East County News Service

September 8 ,2024 (La Mesa)-- From Friday, October 4, to Sunday, October 6, the quaint streets of La Mesa Village will transform into the largest German celebration in San Diego. This free event takes place Friday, October 4, 4 p.m.-10 p.m., Saturday, October 5, 10 a.m.-10 p.m. and Sunday, October 6, 12 p.m.-8 p.m.

This beloved Bavarian-style  festival has become an annual pilgrimage for thousands, drawing revelers for three days of vibrant live music, authentic German cuisine, and a plethora of German and Craft beers. This year, La Mesa Oktoberfest is set to exceed all expectations, capturing the spirit of Munich with unmatched enthusiasm and charm. From the traditional Bavarian decor and lively music to the delicious food and drinks, attendees can expect an unparalleled experience that honors the festival's rich heritage

East County News Service

Lemon Grove Farmers Market  announces that talented local artist Calvin Manson will be presenting his amazing artwork this Thursday, September 12, at the Farmers Market, located at Treganza Heritage Park, 3200 Main Street, Lemon Grove, between 4:00 and 7:00 p.m.

A native of San Diego, Calvin Manson is a highly accomplished visual artist, award-winning writer, producer, and theater director with a strong commitment to promoting African American culture and arts. As the Founder and Producing Artistic Director of the Ira Aldridge Repertory Players, Mason has inspired our community for more than 45 years by presenting and celebrating African American stories and theater.

In addition, Minola Clark Manson will be knitting or crocheting for a “craft, meet and greet” during the event.

East County News Service

September 1, 2024 (Julian) – Doff your shoes and toast to a fall tradition at the 27^th annual Julian Grape Stomp Festa.  This juicy event will be held on Saturday, September 7 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at  Menghini Winery,1150Julian Orchards Drive in Julian.

In addition to stomping grapes in the Italian old world tradition, you can savor winetasting from several local wineries, enjoy beer and hard cider tastings, live music, food vendors, shop for merchandise, play corn hole, let the kids play games and jump in a bounce house, and take home a souvenir wine glass. Inspired by the famous “I Love Lucy” grape-stomping episode, there wll also be a Lucy look alike contest with a $100 prize.

East County News Service

August 28, 2024 (San Diego’s East County) --The Sycuan Band of the Kumeyaay Nation will return with both its annual 35th Sycuan Powwow Sept. 6-8 and 3rd Fashion Show themed “The Fire Within” on Sept. 5. The theme will allow Native American artists to illuminate the beauty, talent and resilience of Native American culture, declaring “we are still here.”

The fashion show’s theme, inspired by the Kumeyaay greeting "may the fire (your spirit) burn bright within you," reflects the enduring spirit of indigenous people. The show will also feature 11 designers from Turtle Island, with their designs available for purchase.

The three-day powwow will showcase champion powwow dancers from across the United States, Canada and Mexico. We will celebrate the beautiful dance style of indigenous people representing their tribes. Chairman Cody Martinez will also be conducting an invocation before each grand entry. Arts and craft vendors will be selling their handmade authentic jewelry, pottery, basketry and paintings, and of course, there will be lots of food vendors.

East County News Service

September 1, 2024 (El Cajon) -- East County artists and galleries are banding together to host the 13th Annual Alley Cat Art Walk on Friday, September 13th. This free, family-friendly event will take place on Main Street and Rea Avenue in Downtown El Cajon from 4 to 8 p.m. 

Hosted by the art galleries, studios, museums, and small businesses in the Historic Downtown El Cajon District, the Art Walk is an annual celebration of the local art scene. All are welcome to stroll through Arts Alley to see the artisanal craft booths, boutique vendors, children’s interactive art booths, live music and entertainment. All venues participating are within walking distance, making it easy to scope around, shop, and take in all the different mediums and styles.

East County News Service

August 27, 2024 (Jacumba Hot Springs) – Dana Law has hiked the 2,650-mile Pacific Crest Trail  from Mexico to Canada and the 800-mile Arizona Trail from Mexico to Utah.

On August 27 at 6:30 p.m. in the Jacumba Library (44605 Old Highway 80), he will share his backpacking experiences on these trails, including recently completing the Arizona Trail, which included hiking the Grand Canyon rim-to-rim.

East County News Service

August 8,2024 (Mount Laguna)—The Laguna Mountain Volunteer Association will present its 35^th annual Living History Presentation at Mount Laguna’s Red-Tailed Roost, located at 10401 Sunrise High near mile marker 22.5.  

The program will be held Saturday, August 31 (9 a.m.to 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.) and again on Sunday, September 1 (9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.)

By Jonathan Goetz and Miriam Raftery

July 17, 2024 (El Cajon) -- El Cajon’s Dinner and a Concert series continues each Friday night in August from 6 to 8 p.m. on the Prescott Promenade in downtown El Cajon.

The lineup features Stone Soul on August 2, Ronsatadt Revival on August 9: Ronstadt Revival, Trey Hill Band on August 16: The Heroes August 23, and on August 30, Billy Nation.