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RangeFest 2026 Bakersfield: A Must-Attend Event for Firearms Enthusiasts
Aug
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If you spend most of your time researching rifles, optics, handguns, ammunition, and AR-15 parts online, RangeFest 2026 offers something completely different: the opportunity to get away from the screen and experience the firearms industry firsthand.
On Saturday, September 19, 2026, RangeFest returns to 5-Dogs Shooting Range in Bakersfield, California, bringing together firearms manufacturers, shooters, families, veterans, local businesses, and some of the biggest brands in the industry for a full day outdoors.
Presented by Dirty Bird Guns & Ammo, RangeFest combines live-fire shooting opportunities with manufacturer displays, food, drinks, music, giveaways, family activities, and a major charity raffle benefiting Operation Second Chance.
For firearms enthusiasts, though, one of the biggest reasons to attend is simple: few places offer this much gear in one spot.
Experience the Firearms Industry Beyond the Gun Counter
Shopping for firearms and accessories usually involves a lot of research.
You can read specifications, compare barrel lengths, look at trigger pull weights, watch product videos, and spend hours debating optics online. Those things help, but they can’t completely replace actually using a product.
RangeFest allows attendees to experience firearms and equipment from participating manufacturers in a live range environment.
Instead of simply looking at a rifle or handgun behind a counter, you may be able to experience how different platforms actually handle, compare recoil between calibers, look through different optics under real outdoor conditions, and talk directly with representatives who know the products.
For shooters who are constantly upgrading rifles or planning their next build, that kind of firsthand experience can be extremely valuable.
Shoot Everything From Handguns to Long-Range Rifles
RangeFest isn’t limited to one type of shooting.
Throughout the event, 5-Dogs Shooting Range will open multiple shooting areas, giving attendees opportunities to experience several different shooting disciplines.
Depending on the participating manufacturer and station, attendees can expect opportunities involving:
- Handguns
- AR-style rifles
- Modern sporting rifles
- Precision rifles
- Long-range rifles
- Shotguns
- Sporting clays
- Specialty firearms
Rifle shooting will extend to targets at approximately 325 yards. At the same time, dedicated areas will allow attendees to experience pistol shooting, shotgun clays, precision platforms, and some of the more powerful cartridges you don’t necessarily shoot during an average range trip.
Whether you’re primarily an AR-15 shooter or you’ve always wanted to spend some time behind a precision rifle or shotgun, RangeFest provides an opportunity to branch out.
Meet Major Firearms and Optics Brands
RangeFest also gives attendees something that online shopping can’t provide: direct interaction with the companies behind the products.
The 2026 event features participation and support from an impressive group of firearms, ammunition, optics, accessory, and outdoor companies.
Hornady is the Official Ammo Sponsor for RangeFest 2026.
Platinum Sponsors include:
- Vortex Optics
- Breek Arms
- Haddad Dodge
Additional firearms and outdoor brands participating in or supporting RangeFest include names such as:
- EOTECH
- Beretta
- Benelli
- Springfield Armory
- Q
- Walther
- Smith & Wesson
- Leupold
- CMMG
- Flip Defense
- IWI
- Savage
For an enthusiast, seeing products from multiple manufacturers in one day makes comparisons much easier.
You can ask questions, learn about new products, see what different companies are working on, and potentially experience equipment you’ve been considering for your own rifle or next build.
An Event Built Around the Firearms Community
RangeFest isn’t meant to feel like a traditional trade show.
No convention-center walls separate manufacturers from attendees. Instead, the event puts everyone together at an actual shooting range where products can be experienced the way they were intended to be used.
That creates an environment where experienced shooters can talk shop, newer shooters can learn, manufacturers can interact directly with customers, and families can enjoy a day outdoors together.
The event will also feature local organizations, vendors, food, drinks, music, activities, and a live broadcast from KUZZ 107.9.
The Kern County Sheriff’s Department is scheduled to attend from 8:00 AM until 12:00 PM, giving attendees another opportunity to interact with members of the local community.
You don’t have to spend every minute shooting either. Plenty will be happening throughout the property for attendees who want to explore the booths, grab food, listen to music, check out gear, or enjoy the day with friends and family.
Supporting Veterans Through Operation Second Chance
RangeFest 2026 also allows the firearms community to support an important cause.
A portion of proceeds from the RangeFest charity raffle will benefit Operation Second Chance, an organization that assists wounded, injured, and ill veterans and their families.
And this isn’t a small raffle.
The current prize lineup has a combined value of more than $23,000, with additional support coming from RangeFest sponsors and participating companies.
One of the largest donations comes from Vortex Optics, which contributed approximately $14,550 in optics, including a Razor HD Gen III valued at nearly $4,000.
Other prizes include items such as:
- Q Sugar Weasel
- Benelli Montefeltro 20-gauge shotgun
- Savage/Leupold rifle and optic package
- American Off-Road kids quad
- Daniel Defense products
- Firearms training
- Gun belts
- Gift certificates
- Outdoor gear
- Additional firearms and accessories
Raffle tickets are $10 each, and you do not have to be present to win.
That means even people who can’t attend RangeFest can still participate in the raffle and help support Operation Second Chance.
Bring the Family
RangeFest may have plenty to offer serious shooters, but it isn’t designed exclusively for hardcore firearms enthusiasts.
The event is being organized as a family-friendly outdoor community gathering with youth activities, vendors, food, drinks, music, sponsor displays, and other attractions throughout the day.
That makes RangeFest a full family outing, not just another trip to the range.
Experienced shooters can check out new firearms and equipment, while newer shooters can experience the range in a controlled environment with safety procedures and range personnel in place.
We will also provide eye and ear protection to attendees, with upgraded electronic hearing protection available for purchase at the event.
VIP or General Admission?
Both General Admission and VIP tickets are available.
General Admission begins at 9:00 AM and provides access to RangeFest, along with attendee benefits including shooting safety equipment, event swag, and access to activities throughout the property.
VIP attendees get in beginning at 8:00 AM and receive additional benefits such as:
- Early event access
- VIP lounge access
- Priority shooting opportunities
- Additional shooting tickets
- Upgraded swag
- Refreshments
- VIP raffle opportunities
VIP quantities are limited, so early ticket purchases are a good idea for anyone who wants the full RangeFest experience.
The official opening ceremony begins at 10:30 AM, and the event continues until 5:00 PM.
RangeFest 2026 FAQ
Before heading to RangeFest 2026, here are answers to some of the most common questions about tickets, shooting activities, VIP access, the raffle, and what to expect.
RangeFest 2026 takes place on Saturday, September 19, 2026, at 5-Dogs Shooting Range in Bakersfield, California. VIP entry begins at 8:00 AM, General Admission begins at 9:00 AM, and the event runs until 5:00 PM.
The event will be held at 5-Dogs Shooting Range in Bakersfield, California, giving attendees access to multiple shooting areas throughout the day.
Attendees can expect live-fire shooting opportunities, major firearms and optics brands, food, drinks, music, vendors, family activities, raffles, and opportunities to interact with the firearms community.
RangeFest will feature a variety of handguns, AR-style rifles, precision rifles, shotguns, long-range platforms, and specialty firearms. Available firearms may vary by participating sponsor and shooting station.
Yes. RangeFest is designed as a family-friendly outdoor event with youth activities, vendors, food, music, community organizations, and other attractions in addition to the shooting activities.
No. We will provide shooting safety equipment to attendees. Upgraded electronic hearing protection will also be available for purchase while supplies last.
The RangeFest charity raffle supports Operation Second Chance, which assists wounded, injured, and ill veterans and their families.
Raffle tickets are $10 each. You don’t need to attend RangeFest to buy raffle tickets, and you don’t need to be present to win.
VIP attendees receive early entry starting at 8:00 AM, plus additional benefits such as VIP lounge access, priority shooting opportunities, extra shooting tickets, upgraded swag, refreshments, and VIP raffle opportunities.
Tickets can be purchased online at RangeFest.com or in person at Dirty Bird Guns & Ammo, 2420 Mohawk St., Bakersfield, CA 93308.
Make the Trip to Bakersfield
For shooters who spend all year researching the newest rifles, AR-15 components, optics, handguns, ammunition, and accessories, RangeFest offers a chance to get real-world experience with the products and companies they follow.
But what makes the event interesting goes beyond the gear.
It’s an opportunity for the firearms community to spend a day together, introduce new shooters to the sport, interact directly with major manufacturers, support veterans, and enjoy everything from live-fire shooting to food, music, vendors, and family activities.
RangeFest 2026 takes place Saturday, September 19, 2026, at 5-Dogs Shooting Range in Bakersfield, California.
Tickets can be purchased online at RangeFest.com or in person at:
Dirty Bird Guns & Ammo
2420 Mohawk St.
Bakersfield, CA 93308
If you’re within driving distance of Bakersfield and want the chance to shoot new firearms, meet some of the industry’s biggest brands, check out new gear, and spend a full day with the firearms community, RangeFest 2026 deserves a spot on your calendar.