Wowzers it’s Wednesday! May is flying by, and the buzz of end-of-year school events and summer plans is in the air! In today’s update, we’ve got a mix of local happenings—from a longtime store closing its doors to a brand-new development breaking ground. Let’s dive in!

Today’s brief includes:

• 🏫Groundbreaking news

• 🌾🌾New with Ag

• 🐔Free meal alert

• 🚲Beloved Store Closure

• 📆Future Events

• ...and more

Enjoy!

Weather Forecast

Wednesday - 90°☀️ | Thursday - 92°☀️ | Friday - 85°☀️

Brief Update

🏫Valley Montessori Academy Breaks Ground🚸

Bolthouse Properties and Valley Montessori Academy broke ground on the Infant & Toddler Village, set to open in fall 2026 in Bakersfield’s Seven Oaks Business Park. The expansion will include classrooms for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers, a yoga and meditation center, a Spanish immersion program, and an edible garden. Leaders praised the project as a vital step in early childhood education and community development.

source: bakersfield.com

TODAY: Free Meal for Military Appreciation Day🐔

Chick-fil-A Bakersfield will offer free meals to all active and former military personnel and one guest on Military Appreciation Day, Wednesday, May 21, from 6:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. at 5260 Stockdale Highway. The meal includes an entrée, side, and drink. A valid military ID is required.

source: kget.com

🌾Ag Goes Solar

Faced with water shortages and strict groundwater regulations, some Central Valley farmers are turning to solar energy. AB 1156, a new bill, would allow them to lease fallow land for solar panel installation. With energy demand projected to rise 80% by 2045, solar offers a sustainable, revenue-generating alternative to farming. Projects like the 15,000-acre Button Bush Project aim to make use of water-scarce land within the next year.

source: turnto23.com

🚲Finish Line Bike Store Closes🚲

Finish Line, a long-standing Bakersfield bike shop and triathlon hub, has closed amid industry challenges. Founded in 1984 and recently under new ownership, the store struggled in a post-pandemic market hit by oversupply, shrinking margins, and online competition. Local shop owners say the key to survival now lies in community connection and customer loyalty. Snider’s Cyclery will take over the Giant brand dealership and related services.

source: bakersfield.com

Events

This Weekend

🎨Fun and Creative Events🖌️

• Star Wars Paint Night - 5/27 & 5/28 - Jerry’s Pizza Pub (reservations only)

• Charcuterie Board Workshop - 5/29 - Wine Me Up

• 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.

🤣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🎶

• Lightning in a Bottle - 5/21-5/25 - Buena Vista Lake

• Wiz Khalifa - 6/11 - Fox Theater

Other Events

• Red, White, & Brew Pub Crawl - 5/24 - Downtown (starts at 4:30pm)

• 11th Annual Thousand Flags - 5/24-5/26 - Park at River Walk

  • The Park will be transformed Memorial Day weekend with a breathtaking display of 1,000 American flags, honoring those who gave their lives in service to our country.

• Asterisk Run Club - 5/29 - start at Bottle Shock

  • Join the Asterisk Run Club for a golden hour run with runners of all paces. Opportunity to meet other people and enjoy a quick 5k with a nice beverage at Bottle Shock afterwards.

• 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

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.

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