→ A Note From Jess
Hey Bakersfield families,
November is here, and there’s a little bit of everything on the calendar: a family musical, free art, hands-on play for little ones, and a chance for older students to explore a future in medicine.
This week’s picks leave room for different ages, budgets, and energy levels. Choose an outing, save something for later, or keep the calendar handy until you know what kind of weekend you need.
There are a few dates worth looking ahead to, too. Veterans Day is next Wednesday, the holiday performances are starting, and Santa’s mailboxes open later this month. A little planning now can make those decisions easier when they arrive.
I hope this Bulletin helps you find something that fits your family, with room to leave the rest.
— Jess
→ Tonight
Dynamic Earth at the Planetarium
Thursday, November 5 | 7:30–8:30 PM; doors open at 7 PM
William M. Thomas Planetarium, Bakersfield College
$12 general admission; $10 for seniors and children ages 5–12
Start the weekend a little early with Dynamic Earth: Exploring Earth’s Climate Engine. Tickets must be purchased in advance; they aren’t sold at the door. Doors lock at 7:30 PM, so leave time to get settled.
→ This Weekend, Curated
The Addams Family Musical Young@Part
Saturday, November 7 | 1 PM or 6 PM
Sunday, November 8 | 1 PM
Rasmussen Center, 115 E. Roberts Lane
$10 advance | $12 at the door
NOR Junior Theatre brings the Addams family’s unusual dinner party to the stage. When Wednesday introduces her boyfriend’s family to her own, the evening gets complicated. Pick the matinee or evening performance that works for your family.
First Friday at the Bakersfield Museum of Art
Friday, November 6 · 11 AM–8 PM
1930 R Street · Free admission
A museum visit with extra room in the day: First Friday brings free admission and extended evening hours. Stop by after school or make it an early-evening art outing.
Plan your visit →
Buena Vista Museum Family Day
Saturday, November 7 · 10 AM–4 PM
2018 Chester Avenue
$20 for two adults and up to six kids
Take the family downtown for a natural history museum visit. The Family Day admission offer covers two adults and up to six children, making this one to compare with your usual per-person outing costs.
Family Day details →
You Belong in Medicine Summit
Saturday, November 7 · 9:30 AM–1:30 PM
Martin Luther King Community Center · 1000 S. Owens Street
Free · RSVP required
For the older student wondering what a path into medicine might look like, this summit is aimed at junior high through college students. The program includes physician and resident panels, pathways into medicine, and lunch.
Registration and event details →
Saturday Sensory Play
Saturday, November 7 · 11 AM
Holloway-Gonzales Branch Library · 506 E. Brundage Lane
Free · Ages 0–5
Sensory bowls, hidden treasures, Play-Doh, and kinetic sand give little ones a hands-on morning at the library. A simple option for the youngest members of the family.
November library program details →
Haggin Oaks Farmers Market
Sunday, November 8 · 9 AM–2 PM
8800 Ming Avenue · Kaiser Permanente parking lot
Leave a little space in Sunday morning for a market stroll. Browse the weekly farmers market and make it as short or as leisurely an outing as your family needs.
Market details →
Want more options? Explore the Bakersfield Family Calendar for the full local lineup.
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.
→ From the TBM Community
A story, a park, and a place to connect
Children First’s Story Time at the Park brings families together for a bilingual read-aloud and activities, with lunch included. November’s featured book is The Rainbow Fish by Marcus Pfister.
The next gathering is Saturday, November 14, from 1–3 PM at David Nelson Pocket Park, 1511 Niles Street. The program is free and includes a read-aloud, interactive activities, arts and crafts, games, lunch, and refreshments.
It’s a local option to keep in mind when you want a family outing built around books and time together.
→ Put It on Your Radar
01. Plant a Flag for Veterans Day
Tuesday, November 10 · 9–10 AM
Liberty Garden at Liberty Park
$5 per flag · Secure your flag by Sunday, November 8
Join NOR’s community tribute to veterans. The flag deadline arrives this weekend, ahead of Tuesday’s gathering.
02. Kern Oil Festival
Saturday, November 14 · 10 AM–3 PM
Stramler Park · 3801 Chester Avenue
Free admission
Save the date for a Kid Zone with STEM activities, equipment displays, a bounce house, and music. Food and beverage vendors will also be on site.
03. Second Saturday is Family Day
Saturday, November 14 · 11 AM–5 PM
Bakersfield Museum of Art · 1930 R Street
Included with museum admission: adults $12; students and seniors 62+ $10; children 5 and under and members free
Make a layered collage inspired by artist Lynn Fash’s work. An artist panel is also scheduled from 1–2 PM; check the museum’s sign-up details if you’d like to attend.
→ For Your Back Pocket
Check next Wednesday’s plans now
Veterans Day falls on Wednesday, November 11. Take a moment this weekend to check your school, childcare, and usual activity schedules before making plans for that day.
If the library is part of your routine, check its holiday hours too: Holloway-Gonzales’ November program calendar lists a November 11 closure.
→ November Dates to Save
A few seasonal plans to consider before the month fills up. These dates run November 13–22; this is a short selection, with more on the family calendar.
NUTCRACKER! Magical Christmas Ballet — Friday, November 13, 7 PM. Doors open at 6 PM at the Historic Bakersfield Fox Theater. Check current ticket prices and availability through the venue. This is the touring production. Show and ticket details →
Santa Letters Express opens Monday, November 16. Free letter drop-off at NOR locations. RiverLakes’ outdoor mailbox is available all day; Greenacres, Riverview, and Rasmussen accept letters weekdays, 8 AM–5 PM. Include a return address and submit by December 9 for a reply. Locations and instructions →
Bakersfield Comic-Con and Fantasy Faire — Saturday–Sunday, November 21–22, 10 AM–5 PM each day. Kern County Fairgrounds, Buildings 2 and 3, 1142 S. P Street. Ages 13+ are $12 for a one-day advance ticket or $15 at the door; children 12 and under are free. Parking is $5. Tickets and event details →
Check the organizer’s latest details before leaving home.
→ A Little Look at Next Week
Three quick ideas for the week of November 9–13:
Monday, November 9 — Time to Sign with NAMI, 10:30–11:30 AM. Beale Memorial Library, 701 Truxtun Avenue. Free sign-language learning in a storytime format for ages 2–6. Program details →
Tuesday, November 10 — High Score Heroes, 3:30 PM. Holloway-Gonzales Branch Library, 506 E. Brundage Lane. Free Nintendo Switch gaming with friends for ages 6–12. Program details →
Thursday, November 12 — Reading Dragons Replay, 4–5 PM. Beale Memorial Library, 701 Truxtun Avenue. Reading Dragons cards, prizes, crafts, and friends for ages 7–12; this session is in the Auditorium. Program details →
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.
For Businesses
Building something for Bakersfield families?
Whether you’re opening something new, hosting an event, or looking to reach more local families, I’d love to hear about it. Submit an event, introduce your business, or explore ways to partner with The Bakersfield Mom.
Keep Exploring