East County Magazine
REVIEW: SHAKESPEARE’S TWELFTH NIGHT AT GROSSMONT COLLEGE THROUGH MAY 24
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
GUHSD STUDENTS ART SHOW AT LAKESIDE LIBRARY THROUGH MAY 12
Video and article by Shiloh Ireland View video Grossmont High School District, composed of 12 high schools, has an art show at the Lakeside Library through May 12th. Beautiful pieces of art are displayed, and some are for sale. A lot of talent awaits you. Check the library for library hours and support these young artists. The San Diego County
THE RIVER AT SYCUAN CASINO RESORT RETURNS FOR SUMMER WITH PRESTIGIOUS COUNTRY MUSIC ARTISTS
East County News Service May 6, 2025 (San Diego’s East County) — Sycuan Casino Resort, in partnership with KSON, is bringing back The River from June through September. The River at Sycuan is San Diego’s only country concert pool party that will feature “the hottest country artists in the nation,” according to a Sycuan news release. The River will
NASHVILLE AMERICANA DUO- GOLDPINE AT THE BARN IN RAMONA MAY 23
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.
SPRING HARP FEST RETURNS TO LA MESA APRIL 19
East County News Service April 14, 2025 (La Mesa) – If you love harmonica music, head out to Spring Harp Fest in La Mesa this Friday, April 18. Spring Harp Fest takes place at Harry Griffen Park from10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Enjoy live music from many local harmonica players and groups. There’s also an unknown players jam.
Our guide to movie viewing options in San Diego’s inland region
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
LAMPLIGHTERS THEATRE PRESENTS BRIGHT STAR APRIL 18-MAY 18
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. Bright Star is inspired by a real event and featuring the
REVIEW: PIRATES OF PENZANCE AT GROSSMONT COLLEGE
Prepare for a rollicking good time in Gilbert and Sullivan’s uproarious comic opera, brimming with endearing pirates, bumbling policemen, zany escapades, and delightfully ridiculous paradoxes. By G. A. McNeeley Photos by Heather Longfellow March 25, 2025 (La Mesa) — The Pirates of Penzance is a comic opera that was created by Arthur Sullivan and W. S. Gilbert. Directed and Choreographed by
MYSTERY DINNER THEATER AND FRENCH CUISINE DINNER APRIL 5-6 IN EL CAJON
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 5th at 6:30 p.m. and on April 6th 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
SAPS AT SEA HOSTS LAUREL AND HARDY FILM SHOWINGS APRIL 5 IN EL CAJON
East County News Service March 19, 2025 (El Cajon) — Saps at Sea, the San Diego chapter of the Sons of the Desert, the International Laurel and Hardy fan organization, presents: Ollie Feigns Illness to Attend Lodge Events! Films include Laurel and Hardy in “Be Big!” and “Sons of the Desert”, plus Harold Lloyd’s “High and Dizzy” and
East County Arts Organizations
Our Guide to Live Entertainment venues
Steel Magnolias onstage at Julian Town Hall Oct. 17-26
East County News Service September 4, 2025 (Julian) — The East County Performing Arts Association invites you to experience the heart, humor, and resilience of Southern women in Steel Magnolias. The play will be performed in the Julian Town Hall the weekends of Oct. 17-19 and Oct. 24-26. Friday and Saturday shows are at 7 p.m., with Sunday matinees
Julian Family Fiddle Camp pie social and promotion August 16
East County News Service August 9, 2025 (Julian) – If you are going to Summergrass, and if you are a Julian Family Fiddle Camp (JFFC) alumni OR if you are interested in attending JFFC, you are invited to attend the JFFC pie scial & promotion at 7 p.m. on Sat., Aug. 16. The pie and promotion event will be held
Beach Boys’ Al Jardine and his Pet Sounds Band will rock the Magnolia Nov. 22
East County News Service July 29, 2025 (El Cajon) – Tickets are now on sale for a Nov. 22 concert at the Magnolia in El Cajon by Al Jardine, one of the original Beach Boys members, and his Pet Sounds band. The evening will be a tribute to the late Brian Wilson, Beach Boys founder. The evening will include
Destination East County: hot August nights bring late summer celebrations
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Mt. Helix Park Foundation Food & Wine Festival Aug. 16 features Gatsby theme
By Karen Pearlman Miriam Raftery also contributed to this report Last year’s Mt. Helix Park Foundation Food & Wine Festival event was a hit. (Photo courtesy Mt. Helix Park Foundation) July 24, 2025 (La Mesa) – A privately owned “public” park and nature preserve with an outdoor ampitheater toward the top, East County is fortunate Mount Helix Park
Destination East County: midsummer fun
By Miriam Raftery July 17, 2025 (San Diego’s East County) – As the weather heats up, late July has many cool events including visits to the new Camel Lavender Farm in Ramona, Music on Main in El Cajon, Cajon Cruises, Movies at county parks and recreation centers, La Mesa’s Sundays at Six concerts and classic car shows, outdoor concerts in
LEMON GROVE CONCERTS IN THE PARK SERIES OPENS JUNE 26
East County News Service June 25, 2025 (Lemon Grove) — Lemon Grove’s summer concert series kicks off at Berry Street Park (7071 Mt. Vernon in Lemon Grove) each Thursday evening from 6:30 to 9 p.m. The series opens June 26 with a DJ and Karaoke and runs through August 7, concluding with the Bayou Brothers playing Cajun, Zydeco and blues.
LA MESA SUNDAYS AT SIX CONCERT SERIES CONTINUES
The Navy Southwest Band, shown here in 2013, is a regular part of the Sundays at Six summer concert series in La Mesa. (Photo by Karen Pearlman) East County News Services June 25, 2025 (La Mesa) — La Mesa’s Sundays at Six summer concert series continues this Sunday, June 29, with variety dance band Breez’n taking the stage from 6
“ARTIVAL” DEBUTS IN DOWNTOWN EL CAJON JUNE 7
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
4TH ANNUAL JULIAN TOWN SQUARE MUSIC FESTIVAL JUNE 7
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Our Guide to Live Entertainment venues
East County Magazine
Lemon Grove film premiere Oct. 17 and 18 shines light on community spirit and history
East County News Service October 16, 2025 (Lemon Grove) – Lemon Town Films proudly presents the hometown premiere of Welcome Home to Lemon Grove, California, a new documentary by local
Our Guide to Live Entertainment venues