The ultimate cliché uttered by many college students as spring break draws closer is that there’s nothing to do in Bakersfield.
Janet Barrios, 18, expressed the fact that she will not stay in town for spring break because “there are no beaches here.”
Manuel Vieyra, 32, said, “There’s not really much you can do in Bakersfield.”
Vieyra went on to say that he usually has a lot of homework at this time. “It seems like none of the classes let you have time off.”
There are things to do for students who don’t have to work or study. Bakersfield may not have any beaches, but it does offer numerous diversions in the form of bars, sports and shows.
For students 21 and older there are numerous bars downtown, but there are a few that offer more than just drinks.
Kosmos Restaurant and Sports Bar, located at 1623 19th St., offers karaoke every Thursday night at 9. Schweitzer’s Pit Stop, 10807 Rosedale Hwy., offers karaoke Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.
According to Erica Snyder, who works at Schweitzer’s, people ranging from ages 21 to 45 participate. Schweitzer’s also has a live band on Fridays and Saturdays.
According to Jessica, a student, Sandrini’s offers a lot of entertainment.
“On Thursday nights they have open mic night and we get to listen to undiscovered bands,” she said.
There are also things to do for students who are not 21 yet. Metal music lovers might want to check out a concert on March 24 at The Dome, which is located at 2201 V St. The concert will feature Beneath the Massacre, See You Next Tuesday, Born of Osiris and Tony Danza Tap Dance Extravaganza.
According to Pete Madera, an employee at the Dome, about 200 to 300 people turn out for this particular show.
Theater fans might be interested in attending a show at the Star’s Theatre Restaurant, located at 1931 Chester Ave. “Two for the Show” will be playing during spring break and tickets cost about $50.
According to John Hinzo, who works at the Star’s Theatre Restaurant, “Two for the Show” is a two lounge singer type of act and is appropriate for all ages.
Robin Albany, 22, said she would probably attend this show. “I go to plays all the time,” said Albany. “It’s fun for me.”
Bowling is one activity that could involve multiple people. Regency Bowling Lanes offers Cosmic Bowling on the weekends, which lasts until 1:30 a.m. Frisbee can be an exciting activity if the weather is nice enough. On Truxtun Avenue across from Woody’s, there is an area set up for Frisbee enthusiasts.
There’s always the option of throwing a party.
Allison Clark, who has thrown some pool parties in past years.
Also, many students choose to spend the week with friends.
Ben Warren, 20, said his church is open during that week which allows him to spend time with friends who come back from college.
“We always go to the gym and play sports,” said Warren.
Sometimes nothing beats hanging out with old friends.
“[We] talk about old times. Talk about what they’re doing now with their lives,” said Greg Rizo, 21. Rizo went on to say that he played sports with his old friends at Hart Park and Lake Ming. “You have a lot of fun. It’s like a stress reliever,” he said.
Whether going to bars, or hanging out with friends, there appears to be a little something for everyone to do in Bakersfield.