Boulevard Bazaar coming to backcountry May 17
by Karen Pearlman | May 10, 2026 1:48 am
East County Magazine
May 9, 2026 (Boulevard) — Don’t look now (or maybe definitely look) but the Mountain Empire is about to get a little more eccentric.
Community members in Boulevard on Sunday, May 17 will host the inaugural “Bizarre Bazaar.” The plan, according to Boulevard community spokesperson Mara Harris, is to continue this event and have a quarterly “Art and Oddities Fair” that is designed to showcase the region’s creative spirit and stimulate the local open commerce economy.
The event, from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m., will transform the grounds of the Backcountry Resource Center into a vibrant marketplace of the unusual.
Harris said that the Bizarre Bazaar is modeled after the successful Jacumba Bathhouse Bazaar, which takes place the first Saturday of every month. Like its Jacumba model, the Boulevard event offers free space to vendors — no registration fees and no booth costs — in an effort to lower the barrier to entry for local makers.
“If there were more venues organized throughout the region, it could enliven our local economy by offering regular outlets for free commerce,” Harris said.
While the Jacumba market is a monthly staple, Boulevard’s version will run quarterly, allowing for a more concentrated festival atmosphere featuring live performances and curated displays.
While handmade crafts are a primary focus, the “Bizarre” in the name is intentional. Attendees can expect a curated selection of oddities, unique treasures and items that defy standard retail categories.
The event follows on the heels of the successful April Mountain Empire Art Show, which unified 19 local artists and proved there is an interest for organized cultural events in the high desert and backcountry.
In addition to the shopping, the fair will feature: unique vehicles with a display of vintage and one-of-a-kind automobiles; food vendors and live local musicians performing. There will also be an open mic opportunity showcase for local talent to step into the spotlight.
The event is free to the public with vendors encouraged to arrive by 10 a.m. for setup, with clearly marked items for sale or trade.
The Backcountry Resource Center is located at 39919 Ribbonwood Road in Boulevard.
For more information, Harris can be reached at (619) 723-0723.
Source URL: https://eastcountymagazine.org/boulevard-bazaar-coming-to-backcountry-may-17/