June 3, 2025 (El Cajon) -- Artival-- an art, wine and music festival--makes its debut in downtown El Cajon on June 7 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. to celebrate art, culture and community.

Organizers describe the new festival as "where art meets vibes: immerse yourself in creativity, community and craft."

Enjoy an art walk featuring works by talented local artists, from fine art and photography to jewelry, handmade clothing, and ceramics.

There will also be food trucks, a wine garden, beer, and live music.

Get ready for a whirlwind of mistaken identity, tangled romance, and laugh-out-loud confusion in this timeless Shakespeare comedy. 

By G. A. McNeeley 

Photography By Kristin Campbell 

May 22, 2025 (El Cajon) — Twelfth Night is a romantic comedy that was created by William Shakespeare, and directed by Linda Libby. This is one show at the Grossmont College Stagehouse Theatre that you’ll definitely want to check out. 

If you’re not familiar with the story, it follows shipwrecked twins, Viola and Sebastian, as they find themselves lost in the strange land of Illyria. Violet, disguised as the young Cesario, falls in love with the noble Orsino, who is in love with the beautiful Olivia. But, Olivia falls in love with Cesario, who’s idolized by the pompous Malvolio. Meanwhile, Sebastian’s unexpected arrival only adds to the confusion, as he embarks on a quest to find his sister. 

If you enjoy period pieces or comedies, then this show is definitely for you. This bold and stylish reimagining of the beloved comedy will transport you into a 1920s speakeasy, where mistaken identities, unrequited love, and mischievous revelry take center stage. 

By Miriam Raftery

San Diego’s inland region has a variety of cinema options, including several movie theaters (some with upscale options), outdoor movies in the park for six months each year,  summer “dive-in” movies at a pool, and a desert film festival.

Beyond popcorn, many local theaters also offer a wide array of foods and even alcoholic beverages.

Scroll down for listings of movie theaters in our inland communities,  as well as where to find movies in the park and more.

East County News Service

April 19, 2025 (Ramona) – The Nashville Americana duo Goldpine, a husband and wife team, will perform at The Barn (344 Main St., Ramona) at 8 p.m., Friday, May 23.

The duo won the 2022 Rocky Mountain Songwriter Contest and has performed at the Kansas City Chiefs’ Arrowhead Stadium and the Bristol Rhythm and Roots Reunion.

Their music tells stories of live, love and purpose.

East County News Service

March 30, 2025 (La Mesa) – Bright Star, a sweeping tale of love and redemption set against the rich backdrop of the Blue Ridge Mountains in the 1920s and ’40, takes stage at Lamplighters Theatre.  The play opens April 18 and runs through May 19.

East County News Service

March 20, 2025 (El Cajon) -- The Circle Players will be performing the dinner theatre production of “Everyone’s A Critic” on April 5^th at 6:30 p.m. and on April 6^th at 1:30 p.m.  Performances will be held in Richardson Hall, 551 Farragut Circle, El Cajon.  All seats for this mystery dinner theatre show are $30 and includes a 3-course French-themed meal.  

East County News Service

March 17, 2025 (San Diego) - You’re invited to a concert by the San Diego Concert Band presenting music of John Williams on Thursday, April 17 at 7 p.m. in the Joan B. Kroc Theatre, 6611 University Ave. in San Diego.  Nick Grant will be featured on the theme from “Schindler’s List,” a film based on Oskar Schindler, the German who saved 1,200 Jews from the Holocaust.

East County News Service

Photos by Ken Jacques

March 13, 2025 (Scripps Ranch) -- Scripps Ranch Theatre continues its Season 45 with Mary’s Wedding, written by Stephen Massicotte. Directed by Kate Rose Reynolds, the production runs April 4th - 27th on the campus of Alliant International University. Performances are Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. There will be a preview performance on Friday, April 4th with a Press Opening on Saturday, April 5th at 7:30 p.m. Patrons can purchase Tickets online at https://scrippsranchtheatre.org/showtickets/ or contact SRT Patron Services at 858-395-0573. 

East County News Service

March 2, 2025 (Julian) -- Friends of the Julian Library will present a concert by Sean Gaskell on the kora, a  21-stringed West African harp.  This performance, titled “Music on the Mountain,” will take place on March 7 at 3 p.m. in the Julian branch of the county library, 1850 Highway 78 in Julian.

By G. A. McNeeley 

February 19, 2025 (El Cajon) - There’s a lot happening on Grossmont Campus, including a variety of free and paid events open to the general public as well as students, staff and faculty. These include concerts, movies, theatrical productions, blood drives, and more.

East County News Service

January 16, 2025 (El Cajon)-- In honor of Valentine's Day, the Saps at Sea Laurel & Hardy club presents: Laurel & Hardy – Romantic Leads??  Films include "Should Married Men Go Home?", "Our Wife", and "Yes, Yes Nannette." 

The event takes place on Saturday, February 1, from 4:30 to 8 p.m. at First Lutheran Church of El Cajon, 867 S Lincoln Ave, El Cajon, CA 92020.

East County News Service

January 8, 2025 (La Mesa) -- Forty-seven years after Wait Until Dark premiered on Broadway, Jeffrey Hatcher has adapted Frederick Knott's 1966 original, giving it a new setting. In 1944 Greenwich Village, Susan Hendrix, a blind yet capable woman, is imperiled by a trio of men in her own apartment. As the climax builds, Susan discovers that her blindness just might be the key to her escape, but she and her tormentors must wait until dark to play out this classic thriller's chilling conclusion.​

East County News Service

December 4, 2024 (San Diego) -- The San Diego Concert Band kicks off its 35^th season with the annual holiday concert on December 19 at Joan B. Kroc Theatre at 7 p.m.. Barbara Allen returns as guest vocalist, backed by the band playing special arrangements by local musician, composer/arranger, and music educator Adam Pezdek. 

Tickets are available at the door and on the Band’s website, www.SanDiegoConcertBand.com

“Wonderful Holiday Sounds”

December 19, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. (Doors open at 6:30)

Joan B. Kroc Theatre

6611 University Avenue – San Diego

East County News Service

November 27, 2024 (El Cajon) – East County Arts Association invites you to enjoy strolling down Main street in downtown El Cajon for a holiday art walk with 28 participating vendors offering everything from handmade jewelry to vibrant paintings, pottery and more.  The event takes place Saturday, November 30 from 2 p.m.to 8 p.m.  

Then at 5 p.m., the East County Art Gallery at 124 E. Main St. will have a reception featuring the creative abstract paintings of Ross Adcock and his private collection of Juan Quezada and the Potters of Northern Chihuahua.