Letter to You

Happy Friday, friends —

With a full heart and deep gratitude, I’m announcing that today’s edition will be the final issue of The Bakersfield Brief. After much reflection, I’ve decided to bring this chapter to a close.

This journey has been incredibly meaningful. Through the brief, I’ve learned so much — about local business, our vibrant community, and life itself. Thank you for subscribing, reading, and riding along with me. Your support has meant the world.

Writing this newsletter opened my eyes to how much Bakersfield truly has to offer — if you take the time to look a little closer. I’m endlessly inspired by the people and businesses who show up every day to make this a better, more exciting place to live.

Thank you for letting me show up in your inbox every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. It’s been a privilege to share a little piece of our hometown with you.

Love,

Kasey

Today’s brief includes:

• 🏡Bakersfield ranked 19th

• ⛲Revitalization Downtown

• 📆Future Events

• 🍿Kid brief

• ...and more

Enjoy!

Weather Forecast

Friday - 100°☀️ | Saturday - 105°☀️ | Sunday - 98°☀️

Brief Update

Bakersfield Grows Despite High Move-Out Rate, Data Shows

Despite being ranked the 19th top move-away city by PODS, Bakersfield's population has grown by over 16,000 since 2020, reaching 419,238. While many residents leave, especially to Southern states, Bakersfield gains newcomers from pricier California areas and maintains a high birth rate. Neighboring Shafter is California’s fastest-growing city by percentage. Experts say moderate growth supports labor markets, government revenue, and economic efficiency, though challenges in housing and jobs persist. Kern County’s population nears 1 million, continuing steady long-term growth.

source: kget.com

Historic Fountain Plaza Building being Revitalized

The historic Fountain Plaza Building in downtown Bakersfield is being revitalized after years of neglect from fires and break-ins. Spearheaded by owner Jarrell Epp and private investors, the project will provide affordable workforce housing while preserving architectural heritage. City leaders emphasize historic preservation and preventing gentrification, aiming to support local downtown workers with accessible housing options.

source: bakersfieldnow.com

Events

🎨Fun and Creative Events🖌️

• School’s Out Wine Tasting - 5/30 - Wine Me Up (4pm-7pm)

  • Discount for teachers

• The Oz Escape - 5/31 - 1600 Truxtun Ave.

  • Explore Bakersfield with The Oz Escape: A Wicked Glitch, a self-guided outdoor escape game. Using the Questo app, solve puzzles and follow clues inspired by The Wizard of Oz. Ideal for ages 9+, groups of 3–6 can walk up to 2 miles between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. for a magical city adventure.

• Artwalk Under the Stars - 6/6 - 1020 18th Street

  • First Friday of the month head downtown and check out different vendors, enjoy the music, and check out the artwork by local artists.

• Sushi Making Class - 6/10 - Wine Me Up (6pm)

  • Ready to roll? Take this beginner course on how to make sushi rolls. This 21+ event allows you to create two different rolls and enjoy some appetizers.

• Ninja Turtle Night - 6/12 & 6/14 - Jerry’s Pizza Pub

🤣Comedy Nights🎤

• Anjelah Johnson-Reyes Comedy Show - 6/20 - Fox Theater

• Trey Kennedy: Relatable Tour - 9/12 - Fox Theater

  • Get ready to laugh at the most relatable content. If you don’t know, check out Trey’s Instagram and get your tickets for a night of laughs.

• Nick Swardson: Toilet Head - 10/11 - Fox Theater

🎶Music Events🎶

• Wiz Khalifa - 6/11 - Fox Theater

Other Events

• Italian Cuisine at its Best - 5/30 - Krush

  • You’re invited to a Supper Club Dinner experience that takes you on a thrilling Italian culinary experience with Chef Andrew Carlo along with wine pairing.

• Hot Fudge Sundae Run - 5/31 - Park at River Walk

• WWE Smackdown - 6/6 - Dignity Health Arena

• Father’s Day Run - 6/14 - Park at River Walk

• Makeup Blowout Sale - 6/27-6/29 - Four Points by Sheraton

  • Check out this annual makeup blowout sale with products for skin care, makeup and hair. You’ll receive a free beauty blender upon arrival. This free event allows you to shop multiple brands in one location.

All Month Long

• Spring Concerts - every Thursday - The Marketplace

  • The Marketplace in Bakersfield will host free spring concerts every Thursday from 7 to 9 p.m., starting May 1 through June 26.

Kid Brief

• $3 entry fee day - 5/30 - Buena Vista Museum

Summer Movies

Maya Cinemas is reviving its Summer Kids Camp starting June 2, offering $3 family-friendly movies all summer. From June 2–5, free admission to Sonic the Hedgehog 3 will be available (limit six tickets per person, in-person only). Seats are limited and first-come, first-served.

• FREE: Sonic the Hedgehog, June 2-5

• The Bad Guys, June 9-12

• Shrek, June 16-19

• Minions: Rise of Gru, June 23-29

• Kung Fu Panda, 4 June 30-July 3

• Migration, July 7-10

• Trolls Band Together, July 14-17

• Puss 'n Boots: The Last Wish, July 21-24

• Despicable Me 4, July 28-31

• The Wild Robot, August 4-7

• The Land Before Time, August 11-14

All movies are set to start at 10:30 a.m

bakersfieldnow.com

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