Our Market Grounds
 

The Kern County Swap Meet is proudly located at the Kern County Fairgrounds in Bakersfield, California. For more than 40 years, our market has welcomed families, shoppers, collectors, bargain hunters, and small business owners from throughout Kern County and beyond.
 

Unlike a traditional shopping center, the Kern County Swap Meet is a true outdoor marketplace. Our spacious open-air layout provides room for hundreds of vendors offering everything from fresh produce and clothing to collectibles, tools, household goods, food, and unique treasures waiting to be discovered.
 

A Traditional Outdoor Market Experience
 

One of the first things visitors notice is our natural dirt surface. While it may be different from a paved shopping center, it is actually part of the authentic outdoor market experience that has defined swap meets and fairgrounds for generations.
 

The well-traveled pathways, footprints, and tire tracks are part of the character and history of an outdoor marketplace. They are a reminder that you are visiting a community gathering place where people come together to buy, sell, trade, and connect.
 

Cooler During Hot Summer Days

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There is also a practical benefit to our dirt surface. During Bakersfield's summer heat, asphalt can become extremely hot, often reaching temperatures of 140 to 160 degrees or more on a 100-degree day. That heat radiates back into the air, making the surrounding area feel even hotter.
 

Natural dirt surfaces remain significantly cooler, helping create a more comfortable environment for shoppers and vendors spending the day outdoors.
 

Easy Access and Plenty of Space

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Our location offers convenient access, ample parking, wide vendor aisles, and room to explore at your own pace. Whether you're searching for a hard-to-find collectible, enjoying local food vendors, shopping for everyday essentials, or simply spending time with family and friends, the Kern County Swap Meet offers a unique experience that can't be found in a traditional retail setting.
 

A Kern County Tradition Since 1984
 

Since opening in 1984, the Kern County Swap Meet has remained a place where generations of families have gathered to create memories, support local vendors, and discover great deals.
 

And for those wondering why we haven't paved the entire market, trust me, I've asked the Fairgrounds in the past when I first started as manager in 2007, and a few times since. But with the cost of paving an area this large, well... so far, the dirt is still winning.

Besides, after more than 40 years, it just wouldn't feel quite like the Kern County Swap Meet without a little dust on your shoes.
 

— Derrick Odland, President