BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) — Grab those champagne bottles and sparkling cider for the kids, because the start of the new year is on its way.

Here in the Golden Empire, there are plenty of events for everyone in the family to enjoy.

“2026 is going to be an amazing year. We can’t wait to get it started,” said Chris Kelley, with the Hard Rock Casino.

The newly opened Hard Rock Casino Tejon is spending its first New Year’s Eve with a firework extravaganza, live music and plenty of festive decor. The casino is open 24 hours and will have rock artist Bret Michaels as their New Year’s Eve headliner.

Kelley shared how excited he was to share the holiday with the Kern County community.

“Hard Rock knows how to throw a great event. We’ve got Bret Michaels coming on at 10:00 p.m. We’ve got fireworks. We’ve got million-dollar jackpots ready to be hit. We’ve got great food. We’ve got music all over the property. We’re going to have a good time. We invite the entire community to come out and check us out,” said Kelley.

To ring out the new year, the Hard Rock will be firing more than 1000 fireworks into the night sky rain or shine. The Zambelli Company was tasked with the colorful undertaking and are excited to be apart of the event.

“We’re honored to have them include us in their celebration…let’s ring in the New Year with a big bang,” said James Nichols.

Across Bakersfield, other events will be held to bring in the new year. CALM will be holding a New Year’s celebration starting at 9 p.m., filled with bright colored lights and plenty to do for the young ones.

In Downtown Bakersfield, the Padre Hotel will be holding a 90’s themed New Year’s Eve Party throughout the night.

“I’m going to be hanging with my family, maybe watching movies, playing board games. We recently got mahjong ads for Christmas as a board game. And so we’re going to play a lot of that,” said Mary Ball.

“I’m too busy these days. It’s nice to just have a have a night where I have no responsibilities. I’m so few and far between where party days are a thing,” said Phillip Lavasser.

Debbie and Alan Pink drove to Bakersfield for some nostalgia and shared their own New Year’s plans.

“We will both be in bed by nine. We start with caviar and then we go to bed early,” the Pink’s said.

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