Bakersfield Nightlife Guide: Complete Guide
Experience the best bars, clubs, live music venues, and entertainment after dark. Discover the best nightlife experiences in Bakersfield.
Welcome to the ultimate nightlife guide for Bakersfield! Experience the best bars, clubs, live music venues, and entertainment after dark. This comprehensive guide will help you discover the very best nightlife experiences that Bakersfield has to offer, from popular hotspots to hidden local favorites. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, you'll find insider tips, detailed recommendations, and everything you need to make the most of your nightlife adventure in Bakersfield. Our carefully curated selection ensures you won't miss any of the must-see spots while also discovering unique experiences that most tourists overlook.
Key Takeaways
- Bakersfield offers over 75 exceptional nightlife experiences
- Best time to visit varies by activity - check individual listings for optimal timing
- Many experiences require advance booking, especially during peak season
- Local guides and experts provide invaluable insights and access
- Prices range from budget-friendly to premium, with options for every preference
Top Bars & Cocktail Lounges
Craft cocktail bars, rooftop lounges, and unique drinking establishments with great atmospheres.
The Botanist
Highly rated Bar in Bakersfield with 4.6 stars from 286 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 930 18th St, Bakersfield, CA 93301, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
Tiki-Ko
Highly rated Bar in Bakersfield with 4.6 stars from 445 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 1919 K St, Bakersfield, CA 93301, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
Trap
Highly rated Bar in Bakersfield with 4.6 stars from 67 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 1914 N Chester Ave, Bakersfield, CA 93308, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
- 🌃Knowledgeable staff
Old River Monte Carlo
Highly rated Bar in Bakersfield with 4.5 stars from 240 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 9750 Taft Hwy, Bakersfield, CA 93311, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Budget-friendly prices
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
The Silver Fox Starlite Lounge
Highly rated Bar in Bakersfield with 4.4 stars from 241 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 702 18th St, Bakersfield, CA 93301, USA
- 🌃Well-reviewed establishment
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Budget-friendly prices
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
The Hideout
Highly rated Bar in Bakersfield with 4.2 stars from 134 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 4715 Coffee Rd, Bakersfield, CA 93308, USA
- 🌃Well-reviewed establishment
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
The Whisky
Highly rated Bar in Bakersfield with 4.7 stars from 111 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 9600 Retail Dr, Bakersfield, CA 93312, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
Pour House Bar and Grill
Highly rated Bar in Bakersfield with 4.5 stars from 397 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 4041 Fruitvale Ave, Bakersfield, CA 93308, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
Guthrie's Alley Cat
Highly rated Bar in Bakersfield with 4.6 stars from 414 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 1525 Wall St, Bakersfield, CA 93301, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Budget-friendly prices
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
VIP Lounge
Highly rated Bar in Bakersfield with 4.3 stars from 235 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 5460 California Ave, Bakersfield, CA 93309, USA
- 🌃Well-reviewed establishment
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Budget-friendly prices
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
Grumpy's Brewing Co.
Highly rated Bar in Bakersfield with 4.9 stars from 36 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 4205 Resnik Ct #3, Bakersfield, CA 93313, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
- 🌃Knowledgeable staff
Sandrini's Public House
Highly rated Bar in Bakersfield with 4.5 stars from 576 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 1918 Eye St, Bakersfield, CA 93301, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
Nightclubs & Dance Venues
Popular nightclubs, dance clubs, and venues featuring top DJs and live performances.
La Movida Night Club
Highly rated International in Bakersfield with 4 stars from 83 reviews.
📍 212 E 18th St, Bakersfield, CA 93305, USA
- 🌃Well-reviewed establishment
- 🌃Welcoming atmosphere
- 🌃Knowledgeable staff
Casablanca Nightclub
Highly rated Bar in Bakersfield with 3.7 stars from 93 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 1825 N St, Bakersfield, CA 93301, USA
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
- 🌃Welcoming atmosphere
- 🌃Knowledgeable staff
VIP Lounge
Highly rated Bar in Bakersfield with 4.3 stars from 235 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 5460 California Ave, Bakersfield, CA 93309, USA
- 🌃Well-reviewed establishment
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Budget-friendly prices
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
The Hideout
Highly rated Bar in Bakersfield with 4.2 stars from 134 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 4715 Coffee Rd, Bakersfield, CA 93308, USA
- 🌃Well-reviewed establishment
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
Casa Tequila Lounge
Highly rated International in Bakersfield with 3.9 stars from 70 reviews.
📍 4208 Rosedale Hwy #306, Bakersfield, CA 93308, USA
- 🌃Quality ingredients and preparation
- 🌃Welcoming atmosphere
- 🌃Knowledgeable staff
The Silver Fox Starlite Lounge
Highly rated Bar in Bakersfield with 4.4 stars from 241 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 702 18th St, Bakersfield, CA 93301, USA
- 🌃Well-reviewed establishment
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Budget-friendly prices
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
El Rancho Grande Night Club
Highly rated Bar in Bakersfield with 3.8 stars from 30 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 2207 Edison Hwy, Bakersfield, CA 93307, USA
- 🌃Budget-friendly prices
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
- 🌃Knowledgeable staff
Aura Lounge
Highly rated International in Bakersfield with 3.5 stars from 52 reviews.
📍 2022 Chester Ave, Bakersfield, CA 93301, USA
- 🌃Quality ingredients and preparation
- 🌃Welcoming atmosphere
- 🌃Knowledgeable staff
Legends Lounge & Event Center
Highly rated Bar in Bakersfield with 4.3 stars from 1050 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 7900 Downing Ave, Bakersfield, CA 93308, USA
- 🌃Well-reviewed establishment
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
Buco Bar
Highly rated Bar in Bakersfield with 4.5 stars from 100 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 9919 Hageman Rd suite a-100, Bakersfield, CA 93312, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
- 🌃Knowledgeable staff
Live Music Venues
Concert halls, jazz clubs, and venues showcasing local and international musical talent.
Bakersfield Music Hall of Fame
Highly rated International in Bakersfield with 4.7 stars from 85 reviews.
📍 2231 R Street, 2230 Q St, Bakersfield, CA 93301, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Welcoming atmosphere
- 🌃Knowledgeable staff
The Hideout
Highly rated Bar in Bakersfield with 4.2 stars from 134 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 4715 Coffee Rd, Bakersfield, CA 93308, USA
- 🌃Well-reviewed establishment
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
Gaslight Melodrama Theatre
Highly rated International in Bakersfield with 4.9 stars from 300 reviews.
📍 12748 Jomani Dr, Bakersfield, CA 93312, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Knowledgeable staff
The Botanist
Highly rated Bar in Bakersfield with 4.6 stars from 286 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 930 18th St, Bakersfield, CA 93301, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
Legends Lounge & Event Center
Highly rated Bar in Bakersfield with 4.3 stars from 1050 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 7900 Downing Ave, Bakersfield, CA 93308, USA
- 🌃Well-reviewed establishment
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
Rustic Rail Saloon
Highly rated Bar in Bakersfield with 4.7 stars from 41 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 147 E Norris Rd, Bakersfield, CA 93308, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
- 🌃Knowledgeable staff
The Empty Space
Highly rated International in Bakersfield with 4.7 stars from 147 reviews.
📍 5417 Woodmere Dr, Bakersfield, CA 93313, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Knowledgeable staff
The Mud Jazz Lounge
Highly rated International in Bakersfield with 4.8 stars from 6 reviews.
📍 417 E 19th St, Bakersfield, CA 93305, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Welcoming atmosphere
- 🌃Knowledgeable staff
Late-Night Dining
Restaurants and eateries open late for post-party meals and midnight cravings.
Yard House
Highly rated American in Bakersfield with 4.4 stars from 2040 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 10308 Stockdale Hwy, Bakersfield, CA 93311, USA
- 🌃Well-reviewed establishment
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Authentic American cuisine
BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse
Highly rated Restaurant in Bakersfield with 4.3 stars from 2214 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 10750 Stockdale Hwy, Bakersfield, CA 93311, USA
- 🌃Well-reviewed establishment
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Knowledgeable staff
The Meltdown
Highly rated Restaurant in Bakersfield with 4.3 stars from 27 reviews.
📍 2627 Buck Owens Blvd, Bakersfield, CA 93308, USA
- 🌃Well-reviewed establishment
- 🌃Welcoming atmosphere
- 🌃Knowledgeable staff
Eureka!
Highly rated American in Bakersfield with 4.4 stars from 1142 reviews.
📍 10520 Stockdale Hwy, Bakersfield, CA 93311, USA
- 🌃Well-reviewed establishment
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Authentic American cuisine
Rooster's Cantina
Highly rated Bar in Bakersfield with 4.5 stars from 19 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 1623 19th St Suite 300, Bakersfield, CA 93301, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
- 🌃Knowledgeable staff
Sandrini's Public House
Highly rated Bar in Bakersfield with 4.5 stars from 576 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 1918 Eye St, Bakersfield, CA 93301, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
Mr.Tempo Cantina
Highly rated Restaurant in Bakersfield with 3.9 stars from 44 reviews.
📍 7777 Rosedale Hwy, Bakersfield, CA 93308, USA
- 🌃Quality ingredients and preparation
- 🌃Welcoming atmosphere
- 🌃Knowledgeable staff
Buena Vida Tapas Lounge
Highly rated Mexican in Bakersfield with 4.4 stars from 209 reviews.
📍 2500 New Stine Rd, Bakersfield, CA 93309, USA
- 🌃Well-reviewed establishment
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Authentic Mexican cuisine
Entertainment & Shows
Comedy clubs, theaters, and entertainment venues offering nighttime performances.
The Historic Bakersfield Fox Theater
Experience world-class theatrical performances at this Bakersfield venue, featuring talented actors and captivating productions.
- •Book tickets in advance for popular shows
- •Arrive 15-20 minutes before curtain time
- •Dress code varies - check venue requirements
- •Turn off mobile phones during performance
- •Check for student or group discounts
The Laughing Stock Comedy Club
Laugh the night away at this popular Bakersfield comedy venue, showcasing both local and touring comedians.
- •Arrive early for best seating
- •Two-drink minimum often required
- •Be prepared to interact with performers
- •Check age restrictions (often 18+ or 21+)
- •Avoid sitting in front row if you don't want attention
Dignity Health Arena, Theater and Convention Center
Experience world-class theatrical performances at this Bakersfield venue, featuring talented actors and captivating productions.
- •Book tickets in advance for popular shows
- •Arrive 15-20 minutes before curtain time
- •Dress code varies - check venue requirements
- •Turn off mobile phones during performance
- •Check for student or group discounts
Room 82
Experience unforgettable entertainment at this Bakersfield venue, offering shows and performances for all tastes.
- •Book tickets online in advance
- •Check show duration and intermissions
- •Arrive early to find parking
- •Review venue policies before attending
- •Check for package deals
Legends Lounge & Event Center
Experience unforgettable entertainment at this Bakersfield venue, offering shows and performances for all tastes.
- •Book tickets online in advance
- •Check show duration and intermissions
- •Arrive early to find parking
- •Review venue policies before attending
- •Check for package deals
Mechanics bank theater
Experience world-class theatrical performances at this Bakersfield venue, featuring talented actors and captivating productions.
- •Book tickets in advance for popular shows
- •Arrive 15-20 minutes before curtain time
- •Dress code varies - check venue requirements
- •Turn off mobile phones during performance
- •Check for student or group discounts
Nightlife Districts
Popular neighborhoods and areas known for vibrant nightlife and bar-hopping.
The Hideout
Explore Bakersfield's vibrant nightlife in this popular district, known for its diverse bars, clubs, and entertainment venues.
- •Start early to explore multiple venues
- •Use ride-sharing or public transit
- •Keep valuables secure
- •Check dress codes for upscale venues
- •Stay in groups for safety
VIP Lounge
Explore Bakersfield's vibrant nightlife in this popular district, known for its diverse bars, clubs, and entertainment venues.
- •Start early to explore multiple venues
- •Use ride-sharing or public transit
- •Keep valuables secure
- •Check dress codes for upscale venues
- •Stay in groups for safety
The Silver Fox Starlite Lounge
Explore Bakersfield's vibrant nightlife in this popular district, known for its diverse bars, clubs, and entertainment venues.
- •Start early to explore multiple venues
- •Use ride-sharing or public transit
- •Keep valuables secure
- •Check dress codes for upscale venues
- •Stay in groups for safety
La Movida Night Club
Explore Bakersfield's vibrant nightlife in this popular district, known for its diverse bars, clubs, and entertainment venues.
- •Start early to explore multiple venues
- •Use ride-sharing or public transit
- •Keep valuables secure
- •Check dress codes for upscale venues
- •Stay in groups for safety
Legends Lounge & Event Center
Explore Bakersfield's vibrant nightlife in this popular district, known for its diverse bars, clubs, and entertainment venues.
- •Start early to explore multiple venues
- •Use ride-sharing or public transit
- •Keep valuables secure
- •Check dress codes for upscale venues
- •Stay in groups for safety
Casablanca Nightclub
Explore Bakersfield's vibrant nightlife in this popular district, known for its diverse bars, clubs, and entertainment venues.
- •Start early to explore multiple venues
- •Use ride-sharing or public transit
- •Keep valuables secure
- •Check dress codes for upscale venues
- •Stay in groups for safety
Essential Tips
- 🌃Check dress codes before heading out
- 🌃Arrive early to avoid long lines at popular venues
- 🌃Use ride-sharing apps for safe transportation
- 🌃Keep valuables secure and stay aware of surroundings
- 🌃Pace yourself and stay hydrated
- 🌃Research cover charges and drink prices
- 🌃Make reservations for popular venues
- 🌃Bring valid ID - many places are strict about checking
- 🌃Start early - some venues close earlier than expected
- 🌃Ask locals for current hotspots and hidden gems
Practical Information
Best Time to Visit
The best time for nightlife experiences in Bakersfield varies by activity and season. Generally, spring and fall offer ideal conditions with pleasant weather and fewer crowds. Summer is peak season with the most options but also the highest prices and largest crowds. Winter can offer unique experiences and better deals, though some activities may be limited.
Average Price
Prices for nightlife experiences in Bakersfield range widely depending on the activity and level of service. Budget options start around $20-50, mid-range experiences typically cost $75-150, while premium and exclusive options can range from $200-500+. Many activities offer group discounts and package deals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Bakersfield offers many excellent nightlife experiences, each with its own unique character. The best choice depends on your preferences, budget, and schedule, but our guide highlights the top-rated options that consistently deliver exceptional experiences.
Timing varies by activity, but generally spring and fall offer ideal conditions. Summer is peak season with the most options but larger crowds. Check individual listings for specific timing recommendations and seasonal considerations.
For popular experiences, especially during peak season, advance booking is highly recommended. Some activities have limited capacity and sell out quickly. Booking ahead also often provides better rates and ensures availability.
Requirements vary by activity, but generally bring comfortable clothing, appropriate footwear, sun protection, water, and any specific gear mentioned in activity descriptions. Check individual listings for detailed requirements.
Many nightlife experiences in Bakersfield cater to all skill levels, from beginners to experts. Check individual listings for difficulty levels and requirements. Many operators offer instruction and guidance for newcomers.
Costs vary widely depending on the type of experience and level of service. Budget options start around $20-50, mid-range experiences typically cost $75-150, while premium options can range from $200-500+. Group discounts and packages are often available.
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