Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace Closes After 28 Years in Bakersfield

After nearly 29 years, the Buck Owens Crystal Palace in Bakersfield, California, has permanently closed due to a challenging business climate and the Owens family's decision to step back from management responsibilities. The venue, opened in 1996 by the late country music legend Buck Owens, served as a concert venue, dinner club, and museum, hosting performances by notable artists such as Garth Brooks, Taylor Swift, and Merle Haggard. The final event was a two-night Buck Owens Birthday Bash featuring his son, Johnny Owens. The Owens family expressed pride in the Crystal Palace's legacy and gratitude to the Bakersfield community and fans worldwide for their support. They hope a new owner will take over to continue the venue's tradition, and they plan to fulfill scheduled commitments in the coming months. The closure marks the end of a landmark that was a cultural hub for country music and the Bakersfield community.