Carnival & Fair News

Running September 17 through September 28, the Great Kern County Fair brought extra fun to attendees this year under the theme of “Create Your Moment”—or perhaps 12 full days of moments—at the Bakersfield fairgrounds.

Fair CEO Michael Olcott noted that opportunities to create family memories were everywhere. “Whether it's your favorite concert, a special food, or cheering on local youth in livestock shows, everyone has a fair moment to make their own.”

According to marketing specialist Chelsea Roberts, the fair featured three nights of PRCA rodeo with added showtimes, along with additional performances of the Fiesta del Charro Rodeo. More than 7,000 competitive entries resulted in over 3,400 exhibits this year, ranging from art to quilts and culinary creations. A popular highlight was the return of the sea lion show, which Roberts described as “the cutest show.” Guests also enjoyed daily free performances including the All Alaskan Racing Pigs, hypnotist Tina Marie, and the Stingray Encounter. The Boot Boogie Babes performed dance routines, Frank Thurston amazed audiences with magic on the main plaza stage, and the All Star Stunt Dogs entertained with heartwarming stories of rescued street dogs now thriving.

All Star Stunt Dogs was a hit at the 2025 Kern County Fair

Admission was set at $15 for guests ages 12 and older, $10 for seniors 62 and up, and $6 for children ages 6–12, with free admission for kids 5 and under. Active and retired military received free entry with ID for the entire run of the fair. Parking was $10.

Special promotions added to the excitement. Seniors received free admission and parking on September 19. A Friends and Followers Day on September 22 offered discounted $9 admission when purchased online. On September 23, guests donating six or more canned food items received free admission, and a unique promotion awarded a free ticket for September 23 to anyone who donated a pint of blood at Houchin Blood Bank locations.

Both drives were highly successful. The “Feed the Need” food drive brought in 22,506 pounds of food for the Community Action Partnership of Kern food banks, and more than 8,000 pints of blood were donated.

The carnival, provided by Butler Amusements, offered unlimited ride wristbands for $40 Monday through Thursday and $45 Friday through Sunday. Advance weekend sales online were priced at $38. Guests could also purchase fast passes to skip ride and game lines for $20–$25, depending on the day.

Butler Amusements has long partnered with the Kern County Fair. “If you only ride one attraction, the Giant Wheel with its sweeping views is the one,” noted Butler staff. Other popular rides included the new KMG built Invader, White Water log flume, and Fireball.

Concerts at the Budweiser Pavilion were free with fair admission and featured top national acts including Ashanti, Gabby Barrett, Corey Kent, Sugar Ray, Neon Trees, The Marshall Tucker Band, the Isley Brothers, Banda El Mexicano, and Banda Machos. Neon Trees and The Marshall Tucker Band performed at the fair for the first time.

The Grandstand Arena hosted monster truck shows and five days of rodeo. Around the grounds, kids enjoyed camel and pony rides, while agricultural exhibits highlighted local produce. Livestock competitions featured cattle, swine, goats, rabbits, and poultry.

The Junior Livestock Auction, long supported by the mysterious “Buyer 9,” faced a change this year. The anonymous supporter, part of a wealthy family trust who had consistently ensured students did not take financial losses on their animals, stepped away. To fill the gap, a new charity called Auction Angels, affiliated with the Kern Community Foundation, stepped in to purchase livestock and keep student participation strong.

Fair food was another major draw. Attendees lined up for pizza on a stick, ranch-flavored pickles, funnel cakes, hot dogs, and Dubai chocolate cinnamon rolls—a fair favorite across the country this year and, according to Roberts, “one of the big hits.”

Boss Burger and Cookie & Cones introduced Crustable Burgers and Crustable Bacon Cheeseburgers. Spiral fries, giant turkey legs, apple and peach dumplings, nachos, corn dog baskets, and kettle corn also delighted crowds. Kern County Teen Challenge, which has served fairgoers for more than 30 years, continued its tradition by offering its three signature items: apple and peach dumplings, nachos, and corn dog baskets. Purchases supported the organization's mission to help change lives. In total, 98 food vendors participated, including local favorites like Gino's pizza on Pyrenees baguettes, which highlighted the region's Basque heritage.

Despite a day of rain that briefly shut down the carnival, more than 300,000 people attended the fair. Overall attendance dropped 9% from last year due to the weather, but participation remained strong.

“Even with a few rainy evenings, Kern County showed up—in the barns, in our exhibit halls, and at our stages,” Olcott said. “This fair once again reflected the generosity, grit, and spirit of our community.”

Concert attendance was especially strong, with packed performances by Banda El Mexicano, Banda Machos, Ashanti, Sugar Ray, and the Isley Brothers. Three rodeo events sold out in the Grandstand Arena.

Olcott expressed his satisfaction with the results. “We're already planning 2026 and can't wait to raise the bar again.”