Why Do People Visit Borrego Springs?

World-Famous Micronation to Announce Five-Acre Expansion, Unveil Two New States During November 14 Jubilee The Republic of Slowjamastan is celebrating its fifth anniversary of independence with a historic announcement: the nation is expanding its territory by nearly 50 percent. On Saturday, November 14, from 1–3 PM, Slowjamastan will host its 5th Anniversary of Independence Jubilee, featuring the official announcement and ribbon-cutting ceremony for five newly acquired acres of land, one for each year of independence. The five additional acres, contiguous with the nation's existing 11-acre territory, bring Slowjamastan's total footprint to 16 acres. The public is invited to participate in the festivities, which include: • Historic ribbon-cutting celebrating Slowjamastan's territorial expansion. • Two new states officially commemorated within the nation. • Visa-free entry for the first 10,000 visitors. Crocs remain strictly prohibited. • Free Cactus Cooler while supplies last. • Meet and greet with The Sultan and the Chief of the Porder Batrol. "Five years. Five acres. Sixteen acres of freedom, questionable legislation, and absolutely no Crocs," said The Sultan. "Most countries celebrate anniversaries with cake. We bought more country." Founded in 2021, the Republic of Slowjamastan has attracted worldwide media attention for its unconventional approach to nation-building, complete with its own government, passports, border checkpoints, and national traditions. EVENT DETAILS What: Slowjamastan's 5th Anniversary of Independence Jubilee When: Saturday, November 14, 2026 | 1–3 PM Where: Republic of Slowjamastan, Imperial County, California. See slowjamastan.org/location Admission: Free Learn more about Slowjamastan: www.slowjamastan.org MEDIA CONTACT Robert Dobalina bob@slowjamastan.org

This is more than a bike ride. The OpiCure Ascent to Freedom Ride in Borrego Springs takes place Saturday, November 21, and brings together riders, friends, families, and the recovery community for a full day of connection and celebration, in association with Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation. Join the ride through the desert, jump into the pickleball tournament (all skill levels welcome), and enjoy meals provided for the riders as we come together to mark sobriety, share stories, and support one another. Whether you’re riding, playing, volunteering, or simply showing up, you’re part of this. Come be part of something bigger than any single activity — come be part of the Ascent to Freedom. “We wanted this to be a fun day that everyone can enjoy. Come meet the Opicure Community and grow with us,” says OpiCure Foundation President Cullen Easter. In the heart of the Anza-Borrego Desert, this inaugural OpiCure event brings together people in recovery, their families, and the cycling community to celebrate sobriety, share stories of strength, and raise awareness about the opioid crisis. "By turning the simple act of riding into a collective ascent toward freedom, it shows that recovery is possible, community heals, and every pedal stroke can move us closer to a life beyond addiction," says Cullen. "The OpiCure Ascent to Freedom is about community, movement, and celebrating recovery in every form." OpiCure Foundation is a 501(c)(3) Non Profit Foundation focused on addressing opioid-related addiction and deaths. More information on the event is available at opicureride.com .

Yellow Woman Ranch's Fall Wellness Faire invites visitors to explore holistic practices, discover natural products, and enjoy a day of connection in the desert. Thanksgiving is a time for gathering, gratitude, and, quite often, overindulgence. On Saturday, November 28, Yellow Woman Ranch in Borrego Springs invites visitors to spend the day nourishing themselves in a different way, exploring an eclectic mix of holistic practices, natural products, and experiences designed to promote well-being. From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., the Fall Wellness Faire will bring together holistic practitioners, wellness enthusiasts, and natural product vendors for a day of discovery, connection, and feeling good. Visitors can explore a variety of offerings, including acupuncture and cupping, Reiki, vibrational sound healing, Zero Balance, Bio-Energetic Scanning, mini facials, and Somatic Movement. The day will also feature sound baths, Shamanic Journeying, tarot readings, and traditional Chinese mind-body practices. Beyond the individual practices and experiences, guests can browse crystals, herbal products, and other natural offerings, enjoy wholesome foods, meet practitioners, and discover approaches to wellness they may not have encountered before. “I started these Wellness Faires to create awareness about the different ways we can heal and feel good when we get in touch with our bodies and our minds,” says Rossy Sanchez, creator of Yellow Woman Ranch. “I so enjoy seeing the happy faces as people leave the event.” Set against the dramatic beauty of the Anza-Borrego Desert, Yellow Woman Ranch offers an inviting setting where visitors can explore at their own pace, connect with others, and perhaps discover something new about themselves. The Fall Wellness Faire takes place Saturday, November 28, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., at Yellow Woman Ranch, 302 Palm Canyon Drive, Borrego Springs, California. Admission is $20. Private sessions are available at additional cost, with pricing varying by practitioner. For more information and to explore the day's offerings, visit www.yellowwomanranch.com/events.

Borrego Springs is making major progress in groundwater conservation. See the latest numbers and what they mean for the valley’s future.

A few raindrops couldn’t keep the costumes home on Halloween night in Borrego Springs.

From desert hikes and stargazing to educational lectures and guided tours, the Anza-Borrego Desert Natural History Association (ABDNHA) has posted its upcoming activities for the 2026–2027 season. The schedule offers opportunities for residents and visitors to explore the desert, learn about local history, observe wildlife and discover the natural wonders of Anza-Borrego. Programs include guided hikes, bird walks, four-wheel-drive excursions, astronomy presentations, nature journaling, cycling and educational lectures. Many outdoor activities are free, although advance registration is often required. November Highlights Nov. 2: Fern Canyon and Vandeventer Loop hike Nov. 6: Stargazing Borrego's Dark Sky Nov. 7: Deep Space Photography with Michael Poirier Nov. 8: Rainbow Wash & Beyond 4WD Tour Nov. 14–15: Annual Attic & Book Sale Nov. 21: Historic Borrego Walkabout Nov. 24: Full Moon Walk at South Palm Wash Nov. 27: The Fascinating Story of Borrego's Sky Art, with Diana Lindsay Nov. 28: Guided driving tour of Borrego's famous sculptures Looking Ahead December brings additional hikes, birding excursions, botany programs and lectures. The annual Desert Home & Garden Tour is scheduled for March 13, 2027, while a Mongolia tour is listed for June. Activities vary in difficulty, and some have participant limits or special vehicle requirements. Several programs offer discounted admission for ABDNHA members and volunteers. Explore the full schedule and register: ABDNHA Activities For reservations or additional information, contact the Borrego Desert Nature Center at 760-767-3098, or visit 652 Palm Canyon Drive in Borrego Springs.

OLAX de Borrego invites the community to experience colorful altars, traditional Mexican art, and a special Family Day celebration on Sunday, November 1. All activities are free and open to all ages. The Community Resource Center (CRC) in Borrego Springs is filling with color, flowers and tradition as OLAX de Borrego prepares for its Día de los Muertos celebration. Volunteers have been busy painting large decorative pieces, creating colorful paper flowers and assembling traditional altars to honor loved ones who have passed away. The preparations are part of OLAX de Borrego's Día de los Muertos series, bringing community members together to share Mexican cultural traditions through art, remembrance and celebration. A Weekend of Remembrance and Celebration The public is invited to visit the Día de los Muertos Altar Expo on Saturday, October 31, and Sunday, November 1, beginning at 9 a.m. The altars, known as ofrendas, are an important part of Día de los Muertos. They traditionally feature photographs, flowers and meaningful objects that honor and remember family members and friends who have died. The decorations include colorful handmade flowers, papel picado and other artwork created during community workshops and preparations. Sunday: Family Day, Catrina Contest and Folklórico The celebration continues Sunday, November 1, at 3 p.m. with Family Day, a Catrina Contest and a presentation by Las Flores del Desierto Ballet Folklórico. The afternoon offers an opportunity for families, neighbors and visitors to experience the traditions of Día de los Muertos together. The Catrina Contest celebrates one of the holiday's most recognizable figures, while the folklórico presentation brings traditional Mexican dance into the celebration. Everyone Is Welcome OLAX de Borrego's celebration is free and open to all ages. Whether attending to honor a loved one, learn about Mexican traditions or enjoy the community festivities, everyone is invited. Event Details Saturday, October 31: Altar Setup beginning at 9 a.m. Sunday, November 1: Altar Expo, beginning at 9 a.m. Sunday, November 1, at 3 p.m.: Family Day, Catrina Contest and Las Flores del Desierto presentation Location: Community Resource Center (CRC), The Mall, Borrego Springs Admission: Free, all ages welcome For more information, contact info@olaxdeborrego.org . Photos: Community members prepare colorful decorations and handmade artwork for OLAX de Borrego's Día de los Muertos celebration at the Community Resource Center.

New Sunday morning classes offer adults opportunities to improve balance, flexibility, strength, and coordination in Borrego Springs.