Free Outdoor Music in Borrego Springs

Borrego Springs local Brice Weaver is featured in SDVoyager, sharing how curiosity, adventure, and fine art photography shaped his path. Borrego Springs local Brice Weaver is featured in a recent SDVoyager story that takes a closer look at his path into photography and the experiences that shaped his work. Weaver’s journey into photography did not begin in a traditional way. He picked up his first DSLR in 2016, and what started as curiosity quickly became a serious creative pursuit. Since then, his work has taken him to places like Everest Base Camp, Guadalupe Island for great white shark photography, and remote landscapes including Anza-Borrego Desert . Today, Weaver is known for fine art and portrait photography that focuses on mood, place, and quiet storytelling. His work has also earned international recognition, including top honors in major photography competitions. For Borrego Springs, it is always meaningful to see a local creative featured for work that connects art, landscape, and personal vision. Read Brice Weaver’s Story Read the full SDVoyager feature here: sdvoyager.com/interview/check-out-brice-weavers-story

Watch the video to hear Briem Cole's story and learn about his goals.

Borrego Springs watches closely San Diego County Supervisor Jim Desmond has announced his campaign for Congress in California’s 48th District following Rep. Darrell Issa’s decision not to seek reelection. Issa has already endorsed Desmond, making him an early contender in what is expected to be a closely watched open-seat race. For Borrego Springs, the announcement carries local weight. The community is part of the 48th District, so the race will help decide who represents Borrego Springs in Washington. Desmond’s candidacy is more than a political development here. For many in Borrego Springs, he has been someone the community could call when county help, attention, or support was needed. Desmond told the Borrego Sun, “It’s time to restore the Californian dream.” In his campaign announcement, Desmond said families are “getting squeezed from every direction” by the cost of groceries, gas, rent, and insurance. He said he is running to lower costs, protect public safety, and help restore the American Dream for the next generation. That connection matters in Borrego Springs. Desmond has publicly stood with residents on major safety concerns, including opposition to the proposed placement of sexually violent predators in the community. He also helped launch the Borrego Springs Community Revitalization Committee, aimed at connecting Borrego Springs with county departments and public resources to address local priorities. Residents have also seen Desmond visit after local emergencies and speak about the need for strong fire and medical services in Borrego Springs. That history gives his congressional run added significance locally, as many voters already see him as familiar with the community and its concerns. Desmond’s campaign also turns attention to county leadership. With Desmond termed out, Vista Mayor John Franklin and San Marcos Mayor Rebecca Jones are running for the District 5 supervisor seat. Jones, reportedly ahead in early polling, has also been in touch with the Borrego Springs community, including business and organizational leaders. That puts Borrego Springs in focus on both the congressional and county fronts. For more information or to get involved, visit DesmondForCongress.com .

Michael and Julia Johnson take top honors in Borrego Springs Michael Johnson and Julia Johnson were named the winners of the 2026 Peg Leg Smith Liars Contest, held March 7 at American Legion Post 853 in Borrego Springs (circa 1916). Their winning performance, The Ballad of Peg Leg Smith , mixed music, costume, and tall-tale humor in a way that captured the spirit of one of Borrego Springs’ most distinctive traditions. Michael opened by noting that he had won the contest the previous two years, making this his third straight victory. This year also marked the first time he and Julia Johnson performed together. In the act, Michael sang The Ballad of Peg Leg Smith , while Julia appeared as Sister Mary Virgin Cleopatra Gamora, adding to the comic stage presence that helped set the performance apart. The performance played to the crowd with a mix of desert references, Borrego humor, and Peg Leg mythology. Johnson wove in mentions of local places, wild desert characters, and the enduring mystery of Peg Leg Smith’s lost mine, all while leaning into the exaggerated storytelling style that defines the contest. The finale brought the act back to its central idea: “We never found his mine, but we loved his mystery.”

Community recycling moves forward

Westways Weekender highlights Borrego Springs CBS Los Angeles recently spotlighted Anza-Borrego Desert State Park and Borrego Springs in its Westways Weekender segment, giving viewers a quick look at why this desert destination stands out. The feature highlights Anza-Borrego as California’s largest state park and points to Borrego Springs as a great base for exploring the area. A National Spotlight The segment showcases some of the experiences that make this area so memorable, including Ricardo Breceda’s metal sculptures, scenic hiking trails, wildflower viewing, desert canyons, palm groves, and dark sky stargazing. It also highlights Borrego Springs as the place to stay, eat, and return to after a day of exploring the park. Learn More About Borrego Springs

Benefit concert in Borrego Springs

Local comedy returns to BSPAC Borrego Laughs Again returns to the Borrego Springs Performing Arts Center for three performances on March 20 and 21 at 7 p.m. and March 22 at 3 p.m., 2026. This BSPAC production features local talent, making it a fun chance to see Borrego Springs performers on stage. Events like this are part of what keeps live entertainment active in Borrego Springs and gives the community something special to support. Tickets are expected to go quickly, so it is a good idea to buy early at bspac.org.  Learn More About Borrego Springs

COMING SOON: The Gallery at the Palms

Artists painted live during the Plein Air Quick Draw at Rams Hill in Borrego Springs.

Presented by Borrego Springs Community Concert Association

Borrego Springs, CA The Anza-Borrego Desert Natural History Association (ABDNHA) will host the 2026 Borrego Home & Garden Tour on Saturday, March 14, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The public is invited to explore four private homes and gardens at their own pace in Borrego Springs. This annual tour is a fundraiser benefiting ABDNHA, the educational 501(c)(3) nonprofit that supports interpretation, education, and stewardship connected to the Anza-Borrego Desert region. Event details Event: 2026 Borrego Home & Garden Tour Date: Saturday, March 14, 2026 Time: 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Format: Self-guided tour of four private homes and gardens Tickets $30 General Public $24 ABDNHA Members $20 ABDNHA Volunteers Early purchase discount: Buy by March 8 and save $2 per ticket . How to purchase Tickets are available online at abdnha.org/gardentour and in person at the ABDNHA Desert Nature Center , 652 Palm Canyon Drive, Borrego Springs . Questions: (760) 767-3098 Important guidelines Tickets are non-refundable . For guest safety and property rules, no strollers or dogs are permitted. About ABDNHA The Anza-Borrego Desert Natural History Association (ABDNHA) is a nonprofit organization that supports education and interpretation in and around Anza-Borrego Desert State Park through programs, exhibits, and community engagement. Media Contact: ABDNHA Desert Nature Center 652 Palm Canyon Drive, Borrego Springs, CA (760) 767-3098 abdnha.org/gardentour

Roadrunner Club Association Benefit The Roadrunner Club Association’s 38th annual Senior Center Benefit golf tournament raised $33,000 for the Borrego Springs Youth and Seniors Center , according to Executive Director Teresa West . West described the turnout as strong early in the day, writing that as the sun came up she was “surprised at how many participants were out playing golf.” She called it “an amazing sight” and said it “touched my heart.” Largest single fundraiser of the year West said the golf tournament is the largest single fundraiser of the year for the Borrego Springs Youth and Seniors Center. She credited golfers, sponsors, and volunteers for making the event possible. “To all the golfers who participated in the tournament I want to say thank you,” West wrote, adding thanks to those who “sponsored a hole, put up signs, handed out food and drinks, took pictures and did all the preparation behind the scenes.” Services supported by the fundraiser West highlighted how the Senior Center supports older adults in the community by providing “nutritious and healthy meals” for homebound seniors, activities at the Seniors Community Center, and a medical loan closet that offers free medical equipment . She also noted the importance of the Borrego Springs Children’s Center , which provides childcare for children from birth to age 5. West said that without the Children’s Center, “many of our local parents would not be able to pursue their chosen career paths,” and children could miss an early start on “social-emotional development.” Message to the community West closed with a message of gratitude from the center’s team: “We can’t say thank you enough,” she wrote. “We truly appreciate each one of you.” Learn More About Borrego Springs

The BADWATER® Salton Sea ultra running event returns Saturday–Sunday, April 18–19, 2026 , with a listed start time of 6:30 AM and a Borrego Springs audience-friendly stop point at Borrego Springs Resort . This is a team race for duos or trios who run together for the full course (it’s not a relay). The route spans 81 miles (130 km) from Salton City —about 234 feet (71 m) below sea level —to Palomar Mountain at roughly 5,500 feet (1,676 m) , with over 9,000 feet (2,740 m) of total climbing. For locals and visitors watching in the Borrego area: about eight miles of the course cut through Anza-Borrego Desert State Park , using a single-track section between near Borrego Springs and near Ranchita , making the overall route a mix of road and trail . Organizers note this is the 13th edition , capped at 100 runners . If you’re in Borrego Springs, this is one of those rare mornings when you can watch a world-class endurance event pass through the desert landscape you already know—then climb all the way to the cool air of Palomar. Expect a moving pack of two- and three-person teams running side-by-side , plus support vehicles and race staff along the road portions. For updates, photos, and official race info, follow BADWATER® on Facebook and Instagram , or check the organizer’s event page .

March 1, 2026 (Borrego Springs) -- The Borrego Art Institute is marking the 20th anniversary of its Annual Plein Air Invitational this month. Featuring 16 nationally recognized artists and a series of public competitions, the month-long programming will culminate in the "Art for Everyone" spring fundraiser and auction on April 4. The invitational begins Monday, March 2, and runs through Saturday, March 7. During the Plein Air Invitational, the BAI Gallery will offer extended hours from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Regular operating hours resume Sunday, March 8. Participating artists will paint "en plein air" (outdoors) at various regional sites, including Coyote Canyon and central Borrego Springs. Completed works will be installed in the BAI Gallery daily and made available for public purchase. The 2026 artist roster includes Geoff Allen, Marcia Ballowe, Mark Fehlman, Debra Huse, Peggy Immel, Chuck Kovacic, Paul Kratter, Margaret Larlham, Jason Li, Carolyn Lord, Jim McVicker, Lynn Mehta, Stock Schlueter, Jeff Sewell, Lisa Skelly and Toni Williams. Scheduled public events are as follow: Quick Draw Competition: 8:30 to 10 a.m., Wednesday, March 4 at Rams Hill. Artists must complete a work on-site within 90 minutes. Juried by Jeanne Plekon. Awards Ceremony: 3 p.m., Saturday, March 7 at the BAI Gallery. Awards will be presented at 4:30 p.m., by juror Natasha Isenhour. ArtWalk: 5 to 7 p.m., Saturday, March 7. The full exhibition will remain on display at the gallery through April 26. On Saturday, April 4, the BAI will hold its annual spring fundraiser from 4 to 7 p.m. at Studio West. The "Art for Everyone" Open House is free to the community and serves as a primary benefit for the institute’s programming. The event features a silent auction including works from various private collections. Additionally, the gallery will showcase 65 pieces created by local high school students. All proceeds from these specific sales will be paid directly to the student artists. The evening includes a live raffle, appetizers and wine service provided by Stay Classy Selections. For more information on the Plein Air Invitational or the April 4 fundraiser, visit borregoartinstitute.org .

Walk World Labyrinth Day World Labyrinth Day is a worldwide invitation to slow down and choose peace—one quiet step at a time. In Borrego Springs, you can take part by walking the outdoor labyrinth at St. Barnabas Episcopal Church on May 2, 2026, anytime dusk till dawn. Make it a full Borrego Springs morning: arrive early, walk at your own pace, pause in the center, sign the guest book, take a photo, and then head out for breakfast. Come with a friend, make it a date, or come solo for a little space and stillness. Event details World Labyrinth Day in Borrego Springs Date: May 2, 2026 Time: Dusk till dawn (self-guided) Location: St. Barnabas Episcopal Church, 2680 Country Club Dr, Borrego Springs, CA 92004 All are welcome • No appointment necessary What a labyrinth is A labyrinth is not a maze. There’s one clear path in and the same path back out. People walk labyrinths as a practice of reflection, prayer, gratitude, and quiet listening—an easy way to step out of the noise for a few minutes and reset. Make a day of it in Borrego Springs Go early for cooler temps and a calmer start Bring a friend—or come alone and treat it as personal time Make it a date: walk first, then grab breakfast together Take a photo of your walk (or the desert sky overhead) Sign the guest book to mark your visit and add your name to the day Share your photos online to encourage others to take part A few simple tips Wear comfortable shoes and bring water Walk slowly—there’s no “right” speed When you reach the center, pause, breathe, pray, or reflect Give others space and let the experience stay quiet and unhurried Share your World Labyrinth Day If you post photos, include #StBarnabasBorregoSprings so others can find it and plan their own walk. For updates and details, visit www.stbarnabasborregosprings.com  Learn More About Borrego Springs