It's awesome to see the Marketplace busy and fully utilized. I stoped by recently for Via Arté, which is a yearly chalk festival hosted at The Marketplace in October by the Bakersfield Museum of Art. It is one of my favorite yearly events. The Marketplace shuts down a portion of the parking lot for the entire weekend so artists can decorate it in chalk artwork. Though it is worth noting it was still super easy to find parking. I went multiple times throughout the weekend to catch the artists as they create their artwork as well as the final masterpieces. The event was consistently buzzing throughout the weekend with Sunday definitely being the biggest part of the celebration. The Marketplace is currently under construction. They are renovating the courtyard and adding a water feature. Longtime Bakersfieldians will fondly recall the old fountain in its glory days. It is exciting to have a new feature a part of the renovation. I hope the courtyard comes together nicely. There have also been a few new additions to the Marketplace's list of storefronts and dining options. The movie theater has received some recent major renovations as well. I look forward to trying all the new businesses and wish them all full success. I remember when the marketplace was consistently buzzing in a similar way it does every year for Via Arté. The Marketplace has been in a little bit of a transition phase as some of the old time favorite businesses left or closed, and The Marketplace found new businesses to call it home. There are good signs the Marketplace is headed for an exciting new chapter. I'll be here rooting for this longtime community staple to continue to be a fantastic third space for locals and visitors of all ages. read more

I've always loved the marketplace! I love the open space and all the stores and eateries. There are a variety of stores and whatever you're craving, the market place has! There is tons of parking. You can just chill at the water fountain on one of the benches and crowd watch. My girls love to go to Rocket Fizz, there is so much cool candy and stuff in there. My eye doctor is part of the Marketplace. Ulta, pilates, Edward's and so much more. Plus they have free concerts going on right now every Thursday. People bring their chairs, coolers and dogs. I love it! There is so much more to say about The Marketplace but it truly speaks for itself! read more

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As you can tell it's been years since this area has gotten reviews. It's really sad, because this use to be the major place to eat, shop, watch a movie, or just hang out. Through the years businesses have came and went. Some really great businesses. Now the city or whoever owns this area has just let it get run down. I'm writing this review because I just seen a commercial for river lakes shopping area, and it reminded me how the marketplace use to be. Now don't get me wrong, Bakersfield is growing and we are getting a lot more shopping centers. But I'm just wondering why is the city of Bakersfield allowing this place to get run down. Especially because the area it's in. But what can you expect when it started many years ago from the east side heading west. They have allowed new businesses to be built only to forget about them and move on to the next bigger and better projects. Example the movie theater, very run down. The seats suck, the service is horrible, and it sticks as soon as you walk in. The landscape needs to be updated for the whole center. However they do have a few great restaurants. All the great boutiques have left. (I hear the rent/lease is outrageously high), I don't understand why they would put a sola salon next to essentials that has been there forever. Really hope someone starts investing back in to this place. read more

This plaza is located in SW Bakersfield. I visit this plaza often since we live nearby. There's so many little shops in this area, you can pretty much find anything you need here. Some of my favorite restaurants are found here. The Marketplace always stays clean and up to date. My favorite time to visit is definitely during Via Arte. There's definitely lots of things to do here for everyone and there's always parking. Shops are easily accessible and this place keeps busy all week long. They don't only have boutiques and restaurants here, but you can find a grocery store, pharmacy, and other little department stores for your convenience. read more

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I just left there after a playoff football game with my girlfriend. Was. Vs Det. It was just before 10:00pm. Her stepdad is a 20 year Marine Veteran. As we stood there contemplating if one of us should go get the car, walking him out, i jokingly said maybe these guys will give us a ride to the car. What followed was a younger Mexican/Latin guy w/a short haircut giving me an extremely dirty look! So I asked him, "You have a problem with that"? He proceeded to tell me, "I don't give a fuck"! I was not serious About the request, but this young punk, should not be working in such a place if that's how he feels about our Nations Veterans. There was a young Black gentleman in a yellow vest standing right next to him. I told him he should be ashamed to stand next to such a piece of crap. It pissed me off immeasurably. I would have gone back if my girlfriend didn't prevent me. They know who was on the clock at that time. He needs to be reprimanded, if not fired. Makes me never wanna go there ever again if that's how they feel about our Nations Finest. The boyfriend of A.F. and proud American who will support our Veterans until the day I day. read more

Nice shopping center. Lots of shops and good quality restaurants to choose from. Includes a decent movie theater. Place is clean and not outdated. Not a bad place to spend the day with family or friends. read more

A nice place to go for a night out, grab lunch or even dinner. Landscaping is nice. Probably the nicest shopping center in Bakersfield really. The fountain, the flowers and greenery make it very beautiful, Teenybopper hangout on Friday and Saturday nights.. They seem to walk around aimlessly back and forth with their $2 rite aid ice creams Trying not to get a curfew vio from the security who is just waiting for 10pm. Movie theatre, a few nice restaurants, salon, a couple clothing stores, sportswear place, cleaners, fast food etc... Has a lot to offer here dining wise and entertainment wise. The Marketplace, 4 stars. read more

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I've been here so many times as a teenager and now as an adult. Most of the times I'm either going to Jamba Juice or the theater. I don't visit the restaurants here cause to be honest I tend to forget them. The environment is nice majority of the time except when it's jammed packed with the teeny boppers hanging out and some doing things they shouldn't. There are some good restaurants here like: Tahoe Joes, Johnny Garlics, Miyoshi and a few others. Behind the theater you also have Toro and Lengthwise. Besides that you also have nice stores to check out and be a window shopper if you're killing time waiting for your movie. This place is a great venue for a nice family evening especially is you have family from out of town. I would like to see some improvements like a small bowling alley. read more

The Marketplace - My boys laying down the pastel to the gravel. - Shopping Centers Near Me - Bakersfield, California

As most people in Bakersfield know, the Marketplace is an outdoor shopping center in Bakersfield. It's located on the corner of Ming Ave. and Haggin Oaks Boulevard. This is a nice place to hangout when the temperature is not too hot. Of course, you can always cool off with ice cream from Coldstone Creamery or Rite Aid. I believe their is also a new Yogurt Zone, but no more Baskin Robbins. After strolling and browsing the shopping center, it's cool to spend some time by the fountains at the center of the Marketplace. There are plenty of restaurants and shops. The places we frequent the most would be Tahoe Joes, Jamba Juice, Coldstone Creamery, and Applebees. Edwards Cinema seems to be the spot that attracts the most people. It's not the best movie theater in town, but it's not the worst either. Overall, I am a fan of the Marketplace. When the outside temperature is not overbearingly hot and the air not so polluted, the Marketplace is an awesome place to visit in Bakersfield. read more

I love coming to the market place when the weather is nice, they're are a variety of apps and restaurants to choose from. Love that I can have a drink, watch a movie, have a meal, and maybe do a little shopping all in one place and it's not inside a mall. Loved bringing the kids there when they were younger. Loved the little events they hold, from chalk street art, to the tree lighting ceremonies. It gets crowded at times, and some times the crowd isn't the kind of crowd you want to be around. No fault of The Make Place. Security is getting better with dealing people and/or kids that wasn't too act like fools. Come when they have music at the fountain! it's really cool to see people and socialize. Again, always better when it's cooler... It's a great place to have here in Bako! I hope it stays that way... read more

The Marketplace - So nice you as long as you're in the shade! - Shopping Centers Near Me - Bakersfield, California

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Theaters, restaurants, smoothies and coffee, upscale shopping, and even summer concerts by the fountain make for a four star experience most of the time. If you want to take a date out for dinner and a movie this is the most convenient spot in town. There are a wide variety of food options from sitdown restaurants (Tahoe Joe's, Mama Tosca's, Johnny Garlic, Lengthwise, Just Wing It, Johnny Rockets, Que Pasa, Toro Sushi, and Applebee's) to more casual order at the counter and sit indoors or at the tables out by the fountain options (Baja Fresh, Camille's, Me & Ed's Pizza, China Bistro, Carl's Jr., and Miyosh) you'll find something to suit everyone's taste, budget, and time constraints. Don't forget to finish off your meal with dessert at Coldstone Creamery, Yogurt Zone, or Rite Aid for frozen treats or go to Me & Ed's and order their HUGE fresh baked cookie. This is seriously the size of an individual pizza and comes steaming hot fresh from their ovens. There are a number of upscale clothing and accessory boutiques including, but not limited to Talbot's, Charming Charlie's, Victoria's, Bella, Chico's, White House Black Market, and Soma's Intimates. Even the fellas can get in on the action at Kaur Boutique and Jos. A Bank. I could happily wander around in Williams Sonoma all day, though I'd probably have to take out a second mortgage to purchase anything. Feel like spoiling yourself? You can get your nails done at Royal nails or let the people at Massage Envy or Essentiels Spa et Beaute spoil you, and spoil you they will. Don't forget Edwards Cinema. It's part of the Regal Cinema Family so get your Regal Rewards card and start earning free movies, popcorn, and other rewards. All the COOL kids are doing it. During the summer (June, July, and August) The Marketplace sponsors live music concerts by the fountain every Thursday night starting at 7:00 for your listening and dancing pleasure. They feature a variety of popular local bands playing all different types of music (pop, blues, jazz, funk, top 40, soul, Motown - you name it). On the practical side, you can go grocery shopping at Vons or pick of a variety of cosmetics and over the counter medications at Rite Aid. So HOW could I possibly not rate this amazing little shopping center five stars with all of these amazing attributes. Well, unfortunately it has become a hangout on Friday and Saturday nights for teenagers who are walking, running, and giggling everywhere. I have seen an increased security presence on these nights, yet my friend's 14 year old daughter was jumped and attacked by three teenagers she had never even met. Yes, the mom was not thrilled to receive a call from the police telling her that her daughter had been beat up while hanging out there with her friends. This mall is probably pretty safe for ADULTS to frequent, but I wouldn't let your teenager go there unaccompanied. All in all - a great shopping experience here in Bakersfield. PS - Feeling guilty I left out the store I frequent the most - ULTA has a great selection of cosmetics and hair, bath, and body products and their sales associates are helpful and knowledgeable. See my review of them for more deets. read more

Oh the Market Place...how you define pathetic at it's best. The Market Place is a local hangout/shopping center in the southwest of Bakersfield. It's main attractions are the Edwards movie theater and the Starbucks. These two popular teen attractions, along with a Cold Stone, Baskin Robins, and Russo's Bookstore add to youthful appeal. Now lets get down to brass tacks...this is the best place to fuck with people while figuring out your rassoodocks what to do with the evening. Over my course of attending this place on numerous occasions over the years, I have: made out behind bushes, ate a girls vomit off the ground, participated in the Episode 3 opening night, made fun of nerds dressed like Lord of the Rings when the movies came out, had my first Orange Mocha Frappachino (a life changing experience), yelled belligerently at rice rockets, screamed at jail bait, and got kicked out of Rite Aid for being obnoxious and not buying magazines. TIPS FOR BEING A DOUCHE (jail bait edition): Jail bait has a 10pm curfew, so if you don't want to be bothered by them, go after 10. However, this prompts fun to be had. You can yell any variation of the following from any source (car window, car window + bull horn, car mounted PA, etc.): (20 minutes prior to 10pm) "ATTENTION ALL JAIL BAIT, ATTENTION ALLL JAIL BAIT! YOU HAVE APPROXIMATELY 20 MINUTES TILL CURFEW, SO WHIP OUT YOUR GEM EMBROIDERED RAZOR, CALL YOUR PARENTS, AND HIKE YOUR LITTLE UG BOOTS INTO MOM'S SUV. MYSPACE IS WAITING FOR YOU AT HOME." or (when security tells them to leave) "Yeah that's right jail bait, get the FUCK home! NIGHTY NIGHT!! KEEP THE HYMEN TIGHT!!" TIPS FOR BEING A DOUCHE (rice rocket/bro-dozers edition): Best place to heckle these dodes is from the Starbucks patio section, since they like to rev their shitty engines and race down in front of it. You can yell anything at them really, it doesn't matter what it is. My favorites are: "TOO FAST TOO GAY!" "BROOOOOOOOOOOOoooooooo!!!" (said like the "NOOoo!" in Episode 3) or "YOUR CAR SUCKS SHIT!!" Every bro takes their date to the Market Place and bores them to death, sporting their popped up collar and open toed shoes. Hitting on their girlfriend in front of them wont pose a problem; they're usually too passive to do anything about it, and likewise ego shot that their girl is giving you more attention than their $80 Ambercrombie outfit. Plan accordingly, and rip through the opposition. read more

Restaurants, shopping, movies, activities for the kids, farmers market, what more could you ask for? They even have an outdoor concert series during the summer. The really should have taken parking into consideration when they were building all of these shops though. A lot of times I find myself circling around looking for a place to park. read more

The market place is a great place for friends and safe for families...there's lots to choose from for eating and decent shopping...it's great for a movie date or dinner and ice cream...always like coming here for a relaxing time by the fountain with some frozen yogurt or a nice hot coffee. read more

The Marketplace - At lengthwise...food is great and the service is fast...nice night to be out with friends - Shopping Centers Near Me - Bakersfield, California

One of the nicer shopping areas in Bake-town. Lots of eateries to choose from, and there's a movie theater here! We come to the Marketplace at least once a month, if not more since there's a movie theater and we enjoy the chicken wings at Just Wing It! :) Plenty of seating available outdoors, and just a great place for families and date nights. read more

The Marketplace is a really nice place for shopping and eating. Some of my favorite stores are in this center and there are lots of places to eat. The theater is nice with a lot of choices available. read more

How does this place only have two reviews? This is an interesting blend of businesses in one shopping center: groceries, pharmacy, clothing, jenny craig, book store, movies, and food. Its kept up pretty well and is usually pretty relaxed on weekdays. Weekends aer full: of a. regular people b. dumb high school kids or c. People drunk from the bars. The people on the weekend give this place three stars. As a side note i hate their speed bumps they are really big and will scrap the bottom of your car if its low like mine... read more

The Marketplace - Shopping Centers Near Me - Bakersfield, California

Great and safe place to eat with the family. They have the best Security I've ever seen at any shopping center. I spoke to one by the name of Joshua. I've never spoken to such a professional and intelligent security officer in my life. I honestly think that guy should just become a police officer instead. I will keep coming back to The Marketplace. Rockin Crawfish is delicious. read more

Good place to hang out with family and friends, it gets 4 stars because they took some of the best food places to eat there, also the couple last times we were there seemed to be a guy just walking around people staring at them and smoking around kids, it feel somewhat harassing since he kept walking close to us and other people as well, and staring and making weird eye contact, I felt unsafe and left. read more

Near my house and has all the essentials for a place to just hangout. Restaurants, shops, theater, coffee or cafe shops and ample parking. We usually go to Applebee's, Edwards theater, ultra, charming Charlie or china bistro. read more

Best place to bring visitors. The outside tables by Baja Fresh, Starbucks and Jamba juice have a European Square feel with the classical music playing. The central fountain at the Marketplace is a gathering place for the outdoor higher end shopping center. In the summer there are concerts by the fountain. Many restaurants. read more

The Marketplace - Outdoor tables by Baja Fresh has a European square feel. - Shopping Centers Near Me - Bakersfield, California

This review is for their free concerts by the fountain at the Marketplace that they have every Thursday night between 7 and 9 p.m. during the months of June, July and August. Yes it is hot but we went tonight to hear The Fat Daddy Blues Band. While it started out warm a nice cool breeze came up around 9 or so. There were lots of people there either sitting on available benches or even bringing their own folding chairs. The age range ran the complete gamut from babies to the elderly. Some even exhibited their dancing skills for the enjoyment of all there. And of course there was plenty of food from surrounding restaurants. We went for a couple of great root beer floats from Johnny Rocket. Free entertainment is worth it's weight in gold around Bakersfield. read more

Cute little place to have lunch, watch movies, shop, and there's the beautiful fountain that everyone always takes pix in front of. I like this place a lot :) read more

I love the Marketplace but the sidewalks and windows around the closed up Baskin-Robins look filthy and run down. Who is supposed to clean?

I believe if more retailers interacted with the public, it would've been deliciously a better experience. No aromatic taste from anyone. A lost opportunity. read more

Great hangout for both high school and college students alike. Love the music concerts in the summer.

Love the Thursday night concerts at The Marketplace. Good for the community and good for the businesses. It's so rare to find a shopping center that actually has culture these days. It's a safe place for families and, like one reviewer commented, they have improved security to keep the idiots and wild teens at bay. Definitely one of Bakersfield's best shopping centers. read more

This is a review from an outsider's P.O.V. My friend and I were looking for a nice place to walk around and do a little shopping, noting that Bakersfield appears a bit wanting for such places. The Marketplace is a very pretty mega-mini-mall-type complex. It is a standard mini-mall on one side, complete with Vons and a dry cleaners; and higher-end shop complex on the other side, with an Edwards Theater and some eateries in the middle. The meh comes from the shopping choices. They are, for the most part, geared toward a more mature audience; and save for White House Black Market, I felt very out-of-place as a 36-year-old. There aren't many shops, either--so I'd say our visit was pretty much done in an hour. I understand that there is a place nearby called the Valley Plaza Mall--it may be that we would have had more shopping options there. But The Marketplace sorta reminds me of a really pretty cupcake that's ends up being dry on the inside. It appears a lot more satisfying than it ends up being, and you leave empty(-handed). read more

Great center with a little bit of everything. Not sure why they have a Cold Stone Creamery AND a yogurt shop side by side but Cold Stone is a definite must after a movie. My wife loves the shopping, the staff at apricot lane really goes beyond your average boutique. read more