The arts thrive in Tehachapi.
Downtown Tehachapi is filled with local arts and artisans, and venues like the VeeKay Theatre keep Tehachapi’s performing arts spirit alive. The Tehachapi Mountain Festival may draw the biggest crowds, but there’s plenty of equally fascinating arts and culture happenings throughout the year.
Live music is thriving in Tehachapi, with concerts year-round to suit every taste, and Bear Valley Springs also offers residents and guests a variety of live entertainment to enjoy.
From orchestras to intimate house concerts, open mics and jam sessions, our hills are alive with music. In addition to traditional venues, you can find live entertainment at local wine tasting rooms and breweries.
Concerts and Live Music
If you love classical music, the Tehachapi Symphony Orchestra is sure to satisfy your taste buds. This award-winning orchestra performs a variety of concerts throughout the year at Country Oaks Baptist Church (20915 Schout Road). The non-profit symphony completed its 25th season in 2024 and is funded entirely by private donations. For more information, visit tehachapiorchestra.com.
Tehachapi also has a fun “pops” community ensemble. TPOPS (Tehachapi Pops Orchestra) features musicians of all ages and levels, and students can learn to play in the orchestra with teachers and professionals. Anyone who can play an orchestral instrument is invited to pull out their violin, horn or cello from the closet and join. For more information, call Mountain Music at 661-823-9994.
Once a downtown concert venue, Fiddler’s Crossing has been transformed into a summer house concert series, showcasing the best in (mostly) acoustic music, including Celtic, jazz, Americana and more, performed by world-class touring musicians. From June through October, evening concerts take place outdoors, creating a dreamy atmosphere beneath the trees and twinkling lights. House concerts are invitation-only, with a donation to the artist paid at the door. To request an invitation and get directions, visit fiddlerscrossing.com. In 2024, Fiddler’s Crossing has added a “spoken word” open mic night to its lineup.
Another outdoor house concert venue, Casa Con Tiki in Stallion Springs, features singer/songwriters from around the country. Music ranges from tropical rock and indie folk to country, classic rock and other Americana genres. Visit casacontiki.com for schedules, addresses and invitations.
Local Tehachapi wineries, breweries and other venues also host live music events, including open mics and jam sessions. Check their websites for schedules and information.
First Friday
Downtown Tehachapi is a popular destination for visitors on the first Friday of each month, when attendees can immerse themselves in the arts at the First Friday Art Walk and Artist Reception, held in historic downtown locations.
Tehachapi Arts Center
Tehachapi Art Center (formerly Tehachapi Treasure Trove) is now a co-op for artists and creatives of all types, including writers. It’s a treasure trove of knick-knacks, décor and art supplies that can be put to use in one of the many classes at the center, located at 116 E. Tehachapi Blvd. You’ll also find books by local artists and basic mountain music supplies. Jewelry repair services, including watch battery replacement, are available on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. To see the class schedule, visit their Facebook page at facebook.com/TehachapiArtsCenter. The center hosts a First Friday Fun Festival on the first Friday of every month. For more information, call 661-822-6794.
Tehachapi Art Commission
The Tehachapi Arts Commission was established in 2019 under the umbrella of the Greater Tehachapi Economic Development Council and became an independent nonprofit in 2023. Its activities include sponsoring a juried art show each July, hosting renowned artists from around the country and public art projects. For more information, visit artstehachapi.org.
Gallery & Gifts
Gallery ‘N’ Gifts is a Tehachapi Valley Arts Association cooperative that sells a variety of fine decor items in the front of the store and displays a variety of artworks in the gallery at the back of the store. Gallery ‘N’ Gifts also sells a variety of gift items, including handmade scented candles, hand-sewn quilts, pottery, fine bath and body products, beaded and precious metal jewelry, and woodwork. The store sponsors numerous community events each year, including the Arts & Handcrafts Festival, youth art contests, Chalk on the Walk in August, photography contests, and silent auctions. The gallery is located at 100 W. Tehachapi Blvd. at Green Street and is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, call 661-822-6062 or visit galleryyngifts.org.
BK Theatre
BK Theatre (110 S. Greene Street) was Tehachapi’s first neon-lit building. Built in 1932 and restored in 2008, the theater is home to the Tehachapi Community Theatre Association (TCTA), a nonprofit that presents a variety of plays and other live shows each year. A highlight of the season is the Playwrights Festival, where national and international playwrights can submit unperformed works for production and awards, and novice theatre performers have the opportunity to discover their talents alongside TCTA veterans. For more information, visit tctonstage.com.
Hitching Post Theatre
If you want to catch the latest releases on the big screen, head to Tehachapi Hitching Post Theatre, a multi-screen complex at the corner of Greene and F Streets. For more information, visit thptheater.com.
Watching a movie in the park
For movie fans who don’t want to stay indoors on summer evenings, the Tehachapi Valley Recreation & Park District is hosting summer movies in local parks. For more information and screening schedules, visit the Tehachapi Valley Recreation & Park District website at tvrpd.org.