Happy Wednesday! You're halfway through the week, and we've got plenty of exciting updates, news, and must-reads to keep you going. From the latest headlines to interesting features, there’s something for everyone in today’s edition. So, grab your coffee and dive in! ☕📖

Today’s brief includes:

• 💰Grants to Boost Downtown

• 💪🏼Grand Openings

• 📚Book Lovers Unite

• 🦆Brief Entertainment News

• 💝Galentine’s Day Lineup

• ...and more

Enjoy!

Weather Forecast

Wednesday - 61°☀️ | Thursday - 61°☀️ | Friday - 60°☀️

Brief Update…

🏙️Grants to Boost Downtown

Bakersfield's Economic Opportunity Area Program is expanding to downtown, offering nearly $200,000 in grants to four selected businesses out of 16 applicants. The goal is to boost economic growth and revitalize the area. Recipients include Moo Creamery, Distinctive Coach Auto Body, the Arts Council of Kern, and Flores Vintage, each using funds for improvements. Since 2020, the program has awarded $2.2 million to over 55 businesses, aiming to create a broader public benefit by strengthening the local economy.

source: turnto23.com

Blue Fig Farms - Grand Opening Coming Soon

Blue Fig Farms, a new international grocery store in southwest Bakersfield, is celebrating its grand opening on Feb. 15. Specializing in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean products, the store offers halal meats, a fresh bakery, and a café featuring Turkish hot sand coffee. The first 100 guests will receive a goodie bag with a $25 gift card. The event, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., includes food samples, special deals, and a traditional Dabke performance.

source: kget.com

💪🏼Fit Body Bootcamp Now Open

Looking to kickstart your fitness journey? Check out Fit Body Bootcamp, now open on Calloway Drive off Rosedale! Taking over the former Whiskey Barrel Saloon space, this new gym offers dynamic, high-energy workout classes designed to help you get fit and stay motivated. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned fitness enthusiast, Fit Body Bootcamp provides expert coaching, a supportive community, and results-driven training sessions. Don’t wait—start working toward your fitness goals today!

📖Book Lovers Unite💗

Great opportunity to gather with fellow book lovers and exchange books! Head to Wine Me Up tonight, bring a book to exchange, and meet others.

While you’re there, ask about Novels and Bottles! This Book and Wine club allows you to combine some of your favorite activities! 🍷📖👯‍♀️

What’s that?? You want more book events? Head to Jerry’s Pizza this Saturday, 2/1, bring your cozy blanket, and a book. Read among other book lovers. Reading and sippin’ espresso martinis? Yes, please!

Brief Entertainment

1. 🦆Duck Dynasty coming back! - A&E is bringing back Duck Dynasty with a new series, Duck Dynasty: The Revival, set to premiere in summer 2025. The show will follow Willie Robertson, his wife Korie, and their growing family as they continue life on their Louisiana homestead. (bakersfieldnow.com)

2. 💿New Album for Lady Gaga - Lady Gaga's seventh studio album, Mayhem, drops on March 7, exploring themes of chaos and transformation. Featuring 14 tracks, it follows Harlequin and includes the hit Die With a Smile with Bruno Mars. A new single premieres during the Grammys. (kget.com)

3. 🏆Grammys Alert - watch the 67th annual Grammys this Sunday, 2/2, at streaming live on CBS and Paramount+ starting at 5pm. More information to come.

❣️Galentine’s Day Lineup❣️

• Wreath Making - 1/31 - Wine Me Up

• Galentine’s Doormat Paint Party - 2/3 - Wine Me Up (almost sold out)

• Candle Party - 2/4 - Wine Me Up

• Girls Night Food Class - 2/6 - The Collective

• Cookie Decorating - 2/10 - Wine Me Up

• Wine Glass Paint Night - 2/11 - Wine Me Up

• Girly Pop Gathering - 2/13 - Jerry’s Pizza (7pm-close)

• Galentine’s Craft Night - 2/13 - The Padre Hotel

• Mini Cupcake/Wine Pairing - 2/13 & 2/14 - Wine Me Up

• Whitney & Wine Night - 2/15 - BottleShock Wine & Brew (1pm-5pm $5adv or $10 at the door)

  • Trivia, Karaoke, Bingo, plus food and drinks

Plan for Valentine’s Day

• Valentine’s Day Market - 2/8 - Southwest Market/Stockdale High School (5pm-9pm)

• Wine & Dine - 2/14 - The Padre Hotel

• Under the Stars - 2/15 - The Padre Hotel

• Brunch for Lovers - 2/16 - The Padre Hotel

Kid Brief

• 2/8 - Trout Derby at the River Walk (6am-12pm)

• 2/11 - Mom & Daughter Night at Jerry’s Pizza (RSVP only; $10; 6pm)

• 2/14 - Kids Paint Workshop (Limited space; $18 per child; 11am)

• 2/14 - Harlem Globetrotters at Mechanics Bank Arena

Future Events

• Book & Wine Lovers Night - 1/29 - Wine Me up (bring a book to exchange; 6-8pm)

• The Cozy Book Club - 2/1 - Jerry’s Pizza (starting at 10am)

• Nick Swardson: Toilet Head - 2/1 - The Fox Theater

• Super Bowl Sunday - 2/9

• Coffee Run - 2/15 - Park at River Walk

• Boots in the Park - 3/7 - Bakersfield Sports Village

• Chicago the Musical - 3/17 - Mechanics Bank Theater

• AKC Dog Show - 3/27-3/30 - KC Fairgrounds

• Bakersfield Marathon - 3/30 - Kern County Museum

• Mac & Cheese Fest - 4/19 - Location TBD

• Mud Factor - 4/26 - Kern County Raceway Park

• Luke Bryan - 5/17 - Sillect Farms in Shafter

• Lightning in a Bottle - 5/21-5/25 - Buena Vista Lake

To get credit for your referrals, please send your friends the link above!

Please inquire about advertising your business!