Annual Events That Bring Borrego Springs Together
St. Barnabas Episcopal Church, at
2680 Country Club Road in Borrego Springs, has been a central part of the community since it was built in 1966. It’s not just a place of worship; it’s where people come together for events that everyone can enjoy.
As a key and founding member of the
Borrego Ministers Association—a coalition of local churches and community leaders—St. Barnabas is deeply involved in organizing these gatherings. These events are a collaborative effort, bringing people together and welcoming everyone, whether local or visiting.
Much of the church’s outreach is done in partnership with the
BMA, ensuring a unified and coordinated approach to serving the community.
Let’s take a closer look at some of these special traditions:
Ashes-to-Go: Reflecting on Lent
Every Spring, St. Barnabas participates in the community tradition of Ash Wednesday with Ashes-to-Go. On Ash Wednesday, residents and visitors can receive ashes, symbolizing repentance and renewal as Lent begins. This ecumenical practice, supported by the Borrego Ministers Association, is open to all, offering a meaningful reminder of our shared human condition and the hope of renewal during this sacred season.
Bring Your Own Bowl Lunch & Performance Series
Each year during the cooler months,
St. Barnabas hosts the BYOB (Bring Your Own Bowl) concert and soup series. This weekly event invites the community to enjoy live performances in the church’s welcoming space, followed by a simple lunch on the patio. It’s a wonderful opportunity to take a break, connect with others, and support the church’s mission in the Borrego Valley.
Community Easter Sunrise Service
Easter in Borrego Springs is celebrated with the Community Easter Sunrise Service, hosted by St. Barnabas, where locals and visitors gather at dawn to celebrate the resurrection of Christ against the stunning desert sunrise.
This inclusive event, organized in collaboration with other local churches and members of the
Borrego Ministers Association, highlights the church's commitment to fostering community across all faiths.
Blessing of the Animals
The annual Blessing of the Animals, held every October at St. Barnabas and sometimes Christmas Circle, is a beloved event where pets of all shapes and sizes, along with their human companions, receive a special blessing. Rooted in the tradition of St. Francis of Assisi, this ceremony celebrates the bond between humans and animals while reinforcing the church's commitment to honoring all of God’s creatures.
People gather in the churchyard for this joyous occasion, highlighting the inclusive spirit of Borrego Springs and making it a must-attend event for animal lovers and the community alike.
Thanksgiving Eve Service
As the holiday season approaches, the Thanksgiving Eve Service in Borrego Springs offers a peaceful moment for reflection and gratitude. This annual gathering, supported by the Borrego Ministers Association, rotates among local churches, including St. Barnabas, and brings together people from all walks of life to give thanks for the year's blessings.
Visitors are always welcome to join in this meaningful tradition, connecting with the community and experiencing the warmth and hospitality that define Borrego Springs.
Christmas Services at St. Barnabas Episcopal Church
Join St. Barnabas Episcopal Church in Borrego Springs for a meaningful celebration of Christmas. Each year, the church hosts special services that bring the community together to reflect on the spirit of the season.
Christmas Eve Service
An evening service featuring Lessons & Carols, followed by Holy Communion. This traditional gathering offers a blend of scripture readings, carols, and a sense of reverence for the holiday.
Christmas Day Service
A morning service with Holy Communion to celebrate Christmas Day, providing a peaceful and joyful way to honor the birth of Christ.
All are welcome to attend these services at St. Barnabas, located at 2680 Country Club Road in Borrego Springs, CA. Whether you’re a local or visiting, come and experience the warmth and spirit of Christmas with the community.
Note: Service times remain consistent each year, with Christmas Eve services in the evening and Christmas Day services in the morning.
"St Barnabas is a part of the Borrego Community
We are Not Apart from the Borrego Community"
Beyond Yearly Events: St. Barnabas' Ongoing Commitment
These yearly events are just part of what St. Barnabas offers to the community. They don’t even touch on the daily, weekly, and monthly involvement of the church, where St. Barnabas plays a vital role in providing support, worship, and fellowship to Borrego Springs and beyond.
Learn More
To discover more about St. Barnabas Episcopal Church and its events, visit
www.stbarnabasborregosprings.com. For additional information on events and activities in Borrego Springs, check out
Borrego Events.
You can also follow St. Barnabas on Facebook at
St. Barnabas Borrego Springs for the latest updates.
Learn More About Borrego Springs
January 21, 2026
The 13th Borrego Springs Film Festival wrapped January 18, 2026, with sold-out screenings, red carpet moments, awards, and strong community turnout. The 13th Annual Borrego Springs Film Festival wrapped up January 18, 2026, closing five days of independent cinema, conversation, and community energy. Events were held throughout Borrego Springs, including free screenings at the Borrego Springs Library and ticketed block screenings and awards ceremonies at the Borrego Springs Performing Arts Center. Presented by the Borrego Springs Film Institute, the festival continued its traditional, theater-first format that brings people together to watch films in shared spaces and talk about them afterward. Several screening blocks sold out during the week, reflecting strong local interest and visiting attendance. That connection was clear during the live-streamed red carpet. Host Brianna Pinto described one of the festival’s defining qualities by saying, “Filmmakers get to interact directly with the audience,” noting that Borrego Springs draws viewers who truly watch and engage with the films. Filmmakers echoed that experience in different ways. A King’s Curtain director Grannan Johnson said it was especially meaningful to hear audience members tell him, “Oh yes, I saw your film,” calling Borrego Springs “a fun place to be” with “really nice, great people.” Documentary filmmaker Mitch Yapko (Watching Walter) described a moment when a full theater reacted together, saying the shared gasp from the audience made it clear they were fully engaged. The setting itself also left an impression. Actress Laura Bolin (Rage, Rhonda) called the enthusiasm of Borrego Springs audiences “contagious” and encouraged visitors to explore the landscape, describing the area as a place to “just wander” and take in the desert views.
January 18, 2026
Supervisor candidate Rebecca Jones met Borrego Springs residents at a BBQ luncheon at Rams Hill to discuss housing, education, busing, healthcare, and quality of life.
January 18, 2026
The 27th Annual Borrego Springs Golf Classic takes place on Friday, February 20, 2026, at de Anza Desert Country Club. Hosted by the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater San Diego , this annual event brings golfers, supporters, and community members together for a day of golf and giving in Borrego Springs. All proceeds from the tournament directly benefit the Borrego Springs Branch , supporting programs that help local youth succeed academically, build good character, and develop healthy lifestyles. The event features a scramble-style round of golf , on-course activities, auctions, and a hosted lunch. It’s designed to be both competitive and social, welcoming participants looking to enjoy a meaningful day on the course while supporting youth programs in the Borrego Valley. Sponsorship & Participation A variety of sponsorship opportunities are available for businesses and individuals interested in supporting the event and the Borrego Springs Branch. Sponsorships provide visibility throughout the tournament and help fund essential youth services. Event Details Date: Friday, February 20, 2026 Location: de Anza Desert Country Club 509 Catarina Drive, Borrego Springs, CA 92004 Registration and additional event details are available through the event website. Learn More About Borrego Springs
January 16, 2026
Circle of Art: March 14–15, 2026
January 16, 2026
An Evening of Fine Dining, Scenic Views, and Live Music Whether shared with a partner or a group of close friends, Rams Hill’s Valentine’s Day dinner offers an elegant night out against the backdrop of the Anza-Borrego Desert. Guests will gather in the Santa Rosa Room for a thoughtfully prepared prix-fixe menu featuring locally inspired dishes—from the Urban Blend Berry Salad to a classic Surf & Turf entrée , and a decadent Mini Triple Chocolate Mousse Cake for dessert. Live music by Brooke Ramel adds to the ambiance, creating a warm, inviting setting for a memorable evening. Seating is limited, and this popular event fills quickly—plan ahead.
January 16, 2026
By Dennis Mammana
January 16, 2026
Is a Super Bloom Coming to Anza-Borrego Desert? Fox 5 San Diego news recently spoke with Sicco Rood of the Steele/Burnand Anza-Borrego Desert Research Center about the vibrant wildflowers beginning to appear across the region. While the landscape near Henderson Canyon is already bursting with purple desert verbena , desert sunflowers , and white dune primroses , this is technically a fall bloom —not yet the rare and famous Super Bloom . A true Super Bloom spans many more square miles and requires a perfect combination of well-timed rain , cool temperatures , no drought , and minimal wind . If these conditions align, early March could bring a spectacular bloom like the last major one seen in 2019 . For now, visitors can enjoy the peace and beauty of this early bloom, with fewer crowds and great photo ops in areas like Coyote Canyon and the Badlands . But remember, a heat wave or lack of rain could still cut the season short. Now’s a great time to visit—just in case nature doesn’t go full Super Bloom this year!
January 15, 2026
Performance Date: January 27, 2026
January 15, 2026
A Night That Gives Back in Borrego Springs
January 13, 2026
The Methodist Church is hosting a Valentine’s Potluck featuring shared food, games, and prizes. Attendees are invited to bring a favorite dish to share. Date: Sunday, February 15 Time: 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Location: Methodist Church Address: 633 Church Lane Phone: (760) 767-5596 Details: Potluck-style meal Games and prizes Community gathering
January 11, 2026
Music,Food & Community The BYOB (Bring Your Own Bowl & Spoon) concert series at St. Barnabas Church is a relaxed, midday gathering built around live music and community. It’s the place to go to see friends, catch up with neighbors, and enjoy performances in an easy, welcoming setting. Open to everyone, the series runs weekly at noon and features a rotating lineup of local and visiting musicians. Great opportunity to meet your neighbors or plan a friend meet up!
January 9, 2026
Located at the Borrego Community Resource Center
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