BAKERSFIELD, CA — After years of careful restoration, one of Bakersfield’s most beloved buildings opened its doors once again. The historic landmark Woolworth Building, home to the last remaining Woolworth’s lunch counter in the United States, is returning to life as a renewed landmark for the city—honoring its past while creating space for connection, creativity, and community.
19th Street was blocked off Saturday afternoon from Chester Ave. to L Street to allow for foot traffic only as several vendors were set up on the street selling their wares, live music and guest speakers were present on the directly in front of the entrance to the historic building that is open once again after a long renovation.
To celebrate this major civic milestone, the public was invited to the Woolworth Building Grand Opening Block Party Held in the heart of downtown, the event transformed 19th into a pedestrian block filled with music, food, vendors, and cultural programming.
According to organizers, the day was a memorable one for the many residents who attended. The building’s reopening represents a rare moment of preservation and progress. It brings new energy to downtown Bakersfield and offers a gathering place rooted in local history and built for the future.
The celebration included a formal ribbon-cutting by Bakersfield Mayor Karen Goh, performances from a citywide community choir, spoken word, live music, and a curated marketplace featuring local artisans and organizations. Guests were among the first to experience the reopening of the historic Luncheonette, which served a limited, but iconic menu during the event.
For the most up to date information visit:
www.historicwoolworths.com | @historicwoolworth | @historicluncheonette