Events

East County Events

DESTINATION EAST COUNTY: EASTER EVENTS, WILDFLOWER WALKS AND MORE SPECIAL SPRING HAPPENINGS

By Miriam Raftery
 
March 17, 2024 (San Diego’s East County) – It’s a beautiful season to get outside and enjoy beautiful East County. This week’s Destination East County includes desert wildflower walks, Easter egg hunts in El Cajon and at Lake Jennings, Daffodil Days in Julian, a star party at Mission Trails, La Mesa’s Earth Day Fair, Cajon Classic Cruises, the Ramona Open Studios art tour, and a Lyle Lovett concert at the Magnolia. 

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BEAUTIFUL BORREGO BLOOMS: OUR GUIDE TO WILDFLOWER VIEWING

Story and photos by Miriam Raftery

March 16,  2024 (Borrego Springs) – Those heavy winter rains have resulted in one of the most beautiful bloom seasons in recent memory in the Anza-Borrego Desert.  I visited earlier this month, finding the desert floor along Henderson Canyon Road bursting with colorful purple verbena, white primroses and yellow sunflowers.

Many of the most spectacular wildflower fields are not in the Anza-Borrego State Park, but just outside it on the outskirts of Borrego Springs.

Tips for your visit:


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EARTH DAY 2024 FAIR IN LA MESA

By Jonathan Goetz
 
March 16, 2024 (La Mesa) -- The City of La Mesa is inviting residents, visitors, sponsors and vendors to join its family-friendly Earth Day Fair on Saturday, April 20, 2024, at MacArthur Park, 4900 Memorial Drive, La Mesa CA 91942. The festival is a celebration of the city’s commitment to environmental stewardship and a showcase of local businesses that offer eco-friendly products and services.


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HISTORIC CEMETERY TOURS IN CAMPO OFFERED

Source: Mountain Empire Historical Society
 
March 15, 2024 (Campo) -- Want to learn about the colorful lives (and deaths) of some of the early settlers in the Campo area? The Mountain Empire Historical Society (MEHS), a 501c3 organization, will provide 2 ½ to 3 hour long guided tours of three private historic cemeteries: the Milquatay Pioneer Cemetery (see photo left), the Old Campo Cemetery, and the Ortega Cemetery at 9 a.m. on Saturday, April 6th and then again at 9 a.m. on Sunday, April 14th. 

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COUNTY HOLDS HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS AND ELECTRONIC WASTE COLLECTION EVENT MARCH 30 IN SPRING VALLEY

East County News Service
 
March 15, 2024 (Spring Valley) -- I Love a Clean San Diego announces the upcoming Household Hazardous and Electronic Waste Collection Event organized by the County of San Diego for unincorporated residents. This event provides an excellent opportunity for you to safely dispose of hazardous materials and electronic waste from your home.
 
Here are the event details:
 
Date: Saturday, March 30, 2024
Location: Steele Canyon High School – Back Parking Lot
Address: 12440 Campo Road, Spring Valley
Hours of Operation: 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

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CANDLEWOOD ARTS FESTIVAL MARCH 23 HIGHLIGHTS PUBLIC ART IN BORREGO SPRINGS

4th annual event showcases commissioned public art by Karla Diaz, Jake Freilich, Pearl C. Hsiung, Debra Scacco, and student artists from Borrego Springs High School
 
March 14, 2024 (Borrego Springs) -- The Candlewood Arts Festival returns to the Anza Borrego Desert on March 23 with commissioned public art works as well as a gallery exhibition of art by local youth. The Festival, sponsored by Under The Sun Foundation, will include a performance, workshops, an artists’ talk, and an opening party for visitors and residents to experience contemporary art together in the unique desert community of Borrego Springs. Events will take place from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. 

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SCRIPPS RANCH THEATRE ANNOUNCES STEW

East County News Service
 
Photo: Jamaelya Hines and Danielle Bunch, courtesy: Scripps Ranch Theatre
 
March 14, 2024 (San Diego) -- Scripps Ranch Theatre continues Season 44 with STEW by Zora Howard, a co-production with Common Ground Theatre and directed by Yolanda Franklin.
 
Mama is up early to prepare an important meal and, even with her family on hand to help, time is running short. Tensions simmer with three generations of Tucker women under one roof, but things come to a boil as the violence hovering around the periphery of their lives begins to intrude.

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EL CAJON SEEKS MANAGEMENT PROPOSALS FOR EAST COUNTY MARKET NIGHTS EVENTS

By Chris Berg, marketing and engagement manager, city of El Cajon

March 13, 2024 (El Cajon) —The city of El Cajon is inviting experienced and innovative event planners and organizations to submit proposals for the management of the newly conceived East County Market Nights. This weekly event, set to transform downtown El Cajon every Thursday evening, combines a certified Farmers Market with a dynamic nightlife experience, including live music, gourmet food trucks, and a beer and wine garden. Video Preview


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PETER PAN JUNIOR THEATER PRESENTS: ANNIE

By Jonathan Goetz

March 13, 2024 (San Diego) -- Join the Peter Pan Junior Theater for a heartwarming performance of the beloved musical “Annie,” set to take place from March 20th to 23rd at the Salvation Army Ray & Joan Kroc Performing Arts Center in San Diego. This enchanting production promises to bring the classic tale of hope and adventure to life, featuring the talents of young performers who have been rehearsing and training to deliver an unforgettable experience.

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LAMPLIGHTERS PRESENTS “FIVE WOMEN WEARING THE SAME DRESS”

East County News Service

March 12, 2024 (La Mesa) -- Lamplighter’s Theatre in La Mesa will present the comic play, “Five Women Wearing the Same Dress.” The show runs March 1 through 24.


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WALL THAT HEALS COMES TO EL CAJON MARCH 21-24: VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

By Miriam Raftery

 

Image courtesy of the City of El Cajon

 

March 12, 2024 (El Cajon) -- “The Wall That Heals”, a ¾-sized replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial with a Mobile Education Center, will be at Wells Park in El Cajon March 21-24. Volunteers are needed to help make this amazing educational opportunity happen. 


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DESTINATION EAST COUNTY: SPRING FESTIVITIES

By Miriam Raftery

March 4, 2024 (San Diego’s East County) – With spring fast approaching, many festive and creative events are sprouting up across East County. These include Daffodil Days in Julian, Tomatomania at the Water Conservation Garden, an Earth Day Fair in La Mesa, a plein air art show in  Borrego Springs, a junior fair and barbecue in Lakeside, Nature Day on Mt. Helix, Cajon Classic cruises, plus plays, concerts, and a stargazing party.


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CIRCUS VARGAS: A RETURN TO THE RICH TRADITION OF THE CIRCUS

By Jonathan Goetz

Photos Courtesy: Circus Vargas

February 19, 2024 (San Diego) -- Circus Vargas is coming to Westfield's Plaza Bonita from February 23 to March 11 and Mission Valley Mall from March 15 to April 8, 2024. 


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EASTERN SAN DIEGO COUNTY JUNIOR FAIR AND BBQ MARCH 17 IN LAKESIDE

East County News Service

February 19, 2024 (Lakeside) — Here’s an event to squeal about! A tradition since 1947, the Eastern San Diego County Junior Fair will be held on Sunday, March 17 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Lakeside Rodeo Grounds (12584 Mapleview St., Lakeside). 


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4TH FRIDAY COMEDY AT SPACEBAR CAFE AND WINE BISTRO

By Jonathan Goetz

February 19, 2024 (La Mesa) -- Comedians Gene Levin and Carol Johnson are the dynamic duo behind the 4th Friday Comedy show, held every month at SpaceBar Cafe & Wine Bistro. This delightful event has become one of the longest-running free comedy shows in our region, drawing laughter-loving audiences from near and far.

Event Details:

Venue: SpaceBar Cafe & Wine Bistro

Address: 7454 University Avenue, Suite A, La Mesa, CA 91942

Date: February 23, 2024

Time: 7:30 PM - 9:00 PM


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SAVOR A TASTE OF ALPINE MARCH 16

East County News Service

 

February 17, 2024 (Alpine) -- Indulge in the captivating charm of Alpine, CA! Immerse yourself in a sensory journey that explores the exquisite trifecta of Cuisine, Commerce, and Culture.


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DESTINATION EAST COUNTY: LATE FEBRUARY AND EARLY MARCH EVENTS

By Miriam Raftery

February 17, 2024 (San Diego’s East County) – Hike by the light of the moon, join a stargazing party, enjoy a Nature Day celebration, tour a wolf preserve or a camel dairy, enjoy live comedy, concerts, a livestock fair and barbecue, and a desert art show—all coming up in East County.

 


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CITY OF EL CAJON ATTEMPTS WORLD RECORD "MOST DOGS TO ATTEND A FILM SCREENING" FEB. 24

East County News Service

 

February 9, 2024 (El Cajon) -- The City of El Cajon aims to break the world record for the “Most Dogs to Attend a Film Screening.” A family-friendly screening of the movie “Beethoven” will take place at Wells Park, located at 1153 East Madison Avenue, on Saturday, February 24. Dog owners and their furry friends are invited to be part of this historic attempt .

 

To participate in this record-setting endeavor, dog owners are required to arrive for check-in at 1:00 PM, with the movie screening to commence shortly after. The current record stands at 219 dogs, and El Cajon is eager to surpass this number. This event is not only a chance to make history but also an opportunity for the community and their dogs to enjoy an afternoon full of entertainment and fun.


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DESTINATION EAST COUNTY: CREATIVE EVENTS COMING UP

By Miriam Raftery

February 9, 2024 (San Diego’s East County) —Comedy shows, Fido Fest, film showings, wolf tours, a plein air desert art show, Valentine teas, and an attempt to break a world record for most dogs viewing an outdoor moving are among the festivities coming up across San Diego’s East County.


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LOVE YOUR HEART WEEK FEBRUARY 14-28

East County News Service

February 7, 2024 (San Diego)—Love your Heart events are slated across our region from February 14 through 29. In honor of Valentine’s Day, healthcare organizations are teaming up to offer you free blood pressure screenings and heart-health information.


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COLLIER PARK REOPENING THIS SATURDAY FEBRUARY 10

East County News Service

February 7, 2024 (La Mesa) -- The Collier Park renovation is almost complete with the reopening/ribbon cutting celebration on February 10, 2024!

Join the City of La Mesa for interactive activities, presentations, and resources while you enjoy the new park, playground, fitness equipment, walking trails, courts, and more.


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GUESS WHO IS AT THE MAGNOLIA THIS FRIDAY FEB. 9

East County News Service

February 7, 2024 (El Cajon) -- Guess Who is at The Magnolia this Friday? The Guess Who! A few tickets to the 6:30 p.m. show are still available and start at $55.

The Guess Who is a legendary Canadian band that enjoyed chart-topping hits in the late '60s and early '70s with an impressive catalog of songs including “American Woman,” “These Eyes,” and “No Time.” During the course of its career, the band has released 11 studio albums and charted 14 Top 40 hit singles, 2 of which went to number one in the United States. The Guess Who is best known internationally for its 1970 album, American Woman, which hit number one in Canada and number nine in the United States, with five other albums also hitting the top ten in Canada.

Their fan base spans multiple generations. Very few bands have survived numerous member changes — let alone having smash hits with each lineup — but The Guess Who’s motto is “the music is the message.”


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RECENT RAINS SHOULD MAKE 18TH ANNUAL PLEIN AIR INVITATIONAL ONE OF THE MOST COLORFUL

By Jonathan Goetz

 

February 5, 2024 (Borrego Springs) -- The 18th Annual Plein Air Invitational in Borrego Springs, California promises to be a captivating celebration of art and nature. The event runs from March 4 to April 14, 2024.

 

While wildflowers typically start popping up halfway through February, the peak blooming usually occurs in March and continues through April. Given all this winter's rain this year's floral blooms in the Anza Borrego should be early and quite exceptional.


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EAST COUNTY HONORS AWARDS GALA

By Jonathan Goetz

February 5, 2024 (El Cajon) -- The East County Honors Awards Gala is a prestigious and celebratory occasion that showcases the achievements and contributions of the East County communityThe East County Regional Chamber of Commerce, which hosts the annual event, supports and promotes the economic development and community interests of the East County region of San Diego County.

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CUPID IS STUPID IN LA MESA: VALENTINE'S DAY

By Jonathan Goetz

February 5, 2024 (La Mesa) – Need a laugh with a cause for Valentine’s Day? La Mesa’s Journey Community Church hosts their 9th annual night of clean comedy Wednesday, February 14 at 7 p.m. to benefit their Local Impact efforts. Doors open at 6:30. The show will be hosted by Josh Lawson featuring comedians Collin Moulton and Kellen Erskine. Tickets are $24 per person.

Childcare is provided as a fundraiser for their Summer Camps by their High School group, and is $15 per child, including dinner, with sibling discounts. Please RSVP for childcare with ticket purchase.


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VALENTINE’S DAY TEA FEBRUARY 8-14

East County News Service 

February 5, 2024 (Julian) -- Julian Tea and Cottage Arts’ Valentine’s Teas will be held seven days Thursday February 8 through Wednesday, February 14. These teas will be served indoors and are also available to go. 


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SAPS AT SEA PRESENT: 'GOOD HELP IS HARD TO FIND' FEB. 17

East County News Service

February 4, 2024 (Spring Valley) - The Saps at Sea, the San Diego chapter of the Sons of the Desert, the international Laurel & Hardy fan organization, will host their February meeting, entitled "Good Help is Hard to Find," on February 17 at Trinity Presbytarian Church in Spring Valley.


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AN EVENT TO HOWL ABOUT: WOLF TOURS FEB. 11 IN JULIAN

East County News Service

February 4, 2024 (Julian) – The California Wolf Center in Julian invites you to book a guided tour of their facility to see their resident wolves and learn about wolf conservation. Various tours are offered each weekend this month at 10 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Reservations are required.

The Wolf Conservation and Behavioral Enrichment Tours are both 1 hour in length and offer an unforgettable experience where you will have the opportunity to see critically endangered wild wolves and learn all about them from an expert at the center’s Conservation Facility on KQ Ranch Rd. in Julian. 


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FIDO FEST: A PUP-ULAR SANTEE EVENT

East County News Service

February 4, 2024 (Santee) -- The City of Santee’s eighth annual Fido Fest will take place Saturday, February 17 from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Town Center Community Park East, located at 550 Park Center Drive, Santee 92071. Join the City of Santee for tail-wagging fun at one of San Diego County’s most popular dog events.

This family and dog-friendly event is an opportunity for attendees to view adoptable dogs from about 20 local rescues, shop from various vendors, watch amazing demonstrations, and enjoy giveaways. If walking or shopping through the excitement works up your appetite, 5 food vendors will be serving delectable eats for all to enjoy. There will be a variety of arts and crafts to paw-take in, including: yappy hour, treat finder, doggy tattoos, an off-leash area, fly ball demonstration, an agility course, and a sniff station.

Show off your four-legged friend in costume, size, and trick contests for a chance to win a giveaway item! In addition to the showcase of contest entries, the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department and Santee Fire Department will demonstrate their canines’ capabilities.


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WORLD RECORD ATTEMPT IN EL CAJON: BRING FIDO

By Jonathan Goetz

January 29, 2024 (El Cajon) -- The City of El Cajon is going to the dogs! Literally! They are trying to break the world record for the most dogs to watch a movie screening together. The current record of 219 dogs was set by a bunch of bored pooches in September 2023. 

Organizers in El Cajon will attempt to break the record with Beethoven, a 1992 American family comedy film that features a St. Bernard dog who causes all kinds of trouble for his human family. Maybe he didn’t hear his owners yelling at him to stop!


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