70th Anniversay Festival
ALL AGES Celebrate NOR's 70th Anniversary Festival! Indulge in delicious snacks, bounce around in our fun-filled bounce houses, enjoy our carnivalthemed games, live music provided by Mento Buru, and a one-of-a-kind drone light show at night. This event is packed with activities and entertainment for all ages, promising an unforgettable day of laughter and excitement. Bring your family and friends to experience the magic of autumn and create cherished memories together. Join us for a day of community, fun, and celebration!
Be part of a historic community celebration 70 years in the making.
Receive community service hours (perfect for students and clubs!)
Be the reason someone smiles, laughs, and remembers the day.
Make a real impact—help us create a safe, welcoming, and fun event for all ages.
Have fun while giving back to the NOR community!
Sign up here to volunteer!
BOOST YOUR VISIBILITY: Thousands of community members will be in attendance -- this is a prime opportunity to gain exposure!
CONNECT WITH FAMILIES: Engage directly with residents in North of the River.
GET SOCIAL: We’ll be promoting community partners online; that’s FREE publicity!
GIVE BACK & STAND OUT: Support a beloved community tradition while showcasing how your organization gives back.
MAKE AN EVEN BIGGER IMPACT: Sponsorship opportunities are available for those who want to amplify their presence and be recognized as a key supporter!
| ACTIVITY | DATE | TIME | DAY | LOCATION | PRICE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fall Festival | 10/11 | 3-6pm | S | Polo Community Park | FREE |
| Sunset Social | 10/11 | 6-7:30pm | S | Polo Community Park | FREE |
| Drone Show | 10/11 | 7:30pm | S | Polo Community Park | FREE |
| Movie Night | 10/11 | 7:45pm | S | Polo Community Park | FREE |
FAQ's
You're welcome to arrive at any time between 3 and 10pm! We recommend planning ahead and giving yourself plenty of time to find parking and get settled before the activities you'd like to attend begin.
Our Festival is packed full of activities! It's broken up into roughly 3 different timeframes: Fall Festival at 3-6pm, Sunset Social at 6-7:30pm, and the Drone Show at 7:30pm. Here's some (but not all) of the fun stuff taking place throughout the afternoon and evening:
| Activity | Time | Location | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall Festival | 3-6pm | Throughout Park | Annually, NOR holds its Fall Festival featuring parks across the District. This year, the Festival leads NOR into its 70th Anniversary celebration. |
| Opening Ceremony | 3pm | Main Stage | Featuring local dignitaries, representatives, and NOR staff who will speak on the legacy of the District's 70 Years in Bakersfield. |
| FREE 300 Meals | Passed out at 3pm | NOR Welcome Booth | First-come, first-served -- while supplies last. |
| Polo Bark Park | Open All Day | SW Corner of Park | Celebrate the grand opening of our brand-new Bark Park! The pup-friendly space features open play areas, equipment, and plenty of room for four-legged friends to jump and socialize. |
| Playground | Open All Day | East Side of Park | Let the kids climb, slide, and swing the day away! |
| Walking Path | Open All Day | Loops Throughout Park | Enjoy a scenic stroll on our paved walking path that winds throughout the park, and enjoy our new plants and landscaping. |
| Food Trucks / Vendors | 3-7:30pm | North Open Turf | Delicious eats and local favorites available for purchase; vendors include Hunsaker Carnie Kettle Corn, Martinez Catering, Starlight Movie Project, Semper Fries, Mr. Dimples, Get It Twisted, and Aguas Karen. |
| Live Music from Mento Buru | 3:30-5:30pm | Main Stage | Enjoy an upbeat live performance! |
| Home Run Derby | 3-6pm | Diamond 5 | Step up to the plate for some friendly competition for all ages! |
| Human Foosball | 3-6pm | Field C | Step inside a life-sized inflatable arena where YOU are the players! |
| Cornhole Tournament | 3-3:30pm (Sign-up); 4-6pm (Gameplay) | Field C | Grab a partner and toss your way to bragging rights. |
| NOR Registration | 3-6pm | Field D | Learn more about programs or sign up on-site with NOR staff. |
| Bingo Card | 3-6pm | Field D | Visit booths/activities to complete your card -- redeem for a FREE swag item! |
| Booths & Activities | 3-6pm | Field D | Over 40 local organizations, businesses, and groups with info, free games/activities, and candy. |
| Houchin Community Blood Drive | 3-8pm | North Open Turf | Each donation supports the NOR Recreation Foundation with youth recreation scholarships. |
| Kern Medical Wellness Checks | 3-6pm | North Open Turf | Free health screenings, Medi-Cal sign-ups (if eligible), and wellness resources. |
| Kern County Library Bookmobile | 3-6pm | West Parking Lot (Near Field C) | Get a library card, check out books, and more! |
| Laser Tag | 3-6pm | Field C | Fast-paced, family-friendly fun! |
| Bounce Houses | 3-6pm | Field C | Free inflatables for children to enjoy. |
| Folklorico Performance | 5:45pm | In Front of the Main Stage | Colorful traditional dance performance. |
| Sunset Social | 6-7:30pm | Throughout Park (Except for Fields A, F, and E) | Secure your spot to get the best view of the Drone Show later in the evening. |
| Drone Light Show | 7:30pm | Throughout Park (Except for Fields A, F, and E); Best Viewing Area is in Field C and D | A dazzling light show to celebrate the 70th Anniversary. |
| Movie Night | 7:45pm | North Open Turf | Family-friendly film under the starts. |
Public parking lots at Polo Community Park are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Parking is temporarily available along no-parking zones the day-of the event between 1 and 10pm on Old Farm and Noriega; please refer to designated on-site signage. All festival-goers must follow standard parking regulations. To make parking easier for everyone, we recommend carpooling with friends and family.
Yes! There will be multiple food vendors on-site from 3-7:30pm with different options available for purchase. Also, the first 300 guests will receive a FREE hot dog meal, courtesy of NOR while supplies last. (This giveaway takes place at 3pm sharp, so attendees are encouraged to show up early to wait in line.)
Yes! Attendees are welcome to bring chairs and blankets, especially for enjoying the drone show and movie night. Shade tents are also allowed, but they must be set up in the non-festival area on the corner of Old Farm and Noriega (west of Home Run Derby and ballfield) to ensure clear views and a safe experience for all.
Yes! Pets are welcome at the festival. Our new Bark Park is scheduled to be open, giving dogs a space to enjoy. All pets must remain on a leash at all times; the interior of the Bark Park is the only unleashed zone. Plus, attendees will even have the chance to meet animals available for adoption during the event with the Kern County Animal Services department!
