At the Corner of History and Hope: The Woolworth Building Grand Opening Block Party
The Woolworth Building is reopening its doors with a citywide celebration in downtown Bakersfield. Join us on Saturday, October 25, as 19th and K Streets transform into a community block party filled with live music, local makers, and neighborhood partners. Experience the return of a Bakersfield landmark and the spirit of connection that has always defined this corner of history and hope.
After years of restoration, The Woolworth Building is ready to reopen its doors to Bakersfield. Once a cornerstone of downtown life in the 1950s, it now stands renewed as a space for connection, creativity, and community.
To mark this moment, the team behind Woolworth’s is hosting a Grand Opening Block Party on Saturday, October 25, in the heart of downtown. 19th Street, from Chester to L Street, and K Street, from 18th to 20th, will be closed to traffic and open to celebration. The event will feature live music, local food, and participation from dozens of makers, performers, and community partners who reflect the creativity and character of Bakersfield today.
A Community Celebration
The afternoon begins with live jazz as guests gather and the block fills with energy. An official ceremony will follow, guided by MC Jim Scott, with remarks from Mayor Karen Goh, Councilmember Andrae Gonzales, members of the City Historic Preservation Commission, and Dr. Gregory Tatum, introduced by Emprezz. Together, they will lead the ribbon-cutting to commemorate this milestone for downtown Bakersfield.
Voices and Performances
Following the ceremony, the Adult and Youth Choir, directed by James Tyson of Compassion Church Academy, will fill 19th Street with song. The choir includes more than 150 participants, joined by special guest Bill LoMax.
The program continues with spoken word by Keyne D’Var and a lineup of local talent. Performers include Devyn Brinsfield, Crimson Skye, The Hate Drugs, Buddha’s Beef, and Mento Buru, who will close the evening. Between musical sets, comedians DJ Johnson and Daniel Betts, along with Baile Folklórico Mi Pasión and other dancers, will help keep the rhythm and flow throughout the day.
What You’ll Find Along the Block
From Chester to L Street and along K from 18th to 20th, the downtown blocks will become a pedestrian experience filled with creativity, conversation, and community. Visitors can explore an open-air market of local makers, vintage curators, and artisans offering handmade jewelry, apparel, art, home goods, plants, and wellness products.
Alongside the vendors, local organizations will host booths sharing resources, stories, and opportunities to connect. From neighborhood initiatives to educational programs and cultural partners, this section of the event highlights the people who are shaping Bakersfield’s future while honoring its history.
Built Together
The Grand Opening Block Party reflects the work of many people and organizations. It is led by Melissa Elizalde and the team at The Eligon, with production support throughout the event. Purveyor Branding Co. developed the brand identity, marketing, and storytelling. The Downtown Business Association, represented by Cathy Butler and Vanessa Shaw, coordinated speakers and community outreach. The City of Bakersfield, through Rick Anthony and Megan Simpson, provided logistical support and in-kind resources. Kern County Vintage Flea, directed by Ashley Bobadilla, organized vendors and volunteers, with Eligon Services Private Security managing on-site safety and Joy Camel of Noor Studios documenting the day.
What to Expect
Visitors can explore vendor booths, meet local makers, visit community partners, and enjoy performances that bring together every corner of Bakersfield’s creative community. The newly reopened Luncheonette will be serving, and the day will offer something for everyone, from live performances and local goods to the simple joy of gathering downtown.
This event is free and open to all. Join us on 19th Street as we celebrate the next chapter of a Bakersfield landmark and the people who continue to give it purpose.
About the Historic Woolworth’s Building
Located in downtown Bakersfield, the Woolworth’s building houses the last functioning Woolworth’s lunch counter in America. First opened in 1950, it represents decades of community gathering, retail innovation, and American social history. Today, the building is preparing to reopen as a community hub that honors its layered past while building toward its future. The building is locally owned and operated.
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Questions? Please contact press@historicwoolworths.com
