Spring into Easter events across Kern this weekend
From egg hunts to paintball and gospel music, there is plenty on tap this Easter weekend. With so much going on, let’s hop right into the details.
Easter on the Farm: Head out to the Murray Family Farms for what it promises will be “a oncein-a-lifetime spring spectacular.”
Since last weekend, the farm has been helping guests immerse themselves in the splendor of spring but it will ramp up the fun on Saturday and Sunday.
Along with the existing amenities — massive bouncing pillow, animal garden, barnyard ball toss, tractor-drawn wagon rides, exotic aviary and roostery and Murray Slide Hill — Easter fun will include photo opportunities with the Easter Bunny, picnics, U-pick opportunities, lawn games and paintball.
Meet the Easter Bunny, who will also pose for photos and offer a free surprise for guests.
The farm will host old-fashioned lawn games, allowing visitors to compete in the Lawn Olympics for a chance to win special prizes.
Enjoy delicious Okie pie picnics starting at $11.99 for one pie, side and a soft drink. For $29.99, visitors can get two pies, dessert and a bubbly drink.
The paintball gallery returns this weekend with 100 shots available for $10.
Strawberry picking ($5.99 for 1-pint basket, $14.99 for 1 1/2-quart tub) is on hold until Friday but visitors can collect citrus including Tango mandarins ($7.99 for a 3-pint tub, $14.99 for a 5-pound bag) now.
Visitors are encouraged to wear comfortable shoes, bring a wagon to cart around little ones and a blanket if they decide to picnic with food from the Cal-Okie Orchard Kitchen. (Note: No outside food or coolers are allowed.)
Festivities run from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. now through Monday at the farm, 6700 General Beale Road.
Admission is $10.99, $6.99 for children ages 1 to 3 today, Friday and Monday. On Saturday and Sunday, admission rises to $13.99 and $9.99.
Visit murrayfamilyfarms.org for more details.
North of the River Recreation and Park District Easter Egg Hunt: On Saturday, NOR will host its popular annual egg hunt at Emerald Cove Park.
Starting at 10 a.m. sharp, the hunt includes four specially designated areas for different age groups — ages 1-3, 4-6, 7-8 and 9-10.
Along with 16,000 candy-packed eggs, each designated area has one golden egg to find, granting its finder a special prize.
The event includes a photo opportunity with the Easter Bunny, from 9:15 to 9:45 a.m.,
a new obstacle course for the youngest attendees and food truck Krazed Food Truck and Desserts, which will have snacks for sale.
The free event takes place at the park, 4303 Patton Way. Parking is also limited near the park so plan ahead to avoid disappointed kids who didn’t make it to the hunt on time.
Visit NORfun.org for more information.
Spring Celebration & Egg Hunt: The Rathbun Branch Library (200 W. China Grade Loop) is hosting an event on Saturday. The egg hunt starts at 10 a.m. followed by the celebration at 11 a.m. with crafts, snacks, games and prizes.
The program is supported by Measure K funding, which has allowed the Kern County Library to provide additional materials, programs, technology and staff in its commitment to prioritize literacy and all-ages creative learning opportunities.
The BLVD (3200 Buck Owens Blvd., Suite 300): From 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, enjoy a family bowling bundle ($60) that includes one hour of bowling for up to six people (including shoes), a $20 game card and a pizza. Guests can also take a picture with the Easter Bunny during this time.
San Rucci Winery (6201 Schirra Court, Suite 7): Enjoy an adult egg-dyeing experience at the urban winery on Saturday.
Starting at 3 p.m., bring in your hard-boiled eggs to dye with supplies from San Rucci. Enjoy a glass of wine and pick up some bottles for your Easter meal on Sunday.
The fun goes until 6:30 p.m. or until the dye supply runs out.
Dukes concert: Enjoy a free performance by world-class accordionist Cory Pesaturo on Sunday at First Congregational Church.
The show is part of the Fred and Beverly Dukes Memorial Concert Series, which began in 2005.
Pesaturo was the featured accordionist for the 2022 “Weird Al” Yankovic’s biographical movie, “Weird: The Al Yankovic Story.” In addition, he has given four TEDx Talks and two talks at Google.
This is the first stop for Pesaturo for his multiday visit to Bakersfield. He will also perform a clinic and concert for the Bakersfield Jazz Workshop on Tuesday and a Guitar Masters concert at Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace.
Pesaturo’s concert will take place at 4 p.m. Sunday at the church, 5 Real Road.
Although the concert is free, donations are accepted and will go directly to compensate the musician.
Gaither Vocal Band: Keep the Easter joy flowing into next week with a gospel concert at the Fox Theater.
The award-winning group includes Ladye Love Smith, Gene McDonald and Kevin Williams.
Doors open at 6 p.m., the show begins at 7 p.m. April 3 at the theater, 2001 H St.
Tickets range from $20 to $65 at axs.com. The theater is offering 20% off select seats with promo code “EASTER” now through Friday.
The discount offer is not valid on previous purchases and will include applicable fees.