Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace, a legendary music spot in Bakersfield, California, will be closing its doors soon.
Founded in 1996 by country music icon Buck Owens, this venue has been a hot spot for country music artists on the West Coast.
Its recent closure announcement marks the end of an era for the local community and the genre.
Owens’ family announced on Monday, August 11, that the venue will officially close its doors. The news comes after it was revealed in July 2024 that the property was for sale.
In a statement last year, the family explained that the decision came from a challenging business climate and a desire for family members to step back from running the venue.
“We are proud of the legacy of the Crystal Palace… 28 years of the best of local and national entertainment, great food and thousands of special occasions,” stated the venue. “Since Buck’s passing in 2006, we’ve tried to maintain the excellence that he expected, even as it became more and more difficult during these challenging times of increasing food and labor costs.”
The statement continued, “A combination of this business climate and the wishes of the Owens family members to step back from the responsibilities of management requires finding new owners to utilize this beautiful venue. We know Buck would want us to thank the people of Bakersfield and fans from around the world for all of their support over the past 28 years.”
A closure date hasn’t been shared, but on the venues official website, the last event scheduled as of now is set for September 25.
About The Venue
Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace hasn’t been just a music venue over the years. It’s been a go-to nightclub, bar, restaurant, and museum displaying items from Owens’ career. The whole place is designed to give the feel of an Old West town.
According to his website, Owens, well-known for his roles as a musician, singer, and band leader, realized a lifelong dream with the Crystal Palace. He aimed to create a place where country music artists could perform and connect with their fans.
The venue quickly became a top destination for country music. It would go on to win awards such as the CMA and ACM Nightclub of the Year.
Owens and his band, the Buckaroos, were frequent performers at the venue. For Owens, the Crystal Palace offered a comfortable setting that reminded him of his early days in the industry.
Right now, it’s unclear what the new owners of the building plan do to with the space.