July 24, 2025 (San Diego’s East County) – Hot August nights and late summer days bring some of East County’s most iconic events.
This month’s hot happenings include the Ramona Country Fair, San Diego Dark Sky Fest in Julian, A Gatsby-themed Mt. Helix Food and Wine Festival celebrating the Mt. Helix Park’s centennial, a country music pool party at Sycuan, Santee’s summer concerts, La Mesa’s classic car show, Julian Mountain brew fest, Macy Gray in concert at the Magnolia, Grammy Award-winning Alabama Shakes at SDSU, Julian Mountain Brew Fest, open farm days at the Oaisis Camel Dairy, and the new Jacumbia Fest brings Afro-Columbian vibes to Jacumba Hot Springs.
Scroll down for details on these events and more.
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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 is open 365 days a year and has no entrance fee. Thousands annually hike its trails, sit by the 35-foot stone cross at the top and take in sweeping views across San Diego County.
But keeping the six-acre park -- celebrating its 100th year in 2025 -- open for free comes at a cost for its operations and upkeep.
With that in mind, the nonprofit Mt. Helix Foundation. which owns and maintains the park grounds, is hosting its annual fundraiser on Aug. 16. The foundation will transform the scenic hilltop of Mt. Helix into a vibrant celebration of culinary arts, fine beverages and community spirit for the 18th Annual Mt. Helix Food & Wine Festival, In honor of the centennial, this year's celebration will feature a Great Gatsby theme reflecting the site's historical roots complete with a speakeasy, two live bands and dancing under the stars.
The event is recognized as one of East County’s premier gatherings, and serves as the organization’s primary fundraiser to preserve and enhance the historic park, said Krista Powers, executive director of the Mt. Helix Park Foundation.
Powers said the Food & Wine Festival typically draws 700 people. The park's biggest yearly draw is Easter sunrise services, which attracts about 1,800 people to the top. Christmas activities bring close to 1,000 people to the site annually.
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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 Santee and Lemon Grove, concerts by a lazy river at Sycan, tribute band concerts at The Magnolia in El Cajon, as well as outdoor concerts at Viejas.
Scroll down for details on these sizzling midsummer events.
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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.
In between, perfromers include Stacy Anne and the Master Plan with modern country, variety with the Harana Band, The New Catillacs playing classic rock and vintage hits from the ‘50s through ‘80s, and ‘90s music with the Platinum Beat.
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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 to 7 p.m. at Harry Griffen Park.
This Sunday's free concert will also include the crowning of Miss La Mesa 2025, a person who will take over for the current Miss La Mesa, Samantha Luevano.
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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 artists, from fine art and photography to jewelry, handmade clothing, and ceramics.
There will also be food trucks, a wine garden, beer, and live music.
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May 30, 2025 (Julian) -- The Julian Town Square Music Festival brings music to the mountains on June 7 from 12 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Presented by the Julian Community Heritage Foundation and Julian Chamber of Commerce, this event will feature multiple musical performances.
These include Kimmi Bitter and Westside Twang, Tim Flannery and the Lunatic Fring, Thea The Band, The Ordeal, Donn Bree and Friends, Dolly’s Revenge, and Subconscious Culture.
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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 Theatre that you’ll definitely want to check out.
If you’re not familiar with the story, it follows shipwrecked twins, Viola and Sebastian, as they find themselves lost in the strange land of Illyria. Violet, disguised as the young Cesario, falls in love with the noble Orsino, who is in love with the beautiful Olivia. But, Olivia falls in love with Cesario, who’s idolized by the pompous Malvolio. Meanwhile, Sebastian’s unexpected arrival only adds to the confusion, as he embarks on a quest to find his sister.
If you enjoy period pieces or comedies, then this show is definitely for you. This bold and stylish reimagining of the beloved comedy will transport you into a 1920s speakeasy, where mistaken identities, unrequited love, and mischievous revelry take center stage.
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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.
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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 for listings of movie theaters in our inland communities, as well as where to find movies in the park and more.
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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.
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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.
Their music tells stories of live, love and purpose.
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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.
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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.
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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 Melissa Glasgow, with Musical Direction by Patrick Marion, this is one show at the Grossmont College Stagehouse Theatre you won’t want to miss.
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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 meal.
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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!
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March 17, 2025 (San Diego) -You’re invited to a concert by the San Diego Concert Band presenting music of John Williams on Thursday, April 17 at 7 p.m. in the Joan B. Kroc Theatre, 6611 University Ave. in San Diego. Nick Grant will be featured on the theme from “Schindler’s List,” a film based on Oskar Schindler, the German who saved 1,200 Jews from the Holocaust.
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By Branda Gorgies, with updates by Karen Pearlman and Miriam Raftery
Updated March 13, 2025 (San Diego’s East County) – East County has various places to listen to live music, hear comedy, watch plays and enjoy other live entertainment, all while supporting local artists and businesses. Venues range from cozy coffee shops, wineries, breweries and bars to casinos, restaurants, colleges, community theaters, performing arts centers, and city street festivals.
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March 13, 2025 (Scripps Ranch) -- Scripps Ranch Theatre continues its Season 45 with Mary’s Wedding,written by Stephen Massicotte. Directed by Kate Rose Reynolds, the production runs April 4th - 27th on the campus of Alliant International University. Performances are Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. There will be a preview performance on Friday, April 4th with a Press Opening on Saturday, April 5th at 7:30 p.m. Patrons can purchase Ticketsonline at https://scrippsranchtheatre.org/showtickets/or contact SRT Patron Services at 858-395-0573.
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March 2, 2025 (Borrego Springs) – The Ram, a grassroots, nonprofit community radio station serving Borrego Springs is now online and can be heard here.
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March 2, 2025 (Julian) -- Friends of the Julian Library will present a concert by Sean Gaskell on the kora, a 21-stringed West African harp. This performance, titled “Music on the Mountain,” will take place on March 7 at 3 p.m. in the Julian branch of the county library, 1850 Highway 78 in Julian.
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February 21, 2025 (El Cajon) - The Grossmont Symphony Orchestra welcomes its new conductor, San Diego Symphony Orchestra violinist, Hernan Constantino. He is also on his seventh season as the music director for Mainly Mozart with the San Diego Symphony. His first concert performance is titled “Spanish Nights: A Concert of Passion and Fire” on March 7 at 7:30 p.m.
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February 19, 2025 (El Cajon) - There’s a lot happening on Grossmont Campus, including a variety of free and paid events open to the general public as well as students, staff and faculty. These include concerts, movies, theatrical productions, blood drives, and more.
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February 2, 2025 (Santee) - Key of She, a 12 woman choral group, is presenting a free concert on Sunday March 2, at 2 p.m. at the Carlton Hills Lutheran Church at 9735 Halberns Blvd in Santee. The repertoire is an eclectic blend of classical and contemporary pieces. Some a cappella and some accompanied, to cover all tastes in music.
You’re invited to join the Key of She in their first appearance “East of I-15."
You can hear previous performances on their website: KeyOfShe.org.
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January 16, 2025 (El Cajon)-- In honor of Valentine's Day, the Saps at Sea Laurel & Hardy club presents: Laurel & Hardy – Romantic Leads?? Films include "Should Married Men Go Home?", "Our Wife", and "Yes, Yes Nannette."
The event takes place on Saturday, February 1, from 4:30 to 8 p.m. at First Lutheran Church of El Cajon, 867 S Lincoln Ave, El Cajon, CA 92020.
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January 8, 2025 (Borrego Springs) – The Borrego Film Festival takes place January 15-19 in Borrego Springs, showcasing independent films. The event also features a filmmaker networking event, catered opening gala, panel discussions, filmmaker activities, Saturday party, red-carpet event, and catered awards ceremony.
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January 8, 2025 (La Mesa) -- Forty-seven years after Wait Until Dark premiered on Broadway, Jeffrey Hatcher has adapted Frederick Knott's 1966 original, giving it a new setting. In 1944 Greenwich Village, Susan Hendrix, a blind yet capable woman, is imperiled by a trio of men in her own apartment. As the climax builds, Susan discovers that her blindness just might be the key to her escape, but she and her tormentors must wait until dark to play out this classic thriller's chilling conclusion.
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Image: angels and devils prepare for an epic battle for the souls of humanity in the Teatro Pastorela production of "La Pastorela de Coraje," broadcast through January 1 on KNSJ 89.1 radio. The holiday musical comedy has run for 34 years on San Diego County stages and airways. It features (from top l) Ella Aldridge, Alexa Luna, Syara Platero, Chantal Branscomb and David Rivas.
December 17, 2024 (San Diego) -- Lucifer has made a comeback.
Once tossed from Heaven, the Prince of Darkness is planning an ambitious global revenge tour.
The good guys are ready. Armed with courage fueled by hope and love, they are prepared to push back in a big way.
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December 4, 2024 (San Diego) -- The San Diego Concert Band kicks off its 35th season with the annual holiday concert on December 19 at Joan B. Kroc Theatre at 7 p.m.. Barbara Allen returns as guest vocalist, backed by the band playing special arrangements by local musician, composer/arranger, and music educator Adam Pezdek.
December 19, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. (Doors open at 6:30)
Joan B. Kroc Theatre
6611 University Avenue – San Diego
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East County News Service
By G. A. McNeeley 
East County News Service
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.
East County News Service
East County News Service
East County News Service
East County has various places to listen to live music, hear comedy, watch plays and enjoy other live entertainment, all while supporting local artists and businesses. Venues range from cozy coffee shops, wineries, breweries and bars to casinos, restaurants, colleges, community theaters, performing arts centers, and city street festivals.
East County News Service
East County News Service
East County News Service
East County News Service
East County News Service
East County News Service
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