July 4, 2025 (El Cajon) – You’re welcome to join in the spirit of London at the 47th annual Haute with Heart Fashion Show benefiting the nonprofit St. Madeleine Sophie’s Center in El Cajon.
This fashion show on Saturday, August 2 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. will display a vivacious showcase of flowing champagne, live music, silent auction, fashion, indulgent shopping and a delicious luncheon.
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June 25, 2025 (San Diego County) – Independence Day in the USA is just days away, and across San Diego County, there are myriad events to be part of to celebrate.
East County Magazine has compiled a list of various offerings to celebrate the Fourth of July, whatever part of the region you’re in.
All events are on July 4 unless otherwise noted.
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July 3, 2025 (Lemon Grove) – You’re invited to step into the splendor of the Jazz Age at a Roaring Twenties Fashion Show event benefitting the Lemon Grove Forward Club and the Southern District Women’s Club.
The event on Saturday, September 27 will feature a glamourous day of style and community purpose featuring a luncheon and silent auction. Dress to dazzle in your best 1920s-inspired attire.
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June 27, 2025 (Lakeside) -- The Lakeside Firefighters are hosting a $5 pancake breakfast on Saturday, June 28 at Lakeside Fire Station 2.
The breakfast of pancakes as well as sausage, eggs, orange juice and coffee, will be served from 8 a.m. until noon at the station at 12216 Lakeside Ave.
At the event, there will be games and opportunity drawings as well as fire engines on display.
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The Navy Southwest Band, shown here in 2013, is a regular part of the Sundays at Six summer concert series in La Mesa. (Photo by Karen Pearlman)
East County News Services
June 25, 2025 (La Mesa) -- La Mesa's Sundays at Six summer concert series continues this Sunday, June 29, with variety dance band Breez'n taking the stage from 6 to 7 p.m. at Harry Griffen Park.
This Sunday's free concert will also include the crowning of Miss La Mesa 2025, a person who will take over for the current Miss La Mesa, Samantha Luevano.
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June 10, 2025 (Escondido) — The San Diego County Farm Bureau is bringing back Farming Tour Day, starting at 9 a.m., Saturday June 28.
This year’s event offers a rare, behind-the-scenes look at a diverse array of local farms in Escondido, showcasing the heart of San Diego agriculture.
Participants will enjoy guided walking tours led by the farmers themselves, sharing their expertise and passion for growing everything from mushrooms, succulents and cacti to citrus and avocados.
Each farm offers a unique perspective on local agriculture and innovative growing practices. Farm Tour Day is family-friendly and self-driven — bring your group, follow our detailed tour map, and explore at your own pace.
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Controversial Headline Performer, Safety Concerns Cited as Reasons for Withdrawal
By Karen Pearlman
June 7, 2025 (San Diego) – Many local Jewish organizations from across San Diego County that have traditionally been part of the annual San Diego Pride event will not be joining in this year.
Jewish community leaders say that because the Pride Festival chose musical artist Kehlani to be a headliner at the annual July festival, there will be no official, organized Jewish presence there.
According to a media release shared last week from the Jewish Federation of San Diego, the groups and synagogues that will not be participating in San Diego Pride include the Federation, ADL-San Diego, Lawrence Family JCC, Temple Emanu-El of San Diego, Congregation Dor Hadash, Congregation Beth Israel of San Diego, Congregation Tifereth Israel Synagogue and Temple Adat Shalom of Poway.
It also includes the festival’s current volunteer director of medical operations and assistant director of medical operations, Dr. Jennifer Anger and Eliyahu Cohen-Mizrahi. Both individuals are Jewish and have also stepped away from their roles with Pride.
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June 6, 2025 (La Mesa) — Heartland Firefighters of La Mesa will host a pancake breakfast fundraiser and emergency preparedness training on Sunday, June 8, at La Mesa Fire Station 11.
The event, which will run from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. at 8034 Allison Ave., is open to all ages. Tickets are $5 and include pancakes, eggs, sausage, coffee and orange juice.
Proceeds will benefit the Heartland Fire Explorer Program.
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June 6, 2025 (Spring Valley) -- Mt Miguel High School Foundation, the nonprofit organization devoted to helping Mount Miguel High School, is hosting Quartermania this month.
Quartermania is a cross between an auction and bingo.
The event, set from 1 to 3:30 p.m., Saturday, June 21, will be held at the Mount Miguel High School Multi-Cultural Event Center, 8585 Blossom Lane in Spring Valley.
The cost of admission is $25, and all proceeds will go toward Mount Miguel High School Special Projects.
The event will feature Preview shopping at 1 p.m., and a Quarter Auction from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Drinks and snacks will be available.
A spokesperson from the group said that possible vendors may include Perfectly Posh, Party Lite, Tastefully Simple, Tupperware, Handmade items by Carmen and Simply Scarves.
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June 3, 2025 (El Cajon) -- Artival-- an art, wine and music festival--makes its debut in downtown El Cajon on June 7 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. to celebrate art, culture and community.
Organizers describe the new festival as "where art meets vibes: immerse yourself in creativity, community and craft."
Enjoy an art walk featuring works by talented local artists, from fine art and photography to jewelry, handmade clothing, and ceramics.
There will also be food trucks, a wine garden, beer, and live music.
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June 2, 2025 (El Cajon) The Sycuan Band of the Kumeyaay Nation is hosting its 34th annual Sycuan Cup Golf Tournament this Wednesday morning, June 4, at the Singing Hills Golf Club in El Cajon.
This year, the event aims to raise $100,000 for four deserving local nonprofit organizations: Elymash Yuuchaap – The Native Resource Center at San Diego State University, SBCS, HorsePlay Collective and War Party Ranch.
The invitational tournament kicks off at 8 a.m. with registration. A special beneficiary award ceremony will follow at 9:15 a.m., during which the Sycuan Tribal Council will present donation checks to each of the selected organizations.
Participants will then tee off at 10 a.m. on the Oak Glen and Willow Glen championship courses.
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May 30, 2025 (Julian) -- The Julian Town Square Music Festival brings music to the mountains on June 7 from 12 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Presented by the Julian Community Heritage Foundation and Julian Chamber of Commerce, this event will feature multiple musical performances.
These include Kimmi Bitter and Westside Twang, Tim Flannery and the Lunatic Fring, Thea The Band, The Ordeal, Donn Bree and Friends, Dolly’s Revenge, and Subconscious Culture.
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May 25, 2025 (Lakeside) – It's starting to warm up in Lakeside, so it's about time for another Ice Cream Social.
The Lakeside Historical Society invites you to savor the third annual Old-Fashioned Ice Cream Social from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m., Saturday May 31.
The event will be held in the courtyard of the Olde Community Church at the Lakeside Historical Society at 9906 Maine Ave. in Lakeside.
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May 20, 2025 (San Diego’s East County) – June is jam-packed with summer fun, including outdoor concerts in El Cajon, La Mesa, Lemon Grove, Santee, and Viejas. You can also cheer on Flag Day Parade, enjoy the Descanso Day Parade and Fair, laugh along with comedian Arsenio Hall at Sycuan, learn about our region's western heritage at Campo Days, and visit Julian’s Town Square Music Festival.
You can also savor a Father’s Day barbecue in Jacumba Hot Springs or Father’s Day tours at the Ilan Lael Center in Santa Ysabel. Meet local artists at the new Artival festival in El Cajon, see birds of prey up close at Mission Trails Regional Park, watch movies in the park, stroll through classic car shows, or watch a poolside concert at Sycuan.
Scroll down for details on these sizzling summer events and more.
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May 18, 2025 (Campo) – You’re invited to step back in time to the Wild West and experience the history and culture of San Diego’s East County during Campo Days. This free event includes visits to four museums in Campo, as well as activities ranging from riding a historic railway to watching exciting demonstration of equestrian skills.
Campo Days will be held on Saturday, June 14, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday, June 15, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
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By Michelle Mowad, County of San Diego Communications Office
May 17, 2025 (Lakeside) -- Conquer what is arguably the toughest trail in San Diego County this Memorial Day weekend. Trek up El Cajon Mountain in El Capitan County Preserve during the 10th annual Warrior Hike Challenge on Saturday, May 24.
The adventure is designed to celebrate the physical and mental stamina that’s required to hike El Capitan, which is popular among active-duty military and veterans.
There are several levels to this challenge. Participants can choose their own adventure, navigating the length of trail that matches their individual interest and ability. “Celebration stations” will be at the 1-mile and 3-mile turnaround points. Extreme hikers can push on to the summit for an 11-mile roundtrip trek.
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May 16, 2025 (Descanso) -- The Descanso Town Hall Association will present its annual Descanso Day Fair and Parade on Saturday, June 7. The parade rolls out from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. with grand marshals Brett and Tammy Cooker, owners of Descanso Junction restaurant.
The fair takes from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the historic Descanso Town Hallo, 24536 Viejas Grade Road, Descanso. Big Sky Moon will play live country music and classic rock from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Guests can also enjoy pulled pork sandwich plates and hot dog plates, IPAs and lagers with Burning Beard Brewery, a horse shoe tournament at noon (with signups at 11, for $25), a Kidz Zone ($8 unlimited play, with prizes), cake walk, vendors inside and outside the hall, raffle and silent auction.
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May 13, 2025 (El Cajon) -- America on Main Street is also known as El Cajon's Largest Block Party. The event will hosted in Downtown El Cajon on Saturday, May 17. Admission and most activities are free of charge.
America on Main Street is a celebration of the American spirit through appreciation and respect of the many diverse ethnic and historical groups in the community. Highlights include multiple stages of live entertainment, American and ethnic food booths, rides, arts, crafts and display booths, a petting zoo, bounce houses and more,
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May 7, 2025 (San Diego)—The Racial Justice Coalition of San Diego (RJCSD) and Community Advocates for Just and Moral Governance (MoGo) invite you to attend a Community Town Hall centered on the ongoing inhumane treatment of people detained in the San Diego County Jails. The event will be held on Thursday, May 8 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at theChristian Fellowship Congregational Church UCC, 1601 Kelton Rd., San Diego 92114.
The organizations will provide an update on a class action lawsuit initiated by the San Francisco law firm Rosen Bien Galvan and Grunfeld on behalf of 14 families who have relatives in San Diego County jails. Their presentation will include a discussion of recent developments in San Diego jails and what work has been done to improve the conditions of inmates.
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May 6, 2025 (San Diego’s East County) -- Sycuan Casino Resort, in partnership with KSON, is bringing back The River from June through September.
The River at Sycuan is San Diego’s only country concert pool party that will feature “the hottest country artists in the nation,” according to a Sycuan news release.
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April 29, 2025 (Jamul) – Jamul Trails Ranch invites you to experience Farm Days, which include a petting zoo, planting sunflowers, painting bird houses and feeding farm animals.
Farm Days will be held May 2-4 and May 8-10 from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Jamul Trails Ranch is located at 2865 Echo Valley Road in Jamul.
Cost is $50 per family.
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April 27, 2025 (Alpine) – Carmen Lucas is a respected Kwaaymii Laguna elder, consultant, tribal monitor, educator and lifelong advcoate for Native American heritage preservation.
She will be sharing her story, teachings and vision for the future of tribal cultural preservation at 1 p.m., Sunday, June 8 at the Alpine Women’s Club (2166 Alpine Blvd. in Alpine) at an event hosted by the Alpine Historical Society.
She has spent nearly 30 years working in cultural resource management as well as serving as caretaker of her ancestral homeland, Lucas Ranch.
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April 24, 2025 (El Cajon)—On May 3, the Spring Garden and Butterfly Festival returns at the Water Conservation Garden at Cuyamaca College. The event features plant sales nurtured by Cuyamaca College Nursery students as well as butterflies, live music, specialty garden-related vendors, food trucks, and family-friendly activities.
The festival coincides with the college’s Coyote Music Festival, with live bands in the amphitheater at the Garden. In addition, Heritage of the Americas Museum next door will be hosting an arts and crafts fair.
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April 15, 2025 (San Diego’s East County) – The merry month of May brings many special events including a trio of events at Cuyamaca College including the Coyote Music Festival, the Spring Garden and Butterfly Festival, and a museum Arts and Crafts Fair.
Food, wine and beer lovers can savor Vintage Alpine, a Taste of Ramona, as well the Santee Street Fair and Craft Beer Festival. El Cajon’s Music on Main outdoor concert series returns, along with the America on Main Street festival.
There are also Mother’s Day teas in Julian, Tacos and Beer in Ramona with a Mother of the Year contest, a mountain man rendezvous in Campo, Paws in the Park in Lemon Grove, Wild in the Country to benefit exotic animal rescues in Alpine, and a mariachi concert at Sycuan.
Scroll down for details on these fun and festive happenings.
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April 19, 2025 (Ramona) – The Nashville Americana duo Goldpine, a husband and wife team, will perform at The Barn (344 Main St., Ramona) at 8 p.m., Friday, May 23.
The duo won the 2022 Rocky Mountain Songwriter Contest and has performed at the Kansas City Chiefs’ Arrowhead Stadium and the Bristol Rhythm and Roots Reunion.
Their music tells stories of live, love and purpose.
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April 19, 2025 (Alpine) – The permanent refuge for a bevy of rescued wild animals, Lions, Tigers & Bears isn’t your average animal sanctuary -- so don’t expect its annual fundraiser to be anything but extraordinary.
The Alpine-based nonprofit will welcome visitors to its big cats and bears haven for the annual Wild in the Country 2025 next month. The annual event, including live and silent auctions, live entertainment, gourmet food, drinks and more, is set for 2 to 6 p.m. Saturday, May 17. A VIP reception is also offered from 1 to 2 p.m.
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April 18, 2025 (El Cajon) -- A special community event hosted by nonprofit License to Freedom will be held from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. Sunday, May 18 in El Cajon.
The vibrant marketplace, called the United We Dream Bazaar, will feature handmade crafts, traditional food, cultural performances and small business booths run by refugee and immigrant women from the community.
"It’s a celebration of resilience, creativity, and empowerment, showcasing the beauty and richness of cultures from around the world," said Dilkhwaz Ahmed, executive director of License to Freedom.
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April 14, 2025 (La Mesa) – If you love harmonica music, head out to Spring Harp Fest in La Mesa this Friday, April 18. Spring Harp Fest takes place at Harry Griffen Park from10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Enjoy live music from many local harmonica players and groups. There’s also an unknown players jam.
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April 13, 2025 (Santee) – The Santee Street Fair and Craft Beer returns May 24. This annual event features a beer garden featuring craft brews, wine and spirits, kids’ zones with carnival rides and games, live music and entertainment, plus over200 vendors showcasing local arrtisans and businesses.
The event takes place from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the intersection of Town Center Parkway and Riverview Parkway in Santee.
This event, hosted by the Santee Chamber of Commerce and the City of Santee, is for ages 21 and up, and it’s dog-friendly.
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April 8, 2025 (Alpine) –You’re invited to the 35th annual Vintage Alpine on May 4 at the beautiful Summers Past Farms in Flinn Springs. The event features tastes of over 40 wines as well as beers, samples from fine local restaurants and live music—all for a good cause. Proceeds benefit the Kiwanis Club of Alpine Foundation, a nonprofit which supports many local youth and community needs.
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