Printer-friendly version
By Miriam Raftery
May 20, 2019 (San Diego’s East County) – This Memorial Day Weekend, events include the Santee Street Fair and Craft Beer Festival, a Living History program on Mount Laguna, the Julian Fiddle and Pickin’ contest, a hike across the Santa Ysabel Preserve, an a-capella concert by Chamber Bravura in La Mesa, and a Warrior Hike Challenge at El Capitan County Preserve in Lakeside. On the last weekend of May, Kidz Danz Kompany presents Visions of Broadway and the Musica En La Plaza series opens in Escondido.
Plus we’ll have a preview of some joyful June events including La Mesa’s flag day parade, Lavender Days at Summers Past Farms in Flinn Springs, night fishing at Santee Lakes, a Father’s Day pit barbecue in Santa Ysabel, Fido Fest in Santee, the Anomar Arts Festival in Ramona, and some all summer long event series including outdoor concerts in La Mesa, Lemon Grove, El Cajon and Santee, classic cruises and movies in the park.
So scroll down for all of these events and many more!
SANTEE STREET FAIR AND CRAFT BEER FESTIVAL MAY 25
The Santee Street Fair and Craft Beer Festival is this Saturday, May 25th at the To wn Center Parkway. The street fair runs from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and the Craft Beer Festival from 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
This event features award-winning samples our region’s breweries as well as family-friendly game, live music and entertainment, over 300 food and vendor booths, artists, carnival rides, a kids’ zone and more. Pets are allowed on leashes. Tickets ($15) are required for the Craft Beer tastings.
For more information, visit www.SanteeStreetFair.com.
HISTORY COMES ALIVE ON MOUNT LAGUNA MAY 25-26
The Laguna Mountain Volunteer Association invites you to the 32nd annual Living History program this Memorial Day weekend, Saturday and Sunday, May 25 and 26. Learn about the history of Mount Laguna residents and take free tours offered at 9:30, 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. both days.
Meet at the Red-Tailed Roost, 10385 Sunrise Highway near mile marker 22.5, across from the Laguna Fire Station atop Mount Laguna, the highest peak in San Diego’s East County.
JULIAN FIDDLE AND PICKIN’ CONTEST MAY 25
Julian’s annual fiddle and pickin’ competition will be held on May 25th from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. at Julian’s historic town hall. Hosted by the California Old Time Fiddlers Association, the competition draws nationally known talent and is open to all ages in fiddle, mandolin, banjo and guitar.
Details for this family-friendly event are available at http://www.sandiegofiddler.org/.
HIKE ACROSS THE SANTA YSABEL PARK PRESERVE MAY 25
You’re invited to hike all the way across the Santa Ysabel County Preserve on Saturday, May 25th from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. (500 Farmer Rd., Julian).
This is a moderate 8-mile hike with park staff. Be prepared for some hills. The preserve will be green with wildflowers galore!
Park at the 79 gate to catch a shuttle to the Farmer Staging area. For more information, call the park at 760-765-4098.
GLOBALLY ACCLAIMED CHAMBER BRAVURA BRINGS A CAPELLA CHORAL MAGIC TO LA MESA MAY 26
Chamber Bravura has performed in Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, the Sydney Opera house, venues in Austria, Australia, England Ireland and Iceland. They sang the mass in St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican in Rome. Now the globally acclaimed young singers—middle and high school seniors from the San Diego region—are bringing their a capella choral magic to The Table: United Church of Christ of La Mesa. Under direction of Katherine Girvin, Chamber Bravura will perform at 2 p.m. in the church sanctuary at 5940 Kelton Avenue, La Mesa. (www.tableucc.com)
From Borrego’s Clark Dry Lake, where they filmed the haunting “You Ruined Me” video, the group has performed stirring renditions of songs such as “Waternight,” “Joshua Fit the Battle of Jericho,” “’N Sync Medley” and more.
The performance is part of the popular Valerie Victor concert series. The concert is free, though a free will offering will be accepted.
Learn more about Chamber Bravura at http://www.chamberbravura.org/.
MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND WARRIOR HIKE CHALLENGE MAY 25
A Memorial Day Weekend Warrior hike challenge will be held in El Capitan County Preserve on May 25 from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. with a hike to the top of El Cajon Mountain, also known as El Cap. The trail is arguably the toughest in San Diego County, so three levels are offered.
The warrior level is an extreme hike of 12 miles. Recon level is about 6 miles, and a Boot Camp level features a 2-mile roundtrip hike. The San Diego River Park Foundation will lead hikers on an expanded tour to the summit and county staff will be on hand to answer questions. Refreshments will be served.
Visit the San Diego County Parks and Recreation website or Facebook page to learn more (Click here: website; event on Facebook.)
MUSICA EN LA PLAZA OPENS UP IN ESCONDIDO
Música En La Plaza is a free community series that will take place from 7- 10 p.m. the last Friday of each month starting May 31st. The series will bring live music, dancing, tacos and tequila to the California Center for the Arts.
While admission to the events are free, seats can also be purchased ($12 each, or $40 for a table of four).
For a full schedule of upcoming performances, visit www.artscenter.org.
VISIONS OF BROADWAY: KIDZ DANZ KOMPANY TAKES TALENTS TO HORTON GRAND THEATRE MAY 31 - JUNE 1
East County News Service
May 18, 2019 (San Diego) -- The critically-acclaimed and award-winning Kidz Danz Kompany, based in La Mesa with Visionary Dance Theatre, will present “Visions of Broadway” at the Horton Grand Theater (444 Fourth Ave, San Diego) May 31st and June 1st at 7 p.m.
The show features dance works to some of Broadway’s most cherished show tunes including many favorite hits, also touching on important events of today.
Tickets are available at the door. For more information, you can visit http://www.visionarydancetheatre.org/Visionary/performances/.
LA MESA FLAG DAY PARADE JUNE 1
La Mesa’s 22nd annual Flag Day parade will roll out along La Mesa Blvd. in downtown La Mesa on June 1st starting at 10 a.m. Don your patriotic garb to come cheer on floats, equestrians and more at this star-spangled celebration.
This year’s grand marshal will be Willie O’Ree from the San Diego Gulls. Free ice cream will be provided at the Lookout at Legacy Park (intersection of La Mesa Blvd., 4th St. and Allison) while supplies last.
LAVENDER DAY AND ANTIQUE FAIR AT SUMMERS PAST FARMS JUNE 8
Summers Past Farms in Flinn Springs invites you to come celebrate the fragrance and beauty of lavender at a Lavender Festival and Antique Fair on Saturday, June 8 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
You can fill your garden and containers with many types of lavender during a plant sale, shop for lavender gifts such as soaps, candles, salves and sprays, and enjoy the fragrance scent of the south of France.
Over 40 fine craftsman and expert artisans will also be at this event offering crafts, collectibles and antiques as well as a garden sale. You can picnic in a pavilion or on the grass while listening to live music by Jim Earp – and remember to wear lavender!
For information and directions, you can visit https://www.summerspastfarms.com.
FIDO FEST JUNE 8 IN SANTEE
The city of Santee will host Fido Fest on June 8th from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Town Center Community Park East (550 Park Center Drive).
This event will feature dog adoptions, exhibits, giveaways, live entertainment, vaccinations, demos, and contests including best dog-owner look-alikes, smallest and largest dogs, best trick, and a doggie cake walk.
Full details are available at the City of Santee’s website on the calendar (http://cityofsanteeca.gov/Home/Components/Calendar/Event/4043/8?curm=6&cury=2019).
SANTEE’S SUMMER CONCERT SERIES OPENS JUNE 13
Santee opens its summer concert series on June 13th with “Elvis” impersonator James Kruk and the Big Boss Men.
The concert series will be held from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at Town Center Community Park East (550 Park Center Drive) on Thursday nights all summer long, through August 22nd.
The City of Santee has the full line-up of artists on its website (http://cityofsanteeca.gov/services/event-calendar).
NIGHT FISHING AT SANTEE LAKES JUNE 13 AND 27
You’re invited to bring a lantern and drop a line for night fishing at Santee Lakes on June 13th and June 27th from 5 p.m.to 11:30 p.m.
Find directions at www.SanteeLakes.com
FATHER’S DAY PIT BBQ JUNE 16 IN SANTA YSABEL
You’re invited to bring Dad to a Father’s Day pit barbecue on June 16 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the historic 200-year-old Santa Ysabel Indian Mission (23013 State Route 79 in Santa Ysabel).
Contests will be held for best cowboy hats, boot and mustaches. There will also be entertainment, vendors, a 50/50 raffle, barbecue ($10 a plate), beer, wine and sodas.
Tickets will be sold at the door, or in advance after mass.
LA MESA SUNDAY AT SIX CONCERTS
The city of La Mesa’s “Sundays at Six” concert series will be held at Harry Griffin Park (9550 Milden St.) in the outdoor amphitheatre each Sunday evening at 6 p.m.
The series opens June 16th with the band “Trails and Rails.” Other June concerts include the San Diego Concert Band on June 23rd and It’s Never Too Late on June 30th. The series will continue through July 28th.
Find more information on the city’s website (http://cityoflamesa.com/751/Community-Services).
MOVIES IN THE PARK IN EL CAJON
El Cajon’s popular movies in the park return by popular demand this summer. You can enjoy nine summer movies from June through August (free!) at parks across the city.
The first two movies in the lineup are Teen Titans Go on Saturday, June 22nd at Hillside Park and the Avengers: Infinity War on Friday, June 28th at Wells Park.
Guests can enjoy additional fun activities before the start of the movie at nightfall.
For a full list of shows all summer long, visit www.elcajonrec.org or call (619) 873-1641.
LEMON GROVE CONCERTS IN THE PARK
Lemon Grove’s summer concert series opens June 27th and continues through August 22nd each Thursday evening from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at Berry Park (7071 Mt. Vernon St.)
The series kicks off June 27th with mariachi music followed by a season that will also include salsa, Cajun-zydeco, rock and roll, Motown, country music and more. Check the city of Lemon Grove’s website calendar for a full schedule (https://www.lemongrove.ca.gov/Home/Components/Calendar/Event/2096/180?curm=6&cury=2019).
ANOMAR ARTS FESTIVAL JUNE 29 IN RAMONA
You’re invited to explore what it means to be creative at the Anomar Festival on June 29th from 12 noon to 8 p.m. in Ramona. Anomar is organized by two nonprofits, the 2CreateGallery and the Art Center of Ramona.
Located at the scenic Begent Ranch (18528 Highland Valley Rd), surrounded by the Ramona Grasslands, attendees can meet art “collaborators” who will offer a variety of hands-on activities including an art apothecary store, body painting, stargazing, rock painting, a karate robot, permaculture, wire bending and fused glass, a banjo sing-along, yoga, meditation and more.
Tickets are available at www.AnomarFestival.com..
DINNER AND A CONCERT SERIES IN EL CAJON
El Cajon’s popular Dinner and a Concert series is held each Friday evening at Prescott Promenade in downtown El Cajon from 6 to 8 p.m. Shows will continue all summer long.
You can bring a picnic dinner, or dine early at one of the many restaurants nearby before attending the (free) concert.
For full details, visit www.DowntownElCajon.com.
EL CAJON CLASSIC CRUISES EACH WED.
El Cajon’s Classic Cruise Nights is celebrating its centennial season. You can view classic cars each Wednesday from 5 to 8 p.m. along Main Street in the heart of downtown El Cajon.
For a full schedule of events, you can visit https://downtownelcajon.com.
That’s all for this week! You can find details on all of these events and more in the calendar and events section at our website, www.EastCountyMagazine.org.
If you have an event you’d like added to our calendar, or if you would like to sponsor the Destination East County column on our website, or the Destination East County show on KNSJ Radio, you can contact editor@eastcountymagazine.org. Destination East County is the most-read feature on our website.
We’ll be back soon with more festivals, events and attractions in San Diego’s East County!
Recent comments