If you haven't made plans for this weekend yet, here's a suggestion. The Borrego Days Desert Festival will take place in the desert town of Borrego Springs, just over the mountains east of San Diego, on October 17 and 18.

This year marks the 60th anniversary, so it's quite a long-standing local event. It's organized by the Borrego Springs Chamber of Commerce, and there is no admission fee.

These days, a weekend outing can quickly add up with parking fees and admission costs. So, starting with the fact that it's free gives it a big advantage.

The location is Christmas Circle Community Park on Palm Canyon Drive. It's a circular park right in the middle of town, so you won't get lost even if it's your first visit.

According to the information from KPBS, the event runs on Saturday from 8:45 AM to 6:30 PM. Sunday is a bit shorter, from 9:30 AM to 3 PM.

However, different travel sites list slightly different times. Some only mention Saturday, while others say it's a three-day event.

Based on the official site, borregodays.com, the correct dates are indeed the 17th and 18th. However, it does note that the schedule is subject to change without notice, so it's a good idea to check before you head out.

So, what can you expect to see? The highlight is Saturday morning.

The event kicks off with a vintage airplane flyover, followed by the Main Street Parade. The quaint charm of a small-town parade offers a very different atmosphere compared to big city events.

At the park, there will be a car show, various vendor booths, and food trucks. Free live performances will continue throughout the day, and there will be a kids zone for children and a beer garden for adults.

To summarize, if you want to see the airplanes and the parade, Saturday morning is the best time. If you're just planning to leisurely browse the booths, Sunday works too.

I couldn't find the exact start time for the parade in the available materials. You can check the official site's event schedule page or call the Chamber of Commerce at (760) 767-5555 for confirmation.

From downtown San Diego, you should plan for about a two-hour drive. This means you'll need to leave early in the morning to catch the Saturday morning events.

Personally, this was the part I was most concerned about. Waking up at dawn, driving for two hours, attending the event, and then driving back for another two hours can be quite exhausting.

So my conclusion is this: if you're going for just the day, don't fixate on the parade. Arrive late in the morning and enjoy the park instead.

If you can stay overnight, arriving Friday night is much better. Borrego Springs is known as California's first International Dark Sky Community, so stargazing becomes an added bonus event.

If you have extra time during the day, it's worth checking out the metal sculptures at Galleta Meadows. Large metal sculptures created by artist Ricardo Breceda are scattered throughout the desert, and they are open to the public without any fencing, so you can drive around and see them.

From prehistoric animals like ancient elephants to giant snake sculptures, kids especially love it. It's a great spot for taking photos too.

The Anza-Borrego Desert State Park visitor center is also nearby. It is open daily from 9 AM to 5 PM from October 1 to May 31, but this is also subject to change by the park.

Now, let's talk about some practical matters. Don't underestimate the desert in October.

The Anza-Borrego Foundation's park weather guide advises being prepared for days exceeding 100 degrees from May to October. Many people struggle after only considering the coastal weather in San Diego.

Make sure to bring plenty of water. A hat, sunscreen, and a folding chair will definitely make waiting for the parade more comfortable.

It's also a good idea to fill up on gas before heading into the desert. Since you'll be driving through mountain roads and desert areas, it's best not to worry about the fuel gauge.

And in the evening, temperatures drop significantly. If you plan to stay for stargazing, be sure to bring a light jacket.

Honestly, I find it impressive that this local festival has continued for 60 years. It's not a large event organized by a big city, but rather a gathering put together by the local Chamber of Commerce and residents each year.

I believe the best way to support such events is to buy something from a food truck and pick up a small item from a booth. The local economy ultimately benefits from the wallets of visitors.

Finally, let me summarize the checklist before you head out. Check the final schedule on the official site, pack water and a hat, fill up on gas, and then you're ready to go.

If it were me, I would head over Friday afternoon to stargaze, then catch the flyover and parade on Saturday morning before returning in the afternoon. This weekend, consider turning your direction towards the desert instead of the coast.