Andrea McKenna • July 18, 2026
Ipay Nation of Santa Ysabel Hosts Summer Fest Today
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The Ipay Nation of Santa Ysabel invites the public to its 3rd Annual Summer Fest today from 12 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Santa Ysabel Tribal Ball Field, 23013 Highway 79.
Located about 46 miles from Borrego Springs, the free community event features something for all ages, including craft vendors, food vendors, carnival rides, games, raffles, live music by Natural Selection, and a variety of family-friendly activities throughout the day.
The day's schedule includes:
- 12 p.m. – Craft booths, food vendors, carnival rides, raffle and 50/50 drawing.
- 1:30 p.m. – Horseshoe tournament (blind draw), Bingo and a bicycle rodeo.
- 6 p.m. – Child and adult games, including a watermelon eating contest, egg relay, sack race, whipped cream challenge, hair braiding contest and an Indian Crab Challenge.
The event is
free and open to the public, with all are welcome to attend.
Learn More About Borrego Springs
East County News Services Looking for an affordable summer outing? San Diego residents can visit select Balboa Park museums free every Tuesday through the park's popular Free Museum Tuesdays program. Each Tuesday features a different participating museum, but on the first Tuesday of every month , residents receive free admission to both the Fleet Science Center and the San Diego Natural History Museum (The Nat) . Visitors simply need to bring a valid photo ID or other proof of San Diego County residency. The recently updated San Diego Natural History Museum offers five floors of exhibits, including displays on Southern California's unique wildlife, fossils and conservation. One featured exhibit showcases artwork created from plastic collected along shorelines, highlighting the impact of marine pollution. Just steps away, the Fleet Science Center has also undergone recent renovations and features hands-on science exhibits, interactive displays and activities designed for visitors of all ages. Parking can also help keep the day budget-friendly. Several free parking lots are available throughout Balboa Park, and the City of San Diego has temporarily paused parking enforcement in many areas through early next year, making it easier for visitors to enjoy the park without added expense. Free Museum Tuesdays rotate participating museums each week, giving residents the opportunity to explore many of Balboa Park's cultural attractions throughout the month. For the current schedule and additional information, visit balboapark.org . ---------- Located about 90 miles southwest of Borrego Springs, Balboa Park makes for an easy day trip, offering San Diego County residents free admission to select museums every Tuesday through the Free Museum Tuesdays program.
Looking for a fun way to beat the summer heat?
Photo courtesy County of San Diego
Celebrating another year of exceptional performances while bringing free concerts to local school children.
Adults looking for a fun way to stay active are invited to join Baila Borrego , a free weekly Latin dance workout at the Borrego Springs Community Resource Center . The 30-minute class is held every Thursday from 11 to 11:30 a.m. at the Community Resource Center, 587 Palm Canyon Drive, Suite 125 , in Borrego Springs. Led by former Zumba instructor Rossy Sanchez , the class combines Latin-inspired dance movements with a light workout designed to get participants moving while enjoying music in a welcoming, social environment. No registration is required, making it easy for residents to drop in and participate. Participants are encouraged to wear shoes that glide comfortably on the floor for dancing. The class is open to adults only , and child care is provided during the session, helping make the program accessible for parents and caregivers. Baila Borrego is one of several free wellness and community programs offered through the Borrego Springs Community Resource Center , which provides educational, health and family support services for local residents. For more information, contact Martha Deichler at 619-948-5900 . What: Baila Borrego – Free Latin Dance Workout When: Thursdays, 11:00–11:30 a.m. Where: Borrego Springs Community Resource Center, 587 Palm Canyon Dr., Suite 125, Borrego Springs Cost: Free Registration: Not required
Weekly class invites musicians and singers ages 10 to 18 to explore rock-and-roll music from the 1960s through today.
Free Summer Movies Continue in Borrego Springs This July
Leo Carrillo’s A Salute to Borrego Valley A Salute to Borrego Valley is a small 1960 booklet written by actor Leo Carrillo, best known as Pancho on The Cisco Kid. Carrillo was a longtime supporter of Borrego Springs, an honorary mayor and a familiar presence at local events. He also served as master of ceremonies at the 1949 dedication of the Borrego Springs Airport. The booklet notes that Carrillo wrote the verse years earlier while sharing a $1-a-day room with Will Rogers at the Summerset Hotel in New York City. In the poem, Carrillo contrasts crowded city life with the peace of Borrego Valley, celebrating its sagebrush, desert sand, open skies, mountains and wildlife.
Local barber and cosmetologist Maribel Tellez is donating her time to honor those who have served. As a way to give back to the community that has supported her, Maribel Tellez of Maribel's Chair will be offering free haircuts for veterans on Sunday, July 26, from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. at American Legion Post 853 , 4515 Borrego Springs Rd., Borrego Springs, CA 92004. "I've been fortunate to receive so much encouragement from this community as I've built my business," said Maribel. "Offering free haircuts is my way of saying thank you to our veterans for their service. I hope you'll stop by and let me give back in a small way." Haircuts are free for all veterans . While there is no charge, donations are welcome and will help support future community outreach efforts. Maribel is a licensed barber and cosmetologist and recently opened Maribel's Chair inside Alicia's Desert Spa . A recipient of the Soroptimist Live Your Dream Award , she has built her business while balancing family, work, and a commitment to serving the Borrego Springs community. She is also an active member of OLAX – Organización Latinos , volunteering her time to support local events and families. The event is made possible through the partnership of American Legion Post 853 , which continues to expand its community outreach by hosting programs and services that support both local veterans and Borrego Springs businesses. Event Details Free Haircuts for Veterans Sunday, July 26 12 p.m. – 4 p.m. American Legion Post 853 590 Palm Canyon Drive Borrego Springs, CA Cost: Free for veterans. Donations are appreciated but never required. Maribel looks forward to welcoming local veterans for an afternoon of appreciation, conversation, and community.
