Fox Theater, Bakersfield (must see)

The Fox Theater has been a central hub for performing arts since it opened on Christmas Day in 1930. Renowned for its architectural charm and cultural significance, the theater has hosted a wide array of performances, from ballets to contemporary pop and rock acts, making it a vibrant fixture in Bakersfield's arts and entertainment scene.

The Fox Theater's inaugural feature was "Just Imagine," a science fiction film set 50 years in the future. The 1930s marked a golden era for the theater, with its screen showcasing the latest "talkie" films and its stage graced by notable performers. These included Metropolitan Opera baritone Lawrence Tibbett, soprano Kirsten Flagstad, the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra, and pianist Arthur Rubinstein. The theater's robust Type I construction, consisting of poured concrete over steel, enabled it to withstand the devastating 1952 earthquake that leveled many buildings in Bakersfield, further cementing its legacy as a resilient and enduring cultural landmark.

Today, the Fox Theater remains the heart of Downtown Bakersfield's arts and entertainment district. It is home to FLICS, Bakersfield's acclaimed foreign film program, which runs annually from fall through spring and features the best foreign films of the past year. The theater continues to attract a variety of music stars, such as Cyndi Lauper, Olivia Newton-John, and Switchfoot, while also hosting local dance recitals and performing arts events, including the Russian ballet. This diverse programming ensures that the Fox Theater remains a beloved venue for both residents and visitors, celebrating the richness of Bakersfield's cultural heritage.