HWY 62 OPEN STUDIO ART TOURS: SoCal’s Largest Open Studio Event

Imagine stepping into a world where art and nature dance together, where each winding desert road leads you to a hidden studio, vibrant with creativity. That is the Hwy 62 Open Studio Art Tours—now in its 24th year and spanning the magnificent landscapes surrounding Joshua Tree National Park. This is Southern California’s largest open-studio event, and an invitation to connect with the hi‑desert’s soul.

This October, for three unforgettable weekends—October 4–5, 11–12, and 18–19, 2025—studios come alive from 10 AM to 5 PM, open and free for anyone seeking to explore, discover, and be inspired.

Why you can’t miss this:
– Walk into artistic worlds — Nearly 200 visionary artists invite you into their creative sanctuaries. They represent every discipline: painters, photographers, ceramicists, sculptors, jewelers, and more.
– An immersive, self‑guided adventure — No tours, no time limits—just a beautifully curated map, app, or booklet guiding you through studio after studio. The catalog alone, printed and distributed widely, is a treasure.

Last year’s tour was remarkable: over 180 artists across more than 130 studios, countless encounters of discovery—and over $500,000 in local art sales benefiting the creators directly. It wasn’t just a tour—it was a celebration of creative community and connection.

Art Tours After Dark
When the desert sun dips away, the tour pulses with rhythm. “Art Tours After Dark” transforms the evenings: more than 8 venues host multiple live music performances—bands, solo acts, local talents—turning art into a full sensory experience. Explore studios by day, and let music guide you under the stars by night. All of it free.

See it before you roam
Want a preview? The Collective Show at the Hi‑Desert Artists Center features works by over 100 participating artists with a festive opening reception Saturday, September 27th from 6-8 pm and will run through October 19th.

Roots of the Tour
Celebrated as a foundation of the desert’s creative network, this event is driven by the nonprofit Morongo Basin Cultural Arts Council—a volunteer‑based 501(c)(3)—and supported in part by the California Arts Council.

Why join?

• Genuine human connection — Talk with artists, hear their stories, understand their craft.
• Discover hidden gems — From serene studios in rocky ridges to vibrant workshops tucked behind Joshua Tree’s iconic vistas.
• Musical nights — After the last paint stroke, let the desert’s music fill your spirit.
• Support community — Every purchase, every conversation supports local artists and the cultural fabric of the hi-desert.

Whether you’re a local, a curious traveler, or someone looking to follow creative impulse into the desert, the Hwy 62 Open Studio Art Tours invites you: come wander, wonder, and witness how art blooms in unexpected places.

Visit their website: hwy62arttours.org, pick up a catalogue, or download the app for maps, schedules, and artist information.