By Miriam Raftery
May 21, 2026 (San Diego’s East County) – June is jumping with joyful events including Santee Summer Knights—a Medieval festival, star parties on Mount Laguna, Wild in the Country at Lions, Tigers and Bears in Alpine, open farm tours at Oasis Camel Dairy in Ramona, a ballet production of Snow White at Kroc Theatre, Cajon Cruise nights, La Mesa’s classic car show, Laurel and Hardy comedy film showings, Julian’s Town Square Music Festival, Santee Summer Concerts, and rock legends Three Dog Night at the Magnolia in El Cajon.
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Star Parties at Mount Laguna Observatory
Star parties are back with return of the Summer Visitors Program at the Mount Laguna Observatory.
The public programs will be held on Saturday nights from 8 to 11 p.m., May 23 through August 15, with a special bonus mid-week viewing scheduled for Wednesday, August 12.
Operated by the San Diego State University Department of Astronomy in partnership with the United States Forest Service, the outreach initiative has been connecting the public with the cosmos in various forms since the observatory’s dedication in 1968.
Each event will include a lecture followed by stargazing through the 21-inch telescope, weather permitting. Bring a flashlight park at the lower visitors parking lot located on Morris Ranch Road off Sunrise Highway between mile markers 21.5 and 22, directly across from the Wooded Hill Campground sign.
For more information, call the observatory hotline at (619) 594-1415.
Open Farm Tours at Oasis Camel Dairy in Ramona May 23 and June 6
Oasis Camel Dairy in Ramona offers Open Farm Tours May 23 and June 6 from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m.
Each open house features a show starring talking parrots, a camel, and the Wild West Turkey Stampede. Guests can also feed treats to camels and farm animals. Tickets must be purchased online at https://cameldairy.com.
Wild in the Country at Lions, Tigers and Bears in Alpine May 30
Lions Tigers & Bears, Alpine’s accredited big cat and bear sanctuary, is holding its signature fundraising gala, Wild in the Country on Saturday, May 30 from 2 to 6 p.m.
Attendees will enjoy behind-the-scenes access to visit the animals and learn about their rescue stories, enjoy dinner catered by Bekker’s Caterers and three full bars, live entertainment by steel drum performers, games and a live auction featuring a live painting by artist Amy Burkman; a Colorado getaway, an African photo safari and a San Diego Harbor cocktail cruise for six among other items.
The funds raised at the event will sustain daily operations, including specialized veterinary care and nutrition for the lions, tigers and bears at LTB. Founder Bobbi Brink says, “Together, we can save lives and ensure a brighter future for wildlife everywhere.”
For information on the event, including ticket purchases and bidding, visit here.
For more information on Lions, Tigers & Bears, visit https://www.lionstigersandbears.org/.
Snow White at Kroc Community Center May 30-31
San Diego’s BalletCenter Studios will present “Snow White,” May 30 and 31 at the Joan B. Kroc Theatre inside The Salvation Army Ray & Joan Kroc Corps Community Center in Rolando.
The production will transform the Theatre into a whimsical forest, bringing to locals a classical ballet interpretation of the classic German fairy tale by the Brothers Grimm.
The performance will blend tradition and modern storytelling. Tickets are available through the official BalletCenter Studios ticketing site.
Cajon Cruise: Wednesday nights May-August
Downtown El Cajon’s favorite midweek tradition, Cajon Cruise returns with an exciting showcase of vehicles that blend nostalgic classics with cutting-edge modern designs. This year, the event takes place every Wednesday starting in May through August from 5:00 p.m. to 7:30 p,m.
Cajon Cruise transforms Main Street into a lively gathering spot where car enthusiasts and families come together to admire gleaming chrome, revving engines, and an impressive mix of vintage treasures and contemporary machines. Cajon Cruise is the midweek celebration that keeps El Cajon rolling.
Laurel and Hardy Comedy Night May 30
Saps at Sea, the San Diego Laurel and Hardy group, presents: “Some Laurel and Hardy Firsts!” on Saturday May 30 from 5:00 to 8:30 p.m. at First Lutheran Church of El Cajon, (867 S Lincoln Ave, El Cajon.)
The cartoon is “Plane Crazy” the first Mickey Mouse cartoon produced in 1928. Next is another important first: “The Lucky Dog” the first Laurel and Hardy film. Several other films will also be featured.
For details, visit the Saps at Sea – San Diego Facebook page.
Music on Main
Music on Main, formerly the Dinner & A Concert Series, returns to the heart of Downtown El Cajon, bringing the community together for a vibrant weekly celebration of music, food, and connection.
Hosted by the Downtown El Cajon Association, Music on Main now takes place every Friday evening from 6:00pm to 8:00pm. at Prescott Promenade, featuring live performances from talented local bands and musicians. Arrive early to enjoy the diverse dining and drink options offered by nearby restaurants and cafés. For a lineup of entertainment, check https://www.downtownelcajon.com .
La Mesa Classic Car Shows roll out June 4
The 32nd Annual La Mesa Classic Car Show & Live Music Event rolls into downtown La Mesa on Thursday, June 4th from 5 – 8 pm, recurring every Thursday this summer through August 27th.
For more information, visit https://www.lamesavillageassociation.org/.
Santee Summer Knights June 5-7
A coalition of East County community service organizations led by Santee Kiwanis will debut Santee Summer Knights, a new regional medieval festival June 5-7 on the grounds of the Historic Barn, 9200 Magnolia Ave., in Santee. A public-private collaboration, it is being designed to fund local youth, family and senior programs.
The festival includes a ball on Friday June 5, followed by festivities June 6 and 7 including jousting, archery, black powder demonstrations and a queen’s quest.
Adhering to a strict Medieval theme (fifth to late 15th century), organizers require all participants and decor to reflect period-appropriate lore.
There will be two entertainment stages as well as a beer and wine garden. Animals are prohibited on the grounds unless they are certified service animals or part of pre-approved official demonstrations, and also must follow all San Diego County ordinances.
For more information and full programming details, visit santeesummerknights.com.
Julian Town Square Music Festival June 6
The fifth annual Julian Town Square Music Festival will be held June 6 starting at 12 p.m. The event features five bands plus artisans, vendors, food and more. Proceeds help support the ongoing development of Julian Town Square — a future gathering place designed to serve the mountain community for generations.
The music festival is open to the public and supported by community sponsors. For more information, visit https://www.juliantownsquare.org/.
Santee Summer Concerts begin June 11
Santee’s Summer Concert Series takes stage starting June 11 and continues each Thursday night at 6:30 p.m. through August 13 (except for the 4th of July weekend.) The concerts are held at Town Center Community Park East (550 Park Center Dr., Santee)
The Summer Concerts will feature additional patriotic activities as we celebrate America’s 250th anniversary.
For the full concert lineup, visit https://www.cityofsanteeca.gov/city-special-events/santee-summer-concerts.
Three Dog Night at the Magnolia June 18
The iconic rock band Three Dog Night will perform at the Magnolia in El Cajon on June 18 at 6:30 p.m. The Grammy nominated band had 21 top billboard hits from 196 to 1975.
Some of their best-known hits include Joy to the World, One, Mama Told Me Not to Come, Black and White, Shambala, An Old Fashioned Love Song, Never Been to Spain, and Easy to be Hard from the rock musical Hair.
For tickets, visit https://www.magnoliasandiego.com/.