How big is Anza-Borrego Desert State Park?

More than 600,000 acres, or roughly 1,000 square miles. It is the largest state park in California and the third largest in the United States, spanning parts of San Diego, Riverside and Imperial counties.

How much does it cost to enter Anza-Borrego?

Day use is $10 per vehicle, collected at the Visitor Center, developed campgrounds and several popular trailheads including The Slot and Hellhole Canyon. The park has no entrance gates and much of it can be accessed without a fee.

When is wildflower season at Anza-Borrego?

Annual wildflowers can appear from January through mid-April, with peak bloom most often between late February and early April. Timing varies year to year based on rainfall and temperature.

Is Anza-Borrego a Dark Sky Park?

Yes. The park was designated an International Dark Sky Park in 2018 at Silver tier. Borrego Springs, the town at its center, has been an International Dark Sky Community since 2009, the first in California.

Do I need four-wheel drive at Anza-Borrego?

Not for the paved roads, the Visitor Center or the main campgrounds. The vast majority of the park's roughly 500 miles of dirt roads do require a high-clearance four-wheel-drive vehicle.

Is Anza-Borrego Desert State Park open at night?

Yes, the park is open 24 hours a day, year-round. The Visitor Center is open daily 9am to 5pm October through May, and weekends and holidays only June through September.

Andrea McKenna • August 8, 2026

60th Annual Borrego Days Desert Festival Returns October 17–18

VISIT BORREGO DAYS WEBSITE!

The countdown is on for Borrego Days 2026!

The 60th Annual Borrego Days Desert Festival will take place October 17–18, 2026, bringing two days of free entertainment, a hometown parade, live music, cultural performances, art, food, family activities and more to Borrego Springs.

Produced by the Borrego Springs Chamber of Commerce, the annual festival will be held at Christmas Circle Community Park on Palm Canyon Drive. Admission and parking are free.

Saturday Starts with National Anthem, Flyover and Parade

Saturday, October 17, begins with a whirlwind of activity along Palm Canyon Drive.

The National Anthem and flyover begin at 8:45 a.m., followed by the Borrego Days Parade at 9 a.m. The parade travels down Palm Canyon Drive and ends at Christmas Circle.

The theme for the 60th annual parade is “Reach for the Stars.”

Festival activities continue Saturday until 6:30 p.m.

Free live entertainment will be offered throughout the day, including DJs, PHT and the Honky Tonk Nights, followed by Nacho Bustillos & Band, performing in both English and Spanish.

Sunday Features Music and Cultural Performances

Borrego Days continues Sunday, October 18, from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Sunday entertainment includes Ballet Folklorico dancers, Mariachi Estrella, and music from the Borrego Academy of Music and Art.

Art, Food, Kids' Activities and Car Show

Festivalgoers can experience much more than the parade and live entertainment throughout the weekend.

Activities and attractions include art exhibits, a kids' zone, food vendors, artisans, educational displays, an adult beer garden and a free-to-enter car show.

The Borrego Days Desert Festival is a family-friendly event with activities and entertainment for all ages.

Experience Borrego Springs

Borrego Springs is located in the unincorporated area of San Diego County and was the second community in the world to receive International Dark Sky Community designation.

It is also home to the approximately 600,000-acre Anza-Borrego Desert State Park and the world-famous Galleta Meadows Sky Art metal sculptures.

Visitors to Borrego Springs can explore hiking, biking and equestrian trails along with arts and culture, shopping, dining, historic downtown walks, a Certified Farmers Market and community festivals.

Other attractions and activities include the Borrego Springs Film Festival, art festivals, top-ranked golf, camping, glamping, resorts, tennis, mid-century modern architecture and expansive desert views.

Additional visitor information and a Borrego Springs visitors guide are available at VisitBorrego.com.

60th Annual Borrego Days Festival Details

Event: 60th Annual Borrego Days Desert Festival

Dates: October 17–18, 2026

Saturday: 8:45 a.m.–6:30 p.m.

Sunday: 9:30 a.m.–3 p.m.

National Anthem and Flyover: Saturday at 8:45 a.m. on Palm Canyon Drive

Parade: Saturday at 9 a.m. on Palm Canyon Drive

2026 Parade Theme: Reach for the Stars

Festival Location: Christmas Circle Community Park, Palm Canyon Drive, Borrego Springs, CA 92004

Admission: Free

Parking: Free parking is available surrounding Christmas Circle and within walking distance of the festival.

Festival Information: BorregoDays.com or 760-767-5555

Media representatives are invited to attend.

About Borrego Days

The Borrego Days Desert Festival is a project of the Borrego Springs Chamber of Commerce & Welcome Center, which has served the needs of the Borrego Springs community since 1950.

The festival is presented with the support of its 501(c)(3) public benefit fiscal sponsor, the Borrego Festivals Foundation (BFF.NGO).

More information about the Chamber is available at BorregoSpringsChamber.com, and visitor information is available at VisitBorrego.com.

Media Contact

For media inquiries, photographs or interviews:

Françoise Rhodes
Executive Director
Borrego Springs Chamber of Commerce
786 Palm Canyon Drive
Borrego Springs, CA 92004
760-767-5555
borregochamberdirector@gmail.com
BorregoSpringsChamber.com