Via Dirty Bird Guns & Ammo
RangeFest 2026 is set to return to Bakersfield on Saturday, September 19, bringing firearms manufacturers, shooters, families, veterans, law enforcement, and local businesses together at 5-Dogs Shooting Range.
Presented by Dirty Bird Guns & Ammo, the event will offer an entire day of shooting, product demonstrations, food, music, giveaways, family activities, and opportunities to interact directly with representatives from some of the firearm industry’s most recognizable brands.
RangeFest is designed for more than experienced shooters. New shooters, families, and attendees who simply want to enjoy a different kind of community event will find plenty to do away from the firing line. The event also will support Operation Second Chance, which assists wounded, injured, and ill veterans and their families.
RangeFest 2026 Date, Location, and Schedule
RangeFest 2026 will take place at 5-Dogs Shooting Range in Bakersfield, California.
The event schedule includes:
- 8:00 a.m.: VIP entry
- 9:00 a.m.: General admission entry
- 10:30 a.m.: Opening ceremony
- 5:00 p.m.: Event concludes
The opening ceremony will feature the Pledge of Allegiance, the National Anthem, and a prayer. It will serve as the official start of the day while bringing attendees, sponsors, veterans, first responders, and members of the Bakersfield community together.
The Kern County Sheriff’s Department is scheduled to be at RangeFest from 8:00 a.m. until noon, allowing attendees to meet and interact with department members.
A Wide Range of Shooting Experiences
RangeFest goes well beyond the experience of a typical trip to the range. Shooting stations located throughout the property will give attendees opportunities to handle and fire a broad selection of firearms under controlled range conditions.
Expected shooting opportunities include:
- Handguns
- AR-style rifles
- Long-range and precision rifles
- Shotguns and sporting clays
- Specialty firearms supplied by participating manufacturers
The available shooting areas will include pistol bays, shotgun clay stations, dedicated precision and magnum areas, and rifle targets placed at distances reaching approximately 325 yards.
This variety should give experienced shooters a chance to try something unfamiliar while providing new shooters with a structured introduction to different shooting disciplines. Safety procedures and equipment will be in place throughout the event.
Firearms Industry Manufacturers at RangeFest
One of the biggest reasons to attend RangeFest is the ability to interact directly with firearm, ammunition, optics, and accessory manufacturers.
Dirty Bird Guns & Ammo is the presenting sponsor, while 5-Dogs Shooting Range is serving as the venue sponsor. Hornady is the official ammunition sponsor and will help keep the event’s firing lines supplied throughout the day.
The event’s platinum sponsors include:
- Vortex Optics
- Breek Arms
- Haddad Dodge
RangeFest also will feature participation and support from a long list of nationally recognized firearms and outdoor companies, including:
- EOTECH
- Beretta
- Benelli
- Springfield Armory
- Q
- Walther
- Smith & Wesson
- Leupold
- CMMG
- Savage
- IWI
Local businesses and community organizations supporting the event include KUZZ 107.9, Action Sports, KC’s Steakhouse, Powers Firearm Training, Blue Collar Blade Company, Ladies of Liberty, Dionysus Brewing, American Off-Road, and Bakersfield Jeep.
KUZZ 107.9 also will broadcast live from RangeFest during the day.
Try Firearms and Gear Before Buying
Specifications, online reviews, and visits to a gun counter can help narrow down a purchase, but they cannot completely replace live-fire experience.
RangeFest gives attendees a rare opportunity to use products from multiple manufacturers during a single event. Shooters can compare different firearm platforms, calibers, optics, triggers, and accessories while speaking directly with knowledgeable company representatives.
This can be particularly useful for someone considering a new handgun, AR-style rifle, precision rifle, optic, or suppressor-compatible platform. Instead of relying entirely on photographs and product descriptions, attendees can see how different products perform on the range.
It also gives newer shooters a chance to discover which platforms feel comfortable and manageable before committing to a purchase.
Food, Music, Vendors, and Family Activities
Although shooting is a major part of RangeFest, attendees will not need to spend the entire day on the firing line.
Food, drinks, music, vendors, youth-friendly activities, sponsor exhibits, and other attractions will be available throughout the event. A DJ and the live KUZZ broadcast will provide entertainment as attendees move between the shooting areas and vendor displays.
RangeFest is intended to be a family-friendly community event. Family members who do not want to shoot can still enjoy the food, music, activities, displays, and relaxed outdoor atmosphere.
RangeFest Raffle Supports Operation Second Chance
RangeFest 2026 also includes a large charity raffle benefiting Operation Second Chance.
The announced prize collection is valued at more than $23,000 and continues to grow as sponsors and supporters contribute additional items. Available prizes include firearms, optics, outdoor equipment, accessories, firearm training, gift certificates, and other products.
Vortex Optics made one of the event’s largest contributions, donating approximately $14,550 in optics. That donation includes a Vortex Razor HD Gen III with a value approaching $4,000.
Other announced prizes include:
- Q Sugar Weasel
- Benelli Montefeltro 20-gauge shotgun
- Savage and Leupold rifle-and-optic package
- American Off-Road youth quad
- Daniel Defense products
- Firearm training
- Gun belts
- Gift certificates
- Additional firearms and accessories
Raffle tickets cost $10 each, and purchasers do not need to be present at RangeFest to win.
A portion of the raffle proceeds will benefit Operation Second Chance. The organization provides assistance to wounded, injured, and ill veterans and their families, making the raffle an opportunity to win valuable gear while supporting an important mission.
General Admission and VIP Tickets
RangeFest 2026 offers both general admission and VIP ticket options.
General admission provides entry to the event and includes safety equipment such as eye and ear protection, event merchandise, and other attendee benefits. Upgraded hearing protection also will be available for purchase at the entrance.
VIP admission begins at 8:00 a.m., one hour before general admission. VIP ticket holders receive access to a dedicated VIP area, upgraded merchandise, refreshments, additional tickets, a separate VIP raffle, priority shooting opportunities, and other benefits.
VIP tickets are limited, so those who want early access and the additional perks should purchase tickets in advance.
RangeFest 2026 FAQ
When is RangeFest 2026?
RangeFest will take place Saturday, September 19, 2026. VIP admission begins at 8:00 a.m., general admission begins at 9:00 a.m., and the event concludes at 5:00 p.m.
Where will RangeFest be held?
The event will be held at 5-Dogs Shooting Range in Bakersfield, California.
Is previous shooting experience required?
No. RangeFest is open to experienced shooters and people who are new to firearms. Shooting will occur in a controlled range environment with established safety procedures.
Is RangeFest family-friendly?
Yes. The event includes food, drinks, music, vendors, displays, youth-friendly activities, and other attractions in addition to shooting.
Do attendees have to shoot?
No. Attendees can enjoy the sponsor booths, food, entertainment, activities, raffle, and community atmosphere without participating in the shooting portions of the event.
Is eye and ear protection provided?
Yes. Eye and ear protection will be available as part of the event experience. Upgraded hearing protection also can be purchased at the gate.
What firearms will be available to shoot?
Attendees can expect a selection of handguns, AR-style rifles, precision and long-range rifles, shotguns, and specialty firearms from participating manufacturers. Optics and other firearm-related gear also will be displayed.
How much do raffle tickets cost?
Raffle tickets are $10 each. The announced prize collection is currently valued at more than $23,000.
Must raffle winners be present?
No. Raffle participants do not need to be present at RangeFest to win.
Where can tickets be purchased?
Tickets are available online through RangeFest.com or in person at Dirty Bird Guns & Ammo, located at 2420 Mohawk Street in Bakersfield.
Get Your RangeFest 2026 Tickets
RangeFest 2026 gives shooters an opportunity to fire products from major manufacturers, speak directly with industry representatives, compare different platforms, enjoy a day outdoors, and support Operation Second Chance.
Whether the goal is to evaluate a new firearm, introduce someone to shooting, enter the charity raffle, or simply spend the day with family and the Bakersfield community, RangeFest offers plenty of reasons to visit 5-Dogs Shooting Range on September 19.
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