Bakersfield has a real-deal car scene: classic chrome cruising the streets, lifted trucks heading out toward the hills, and weekend meetups where you can walk a parking lot and see everything from vintage Volkswagens to modern Corvettes. If you’re new to the area (or just want to get more plugged in), joining a local car club is one of the fastest ways to find shows, cruise nights, charity events, and people who actually want to talk shop without rushing you.
Below are some of the most active ways to connect with Bakersfield’s car community—whether you’re into classics, performance, trucks, imports, or just good coffee and a great turnout.
Bakersfield Car Club Council
If you want a “hub” for the local scene, this is it. The Bakersfield Car Club Council is a nonprofit that represents and supports local car clubs, and it’s been serving the Kern County car community for decades. What that means for you: they’re often connected to major local shows, coordinated cruise events, and community-facing gatherings where multiple clubs show up in one place. If you’re trying to meet people quickly and figure out what kinds of clubs exist locally, their event calendar and large-show presence can point you in the right direction.
Bakersfield Cars and Coffee
Not everyone wants a formal membership right away—and that’s where Bakersfield Cars and Coffee shines. This is the kind of meet where you can roll in with a fully built project, a pristine classic, or a daily driver you’re proud of, then spend an hour swapping stories and picking up ideas. It’s also one of the easiest places to network because you’ll see all kinds of sub-groups: off-road folks, Euro enthusiasts, muscle car owners, and first-time car show attendees all in the same mix. If you’re hoping to “test the waters” before joining a specific club, start here.
Corvettes of Bakersfield
If you’re a Corvette owner—or you’ve got “someday” plans—Corvettes of Bakersfield is a strong community option. Corvette clubs tend to blend social drives with organized events, and this one is no exception, with an emphasis on get-togethers and local involvement. It’s a good fit if you enjoy structured meetups (think planned routes, group meals, and meet-and-greets) and you’d like a club that keeps an eye on community and charity participation, too.
Klassic Dubs
Bakersfield has a dedicated vintage VW crowd, and Klassic Dubs is one of the clearest examples. If you’re into air-cooled culture, vintage restorations, or you just love the laid-back vibe that comes with classic Volkswagen ownership, this club is worth a look. VW clubs are also great for learning: people tend to share parts sources, wrenching tips, and “what to check before you buy” knowledge pretty freely. It’s a friendly lane for beginners and seasoned builders alike.
Outlawz CC
Some clubs are all about trophies. Others are about people who like helping each other build—and Outlawz CC leans into that second vibe. Their public description emphasizes friends working on projects together and enjoying a wide variety of cars. If you’ve got a vehicle that’s mid-build (or you’re itching to start one), a group like this can be valuable because it’s more about community and momentum than perfection. It’s also a good reminder that Bakersfield’s car culture isn’t one-style-only—there’s room for nearly every taste.
Carnales Unidos Car Club
Lowrider and traditional car club culture has deep roots throughout California, and Carnales Unidos Car Club is one of the names you’ll see connected to major local celebrations. Big anniversary shows and “super show” style events are a hallmark of this part of the community—high effort builds, serious pride in presentation, and a strong sense of tradition. Even if you’re not building a lowrider yourself, attending these events is a great way to appreciate the craftsmanship and connect with a different side of Bakersfield’s scene.
Conclusion
No matter what you drive, the best part of Bakersfield’s car clubs is how they turn a solo hobby into a shared one—more drives, more events, more advice when you’re stuck, and more reasons to actually enjoy your vehicle instead of just commuting in it.
When you’re ready to take the next step—whether that’s upgrading to a newer ride, checking out trucks and performance options, or getting service from a team that understands car people—stop by Jim Burke Ford. We’d love to help you find something you’ll be excited to bring to the next meetup.
