By Miriam Raftery

September 2, 2023 (El Cajon) – The German-American Societies of San Diego will host two weekends of Oktoberfest at their El Cajon headquarters: Sept. 29-Oct. 1 and Oct. 6-8.

By Rebecca Person

August 29, 2023 (Jacumba Hot Springs) -- Over Labor Day weekend on September 2, Jacumba Hot Springs celebrates its wild sunflowers -- cheerful survivors of a challenging high desert clime - with a friendly Pop-Up Art Show, Nature Photography Exhibit and its monthly Bathhouse Bazaar.

By Miriam Raftery

August 14, 2023 (San Diego’s East County) -- As summer draws to a close and autumn fast approaches, some of East County’s most anticipated events of the year are coming up including the Mt. Helix Food and Wine Festival, X-Fest in Santee, the Barona and Sycuan powwows, and the Borrego Days Desert Festival. There are also attractions onstage indoors, including Crystal Gayle in concert and comic Paula Poundstone performing.

Scroll down for details on all of these events.

East County News Service

August 9, 2023 (Barona) – For more than half a century, the Barona Band of Mission Indians has been hosting its powwow, a traditional gathering attracting Native American tribal members from across  North America.

The 51st annual Barona Powwow features competitions in tribal dancing and drumming. It will be held on the Barona  Reservation at the Barona Sports Complex, located at 1095 Barona Road in Lakeside.

July 31, 2023 (San Diego’s East County) -- August and September events coming up in San Diego’s East County will give you plenty to howl about – including tours at the California Wolf Center, National Night Out with local law enforcement agencies, Julian’s star fest, outdoor concerts in several communities, classic cruises, the Mt. Helix Food and Wine Festival, an X-Fest with extreme sports events, plus a concert by country music legend Crystal Gayle and a comedy show by Paula Poundstone.

Scroll down for details on these events and many more, coming up across San Diego’s inland region.

East County News Service

July 30, 2023 (Santee) -- Summer is almost over and to close out the fun, East County is hosting its first-ever X-Fest full of extreme-sport events, local vendors, superstar athletes, music, guest speakers, testimonies, entertainment and tons of free giveaways.

By Miriam Raftery

July 22, 2023 (San DIego's East County) -- As late July sizzles into hot August nights, there are some hot happenings coming up across San Diego’s inland region.

The fun includes the Ramona Country Fair, Pine Valley Days parade and festival, a comedy night, farm tours, party with police at Parkway Plaza, the Julian Star Fest, outdoor concerts and car shows, and the Mt. Helix Food and Wine Festival with a Western theme this year plus dancing under the stars.

Scroll down for details on these events and many more, coming up across San Diego’s inland region.

East County News Service

July 18, 2023 (Ramona) – Three days of family fun are coming up at the Ramona Country Fair. Presented by the Ramona Chamber of Commerce, the fair features amusement rides, carnival games, live music, a cornhole competition, an off-road show, food & beverage vendors, craft & commercial vendors, western shows and more.

By Miriam Raftery

July 6, 2023 –Our East County Dining Club is back!  East  County Magazine invites you to join us on Thursday, July 20 at 6:30 p.m. for a fundraiser where you can savor the flavors of southern Italy at AnniVenti La Trattoria,  a delightful new restaurant at 8099 Broadway in Lemon Grove. RSVP early to save space!

15% of all food and drinks plus 100% of raffle tickets will benefit East County Media to support East County Magazine, nonprofit award-winning community news coverage, and East Coundy Wildfire & Emergency Alerts.

For just $35 per person, (excluding tax and tip), the 4-course feast will include:

Appetizers served family-style (pistachio burrata, calamari, and charcuterie)

Pasta entrée options:

-- Spaghetti Vongole (clams, white wine garlic sauce, pesto and pistachio)

-- Tonnarelli Cacio e Pepe (chicken pasta in creamy pepper sauce)

-- Busiata Normanna(eggplant, tomato, basil, mint, ricotta)

-- Pappardelle al Ragu (slowly braised beef pasta)                  

Caesar salad

Desert:  Tiramisu,Limoincello, or Cannoli

The restaurant also has a full wine list as well as beer and creative cocktails.

Win prizes! We will also have a raffle with prizes including a gift card to AnniVenti, gift certificates for other local merchants, gift baskets, jewelry, flowers, books, and more! Thanks to our prize sponsors so far: Anniventi La Tratorria,  Mastiff Kitchen, Jasmine Creek Florist,  Elevated Coffee, Mario's Family Clothing Center,  Stephanie Klein at Roots Real Estate, Lemon Grove Antique Mall, El Pollo Grill, Maxwell's House of Books, Mary Ann Chanthala at ASKMary4RealEstate brokered by ΓEA⅃, Moutain Gypsy, Jean's Dance Studio, Busy Bee Garden Co-op, Flowers by Elsa, and more.  

RSVP BY JULY 17: Please email editor@eastcountymagazine.org and include your name, the number of people in your party, and the subject line  “RSP for AnniVenti.” To reserve space for the July 20 event. (Late RSVPs may be accepted on a limited basis, based on availability.) We expect this to be a popular event to welcome Lemon Grove’s newest fine dining restaurant!

By Miriam Raftery

July 1, 2023 (San Diego’s East County) -- Fireworks, parades, a deep pit barbecue, a stargazing festival, outdoor concerts, farm tours with berry picking, a food fest and more are all happening in East County as summer heats up.

Scroll down for details on these events and many more, coming up across San Diego’s inland region.

By Miriam Raftery

June 22,2023 (San Diego’s East County) -- Parades, outdoor concerts, dancing under the stars, farm tours, theater productions, a food fest, and more are all happening in East County as summer heats up.

Scroll down for full details on these and many more hot summertime happenings.

East County News Service

June 16, 2023 (La Mesa)—You’re invited to celebrate Black culture, history and life while honoring those who fought for freedom and rights.  La Mesa’s Juneteenth Celebration will be held Sunday,  June 19  from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. at MacArthur Park,4900 Memorial Drive in La Mesa.

“We bring a family oriented celebration with participation from local businesses, educators, writers, churches, community leaders, elected officials, and performers in and around La Mesa. All are welcome as we bring our community together and raise awareness of the Juneteenth jubilee and share its important historical significance,” states the website for the La Mesa Juneteenth Foundation.

East County News Service

June 8, 2023 (Santee) –  Harken back in time to the 16^th century to experience the Renaissance on Saturday, June 17 in Santee.  Come as you are, or dress to experience the life of a noble, knight or peasant.

You can try your hand at archery, watch fighting tournaments all day long, learn a craft, learn a dance, listen to a bardic recital, or experience a battle of the bards. Enjoy fun for the entire family – and admission is free.

East County News Service

Photo:  CC by NC-ND via Bing

June 6, 2023 (Guatay) -- The parking lot sale at Heavenly Oaks Residential Community returns on Saturday, June 24 from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at 26835 Old Highway 80 in Guatay (halfway between Descanso and Pine Valley.)

If you plan to go to the Run to the Hills car show that day in Pine Valley, head west 3.5 miles on Old Highway 80 to Heavenly Oaks. There will be lots of quality "garage sale" items for sale.