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
December 6, 2025
The second community Shape Note Sing in Borrego Springs
December 1, 2025
Jeanne & Jan Are Back at The Mall Offering Light Repairs for the Community Every first Monday of the month, they set up in front of Tubs Laundromat and Community Valley Bank at The Mall, offering helpful light repairs such as mending, patches, buttons, and hems. The service is always free. If you choose to donate, every donation goes directly to a local Borrego Springs charity. Check Borrego Events to confirm time & dates.
December 1, 2025
A Musical Celebration at BSPAC
November 30, 2025
A Charlie Brown Christmas piano concert with pianist, arranger, and conductor Steve Hunter at St. Barnabas Episcopal Church on December 21 at 3 PM.
November 26, 2025
Cindie Horn – Textile Artist & Slow Fashion Creator Meet one of the makers featured at Desert Lovers & Co. Cindie Horn has spent years working with fabric, guided by an appreciation for slow fashion and craftsmanship built on time, patience, and intention. She sources and collects textiles gathered over the years and transforms them into pieces that feel personal, functional, and thoughtfully made. Her work at Desert Lovers & Co includes upcycled and embellished denim jackets, colorful phone and tablet pillows, and her popular fabric cactus sculptures. Each piece reflects her eye for detail and her interest in experimenting with textures, patterns, and new techniques. Cindie enjoys challenging herself creatively and exploring fresh ideas through fabric. Her belief that handmade items add comfort, character, and warmth to everyday life comes through clearly in her designs. Desert Lovers & Co is proud to feature the work of Cindie Horn both in the shop and online at DesertLoversandCo.com . Visit Soon: 583 Palm Canyon Dr. Suite D, Borrego Springs, CA, United States, 92004
By Fr. Michael Plekon
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November 26, 2025
A reflection on Advent’s meaning and the saints who show us how to wait with purpose.
November 24, 2025
Enter the 20th Anniversary Photo Contest Anza-Borrego Foundation’s Photo Contest celebrates two decades of photography that helps reveal what most visitors never see. This milestone year honors the images that have captured the Park’s hidden moments—fleeting blooms, rare wildlife, dramatic weather, and the quiet details across 650,000 acres of desert terrain. Below is a simple overview of what participants can expect this year. For full details and to submit your photos, visit ABF’s website. Why the Contest Matters Showcases what is often missed in the Park’s vast, remote landscapes Highlights the biodiversity and resilience of Anza-Borrego Desert State Park Helps people connect more deeply with the land through visual storytelling Why Photography Supports Conservation 65% of people are visual learners Visual content increases engagement by 94% Images are processed 60,000x faster than text—one photo can say what pages cannot Awards & Recognition (Full descriptions available on the ABF website) Best in Show: Ribbon + resort stay + dinner + ABF program Category Winners: Ribbons + ABF membership Honorable Mention & People’s Choice: Ribbon + gallery display Winning photos will be exhibited at the Borrego Art Institute in early 2026 2026 Categories People Enjoying the Park Animals of Anza-Borrego Desert Black & White Landscapes Nightscapes Plants New: Youth Category (high school and younger) Cell phone photographs accepted in all categories How to Enter (Round 1 Overview) Submit up to 10 photos Upload JPEG files under 5 MB Photos from any year are eligible All online entries considered for People’s Choice Judges select finalists to move to Round 2 (print submission) Deadline Submit your photos by December 10, 2025. Learn more, read the full rules, and enter online: theabf.org/experience-anza-borrego/photo-contest/ Learn more and enter at: theabf.org/experience-anza-borrego/photo-contest/ Learn More About Borrego Springs
November 24, 2025
A full month of creative workshops, hands-on learning, and holiday projects December at the Borrego Art Institute brings a full schedule of classes for all ages and skill levels—from drawing and sculpture to kids’ art, yarn-making, and an olive oil tasting at the ArtPark Café. Whether you’re a resident, seasonal visitor, or weekend explorer, Studio West offers plenty of ways to create, learn, and enjoy the season.
November 23, 2025
The Thanksgiving Eve Service brought the community together at Borrego Springs Community UMC for an evening centered on gratitude, reflection, and the shared bonds that carry Borrego Springs through each year. Guided by local clergy, and volunteers, the service offered a mix of music, readings, and stories that highlighted both faith and community care. Coming Together in Gratitude Pastor Mateo Mamea opened the service with a call to give thanks, setting the tone for an evening of reflection. Rev. Michael Plekon followed with the opening prayer, encouraging gratitude for daily blessings and the natural world that surrounds Borrego Springs. Readings, Music, and Reflections Scripture readings were shared by Cmdr. Dale Jones and Rev. David Madsen, with additional participation from Ellen Fitzpatrick. Pastor Mamea offered the homily, focusing on gratitude and living with intention. Music added depth and warmth to the service. Jennie and Gary Edwards performed “For the Beauty of the Earth,” and the combined choir, directed by Jinny Perrin, contributed an uplifting anthem. Voices From the Community Martha offered stories about the Borrego Ministers Association—how it began, how it supports people in crisis, and why its work matters. Her remarks helped newcomers and longtime residents better understand the BMA’s role in meeting urgent needs throughout the year. Supporting Local Needs An offering was collected to support the ongoing work of the Borrego Ministers Association , which provides emergency assistance and support services for individuals and families in Borrego Springs.
November 23, 2025
Support Women and Girls in Borrego Springs Raise your glass for a good cause at the 4th Annual Toast to Borrego , happening Saturday, December 13, 2025 , from 1:00 to 5:00 PM at the UCI Steele/Burnand Anza-Borrego Desert Research Center in Borrego Springs. Get Tickets! Enjoy an afternoon of fine wines, food, and music—all while supporting programs that empower women and girls in Borrego Springs. Event Highlights Six wines selected and introduced by Kimberly Jones Selections Catering by Carlee’s – delicious food and appetizers Live piano music by Steve Hunter Mocktails for non-drinkers One gift basket drawing ticket included Free parking Experiences and Auctions Shop creative themed gift baskets and bid on one-of-a-kind local experiences, including: Coffee Lovers New Grandparents Gourmet Foods Wine Lovers Tea Party And more to come Silent Auction Experiences: Pizza party for six with Wade of the Borrego Art Institute Olive oil tasting for five with Ingrid Tuxhorn of Borrego Olive Oil Co. Bike ride with Sylvia Maas, Kristi Sisson, and Peanut Paint Party for six with Cody from the Borrego Art Institute Tickets $75 Pre-sale until December 5 $100 General Admission Get your tickets early—attendance is limited. Cancellation Policy: All ticket sales are final. Rain or shine event. Details Location: UCI Steele/Burnand Anza-Borrego Desert Research Center 401 Tilting T Dr, Borrego Springs, CA 92004 Time: 1:00–5:00 PM (Pouring 1:00–3:30 PM) Note: Guests must be 21 or older. Children and pets cannot be accommodated (service animals welcome). Learn More About Borrego Springs
By Elizabeth Rodriguez
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November 22, 2025
The Borrego Springs ArtWalk is held the first Saturday of each month, November through May, from 5–7 PM.
November 21, 2025
The Miss Borrego Springs Pageant was held at the Borrego Springs Performing Arts Center and featured six contestants from Borrego Springs High School. All participants are members of the school’s Interact Club, which is connected to the Rotary Club of Borrego Springs and Rotary District 5340. Longtime Community Leadership The program has been organized for more than 30 years by Sylvia Meeks, a member of the Rotary Club of Borrego Springs and a key figure in coordinating the event year after year. Her ongoing involvement has helped maintain continuity, mentorship, and community participation. The master of ceremonies for the evening was longtime community member and friend, Jee. Pageant Program The pageant includes interviews, on-stage questions, and opportunities for contestants to speak about service, leadership, and their role in the community. Judges evaluate communication, confidence, poise, and community engagement. 2025 Titleholder Kayla was selected as Miss Borrego Springs 2025. Previous titleholder Melanie, who served as Miss Borrego Springs Princess, was also present at the event. Community Service After the Pageant A longstanding tradition of the program is that the Miss Borrego Springs titleholder and the court assist at local community events throughout the year. Their involvement includes volunteering at service activities, representing Borrego Springs at public gatherings, and supporting Rotary-related programs. Learn More About Borrego Springs
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