East County News Service

October 13, 2023 (El Cajon) -- Welcome Newcomer Network will host its 6^TH Multicultural Festival on November 4 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at EJE Academies, 851 S Johnson Ave, El Cajon, CA 92020. The event will include multicultural food, cultural dance, a show of traditional costumes, storytelling, games and raffle drawings. For this year, we anticipate over 1,000 attendees.

East County News Service

October 12, 2023 (Julian)-- A Taste of Julian is a rural dining adventure showcasing the culinary delights in the historic mountain town. Just 100 tickets will be sold for this special event on Saturday, November 4.

The self-guided tour includes at least a dozen sites in the Julian area including restaurants, a pub, bakeries, wineries, breweries, a tea shop, and a chocolate tasting room.

East County News Service

October 12, 2023 (La Mesa) – In recognition of Health Literacy Month, the Grossmont Healthcare District (GHD) is hosting a day of learning about the importance of communicating and understanding health information. 

View South Africa video

View Zulu Nyala video

September 7, 2023  (La Mesa) –Tickets are now on sale for our “Taste of Africa” event!  The festivities will be Sunday, October 8 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the La Mesa Community Center in the Arbor Room (4975 Memorial Drive, La Mesa, CA 91941).

Join us for a fun-filled evening including tastes of African cuisine from local African restaurants and caterers, African dancers and drummers, DJ and dancing, speakers including wildlife conservation leader Coe Lewis of NSEFU and Assembly member Akilah Weber, Africa videos Community Champion awards, raffle, live and silent auction.

The grand prizes are six-night photo safari packages for two at Zulu Nyala - a fabulous private wildlife preserve in South Africa! Other live auction prizes include a larimar bracelet, wine basket, hand-crafted ukelele with African theme, camping gear, and more.

Our raffle and silent auction is huge with many gift certificates and gift baskets from local restaurants, stores, wineries and other vendors, as well as hand-crafted African items and more.

Suggested attire:  African themed (animal print fabric, traditional African, safari wear, or tropical)

Get tickets now! We are nearly sold out.  Questions? Call 619-698-7617

East County News Service

September 27, 2023 (El Cajon) -- On Friday, October 20, 2023, the San Diego Regional East County Chamber of Commerce will be celebrating its 21st Annual Women in Leadership event at Sycuan Casino Resort.

In 2003 the first Women in Leadership Luncheon (WILL) was launched with the idea of honoring women who excel professionally and as community leaders. The successful women of San Diego County, along with our inspirational keynote speakers, keep WILL growing year after year.

By Miriam Raftery

September 21, 2023 (San Diego’s East County) -- As autumn arrives and Halloween draws near, East County has a wealth of festivals and events coming up.  These include Julian’s Autumn Jubilee and an Heirloom Apple Festival, Oktoberfests in La Mesa and El Cajon, the Borrego Days Desert Festival,  Haunt Fest on Main in downtown El  Cajon, a Pumpkin Bash and Spooky Campover at Lions, Tigers and Bears in Alpine,and a Pumpkin Express train ride in Campo.

Plus there are live entertainment stars taking stage in East County, including comics Paula Poundstone and Randy Rainbow at The Magnolia, the rock artist  Sting at SDSU, and El Cajon Mayor Bill Wells with his band in a benefit concert to help the homeless in El Cajon.

Scroll down for details on all of these events and more.

This year’s rodeo provides more ways to enjoy the excitement than ever before, including big-screen video, VIP seating, and special activities just for kids

Story and photos courtesy of Poway Rodeo

September 11, 2023 (Poway) -- The Poway Rodeo returns for its 50^th year of bringing the very best in action-packed entertainment to its centrally located north San Diego location. This year’s rodeo promises more ways than ever before to enjoy all the excitement, with big-screen video projection, VIP seating opportunities, and special adventures for even the youngest cowpokes.

Visitors can choose from three performances: one on Friday, Sept. 22 at 7:30 p.m., and two on Saturday, Sept. 23 at 1 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. VIP ticketholders enjoy exclusive extras like preferred seating, excellent arena views, personal service, and included food and drinks.

By Miriam Raftery

September 3, 2023 (San Diego’s East County) – Fall is in the air –ushering in some of East County’s most iconic festivals including Oktoberfests, Alley Cat Art Walk, Julian Autumn Jubilee, Sycuan's Powwow, and haunting Halloween happenings. Plus comedians Randy Rainbow and Paula Poundstone will be performing in El Cajon and music legend Crystal Gayle will be onstage at Sycuan.

Scroll down for these events in San Diego's inland region, and more.

By Miriam Raftery

September 2, 2023 (La Mesa) — From  Sept. 29 through Oct. 1, La Mesa Oktoberfest will be celebrating 50 years of Bavarian festivities in an effort to top its traditions for the past half-century.

East County News Service

August 9, 2023 (Sycuan) – The 2023 Sycuan Powwow will be held September 8-10 at the Sycuan Resort, 5577 Dehesa Road in El  Cajon.

The annual celebration will feature tribal dancing contests each day as well as bird singing competitions on Sept. 9. Other activities include peon games at dusk, traditional Native American arts and crafts vendors, and refreshments.

July 31, 2023 (San Diego's East County) -- Join the San Diego County Sheriff's Department for National Night Out on Tuesday, August 1.  Sheriff's Stations and Substations across the county will be hosting family-friendly community events to take a stand against crime. Find details on each station’s event below. 

National Night Out is an annual event that promotes law enforcement-community partnership and neighborhood camaraderie.

Meet your local Sheriff's Deputies and receive public safety resources.  Crime Prevention Specialists will share tips on how to keep your families safe.  Many of our events will feature giveaways and more.

East County  News Service

July 24, 2023  (Mt. Helix) – The Mt. Helix Food and Wine Festival returns on August 19 to benefit the Mt. Helix Park.  The event takes place from 5 to 10 p.m. at the historic and inspiring Mt. Helix amphitheater and 7-acre nature preserve atop one of our region’s tallest peaks, with 360-degree views.

This year’s event features a Wild West theme. Whiskey Ridge band will entertain on the main stage and The Tradesmen up at the cross location as guests savor food and beverages from over 40 sampling booths.  The park will be transformed with a secret Speakeasy Saloon and  line dancing.

Don’t miss the auction with everything from Legoland Tickets and golf outings to yacht experiences and overnights in exotic places, to private parties for you and your friends at Mt. Helix Park.

Source: Lemon Grove Lions Club

July 22, 2023 (Lemon Grove) -- Lemon Grove Lions Club will host Quartermania, a cross between an auction, a raffle and bingo,on August 12. The event will feature Preview Shopping at 10:30am, Quarter Auction from 11 a.m.-2: p.m., and a light lunch at 12 p.m.. Bring plenty of quarters as you will need them to bid on auction items.