Upcoming Tours & Programs

november 12, 10-11:30am

Borderlands Literature and Film Circle

“Heaven Has a Wall” with author Elizabeth Shakman Hurd

Borders are political: they’re about regulation, control, checkpoints, violence. But they’re also religious sites of redemption, enchantment, salvation, commitment, emotion, and mystery. This month’s Borderlands Literature and Film Circle will feature a discussion with Elizabeth Shakman Hurd about her popular and insightful book. Join us on Zoom for this free event!

november 13, 8:30am-5:30pm

Borderlands Day Tour

History of Ranching in Santa Cruz County

Join us for a full day of visiting two of the largest, historic ranches in Santa Cruz County: Empire Ranch on the Las Cienegas Conservation Area and the San Ignacio del Babacomari Mexican Land Grant. If you loved the Ranching to Vineyards Tour, you’ll love this even more. This tour is full! Click below to join the waitlist.

november 19, 5:30-7pm

Borderlands Forum

“Whiskey is for Drinking, Water is for Fighting Over” with Michael M. Brescia

How are water rights determined in areas that were once part of Spain and Mexico? Why are these old laws, customs, and usages still in effect and still practiced throughout the American West? Dr. Brescia is the Curator of Ethnohistory at the Arizona State Museum and Professor of History & Law at the University of Arizona. Join us in Patagonia for this free event!

november 20, 8:30am-4:30pm

Cross-Border Day Tour

Gastronomy Tour of Nogales, Sonora

Join us as we visit and sample specialties from five restaurants in Nogales, Sonora. We partnered with the Universidad Vizcaya Culinary School of Sonora to select a diverse range of eateries. Be prepared to have your senses and your appetites indulged and satiated! We will be guided by Camila Cardenas, top graduating student from the Culinary School. We will learn about the gastronomic evolution of Sonora as we taste our way through the city. This tour is full! Click below to join the waitlist.

December 1, 10:30-11:30am

Tour Webinar

Informational Webinar: Oaxaca Tour

Interested in our tour to Oaxaca on March 30-April 6, 2026? Come to this Zoom information session to learn more about it!

Ready to register for the tour and make your deposit? Scroll down ⬇ to “Oaxaca Tour,” March 30-April 6.

december 3, 8:30am-5pm

Borderlands Day Tour

Ranching to Vineyards Tour

In the arid Southwest, ranching has dominated agriculture, with historically large ranches and a vibrant cowboy culture. Join us for a full day learning about the history of ranching and vineyards in Santa Cruz County. We will visit the Santa Fe Ranch near Nogales, then travel to the Sonoita-Elgin wine appellation, and finally to Sonoita Vineyards where Arizona’s first commercial vineyard and winery began. Catered “ranchero” included and an opportunity for wine tasting!

december 9, 8:30am-5:30pm

Cross-Border Day Tour

Nogales, Sonora

On this tour we will visit two of our partner nonprofit organizations in Nogales, Sonora and learn about the value of “social investment” in cultivating community with our neighbors. For lunch we will enjoy the best burrito ever, featuring Sonoran tortillas at Burrito Hass. Then learn about the vast city of Nogales, Sonora as we tour the various neighborhoods. We will end the day with coffee and flan at La Roca.

december 12, Reception at 4:30 and concert 5:30-7pm

Special Event

Concert: Tish Hinojosa with Gary Nabhan

In honor of the Feast Day of our Lady of Guadalupe we are pleased to announce an evening with acclaimed singer and songwriter Tish Hinojosa at the cozy Tin Shed Theater in Patagonia. She will be joined by renowned ethnobotanist and storyteller Gary Nabhan. The event will begin with a brief honoring of our Lady of Guadalupe and optional reception offering tamales, tequila and wine.

January

Let’s Speak Spanish!

Spanish Classes Begin

Let's Speak Spanish is designed to build conversational skills for beginning to advanced Spanish learners. Using a unique combination of entertaining videos, targeted learning tools, and intensive group conversation practice, Let's Speak Spanish can give a jump start for learners seeking real world conversation opportunities. All classes meet on Zoom.

january 7, 8:30am-5:30pm

Cross-Border Day Tour

Nogales, Sonora

On this tour we will visit two of our partner nonprofit organizations in Nogales, Sonora and learn about the value of “social investment” in cultivating community with our neighbors. For lunch we will enjoy the best burrito ever, featuring Sonoran tortillas at Burrito Hass. Then learn about the vast city of Nogales, Sonora as we tour the various neighborhoods. We will end the day with coffee and flan at La Roca.

January 14, 2-3:30pm

Borderlands Forum

“How Did We Get Here? 2025 U.S. Immigration Policy at the Southern Border and Within” with Alyson Ball

Join us for this free event at the United Methodist Church of Green Valley. Alyson Ball will review what occurred during 2025, explore how border issues influenced the national situation, and discuss how national policies are impacting both the southern border and interior communities nationwide.

january 27-28

Multi-Day Borderlands Tour

Tohono O’odham Cultural Center & Ajo, Arizona

Join us for an overnight tour of the town of Ajo, a cultural, historical, and humanitarian aid hub. On the way there, enjoy a private tour of Himdaq Ki. In Ajo, we’ll stay at the lovely Sonora Desert Inn and tour Ajo’s murals, artist housing complex, town center, and other historic sites, as well as the Ajo Humanitarian Aid office to hear about migration in the area. This tour is full! Click below to join the waitlist.

february 19-23

Multi-Day Borderlands Tour

Kino Bay Tour

Located on the edge of the Sonoran Desert and shores of the Gulf of California, this region contains incredibly rich, diverse, and unique desert, marine, and island ecosystems. During this five day educational tour, participants will experience the Bahia de Kino region and learn about community-based conservation initiatives, species monitoring, indigenous knowledge, and bio-cultural history. This tour is in partnership with the Prescott College Kino Bay Center for Cultural & Ecological Studies. 

march 30-april 6

Multi-Day Tour

Oaxaca Tour

BCA and Connect@Oaxaca invite you on this week-long journey to explore the true heart of Mexico’s vibrant arts traditions in Oaxaca during Semana Santa. Each day will bring you closer to the creative people whose lives are devoted to mastering art forms that are appreciated around the world, touching on important issues of authenticity, ingenuity, and invention.

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