Bakersfield · Kern County, CA

Arts & Culture in Bakersfield

Scout analyzed 69 Bakersfield places and surfaced the ones that actually fit arts & culture.

Places analyzed

Matches

Typical spend

$150

Typical visit

2 hr

Complete outings

Budget-Friendly Bakersfield Evening

Spend a budget-friendly evening diving into Bakersfield's rich history at the Kern County Museum. Afterward, enjoy an authentic and affordable Basque dinner, a culinary staple of the region.

Downtown Bakersfield Date Night & Show

Start your romantic evening with a relaxed drink at a local cafe before immersing yourselves in a live performance at the iconic Historic Bakersfield Fox Theater. Conclude the night with a sophisticated Latin American dinner.

Best neighborhoods for arts & culture

Ranked by how many matching spots Scout found in each area.

Downtown

4 matching spots

Scout-verified spots

Downtown

Buena Vista Museum of Natural History & Science

This natural history museum is a good indoor option for a family outing or solo educational trip, typically lasting 1.5-2 hours and costing around $10-15 per person for admission. It pairs well with a nearby lunch or other downtown Bakersfield activities.

ArtsHistoryEducational

$10–$15 typical2 hr visiteasy parking

Arts & Culture

Kern County Museum

Spend a couple of hours exploring local history, from Native American artifacts to oil industry exhibits, in a relaxed setting. Expect to pay around $10-15 per person for entry, easily paired with lunch nearby.

ArtsHistoryOutdoors

$10–$15 typical2 hr visiteasy parking

Downtown

The Padre Hotel

This upscale hotel venue offers multiple dining and bar options, ideal for an evening out or a special celebration. Plan for a few hours and a moderate to high spend per person.

FoodCocktailsLive music

$50–$150 typical1.3 hr visitmoderate parking

Downtown

The Historic Bakersfield Fox Theater

The Fox Theater is best for catching a show in an ornate, historic setting. It works well as a date night or special outing, typically lasting a few hours and costing $30-$150 per person depending on the event.

Live musicArtsRelaxed

$30–$150 typical2.3 hr visitmoderate parking

Downtown

Dignity Health Arena, Theater and Convention Center

This venue is good for an evening out to see a show, concert, or sporting event. Expect to spend a few hours and anywhere from $30 to $150+ per person on tickets and concessions.

Live musicArtsSports

$30–$150 typical2.3 hr visitmoderate parking