What is The Willows at CALM?
The Willows at CALM is a scenic event venue located on the CALM Zoo grounds, offering a unique and tranquil setting for weddings, celebrations, and special events.

Where is The Willows at CALM located?
The venue is located at CALM Zoo 10500 Alfred Harrell Hwy Bakersfield, California 93306.

What types of events can be hosted at The Willows?
The venue is ideal for weddings, receptions, corporate events, fundraisers, baby showers, private parties, celebrations of life, and other special occasions.

How do I book an event at The Willows? You can inquire about availability and pricing by contacting our events team directly at erthorn@kern.org. A signed contract and deposit are required to secure your date.

What is the payment schedule for event packages?
Upon signing your contract agreement, a 10% non-refundable deposit is required.

50% of the remaining balance must be paid at least six weeks before the event.

40% due no later than two weeks before the event.

Any add-on options must also be paid in full at least four weeks before the event.

If the event is booked less than six weeks in advance, the full balance will be due four weeks before the event instead.

What is the maximum guest capacity?
Our Willows venue can host up to 225 guests. For larger events, celebrations, or fundraisers, we can accommodate additional guests on our CALM grounds depending on the event, and this can be discussed with the Willows team.

Do you offer wedding-only or reception-only packages?
Yes! The Willows is happy to accommodate wedding-only or reception-only events. Please email erthorn@kern.org, and our team will be glad to provide a customized quote tailored to your special day.

Can we bring our own vendors?
Yes, outside vendors are welcome, though they will need to meet venue rules and policies.

May we use our own caterer?
Yes, you may bring in your own licensed caterer. We also have an in house catering option available through At Your Service Catering.

Is alcohol allowed on site at your events?
Yes, alcohol is permitted onsite for celebrations. However, neither The Willows nor the client is permitted to sell alcohol to guests. We offer two designated locations for serving alcohol, including the Amicus bar top located at The Willows.

What time can we access the venue on the day of our event?
Access times depend on your contract and event package.

What is the difference between a Wedding & Venue Coordinator?
A venue coordinator is responsible for managing everything related to the venue itself. This includes overseeing the venue space, coordinating access and setup times, ensuring venue rules and policies are followed, and serving as the main point of contact for anything related to the property. A venue coordinator is included in both our Wildflower and Essentials packages.

A wedding coordinator, on the other hand, focuses on the overall flow and execution of the wedding day. They are involved in the planning process from the moment the contract is signed, through the completion of the wedding. They help manage the timeline, cue important moments (such as the ceremony and reception events), and handle any issues that arise so the couple can relax and enjoy their day. A wedding coordinator is included in the Wildflower package and can be added to the Essentials package for an additional cost of $2,000.

While their responsibilities are different, the venue coordinator and wedding coordinator work closely together to ensure everything runs smoothly and the event is a success.

How can I get more information or schedule a tour?
Please contact our events team at erthorn@kern.org to schedule a tour or request additional details.

Is event insurance required?
Yes, we do require special event/ social host liability insurance for all Willows events.

Is the venue pet-friendly?
To protect our resident animals and all guests, pets are not permitted at the venue, with the exception of service animals.

Are candles, sparklers, open flames, or cold sparks allowed?
To ensure the safety of our guests, animals, and grounds, candles, sparklers, open flames, and cold sparks are not permitted.

How far in advance should I book?
We recommend booking as early as possible, especially for popular dates during peak seasons.