Why Do People Visit Borrego Springs?

A Musical Celebration at BSPAC

A Charlie Brown Christmas piano concert with pianist, arranger, and conductor Steve Hunter at St. Barnabas Episcopal Church on December 21 at 3 PM.

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

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

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.

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.

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

The Borrego Springs ArtWalk is held the first Saturday of each month, November through May, from 5–7 PM.