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👻 Halloween happenings, Dodgers, and arson.

October 31 in Bakersfield

Author

Bako T
October 31, 2024

Welcome to your weekly Bakersfield update! Today is Thursday, October 31, 2024.

In this week’s Bako Weekly:

  • ⚾️ Dodgers won

  • 🍬 Trick-or-treating

  • 🏚️ Haunted houses

  • 🍣 Sushi

The community has spoken and demands better ranch dressing (and fries) from Lengthwise Brewing.

In other news, the LA Dodgers have won the World Series! There will be a parade to celebrate their victory in Downtown LA tomorrow, Friday, November 1, at 11 AM.

Don’t forget to vote!

Here’s what’s happening this week:

News

🏙️ Downtown Bakersfield is set for a makeover as the city has approved over $1.4 million for facade improvements on underutilized properties. Business owners are taking charge, proposing upgrades like new awnings, improved lighting, trees, and outdoor seating.

🌳 The City of Shafter broke ground last week on a $30.5 million, 42-acre sports complex. Plans include baseball fields, basketball and tennis courts, as well as barbecue areas.

🏭️ A $9 million biochar plant is underway in Delano. This 25,000-square-foot facility will transform almond shells—a costly byproduct—into biochar, a carbon-rich material that boosts soil health and reduces nutrient runoff. Processing 6,000 pounds of shells per hour, the facility will convert excess heat into clean energy, contributing to regenerative agriculture.

🏒 The Bakersfield Roughnecks have revived junior hockey in town, welcoming players ages 15-20 who are honing their skills for the next level.

🔥 With nearly 200 arson fires reported in Bakersfield this year, the Bakersfield Fire Department is requesting to double its team of arson investigators to tackle the growing cases. Currently, three investigators are stretched thin, handling 20-30 cases each, as vacant structure fires and arson rates surge.

🛠️ Students from Centennial High’s Habitat for Humanity Golden Hawks club gained real-world experience in Taft, helping build a home for a mother and her two sons. This first-of-its-kind Kern County club, fully run by students, lets members learn hands-on skills like laying pipe, trench digging, and siding.

Family-Friendly Halloween Happenings

🎃 Here’s a list of trick or treating events today:

Halloween Happenings

😱 Here’s a list of some haunted houses and 21+ Halloween events:

Food and Drinks

🍣 Kura Sushi (Southwest): This Friday marks the grand opening of Bakersfield’s first revolving sushi bar at The Shops at Riverwalk. Celebrate the 69th addition to the chain, where you can enjoy a delightful array of sushi as it glides right to your table. Special opening hours Friday, November 1 through Sunday, November 3. 12 PM to 9 PM.

🥃 Whiskey Fest (Downtown): Spend an afternoon sipping and savoring whiskeys from around the world! Explore 20+ whiskey brands, enjoy paired foods, live DJ music, and have fun with lawn games. Tickets required. 21+ event. Saturday, November 2. 1 PM to 5 PM.

Things to Do

🎨 ArtWalk Under the Stars (Downtown): Join a celebration of Day of the Dead with art, music, and family-friendly fun. Enjoy local artists, face painting, food trucks, music, and dancing. Join hands-on activities like jewelry making, and add a photo or memento to a community altar honoring loved ones. Free. Friday, November 1. 5 PM to 9 PM.

💀 Delano Día de los Muertos: Join the inaugural Dia De Los Muertos celebration presented by Loud For Tomorrow. Honor and remember your loved ones while enjoying live mariachi music, free food, and art activities. Explore vendor offerings and partake in face painting. Free. Friday, November 1. 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM.

🖼️ Art Heist (Downtown): Get ready for "Bakersfield's largest art event ever". Art Heist is taking over downtown with 90+ artists, musicians, and creatives displaying their work across 31 locations. Explore vibrant artwork, support local talent, and enjoy a night of free, all-ages fun (some venues are 21+). No actual “heisting”. Free. Friday, November 1. 6 PM.

👕 The Field Clothing Co. (Southwest): Grand opening of a streetwear clothing store. Saturday, November 2.

💀 César E. Chávez National Monument Día de los Muertos: Celebrate Día de los Muertos at the César E. Chávez National Monument with live mariachi music, ballet folklorico performances, a tour of the altars, and a screening of Disney’s Coco. Free. Saturday, November 2. 1 PM to 6:30 PM.

💀 Greenlawn Cemetery Día de los Muertos (Northeast): Honor loved ones in a vibrant community event featuring an altar contest, traditional food, live music, and folkloric dance. Enjoy family activities, kids’ workshops, and face painting. Free. Saturday, November 2. 4 PM to 8 PM.

⚾️ Card Expo and Collectibles Show (Downtown): Sports card collectors, fans, and gamers: Explore over 80 tables and 50+ vendors featuring rare cards, graded collectibles, and more. Kids can create custom sports cards, grab a free card pack, and join raffles for prizes or autographs. Raffle prizes include a Tom Brady autographed picture, autographed bats, and more. Free. Saturday, November 2. 10 AM to 4 PM.

🗿 Central California Tiki Marketplace (Downtown): Head to downtown for the fall edition of Central California’s only tiki marketplace, presented by Tiki-Ko! Discover over 35 vendors with tiki-inspired clothes, carvings, jewelry, mugs, and more—perfect for holiday shopping for your favorite tiki fan. Free. Saturday, November 2. 11 AM to 4 PM.

🛍️ Fort Flea Market (Taft): Discover a variety of handmade crafts, antiques, collectibles, and new items. Enjoy baked desserts, food truck bites, and a margarita machine for a fun shopping day. Free. Saturday, November 2. 10 AM to 5 PM.

💀 Kern County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Día de los Muertos (Kern County Fairgrounds): Celebrate KCHCC’s 14th Annual Día de los Muertos at the fairgrounds with traditional Aztec and ballet folklorico dances, mariachi music, and an El Catrin & La Catrina costume contest. Enjoy authentic Mexican food, vendor booths, and free kids' activities like sugar skull decorating and face painting. Free admission to children 5 and under. $8 per person and $30 family 5-pack (online only). $12 per person at gate. Sunday, November 3. 1 PM to 7 PM.

🏮 Water Lantern Festival (Southwest): A magical evening filled with fun, hope, and cherished memories. This family-friendly event invites everyone to share a peaceful experience, releasing lanterns that symbolize love, reflection, and personal growth. Enjoy food trucks, lively music, and witness the breathtaking sight of thousands of lanterns floating on the water, each carrying unique messages. Celebrate the present, honor the past, and set intentions for the future in a beautiful atmosphere of community and positivity. Pricing varies. Sunday, November 3.

Did you know? Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is a vibrant Mexican holiday celebrated on November 1 and 2. It honors and remembers loved ones who have passed away, blending indigenous traditions with Spanish influences. Families create altars (ofrendas) adorned with photos, favorite foods, and flowers, particularly marigolds, to welcome the spirits of the deceased back to the world of the living. This festive occasion features colorful decorations, music, and community gatherings, emphasizing the belief that death is not the end but a continuation of life through memories and love.

Random

🩸 Houchin Community Blood Bank will be giving away special Halloween-themed glow-in-the-dark shirts to successful donors today, Thursday, October 31, while supplies last.

👻 If you missed Scare Valley this season or can’t get enough of the spooky vibes, they will be open tomorrow, Friday, November 1, and Saturday, November 2.

GoFundMe Locals

🏡 Jerrica needs assistance paying bills after her husband, Brad Kral, suffered injuries from a ladder accident. Thankfully, he is recovering, but he is currently unable to work and has been denied disability benefits, putting a strain on their finances. Your support can make a difference in helping them through this tough situation.

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