Events

East County Events

DESTINATION EAST COUNTY: TOP FESTIVALS AND EVENTS SPRINGING UP

By Miriam Raftery

April 14, 2023 (San Diego’s East County) -- There’s a wide assortment of events coming up across San Diego’s East County, including Cajon classic cruises, a butterfly jungle,  Earth Day celebrations, music festivals and concerts, a Lego building event, a wine and food festival, Campo Days, Wild in the Country at Lions, Tigers and Bears in Alpine,  a Western Days parade, a rodeo, and Descanso Day.

Scroll down for full details on these and more great events.


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SHERIFF TO HOST COMMUNITY MEETING APRIL 24 ON MILITARY EQUIPMENT USED BY LAW ENFORCMENT

Source: San Diego County Sheriff

April 13, 2023 (San Diego) -- The San Diego County Sheriff's Department is holding a community engagement meeting about military equipment on Monday, April 24 at 6:30 p.m. in the County Operations Center (5520 Overland Ave., San Diego).


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A TREASURED EVENT: HEARTLAND COIN SHOW MAY 6 IN SANTEE

April 13, 2023 (Santee) -- Enjoy a Saturday full of fun and the opportunity to learn about how to start your very own coin collection or have the chance to add new coins to your collection. There will be plenty of U.S. and foreign coins, antique coins, AND currency too.


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APRIL POOL DAY OFFERS FREE SWIMMING AND WATER SAFETY TIPS

April 13, 2023 (El Cajon) -- The City of El Cajon is hosting a FREE April Pools Day event to help kick off May as National Drowning Prevention Month on Friday, April 21, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Fletcher Hills Pool, located at 2345 Center Place in El Cajon.   

 

Drowning is the leading cause of injury death among children between the ages 1 to 4 years, and nearly 4,000 Americans drown each year. A study published in Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine found statistical evidence that children that participated in swim lessons had an 88% reduced risk of drowning.

 

“Living so close to the beach, we want children to learn to swim and parents to learn how to keep their family safe around water,” said Frank Carson, Director of Parks and Recreation. “The City of El Cajon is proud to offer a full range of aquatic programs to our community.”

 

Participants can learn about water safety, sun safety tips, or partake in mini CPR lessons. The event will feature free swimming, a free bag filled with activities (one per family), and crafts.


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SOUTH AFRICAN MUSICIAN, HUMANITARIAN SHARON KATZ IN CONCERT AT RAMONA RANCH WINERY APRIL 16

By Mimi Pollack

April 11, 2023 (Ramona) -- South African musician and humanitarian Sharon Katz, will be giving a complimentary concert at the Ramona Ranch Winery on Sunday, April 16th from 2:00 to 5:00 in the afternoon. What better way to spend a Sunday afternoon with a wonderful musician in a lovely setting?

Music can soothe and heal the soul, no matter where you are from. The Ramona Ranch Winery, which is also a working farm with animals, will provide a peaceful outdoor setting where one can enjoy their award-winning wines by the bottle or the glass as they listen to songs in Spanish and various African languages sung by Katz, a musician who also has quite a story to tell.


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STAR PARTY AT SANTA YSABEL NATURE CENTER APRIL 15

East County News Service

April 11, 2023 (Santa Ysabel) – You’re invited to discover the night at a galaxy season star party at the Santa Ysabel Nature Center on Saturday, April 15 at 6 p.m.  In addition, a proclamation will be presented from County Supervisors to commemorate International Dark Sky Week April 15-22.


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DESCANSO DAY PARADE AND FAIR JUNE 3 CONTINUES TOWN’S TRADITION

By Miriam Raftery

April 11, 2023 (Descanso) – Descanso’s first community fair was held in 1899 under a tent near the creek. The tradition has grown through the years to include a parade and community fair, which this year will be held on June 3. The festivities take place at the historic Descanso Town Hall, 24536 Viejas Grade Road in Descanso, a small rural town east of Alpine.


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DINNER AND A CONCERT SERIES OPENS MAY 5 WITH TWISTED GYPSY, FLEETWOOD MAC TRIBUTE BAND

East County News Service

April 11, 2023 (El Cajon) – El Cajon’s Dinner and a Concert series opens May 5 and will continue every Friday night from 6 to 8 p.m. from May through September.  Opening night will feature Twisted Gypsy, a Fleetwood Mac Tribute band taking you back to the early days of ‘70s rock and roll.


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EARTH DAY BOULDER FAIR AT DESERT VIEW TOWER APRIL 22

East County News Service

April 12, 2023 (Jacumba Hot Springs) – For its annual Earth Day celebration, the Desert View Tower and Boulder Park will host a Boulder Fair on Saturday, April 22 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. 


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FRIDAY NIGHTS LIVE RETURN TO SANTEE MAY 19-JUNE 9

East County News Service

April 10, 2023 (Santee) – The City of Santee will host its Friday Nights Live entertainment series at the Santee Trolley Square, kicking off summer with free family fun an entertainment.


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SUNRISE EASTER SERVICE ATOP MOUNT HELIX SUNDAY

East County News Service

April 8, 2023 (Mount Helix) – The 106th consecutive Sunrise Easter Service atop Mt. Helix will be held tomorrow at 6:30 a.m.  Free shuttle services begin at 5 a.m. from Grossmont High School, since there is no parking at the amphitheater.

The event is the second longest running Sunrise Easter Service in America, according to the Mt. Helix Park Foundation. The nation’s oldest is in Salem, North Carolina, which has held consecutive services since 1772.

The Mt. Helix Park Foundation and College Avenue Church invite you to enjoy a glorious sunrise over the mountains just as the service begins. 


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BERKLEY HART TO PERFORM AT JULIAN TOWN HALL APRIL 22

East County News Service

April 7, 2023 (Julian) -- San Diego Music Hall of Fame curator Java Joe Flammini brings the music of Berkley Hart to the iconic Julian Town Hall, a historic, intimate setting that comfortably seats 200.  The well-known musicians will perform their Americana original songs in a concert as American as Julian apple pie on April 22 at 3 p.m.


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FANS INVITED TO CELEBRATE AZTECS SATURDAY AT SNAPDRAGON STADIUM

East County News Service

April 7, 2023 (San Diego) – A celebration to honor San Diego State University’s men’s basketball team after its historic run to the NCAA championship will be held Saturday night at Snapdragon Stadium in Mission Valley.  The team made the final four for the first time in the university’s history.

Parking and tickets are free, though fans must claim tickets in advance at https://am.ticketmaster.com/sdsu/2023MBBCelebration.


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HELP SHAPE THE FUTURE OF RECREATION AND PARKS IN LA MESA

Source:  City of La Mesa

April 5, 2023 (La Mesa) - The City of La Mesa is developing a Recreation and Parks Master Plan (Plan). The Plan will be a comprehensive effort dedicated to improving parks, recreation programs, and services for La Mesa residents. This year-long effort will help set the framework for future planning, maintenance, development and rehabilitation of City parks and facilities.


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JEWISH FAMILY SERVICE HONORS JOAN AND IRWIN JACOBS, MARIE RAFTERY AND DR. BOB RUBENSTEIN AT HEART & SOUL GALA APRIL 15

Major San Diego nonprofit recognizes longtime philanthropic supporters

April 2, 2023 (San Diego) -- Jewish Family Service of San Diego (JFS) will host its annual Heart & Soul Gala at The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park on Saturday, April 15 at 6 p.m. This year’s annual gala, “Planting for the Future,” will celebrate JFS’s efforts to provide resources and support to San Diegans of all ages and backgrounds, and share stories of success from throughout the year.

This year’s Gala Honorees are Joan and Irwin Jacobs, along with Marie Raftery and Dr. Bob Rubenstein – recognized for their tremendous support and contributions to JFS throughout the years.


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WILD IN THE COUNTRY MAY 20 AT LIONS TIGERS & BEARS FEATURES CELEBRITY CHEF, BROADWAY STARS AND RADIO HOSTS

East County News Service

March 31, 2023 (Alpine) – Lions, Tigers & Bears, a nonprofit exotic animal sanctuary in Alpine, invites you to their annual fundraising bash, Wild in the Country on May 20.  This year’s event features emcees Jagger and Kristi from Magic 92.5 radio, as well as Broadway stars Sandra Joseph and Ron Bohmer, lead actors in Phantom of the Opera and Les Miserables.  Dinner will be prepared by world renowned chef Jeffrey Strauss, known as “Chef to the Stars” for pleasing the palates of dignitaries, presidents, royalty and entertainment icons.

The main event will be held from 2 to 6 p.m. on May 20. There is also a pre-event reception for platinum and gold level ticket holders at 1 p.m.


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HOP DOWN THE BUNNY TRAIL APRIL 1 IN SANTEE

East County News Service

March 31, 2023 (Santee) – The City of Santee will host “Hop Down the Bunny Trail,” a free family-friendly event on Saturday, April 1 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Santee Trolley Square, 9850 Mission Gorge Road, Santee.

The fun includes music, kids’ crafts, carnival rides, giveaways, Easter bunny photos, an egg hunt, and more.


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LA MESA EARTH DAY FESTIVAL APRIL 22

East County News Service

March 11, 2023 (La Mesa) – The city of La Mesa invites you to the La Mesa Earth Day Festival on Saturday, April 22 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at MacArthur Park (4900 Memorial Drive, La Mesa).


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RAISE A GLASS TO SISTERHOOD: THE SAVANNAH SIPPING SOCIETY ONSTAGE AT POWPAC NOW THROUGH APRIL 16

By Kathy Carpenter

March 28, 2023 (Poway) -- On March 25 at Powpac Theatre in Poway, "The Savannah Sipping Society" opened.  It’s a tale of friendship, resilience, and self-discovery. The story follows four women who form a deep bond through a series of unexpected events, helping each other navigate through life's challenges. It is a refreshing take on female friendships that is both hilarious and heartwarming.

Through their weekly meetings, they share laughter, tears, and support each other through their triumphs and struggles. The joy they bring to each other's lives is palpable, and their friendship is a testament to the power of human connection.


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DESTINATION EAST COUNTY: TOP FESTIVALS AND EVENTS MARCH 25-MAY 20

 

By Miriam Raftery

March 22, 2023 (San Diego’s East County) – There’s a wide assortment of events coming up across San Diego’s East County, including a Revolutionary War reenactment, a supper club show with an SNL comedy star, a butterfly jungle, Easter egg hunts, car shows, Earth Day celebrations, wolf center tours, music festivals, a Western Days parade, a wine and food festival, and a Wild in the Country event at an exotic animal sanctuary.


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GROSSMONT CENTER TO HOST LA MESA CHAMBER MIXER APRIL 26 AT BJ’S

 

East County News Service

March 21, 2023 (La Mesa) – La Mesa Chamber of Commerce invites you to join their  annual mixer hosted by the management team at Grossmont Center. The location for this lively event is BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse in Grossmont Center on Wednesday, April 26 from 5:30 to 7 p.m.


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JULIAN FARM TO HOST REVOLUTIONARY WAR REENACTMENT MARCH 25-26

East County News Service

March 21, 2021 (Julian) —Julian Farm and Orchard is going back in time for “Revolution in the Orchard,” a Revolutionary War reenactment set to coincide with Daffodil Days. On March 25 and 26, the farm will be transformed into the scene of the War of Independence. This family friendly event will feature dozens of historical interpreters representing the soldiers and civilians of the American Revolution.

The 25-acre farm will be completely taken over by the reenactment. Both the British and Patriot camps will be prominent with battle fields and activity stations open for exploration. Guests will also get an up-close look into civilian and military life during the war.


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GUNTOPIA REVIEW: THIS ISN’T DISNEYLAND

By Kathy Carpenter

March 21, 2023 (La Mesa) - The Roustabouts may be small, but their shows pack a powerful punch. With a mission to deliver more than just a theatrical experience, but something that audiences can take home and incorporate into their lives, The Roustabouts bring you the World Premiere of Will Cooper’s gUnTOPIA at the Moxie Theatre. This Twilight Zone-esque production is fresh and awesome, offering a thought-provoking commentary on gun control and social issues in our society.


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SAN DIEGO ANIMAL SANCTUARY & FARM HOSTS EASTER EGG HUNTS APRIL 6-9

East County News Service

March 21, 2023 (Alpine) – Hop on over to the San Diego Animal Sanctuary & Farm (formerly called the Children’s Nature Retreat), a 20-acre farm in Alpine, to celebrate Easter with the animals and participate in one of four Easter Egg Hunts. The annual egg hunts are a tradition at the Farm and this year, there will be one hunt per day from Thursday, April 6 through Sunday, April 9.  


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DISTRICT ATTORNEY TO SERVE AS GRAND MARSHAL AT LAKESIDE WESTERN DAYS PARADE

East County News Service

March 20, 2023 (Lakeside) – The theme of this year’s Western Days Parade in Lakeside will be “Fighting for Justice.” District Attorney Summer Stephan will service as grand marshal of the parade on Saturday, April 29.


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SPRING HARP FEST BRINGS NATIONAL BLUES HARMONICA STARS TO LA MESA APRIL 8

East County News Service

Photos courtesy Steve Covault, rockmusicphotos.com

March 3, 2023 (La Mesa) – Local and national stars will be playing American blues harmonica music at Spring Harp Fest. The family-fun event, which raises funds to benefit music education countywide, will be held April 8 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Harry Griffen Park, 9550 Milden Street in La Mesa.

Since 1999, the Spring Harp Fest has introduced local musicians and music lovers to the great American art of Blues Harmonica. The unique once-yearly showcase includes local jams, competition among unknown players, and some of the best professional players in the music scene.


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RAMONA CAR SHOW REVS UP ON APRIL 22

East County News Service

March 19, 2023 (Ramona) – The Ramona Senior Center will host a car show on Saturday, April 22 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Grace Community Church, 1234 Barger Place in Ramona (corner of San Vicente Road and Barger Place).


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HAIRCUTS FOR THE HOMELESS APRIL 2 IN LAKESIDE: DONATED ITEMS ALSO SOUGHT

East County News Service

March 19, 2023 (Lakeside) – Reflections Day Spa invites you to its 7th annual Haircuts for the Homeless event on Sunday, April 2 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Donations of items to help the homeless are sought, including sleeping bags, blankets, tents, socks, jackets, beanies and toiletries.

Reflections Day Spa is located at 9909 Maine Ave., Lakeside, CA 92040.  Questions? Call (619) 334-2240.


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ANNUAL LEMON GROVE SCHOOL DISTRICT CHESS TOURNAMENT AND FAMILY DAY MARCH 18

East County News Service

March 15, 2023 (Lemon Grove) – The Lemon Grove School District will hold its second annual chess tournament and family day on Saturday, March 18 from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Lemon Grove Recreation Center (3131 School Lane in Lemon Grove).


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EGG PAINTING CHARITY EVENT, BUNNY HOP RACES, EASTER BUNNY AND MORE AT PARKWAY PLAZA APRIL 4

East County News Service

Photo courtesy of Parkway Plaza

March 14, 2023 (El Cajon) – Parkway Plaza  shopping mall in El Cajon will host its annual Easter Eggstravaganza on Tuesday, April 4 from 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.


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