First Fridays in Bakersfield aren’t your typical community events. They are loud, creative, and full of life, with skaters tearing up portable obstacles, live music pouring into the streets, and artists turning blank canvases into masterpieces right before your eyes. It’s not just about skateboarding. It’s a celebration of everything Bakersfield’s skate culture represents—creativity, connection, and a whole lot of fun.

When you arrive, the first thing you’ll hear is the unmistakable clatter of skateboards against concrete and wood. Portable ramps, rails, and quarter pipes dot the street, each one surrounded by skaters waiting their turn to try new tricks or show off their signature moves. There’s no competition here, only community. Young kids learning the basics skate alongside seasoned pros, sharing tips, laughs, and the occasional wipeout.

More Than Just Skating

Skateboarding might be the backbone of First Fridays, but it’s the extras that make these events unforgettable. While the skaters are busy perfecting their tricks, artists are setting up shop nearby. Some are working on large-scale murals that will eventually become part of Bakersfield’s urban art scene, while others are painting on broken decks, turning once-abandoned boards into one-of-a-kind works of art.

For skaters who need a break, there’s always something to check out. They can grab a bite from one of the local food trucks or watch a live mural being painted. Kids who might be too young to skate can get their hands messy at the interactive art booths, where they can help decorate a community mural or paint their own mini skateboards to take home.

Music and Energy

No First Friday event is complete without live music, and Bakersfield’s local musicians always bring their A-game. From punk rock bands to hip-hop DJs, the soundtrack changes from month to month, but the energy is always high. The music isn’t just background noise. It’s part of the experience, setting the rhythm for the tricks being thrown down on the street.

Sometimes the musicians and skaters feed off each other’s energy. When a skater lands a huge trick, the band ramps up the intensity, and the crowd responds with cheers that echo through the streets. It’s the kind of moment you can only get when creativity, community, and talent collide.

Art Meets Action

One of the highlights of every First Friday is the live painting of broken decks. What started as a small side activity has become a central part of the event. Skaters bring in their old, cracked boards, and local artists breathe new life into them with bold colors, intricate designs, and creative storytelling. By the end of the night, those broken boards are no longer trash. They’re art pieces that tell the story of Bakersfield’s skate culture.

For skaters, seeing their old decks transformed is a reminder that even when something is worn down, it still has value. For artists, it’s a chance to show their appreciation for the sport that inspires their work. And for the community, it’s a symbol of what First Fridays are all about—taking something ordinary and making it extraordinary.

Mentorship and Inspiration

Beyond the tricks, music, and art, First Fridays are where mentorship happens naturally. Local legends and experienced skaters often show up to support the younger generation, offering advice on everything from foot placement to finding balance. For kids who idolize these skaters, getting one-on-one tips from their heroes is more valuable than any trick tutorial they could watch online.

These moments of mentorship aren’t planned, but they are what makes the event special. A kid struggling with a trick might find themselves in a conversation with someone who’s been skating that same spot for years, learning not just the mechanics of the move but the mindset needed to land it.

A Community United

At the heart of First Fridays is the sense of togetherness. Skaters, artists, musicians, families, and spectators all come together to create something bigger than themselves. It’s a space where people can let loose, be creative, and feel like they belong. By the end of the night, when the last trick has been landed and the final notes have been played, you’ll leave with a sense of connection and inspiration that sticks with you long after the event is over.

These nights are about more than just skateboarding or art. They are about celebrating Bakersfield’s creative spirit and showing what can happen when people come together to lift each other up. Whether you’re a skater, an artist, or someone who just loves good vibes, First Fridays are your chance to be part of something special.

If you haven’t experienced it yet, grab your board, your paintbrush, or just a good pair of walking shoes and join us. You won’t want to miss what happens when creativity takes over the streets of Bakersfield.