BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KERO) \u2014 Bakersfield residents gathered at Jastro Park for a Fourth of July concert, sharing what the holiday means to them and how they chose to spend it with family and community.<\/p>\n
Air Force veteran John Beard said he never misses the annual celebration.<\/p>\n
“I never miss one of these things. I love it. I’m a patriotic guy myself and it’s \u2014 I think it’s fantastic,” said Beard.<\/p>\n
Beyond the patriotic festivities, Beard had a personal reason to be in the crowd \u2014 watching his wife of 3 years perform on stage.<\/p>\n
“She hadn’t played in 40 years when she started back about five years ago. And now she just loves it,” said Beard.<\/p>\n
Bakersfield native Payton Butcher said she could hardly believe she had the chance to sing the national anthem during Saturday’s celebration.<\/p>\n
“Every single time I’m always looking at the people that do the national anthem, and I’m like, Oh, I want that to be me. So when I was given this opportunity, I was like, ‘Oh, my gosh’,” said Butcher.<\/p>\n
Butcher celebrated America’s 25th birthday surrounded by family and friends.<\/p>\n
Aaron Bowers said the holiday is a time to reflect on those who served the country.<\/p>\n
“My father served in the Korean War, and now I’m seeing people from World War II. I did not have the privilege to serve, but I do appreciate what our men have done for our country, men and women,” said Bowers. <\/p>\n
4th of July 2026 Events in Kern County, California<\/p>\n
McFarland 250 Celebration<\/p>\n
This free community celebration features food vendors and a fireworks show to mark America’s 250th anniversary. Attendees are encouraged to bring blankets and lawn chairs.<\/p>\n
Date: Thursday, July 2, 2026<\/p>\n
Time: 6:30 p.m.; fireworks at 9 p.m.<\/p>\n
Location: Blanco Park, 1000 E. Sherwood Ave., McFarland, CA<\/p>\n
Buttonwillow 19th Annual Fireworks Show<\/p>\n
The annual community fireworks show at Buttonwillow Park features vendors, games, swimming and more. Free swim begins at 6 p.m. with fireworks after dark.<\/p>\n
Date: Thursday, July 2, 2026<\/p>\n
Time: 6 p.m. (free swim); fireworks after dark<\/p>\n
Location: Buttonwillow Park, Buttonwillow, CA<\/p>\n
U.S. 250 Tour at Dignity Health Amphitheater (Annual Independence Day Celebration at The Park at River Walk)<\/p>\n
Bakersfield’s annual Independence Day celebration features the U.S. 250 Tour’s Freedom Village, live music, food, drinks, family-friendly activities and a fireworks show once it is dark. The event starts at 10 a.m. with fireworks at 9:30 p.m.<\/p>\n
Date: Friday, July 3, 2026<\/p>\n
Time: 10 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. (fireworks)<\/p>\n
Location: Dignity Health Amphitheater and Park at Riverwalk, 11200 Stockdale Hwy., Bakersfield, CA<\/p>\n
Shafter Lion’s Club Fireworks Celebration (Celebrating America’s 250th Year of Independence)<\/p>\n
The Shafter Lion’s Club is hosting a picnic-style Fourth of July event. There will be no food vendors, so attendees should bring their own food, drinks, snacks and chairs. Fireworks begin at dusk.<\/p>\n
Date: Friday, July 3, 2026<\/p>\n
Time: Gates open at 7 p.m.; fireworks at dusk\/9 p.m.<\/p>\n
Location: Grass area of Sequoia Elementary School, 500 Fresno Ave., and Shafter Recreation and Parks District, 700 E. Tulare Ave., Shafter, CA<\/p>\n
Taft 250: A Hometown Celebration \u2013 Cruise Night<\/p>\n
The City of Taft hosts a cruise night featuring an array of classic cars, food, live music, shopping vendors and family fun in downtown Taft.<\/p>\n
Date: Friday, July 3, 2026<\/p>\n
Time: Evening (specific start time not listed)<\/p>\n
Location: Downtown Taft, CA<\/p>\n
Tehachapi All-American 4th of July Festival \u2013 Concert and Movie Night<\/p>\n
The Tehachapi All-American 4th of July Festival kicks off with a concert at 6 p.m. and a movie at 8 p.m. on the eve of Independence Day.<\/p>\n
Date: Friday, July 3, 2026<\/p>\n
Time: Concert at 6 p.m.; movie at 8 p.m.<\/p>\n
Location: Tehachapi, CA (Philip Marx Central Park area)<\/p>\n
Delano Annual Family Fun Day<\/p>\n
Delano’s annual family fun day celebration takes place at Memorial Park with activities for the whole family beginning at 5 p.m.<\/p>\n
Date: Friday, July 3, 2026<\/p>\n
Time: 5 p.m.<\/p>\n
Location: Memorial Park, Delano, CA<\/p>\n
Tehachapi All-American 4th of July Festival \u2013 Main Event<\/p>\n
The full-day festival features a 5K run starting at 7 a.m., the Tehachapi Independence Day Parade at 9 a.m., live music, food and vendors starting at 10 a.m., the Bad Bulls Rodeo at 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., and a fireworks show at 9 p.m.<\/p>\n
Date: Saturday, July 4, 2026<\/p>\n
Time: 7 a.m. (5K); 9 a.m. (parade); 10 a.m. (festival); 6\u20139 p.m. (rodeo); 9 p.m. (fireworks)<\/p>\n
Location: Philip Marx Central Park and surrounding areas, Tehachapi, CA<\/p>\n
Ridgecrest Family Picnic Event at Freedom Park<\/p>\n
This family-friendly event features food and drink vendors, a splash pad, cornhole, ax throwing, contests, races and a drone show.<\/p>\n
Date: Saturday, July 4, 2026<\/p>\n
Time: 5 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.<\/p>\n
Location: Freedom Park, 100 W. California Ave., Ridgecrest, CA<\/p>\n
Wasco Car Show at Barker Park<\/p>\n
This car show features contests and a firework show for the community on Independence Day.<\/p>\n
Date: Saturday, July 4, 2026<\/p>\n
Time: Not specified<\/p>\n
Location: Barker Park, Poso Drive and Poplar Avenue, Wasco, CA<\/p>\n
Westchester Parade at Jastro Park<\/p>\n
This annual Bakersfield parade includes a flag presentation by the Sons of the American Revolution, the Pledge of Allegiance led by neighborhood children, the National Anthem sung by American Musical and Dramatic Academy student Payton Butcher, a tribute to Korean and WWII veterans memorials, a presentation for Honor Flight and an introduction from Grand Marshals.<\/p>\n
Date: Saturday, July 4, 2026<\/p>\n
Time: 9 a.m.<\/p>\n
Location: Jastro Park, Bakersfield, CA<\/p>\n
Kern Raceway Event<\/p>\n
Kevin Harvick’s Kern Raceway hosts a Fourth of July celebration featuring a firework show, NASCAR racing, a Drag-a-Boat demolition race and entertainment for the entire family. Gates open at 4 p.m. and main events begin at 7 p.m.<\/p>\n
Date: Saturday, July 4, 2026<\/p>\n
Time: Gates open at 4 p.m.; main events at 7 p.m.<\/p>\n
Location: Kevin Harvick’s Kern Raceway, 13500 Raceway Blvd., Bakersfield, CA<\/p>\n
Taft 250: A Hometown Celebration \u2013 Patriotic Parade<\/p>\n
The second day of Taft’s celebration features a Patriotic Parade starting at 9 a.m., followed by an apple pie baking contest and local vendors.<\/p>\n
Date: Saturday, July 4, 2026<\/p>\n
Time: Parade starts at 9 a.m.<\/p>\n
Location: Taft, CA<\/p>\n
Lake Isabella 2026 Independence Day Fireworks Extravaganza<\/p>\n
Fireworks will be launched from Engineer’s Point shortly after dark in this annual tradition in the Kern River Valley, sponsored by local merchants and community members.<\/p>\n
Date: Saturday, July 4, 2026<\/p>\n
Time: Shortly after dark<\/p>\n
Location: Engineer’s Point, Lake Isabella, CA<\/p>\n
Tehachapi Freedom Fest at West Park<\/p>\n
The final day of Tehachapi’s Independence Day weekend celebration features a Freedom Fest at West Park.<\/p>\n
Date: Sunday, July 5, 2026<\/p>\n
Time: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.<\/p>\n
Location: West Park, Tehachapi, CA<\/p>\n
This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.<\/p>\n
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