Events

East County Events

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.


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DESTINATION EAST COUNTY: LATE FEBRUARY FESTIVITIES

By Miriam Raftery

February 18, 2025 (San Diego’s East County) – Late February brings several unique activities to enjoy, including new moon fishing at Lake Jennings, Fido Fest in Santee, a black history celebration in Lemon Grove, a farm tour adventure at Fort Cross in Santa Ysabel, Romeo and Juliet onstage in Borrego Springs, Hawk Watch in Ramona and a concert by Mariachi Amapolas at Cuyamaca College.


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CASA DE ORO ALLIANCE HOSTS COMMUNITY DIALOGUE ON FLOOD ISSUES FEB. 25 IN SPRING VALLEY

East County News Service

February 15, 2025 (Spring Valley) -- The Casa de Oro Alliance invites members of the community who have been affected by flooding to a community dialogue to help bring the community together and build resilience.


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FROM THE FIRE CHIEF’S CORNER: JAM FOR LA CONCERT BENEFITS FIRE RELIEF EFFORTS, FEB. 23 IN TEMECULA


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FEATURE SPEAKERS FROM NY LIBERTY AND SD PADRES DISCUSS EMPOWERING WOMEN IN SPORTS

Source:  AAUW

February 9, 2025 (La Mesa/El Cajon) - March 8, 2025, is the La Mesa-El Cajon Branch of the American Association of University Women's monthly meeting featuring Hannah Plackowski (left), Account Executive from the San Diego Padres and Sarah Cloutier, Executive Assistant to the CEO of the New York Liberty discussing empowering women in sports.


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DESTINATION EAST COUNTY: FEBRUARY FESTIVITIES

By Miriam Raftery

February 2, 2025 (San Diego’s East County) – February brings some favorite festivities and fun-filled events including a Judy Collins Concert in El Cajon, a stage production of Romeo and Juliet in Borrego Spr9ings, romantic Valentine’s teas in Julian, a black history celebration in Lemon Grove, the Boots and Bowties awards dinner at Sycuan, Fido Fest in Santee, and Hawk Watch in Ramona.

Scroll down for full details on February’s events in San Diego’s inland region.


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WOMEN’S CHORAL GROUP, KEY OF SHE, PERFORMS MARCH 2 IN SANTEE

East County News Service

 

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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BLACK HISTORY EMPOWERMENT CELEBRATION FEBRUARY 22 IN LEMON GROVE

East County News Service

January 31, 2025 (Lemon Grove) – A Black History Empowerment Celebration will be held on February 22 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Lemon Grove Academy Middle School, 7866 Lincoln St. in Lemon Grove.  Festivities will include spoken word, drumming African dancers, music artists, soul food vendors, food trucks and more.

The event is sponsored by Thrive Lemon Grove, F.A.C.E. Lemon Grove School District, and House Gone  Wild International.


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FIND PUPPY LOVE AT FIDO FEST FEB. 22

East County News Service

January 29, 2025 (Santee) – Bring your dog for fun times at Fido Fest, or adopt a furry companion from rescue groups.  The city of Santee event will take place on Saturday, Feb. 22 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Town Center Community Park East, 550 Park Center Drive East in Santee.

Contests will be held for the biggest and smallest dogs, best costume, and best trick. There will also be “arfs” and crafts, demonstrations, off-leash areas, vendors and giveaways.


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FREE FEBRUARY ADMISSION FOR SENIORS AT SAN DIEGO ZOO SAFARI PARK

Source:  San Diego Zoo and Safari Park

January 29, 2025 (San Diego) - The San Diego Zoo Safari Park welcomes guests aged 65 and older to enjoy free admission throughout February during Seniors Free Month. To participate, guests 65 and older simply need to present a valid photo ID upon arrival. Visitors can immerse themselves in the Safari Park’s vast 1,800-acre landscape, home to over 3,000 animals representing more than 300 species, alongside a botanical collection featuring over 1.3 million plants. This unique experience provides educational opportunities and unforgettable moments for all ages.


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EXTRA, EXTRA! EL CAJON WELCOMES DOGS IN CELEBRATING END OF 'PAWHIBITION' JANUARY 25

Source:  Downtown El Cajon

January 24, 2025 (El Cajon) - For the first time in 30 years, dogs are wagging their tails back into downtown El Cajon! Join the city on Saturday, January 25th for the End of Pawhibition, a celebration of this historic ordinance repeal. This all-day event will be filled with pawsitively delightful activities for you and your four-legged friends.


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LEMON GROVE NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS HOST FUNDRAISER FOR LA FIRE DISASTER RELIEF

East County News Service

 

January 22, 2025 (Lemon Grove— In the wake of the devastating fires that have swept through Los Angeles, Lemon Grove non-profit service clubs such as the Lemon Grove Lions, Lemon Grove Forward Club, Thrive,  Soroptimists International of Lemon Grove, Mt. Miguel High School Alumni and the Lemon Grove Fire Department to name a few, are uniting to provide much-needed assistance to affected families and communities. These dedicated organizations are hosting a fundraising event on Sat, Feb 1st at Treganza Park from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.


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GARDEN PARTY AT BOUGIE’S CHEESE SHOP IN LA MESA JANUARY 18 AND 25

East County News Service

January 17, 2025 (La Mesa) — Bougie’s Cheese Shop,  newly opened in December, invites you to a Garden Party on Saturday, January 18 and 25 from 1-4 p.m.   This patio event will feature non-alcoholic specialty drinks in honor of dry January paired with cheeses, along with curated snack boxes available for purchase.

Bougie’s Cheese Shop is located in the historic Levy house at 4679 Date Ave. in La Mesa. 


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LAUREL AND HARDY FAN CLUB MEETS FEB. 1 IN EL CAJON

East County News Service

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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DESTINATION EAST COUNTY: JANUARY EVENTS

By Jonathan Goetz

January 9, 2024 (El Cajon) – January happenings include a film festival in Borrego Springs—ideal if you like the desert without the heat—as well as opportunities to see raptors up close in Ramona,  take a group hike up Cowles Mountain, watch a thriller at Lamplighters Theatre in La Mesa, or network with veterans in Santee.

Scroll down for details on these entertaining options.


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BORREGO FILM FESTIVAL JANUARY 15-19: TICKETS NOW ON SALE

East County News Service

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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WAIT UNTIL DARK: THRILLER TAKES STAGE AT LAMPLIGHTERS IN LA MESA JAN. 10 THROUGH FEB. 2

East County News Service

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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HAWK WATCH AT RAMONA GRASSLANDS EACH SATURDAY IN JANUARY AND FEBRUARY

East County News Service

View raptors and learn about birds of prey at Hawk Watch, hosted by the Wildlife Research Institute at Begent Ranch (18528 Highland Valley Rd.) in Ramona each Saturday in January and February starting at 10 a.m.  Arrive early for this free event, with coffee and donuts available starting at 9:30 a.m. It’s recommended to bring binoculars, a folding chair, sturdy shoes and a jacket.

The event begins with an educational biologist’s talk plus a Q&A session with falconry or ambassador raptors that you can see up close and personal.  After the 1.5 to 2 hour seated program, you can opt to drive a 2-mile route on paved roads to observe wild raptors including a Bald Eagle nest. Biologists and expert volunteers will help you spot and identify birds and view them through their high-powered professional telescopes.


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NEW YEAR'S EVE HAPPENINGS AROUND SAN DIEGO COUNTY

By Ben Perez 
 
Photo:  Viejas will host a party at The Park on New Year's Eve. Photo courtesy Viejas Resort
 
December 29, 2024 (San Diego) - San Diego County residents have myriad opportunities to ring in 2025 with New Year's Eve celebrations across the region.

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BILL WALTON TRIBUTE TO HONOR BASKETBALL GREAT AT HELIX HIGH ON JANUARY 3

 
By Ben Perez 
 
December 23, 2024 (La Mesa) --Always saying he was honored to be from East County, "Billy from La Mesa" is how Bill Walton wanted people to know him and greet him.
 
So it's only fitting that his high school alma mater in La Mesa is honoring him with a special event in January.
 
At nearly seven feet tall, with an almost literally larger-than-life persona and an endearing, charismatic personality-- a basketball star at Helix High School, the University of California at Los Angeles and professionally -- a beloved, knowledgeable sports announcer and broadcaster, music aficionado, father, husband and friend, passed away in May of 2024.

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SAN DIEGO CONCERT BAND HOSTS HOLIDAY CONCERT DECEMBER 19

East County News Service

 

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. 

 

Tickets are available at the door and on the Band’s website, www.SanDiegoConcertBand.com

 

Wonderful Holiday Sounds”

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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DECEMBER IS NATIONAL IDENTITY THEFT PREVENTION AND AWARENESS MONTH; SDCCU OFFERS DEC. 18 WEBINAR AND RESOURCES TO HELP YOU STAY SAFE

Webinar on identity theft prevention will detail ways to protect your information

Source:  San Diego County Credit Union

December 4, 2024 (San Diego) - San Diego County Credit Union (SDCCU), one of San Diego’s largest locally-owned financial institutions, is offering free resources and raising awareness regarding identity theft crimes during National Identity Theft Prevention and Awareness Month. On Wednesday, December 18 at 12 p.m., SDCCU will be hosting the Identity Theft 101 webinar, in partnership with the Identity Theft Resource Center (ITRC). The webinar will be presented by Mike DiTurno, training and development specialist, for the ITRC.

This webinar will define identity crime, explain how identity thieves obtain and use your information, discuss how to protect yourself from identity theft and what to do if you suspect identity theft.


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CAROLING ON BROADWAY: DEC. 13 AND 21 IN LEMON GROVE

By Miriam Raftery

November 30, 2024 (Lemon Grove) – ‘Tis the season to be jolly – so Revitalize Broadway invites singers (no experience required) to join in spreading some holiday cheer. Caroling on Broadway will take place Friday, December 13 and Saturday, December 21.


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DANCING LIGHTS, TALKING TREES AND A LIGHT SHOW AT CAMP CHRISTMAS

By Miriam Raftery

November 29, 2024 (Pine Valley) – Camp Christmas in Pine Valley is back, with dazzling lighting displays and more from 5:30 to p.m. Nov. 29-30, Dec. 1, Dec. 6-8, and Dec. 13-22.  Visitors to Camp Christmas, located in a mountain community in San Diego's East County, will see thousands of computerized lights strung on trees and a spectacular water show,  both synchronized to holiday music.

There’s also hayrides, a bounce house, laser tag, archery, food,  live entertainment, and a talking Christmas tree, a Nativity presentation, Camp Christmas train rides, a children’s playground, climbing wall, face painting, gift shop, and more.


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DESTINATION EAST COUNTY: 2024 HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS

By Miriam Raftery

November 29, 2024 (San Diego’s East County) – There’s a dazzling array of holiday events coming up across our inland region--including synchronized light shows at Camp Christmas in Pine Valley, North Pole Limited Train Rides at the Campo depot, Lakeside’s Spirit of Christmas,  La Mesa’s Holiday in the Village, a holiday bonfire in Lemon Grove, holiday lights on Main in El Cajon, a Snow Day at Lindo Lakes in Lakeside, a Christmas Market in Crest, caroling on Broadway in Lemon Grove, Christmas on Mt Helix, and the German-American Societies Christmas in El Cajon.

Scroll down for full details on these festive events.


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HOLIDAY ART WALK NOV. 30 IN EL CAJON, FOLLOWED BY AN ARTIST’S RECEPTION

 

East County News Service

November 27, 2024 (El Cajon) – East County Arts Association invites you to enjoy strolling down Main street in downtown El Cajon for a holiday art walk with 28 participating vendors offering everything from handmade jewelry to vibrant paintings, pottery and more.  The event takes place Saturday, November 30 from 2 p.m.to 8 p.m.  

Then at 5 p.m., the East County Art Gallery at 124 E. Main St. will have a reception featuring the creative abstract paintings of Ross Adcock and his private collection of Juan Quezada and the Potters of Northern Chihuahua. 


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CHRISTMAS AT THE GERMAN-AMERICAN SOCIETIES IN EL CAJON DEC. 7-8

By Miriam Raftery

November 27, 2024 (El Cajon) – The German-American Societies of San Diego and Dia Rasselbande Preschool invite you to a traditional Christmas Market. This festive event features shopping for handmade gifts, delicious German dishes, holiday beer and Glühwein, choral performances,  kids’ activities, and photos with Santa.

This festive event will be held at the German American Societies’ headquarters at 1017 S. Mollison Avenue in El Cajon on Saturday, December 7 from 2 to 7 p.m. and again on Sunday, December 8 from 2 to 6 p.m.


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CREST HOSTS CHRISTMAS CRAFT FAIRE WITH SANTA ARRIVING BY FIRE TRUCK

East County News Service

November 24, 2024 (Crest, CA) – The reindeer are taking a day off on Sunday, December 8, when Santa will arrive at the Crest Christmas Craft Faire aboard a fire truck!

Santa arrives at 4 p.m. and will visit with children until 6 p.m.  The Craft Faire begins at 10 a.m. and runs through 6 p.m. with unique crafts, vendors, raffle baskets, musical entertainment, food, and photo opportunities.

The event will be held at the Crest Clubhouse, 113 North Park Drive, in the Crest community of El Cajon.


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SNOW DAY AT LINDO LAKES DECEMBER 6

 

By Miriam Raftery

November 20, 2024 (Lakeside) -- Even sunny San Diego can get snow with the assistance of modern technology. You’re invited to Snow Day at Lindo Lake on December 6 from 2 to 5 p.m., as the County turns this popular park into a family-friendly winter wonderland with fresh snow for sledding and snow play.

You can also enjoy games, giveaways, and photos with Santa.


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LEMON GROVE TOASTS TO HOLIDAYS WITH BONFIRE DECEMBER 6

East County News Service

November 13, 2024 (Lemon Grove) – Lemon Grove invites you to the city’s annual community bonfire on Friday, December 6 from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Treganza Heritage Park, 3200 Main St. in Lemon Grove.

Enjoy visits with Santa, music with a live band, a game truck, crafts, inflatables, free cookies, hot chocolate and popcorn, more foods for purchase, welcoming remarks from the mayor, an ugly sweater contest and more.


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