Events

East County Events

MANZANITA SPRING RENDEZVOUS: MOUNTAIN MEN, PIONEERS AND MORE

By Miriam Raftery

(Click image above to view flyer with sign-up details)

April 10, 2025 (Campo) – You’re invited to join mountain men, fur trappers and pioneer families from the Laguna Mountain Rendezvous for “Shinin’ Times” that rewind back to the 1820s.

The organization’s spring camp will be held May 2-10 at Northcote Ranch,2402 Lake Morena Drive in Campo. Spread over 10 acres of mountain prairie, the reenactment area includes primitive camps, a trader’s row, archery range, tomahawk and knife throwing range, and black powder rifle walk-through range.

Participants can learn primitive skills (such as tomahawk and knife throwing, shooting with a primitive bow and arrow, and fire starting with flint and steel), take aim at a BB gun shooting gallery, and  be immersed in living history.

 For those wishing to go beyond a day visit, you can camp out in a tipi encampment or in the “Tin Tipi” modern camp for tents and RVs.


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

OUR GUIDE TO ANNUAL FESTIVALS IN SAN DIEGO’S INLAND REGION

Each year, San Diego County’s inland communities host many special events and festivals that reflect our region’s colorful history, arts and music, cultural heritage, diversity, beautiful environment, and holiday celebrations. 

Parades, outdoor concerts and movies, country fairs, classic car shows, powwows, rodeos, Oktoberfests, ethnic events, wine and food tastings, seasonal and holiday festivities are just some of the many annual events held in our inland region.

For current and complete calendar listings, visit http://www.eastcountymagazine.org/calendar . Also see our seasonal articles on major festivals and our Destination East County column listing top festivals and events.

Some of the major annual festive events in East County include the following. Actual dates vary from year to year, and  new events are frequently added:


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

LEMON GROVE HOSTS EGGSTRAVAGANZA APRIL 19

East County News Service

April 8, 2025 (Lemon Grove) – Lemon Grove invites you to hop on over to the Lemon Grove Recreation Center at 3131 School Lane, Lemon Grove for the city’s ninth annual Eggstravanza from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., Saturday, April 19.


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

LAKESIDE RODEO AND WESTERN DAYS EVOKE AREA’S COWBOY HERITAGE

East County News Service

April 4, 2025 (Lakeside) – A series of events in late April honor Lakeside’s Wild West heritage—include the Lakeside Rodeo, Lakeside Western Days Parade, and a Western Days Breakfast.


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

AUTHOR OF BOOK ON JOHN D. SPRECKELS SPEAKS IN LEMON GROVE APRIL 3

East County News Service

March 30, 2025 (Lemon Grove) – The Lemon Grove Historical Society’s “History Alive” lecture series continues this Thursday, April 3 at 7 p.m. with local author Sandra Bonura speaking about her new book, Empire Building: John D. Spreckels and the Making of San Diego. 


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

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.


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

TOWN HALL APRIL 9 ON PROPOSED BATTERY STORAGE FACILITY IN LA MESA

By Miriam Raftery

March 29, 2025 (La Mesa) – La Mesa Councilmember Laura Lothian will host a town hall community discussion on a battery storage facility proposed on El Paso St. The town hall will take place Wednesday, April 9 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at Brew Coffee Spot, 6101 Lake Murray Blvd.

Heartland Fire Chief Brent Koch, Heartland Acting Fire Marshall Rebecca Winscott, and La Msa Director of Community Development Lynette Santos will also participate in the discussion.

Battery storage facilities are key to expanding renewable energy production such as wind and solar energy, enabling power to be utilized even when the sun doesn’t shine or the wind doesn’t blow.

But lithium ion battery storage facilites have also sparked fires, most notably a fire at a large battery storage site in Otay Mesa, where some nearby businesses had to evacuate for two weeks.


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

VALLEY VIBES COMMUNITY EVENT IS SET FOR JUNE 1 IN ESCONDIDO TO FUND CONSERVATION EFFORTS

Organizers are seeking a headline sponsor

 

East County News Service

 

March 26, 2025 (Escondido) -- Mark your calendars for Valley Vibes, a free, family-friendly fiesta with interactive exhibits, great food, crafts and live music courtesy of North Park Rock-n-Blues Band. Valley Vibes will run from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, June 1, at the Sikes Adobe Historic Farmstead, 12655 Sunset Drive, Escondido. The San Dieguito River Valley Conservancy and San Dieguito River Park Joint Powers Authority are hosting the free event to celebrate nature and draw attention to the organizations’ conservation, education and recreation programs.


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

CITY DECLARES MARCH 30TH LEMON GROVE INCIDENT DAY: CELEBRATION PLANNED OVER 1931 SCHOOL DESEGREGATION VICTORY

East County News Service

 

March 21, 2025 (Lemon Grove) - On March 18, Lemon Grove Mayor Alysson Snow issued a proclamation declaring March 30 as the “Lemon Grove Incident Day.” There will be a celebration on March 30 at 1:00 p.m. in front of the mural that tells the story of a historic school desegregation case victory for students in Lemon Grove nearly a century ago. The mural is on the side of the building at 7963 Broadway, Lemon Grove. 


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

INTERNATIONAL AEROBATICS COMPETITION TAKES PLACE APRIL 10-12 IN BORREGO SPRINGS

By Miriam Raftery

March 21, 2025 (Borrego Springs) – An international aerobatics competition will be held at the Borrego Springs airport Thursday through Saturday, April 10-12, organized by the International Aerobatic Club’s Chapter 36.  A highlight for viewers is Saturday’s four-minute freestyle flights set to music, usually involving smoke, flown by top pilots, IAC36 president Bryan Jones advises.

Thursday is practice and registration, while Friday features contest flights all day long.

You can also stop by the Propeller Bar and Grill, where you can enjoy food and drinks plus a rooftop deck to view the flying.


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

DESTINATION EAST COUNTY: AWESOME APRIL EVENTS

March 18, 2025 (San Diego’s East County) – It’s springtime in East County—the season for flower festivals, Easter egg hunts, Lakeside’s rodeo and Western Days Parade, outdoor roller skating at Viejas , an aerobatics competition in Borrego Springs, and bunny rides aboard a historic train in Campo.

This  April, you can also enjoy a roaring ‘20s party atop Mt. Helix for the  Mt. Helix Park’s centennial celebration, a Taste of Lakeside, a mystery dinner theater in El Cajon, plus a winetasting festival in Ramona.

Scroll down for details on these activities and more.


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

CHEERS TO THE VALLEY WINE FESTIVAL APRIL 5 IN RAMONA

East County News Service

March 20, 2025 (Ramona) -- The Ramona Valley Vintners Association and the Ramona Chamber of Commerce invite you to Cheers to the Valley Wine Festival on Saturday, April 5 from 12 to 4 p.m. at Begent Ranch (18528 Highland Valley Rd., Ramona).


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

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 meal.  


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

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!  


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

TASTE OF LAKESIDE APRIL 8; SAVOR FOODS FROM 10 RESTAURANTS TO SUPPORT THE MAINE AVENUE REVITALIZATION

East County News Service

March 18, 2025 (Lakeside) -- The Maine Avenue Revitalization Association (M.A.R.A.) invites you to the Taste of Lakeside, its upcoming fundraise on April 8 from 5-8 p.m. This event brings together ten local restaurants, including Cali-Stack, Ranch House, Octavio's, East Bound, Yogurt Barn, The Parks, Caffeine Queens, and the VFW, offering attendees the opportunity to sample their culinary delights.


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

MT. HELIX PARK CELEBRATES CENTENNIAL APRIL 12 WITH DUELING PIANOS, DINNER AND DANCING

By Miriam Raftery

March 18, 2025 (Mt. Helix) – You’re invited to join the 100th anniversary celebration of Mt. Helix Park with a Roaring ‘20s themed party on April 12 from 4:30 - 8 p.m. in the Mt. Helix Nature Theater. Enjoy delicious appetizers and dinner from Bekker's Catering, followed by dueling pianos and dancing under the stars. Beer, wine and soft drinks are included as well.


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

LILIAC FESTIVAL ABLOOM AT FORT CROSS IN JULIAN APRIL 19 - MAY 11

East County News Service

March 18, 2025 (Julian) - Fort Cross Adventures in Julian hosts its spring lilac festival from April 19 through May 11 on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sundays from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Preregistration is advised to assure space.


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

SANTEE BUNNY TRAIL APRIL 12 OFFERS FUN FOR KIDS

East County News Service

March 18, 2025 (Santee) – The city of Santee invites you to hop on over to Santee’s Bunny Trail on Saturday, April 12 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Santee Trolley Square.


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

SAN DIEGO CONCERT BAND PRESENTS MUSIC OF JOHN WILLIAMS APRIL 17 WITH VIOLIN SOLO BY NICK GRANT

East County News Service

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.


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

SCRIPPS RANCH THEATRE ANNOUNCES MARY’S WEDDING APRIL 4-27

East County News Service

 

Photos by Ken Jacques

 

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 Tickets online at https://scrippsranchtheatre.org/showtickets/ or contact SRT Patron Services at 858-395-0573. 


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

BORREGO HOME AND GARDEN TOUR MARCH 15

East County News Service

March 2, 2025 (Borrego Springs) – The Anza Borrego Desert Natural History Association invites you to the 2025 Borrego Home and Garden Tour on Saturday, March 15 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

MUSIC ON THE MOUNTAIN WITH SEAN GASKELL: MARCH 7 AT JULIAN LIBRARY

East County News Service

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.


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

DAFFODIL DAYS IN JULIAN: WEEKENDS MARCH 7 - APRIL 13

East County News Service

March 2, 2025 (Julian) - Julian Farm and Orchard invites you to Daffodil Days, held each Friday, Saturday and Sunday from March 7 through April 13 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

NATURE DAY ON MT. HELIX MARCH 15

East County News Service

March 1, 2025 (Mt. Helix) --  Mt. Helix Park invites you to Nature Day atop Mt. Helix on March 15 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

This event will feature live animals, a butterfly release, booths from over 30 nature organizations, activities, crafts and a native plant sale.


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

DESTINATION EAST COUNTY: MERRY MARCH EVENTS

 

By Miriam Raftery

February 27, 2025 (San Diego’s East County) – March brings some merry events including farm tours, a stargazing party, live music concerts, a Spring Fling business expo, Tomatomania at the Water Conservation Garden, Daffodil Days in Julian, St. Patrick’s Day festivities, Nature Day atop Mt. Helix, a Pirates of Penzance production at Grossmont College, a desert homes tour, and the Price is Right game show at Sycuan.

Scroll down for these events and more, all in San Diego’s East County.


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

TOMATOMANIA RETURNS MARCH 7 AND 8 AT THE GARDEN—NOW WITH TOMATO COOKING CLASS

By Miriam Raftery

February 27, 2025 (Rancho San Diego) – Tomatomania returns to the Water Conservation Garden at Cuyamaca College on Friday and Saturday, March 7-8.  The free, two-day event celebrates 75-80 incredible varieties of your favorite summer treat—tomatoes. You can purchase tomato plants including some rare varieties, cherished heirlooms and legendary classics—plus get tips from experts on how to grow the most flavorful tomatoes.  Hours are 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on March 7 and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on March 8.


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

GROSSMONT SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA HOSTS “SPANISH NIGHTS” CONCERT MARCH 7 WITH NEW CONDUCTOR HERNAN CONSTANTINO

East County News Service

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.


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

LA MESA CHAMBER INVITES YOU TO MEET LOCAL BUSINESSES AT MARCH 5 SPRING FLING BUSINESS EXPO

Source:  City of La Mesa

February 20, 2025 (La Mesa) - On Wednesday, March 5th, the La Mesa Chamber of Commerce invites you to join them at the 10th Annual Spring Fling Business Expo.  This special evening will be held at the Courtyard by Marriott San Diego El Cajon, 141 N. Magnolia Avenue in El Cajon between 5:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.  There will be raffles and business vendors who will offer free door prizes that evening.


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

ALPINE COUNTRY GIFTS AND CRAFTS HOSTS SPRING FESTIVAL MARCH 20-22

East County News Service

February 20, 2025 (Alpine) – Alpine Country Crafts and Gifts (2156 Alpine Blvd. in Alpine) invites you to a Spring Festival and Easter Celebration.

The event takes place on:

Thursday, March 20  4 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Friday, March 21  9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Saturday, March 22  9 a.m. to 4 p.m.


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

A GUIDE TO EVENTS HAPPENING DURING GROSSMONT COLLEGE’S SPRING 2025 SEMESTER

By G. A. McNeeley 

 

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.


Error message

Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

Pages