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.

April 14, 2026

Borrego Springs Music Festival | Free Outdoor Music

Borrego Springs Music Festival Returns for 2027

The Borrego Springs Music Festival returns March 19–21, 2027, for three days of free live music at Christmas Circle in the center of Borrego Springs.

This year, the entire festival will take place at Christmas Circle, with hourly musical performances, food and beverage trucks, and plenty of space to enjoy music outdoors in the desert.

2027 Festival Schedule

Friday, March 19

Location: Christmas Circle

5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Hourly musical acts

Saturday, March 20

Location: Christmas Circle

11:30 AM – 12:30 PM
BAMA Drum Corps

12:30 PM – 8:30 PM
Hourly musical acts

Sunday, March 21

Location: Christmas Circle

12:30 PM – 8:00 PM
Hourly musical acts

Music at Christmas Circle

Christmas Circle is the large grassy circle at the center of Borrego Springs, making it an easy gathering place for a full weekend of outdoor music.

Festivalgoers can expect:

Free live entertainment
Musical acts throughout all three days
Food and beverage trucks
An outdoor setting in central Borrego Springs
Plenty of space to bring a chair and enjoy the performances

The festival is an opportunity for residents and visitors to spend time outdoors, hear a variety of musicians, and experience one of Borrego Springs' annual community events.

Performers Coming Soon

Musical acts are currently being scheduled. Exact performance times and performer names will be announced as the festival gets closer, so check back for updates.

More Information

Visit borregospringsmusicfestival.org for festival information and future performer announcements.

Borrego Springs Music Festival
March 19, 20 & 21, 2027
Christmas Circle, Borrego Springs, California

Learn More About Borrego Springs

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By Andrea McKenna • September 14, 2026

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Secure Your 2027 Concert Season Membership

By BSCCA Board • September 13, 2026

2027 Concert Season

Pegleg Pointers: A 1998 Look at the Pegleg Smith Liars Contest | Historic Borrego Sun

By Phil Brigandi • September 13, 2026

This column first ran ahead of the 50th annual Pegleg Smith Liars Contest in April 1998. Phil Brigandi, a longtime desert historian and four-time contest winner, died in 2019.

Borrego Springs and the Famous San Diego Chicken!

By Gabriel Wisdom, Ram Media Foundation • September 12, 2026

Borrego’s Bill Lawrence joined a sold-out San Diego History Center event celebrating Ted Giannoulas, The Famous San Diego Chicken, and the mascot’s remarkable 50-year legacy.

Christian Center to Host Harvest Festival Oct. 31

By Andrea McKenna • September 12, 2026

Family event will feature games, a puppet show, hayride, food, go-kart races and an evening Youth Zone The Christian Center will host its annual Harvest Festival on Saturday, Oct. 31, from 4 to 6 p.m., offering an afternoon of family-friendly activities for children and families in Borrego Springs. The festival will feature Bible-based games, a Gospel Castle, puppet show, hayride and go-kart races, along with free candy. Food and drinks will also be available for purchase, including hot dogs, chili dogs, nachos, Gatorade, soda and water. After the main festival activities conclude, the Christian Center’s Youth Zone will remain open from 6 to 8 p.m. for students in grades 6 through 12, with additional activities including go-kart races. The Christian Center is located at 675 Weather Vane Drive, Borrego Springs. For additional information, call 760-767-7447. Event Details: Saturday, Oct. 31, 4–6 p.m.; Youth Zone for grades 6–12 from 6–8 p.m.; Christian Center, 675 Weather Vane Drive, Borrego Springs. >> LEARN MORE

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