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
By Mike Puzzo
•
April 14, 2026
2025 scholarship recipients
April 10, 2026
Donate Blood, April 30 A community blood drive is scheduled at Borrego Springs High School on Thursday, April 30, 2026. Hosted in partnership with the San Diego Blood Bank, the event offers residents an opportunity to donate locally and support regional medical needs. Donors will receive a limited-edition Disney Goofy T-shirt while supplies last. Event Details Date: Thursday, April 30, 2026 Time: 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM Location: High School Gym Parking Lot Cahuilla Road Borrego Springs, CA 92004 Appointments are encouraged, though walk-ins are accepted. Donors should bring a photo ID, be at least 17 years old, weigh a minimum of 110 pounds, and arrive hydrated. How to Participate Appointments can be scheduled online at sandiegobloodbank.org/donate or by calling (619) 400-8251. A QR code is also available on event materials for quick access. Blood donations collected at local drives support hospitals across the region, making community participation an important part of maintaining a stable blood supply.
April 8, 2026
Creative Workshop Begins
April 7, 2026
Volunteer-Run Community Park Christmas Circle Community Park sits at the center of Borrego Springs and remains one of the most recognized public spaces in the area. The park was established in the early 1950s when the DiGiorgio family donated the land in honor of Alphonse A. Burnand, tying the space directly to the early development of Borrego Springs. A Park Run by Volunteers Today, the park is managed by a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization led by a volunteer board of directors. The organization is supported through grants and donations from both residents and visitors who use the park. Jeff Sloan, president of the board, said, “There’s a group of people who really love the park and they put their effort into making it a wonderful place to visit.” What It Takes to Maintain the Park Maintaining Christmas Circle is an ongoing responsibility. The board oversees landscaping, lawn care, tree trimming, and water management to keep the grass maintained throughout the year. The park also provides regularly cleaned public restrooms, requiring daily attention and consistent upkeep.
April 4, 2026
Monday, May 4 at St. Barnabas A low-cost spay and neuter clinic hosted by Animal Action League will take place on Monday, May 4 at St. Barnabas Episcopal Church , 2680 Country Club Road in Borrego Springs. The clinic will offer affordable veterinary services for cats and dogs, including spay and neuter procedures, vaccinations, and microchipping . These services help reduce unwanted litters while supporting the long-term health, safety, and identification of companion animals in the Borrego Springs area. While pets are being cared for, the church will remain open to those waiting. Coffee will be available, creating a comfortable space during the morning hours. Check out this article about the last event. Animal Action League A Non-Profit Spay & Neuter Clinic Tax ID # 33-0345283 Call for an appointment: Office English: (760) 366-1100 Office Spanish: (760) 366-1105 Fax: (760) 366-7300 Email: aalreservations@gmail.com Mailing Address: PO Box 1413 Joshua Tree, CA 92252 Learn More About Borrego Springs
April 4, 2026
Kundalini Bianco at The Mall A new wellness studio has opened at The Mall in Borrego Springs. Kundalini Bianco , Center for Nervous System and Soul Integration, is now offering weekly classes on the second floor in Suite #219. The schedule includes movement, Kundalini yoga, sound bowl healing, chanting, and humming. For locals and seasonal visitors looking for regular wellness classes in Borrego Springs, these weekly offerings add something new to the local mix. New Studio at The Mall Cherie Bianco just opened a new studio at The Mall, second floor, Suite #219, Kundalini Bianco, Center for Nervous System and Soul Integration . Weekly Class Schedule Wednesdays 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM Core Energetic Movement / Sound Bowl Healing Thursdays 10:30 AM to 11:45 AM Kundalini Yoga of Awareness / Sound Bowls 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM Qualities Divine Names / Chanting / Humming Seasonal Offering These classes are being offered now through spring into early summer at The Mall in Borrego Springs. Location Kundalini Bianco The Mall, Second Floor Suite #219 Borrego Springs Learn More About Borrego Springs
By Elizabeth Rodriquez
•
April 3, 2026
ARTWALK with Armand Frederick Vallée at The Gallery at The Palms Saturday, April 4 at 5-7 pm. The exhibition has added a few new original paintings to the collection. Stop by and take a look at these masterful paintings. See you at ARTWALK!
March 22, 2026
Located at the Borrego Community Resource Center
March 21, 2026
Tai Chi with Jill Feltovich
March 19, 2026
Borrego Ministers Association Receives $35,000 BVEF Grant
March 18, 2026
BVEF awards grants to Borrego Springs nonprofits supporting healthcare, education, arts, and community programs at the 2026 luncheon.
March 17, 2026
Easter Sunrise Service Borrego Springs The Easter Sunrise Service in Borrego Springs is an annual sunrise gathering that brings people together for a simple, meaningful start to Easter morning. This post covers the essentials—who hosts it, where it takes place, and a few practical tips so you can plan ahead each year. Since the service is timed to sunrise, the date changes with Easter, but the tradition stays the same: an early morning moment of faith, hope, and community in the desert. Date and time Sunday, April 5, 2026 6:00 AM (Sunrise)
Show More
