 PM · Wilson Branch Library, 1901 Wilson Rd. · Teens · Switch competition
Girls Girl Social Club — Mother-Daughter Tie Dye Workshop — 6:00–9:00 PM · Jerry's Pizza & Pub · $25 per person, includes all supplies and one shirt or bucket hat · RSVP by text: 661-932-1492 · @girlsgirl_socialclub
FRIDAY, AUG. 28
Snakes On Sam — Special Event — all day · Wilson Branch Library, 1901 Wilson Rd. · All ages · Hands-on reptile show with 8+ animals
Mindful Mornings at the Library — 8:00 AM · Beale Memorial Library, 701 Truxtun Ave. · Elementary aged
Lactation Lounge Free Drop-In Visits — 9:00 AM–12:00 PM · The Nest & Co., 1031 17th St. · Free · thenestandco.com
Mini Makers — 10:00 AM · Kern County Library, 701 Truxtun Ave. · Early Learner Mornings
Toddler Time Storytime — 10:30 AM · Kern County Library, 701 Truxtun Ave.
Sensory Play — 11:00 AM–12:00 PM · Northeast Branch Library · Every Friday
Preschool Storytime (Back to School) — 11:30 AM · Wilson Branch Library, 1901 Wilson Rd.
Audiobooks + Art — 2:00 PM · Kern County Library, 701 Truxtun Ave. · Teens
Family Storytime and Craft (Ages 6–11) — 3:30 PM · Kern Library, 1400 Baker St.
Dungeons and Dragons Club — 4:00 PM · Northeast Branch Library, 2671 Oswell St. · Teens
LEGO League — 4:00–5:00 PM · Library Center, Southwest Branch Library · All ages
Worth Knowing
Buena Vista Museum needs community help rebuilding its children's exhibit.
The Bakersfield Californian reported Aug. 18 that the Buena Vista Museum of Natural History & Science, at 2018 Chester Ave., discovered earlier this summer that its basement ceiling had begun to sag and crack, with plaster falling into the Discovery Center's Explore-It Zone — the hands-on learning space for kids. The area was closed immediately for visitor safety. An insurance investigation traced the damage back to water used to fight fires in neighboring buildings in late 2020 and again in July 2021, which means the claim isn't covered. The 31-year-old nonprofit, which drew a record 28,000 visitors last year, is now asking the community for financial donations and for contractors, tradespeople, and suppliers willing to donate or discount labor, materials, and services. Leadership says they'd rather treat it as a chance to rebuild the Explore-It Zone into a stronger STEAM learning space than as a loss.
One Local Find
Kids Book Joint
Kids Book Joint opened its doors this week at 2210 Chester Ave., bringing a new children-focused bookstore to Downtown Bakersfield. If building your kids’ home library — or simply giving them another place to browse and fall in love with books — is on your list this year, this is one to know.
Kids Book Joint
2210 Chester Ave., Bakersfield
Mon–Wed + Fri: 10am–5pm · Sat: 9am–4pm
For Your Back Pocket
Back-to-school things worth knowing
The first-day photos might be behind us, but we're still very much in back-to-school season. A few local places and resources worth saving as everyone settles into the new year:
BOOKS + LITERACY
Kids Book Joint Bookstore & Literacy Center — Bakersfield's newest children's bookstore and literacy center, newly opened downtown.
Russo's Books — A longtime local independent bookstore with children's books, educational titles and plenty for the grown-ups, too.
BookHounds — A local independent bookstore with new and used books and a children's selection.
BABY + KIDS SHOPPING
Baby Wobble — Local baby and toddler resale shop with clothing, gear and a playroom.
Kids Closet Bakersfield — A local option for kids' clothing and more.
Peter Pan Shop — A longtime Downtown Bakersfield children's boutique at 1608 19th St.
Auri Atelier — A Bakersfield baby and children's clothing shop.
SAVE THE SCHOOL CALENDARS
The 2026–27 school calendars, in one place.
School is back, which means we're also back to trying to remember which random Monday is a teacher workday, when fall break actually starts, and whether everyone has the same spring break. (They don't.)
Here are the official 2026–27 calendars for some of Bakersfield's largest school districts:
Local Partner
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For Businesses
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