November 11, 2025 (El Cajon) -- Parkway Plaza will light up the night with its belovedTree Lighting Ceremony and Santa’s Arrival to kick off the holidays on Friday, November 21, followed by a series of events and activities through the holiday season. For the main event, a mischievous green Christmas thief will join Santa to light up the Parkway Plaza Christmas Tree and mark the start of the holiday season, followed by photo opportunities at the tree with the Grinch and visits with Santa, so make sure to bring a wish list.
From 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., guests can celebrate the holidays with a festive holiday craft station by El Cajon’s Parks & Recreation, balloon twisting, face painting, giveaways, and photo opportunities. Live entertainment will also be in full swing with a captivating circus performance from the critically acclaimed Marinelli’s Circus and festive show fromDance & Arts Studios.
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November 6, 2025 (El Cajon) – A brand new circus is coming to San Diego’s East County. The Marinelli Brothers Circusbrings its brand-new production titled “A New Experience”, bringing its signature mix of magic, heart-pounding excitement, and family fun to Parkway Plaza November 12 – December 5.
An entertaining outing for families, the Marinelli Bros Circus is not your average night under the Big Top. Blending classic circus tradition with fresh, modern energy, this show offers jaw-dropping acts, death-defying stunts, and laugh-out-loud comedy for all ages.
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October 16, 2025 (El Cajon) - Olaf Wieghorst Museum and Western Heritage Center will host its first annual Fashion Show Fundraiser – “Boots and Belles: Fashion at the Wieggy” on November 8 from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. The event will feature stunning designs of local artist and designer Dawn Hough Sebaugh, whose WALA Collection blends the color, creativity, and western spirit that defines our community.
Located in the heart of the art district in El Cajon, the museum stands as a tribute to the artist whose vivid portrayals of the American West captured the spirit of a bygone era. Olaf Wieghorst not only painted the West, but he also lived it. Of all the places he could have called home, he chose El Cajon, where he raised his family, connected deeply with neighbors, and truly began his artistic journey.
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October 8, 2025 (El Cajon) – Last month, several dog owners in El Cajon got together to hold a birthday party for their dogs complete with music, cake, doggie gift bags, games and more. That event proved so much fun that organizers will be hosting a community Halloween party complete with dog costume contest, games and food for people, and a prize for the costume contest winner.
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October 3, 2025 (Rancho San Diego) — Miss Smarty-Plants will bring a “batty” show to the Water Conservation Garden at Cuyamaca College on Saturday, Oct. 18 from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
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September 28, 2025 (El Cajon) - The Heartland Coin Club announces its highly anticipated Coin Show, taking place on Saturday, October 25, 2025 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the El Cajon Elks Lodge, El Cajon, CA. This event offers opportunity for coin enthusiasts, collectors, and curious minds to come together and explore the fascinating world of numismatics.
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September 5, 2025 (El Cajon) -- Local artists and galleries are coming together to host the 14th Annual Alley Cat Art Walkon Friday, September 12th from 4pm to 8pm in Downtown El Cajon. This free, family-friendly event promises fine art, live entertainment, boutique vendors, and more along Main Street and Rea Avenue.
Hosted by the art galleries, studios, museums, and small businesses in the historic Downtown El Cajon district, the Art Walk is a yearly celebration of the city’s flourishing creative scene. Along with special gallery shows, attendees can explore interactive art displays, artisanal craft booths while enjoying live music, beer on tap, and other entertainment. With all venues within walking distance, it’s easy to shop, discover new artists, and take in the range of artistic styles and mediums.
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Photo: “In Trouble” depicts a twisting bronc as it tries to throw its rider. It is the artist’s best known etching.
September 5, 2025 (El Cajon) -- The Olaf Wieghorst Museum and Western Heritage Center in El Cajon opens an exhibition of the Etchings of Olaf Wieghorst on Friday, September 12 and runs through October 10. Twenty-six original etchings created by Olaf Wieghorst between 1937 and 1940 along with an original copper etching plate will be displayed.
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July 29, 2025 (El Cajon) – Tickets are now on sale for a Nov. 22 concert at the Magnolia in El Cajon by Al Jardine, one of the original Beach Boys members, and his Pet Sounds band. The evening will be a tribute to the late Brian Wilson, Beach Boys founder. The evening will include performances of classic Beach Boys’ hits such as “California Girls,” “I Get Around,” Sloop John B,” Surfin’ USA,” and “Fun, Fun, Fun”—music that helped define the California sounds of summer.
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March 20, 2025 (El Cajon) -- The Circle Players will be performing the dinner theatre production of “Everyone’s A Critic” on April 5th at 6:30 p.m. and on April 6th at 1:30 p.m. Performances will be held in Richardson Hall, 551 Farragut Circle, El Cajon. All seats for this mystery dinner theatre show are $30 and includes a 3-course French-themed meal.
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March 19, 2025 (El Cajon) -- Saps at Sea, the San Diego chapter of the Sons of the Desert, the International Laurel and Hardy fan organization, presents: Ollie Feigns Illness to Attend Lodge Events!
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February 27, 2025 (Rancho San Diego) – Tomatomania returns to the Water Conservation Garden at Cuyamaca College on Friday and Saturday, March 7-8. The free, two-day event celebrates 75-80 incredible varieties of your favorite summer treat—tomatoes. You can purchase tomato plants including some rare varieties, cherished heirlooms and legendary classics—plus get tips from experts on how to grow the most flavorful tomatoes. Hours are 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on March 7 and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on March 8.
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February 21, 2025 (El Cajon) - The Grossmont Symphony Orchestra welcomes its new conductor, San Diego Symphony Orchestra violinist, Hernan Constantino. He is also on his seventh season as the music director for Mainly Mozart with the San Diego Symphony. His first concert performance is titled “Spanish Nights: A Concert of Passion and Fire” on March 7 at 7:30 p.m.
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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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October 21, 2024 (El Cajon) - The superheroes gathered at The Magnolia in El Cajon for the 2nd annual Haunted Circus. The event was organized by Twisted Orbit Circus Entertainment and included appearances by Captain America, Ghost Rider, Poison Ivy, Wonder Woman, and the duo Harley Quinn and the Joker.
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May 14, 2024 (El Cajon) – The Magnolia performing arts center in El Cajon has some hot entertainers coming up in late May and June, including Latin Grammy Award winning singer Chiquis, Country Music Hall of Fame inductee Tanya Tucker, singer/songwriters Todd Rundgren and Iron & Wine, a rock opera, several tribute artists, and more.
During El Cajon’s America on Main Street celebration on May 18, a free concert by Pettybreakers, a Tom Petty tribute band, will be held. (Reservations required.)
Below is the full lineup announced to date for late May and June:
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January 18, 2024 (San Diego’s East County) – The San DIego Blood Bank will hold blood drives Feb. 1 in El Cajon and Srring Valley. Below are details.
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December 4, 2023 (El Cajon) – The a cappella group Straight No Chaser, whose fall tour has become a holiday tradition for families around the country, will be performing Dec. 28 at Sycuan Casino and Resort in El Cajon The renown singers also just released “Stocking Stuffer,” an EP with their newest holiday repertoire here, and will also be available for purchase at the concert.
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November 28, 2023 (El Cajon) -- Get ready for a magical, uproarious experience as Grossmont College Stagehouse Theatre presents Freaky Friday, Disney's beloved body-swap musical comedy, directed by Katie Banville. Based on the celebrated novel by Mary Rodgers, the beloved classic gets a contemporary twist with a hilarious new book by Bridget Carpenter, complemented by pop/rock music by Tom Kitt and lyrics by Brian Yorkey
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October 31, 2023 (El Cajon) – You’re invited to the annual Holiday Lights on Main Street celebration on Saturday, November 25 from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. The festivities include ice skating on the promenade, family fun and live music, with the tree lighting at 6 p.m. at the corner of Main and Magnolia.
The entertainment on stage will feature the Audio Hounds Band from 2 p.m. to 4:15 p.m. and the Harmony Grove Band from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
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October 20, 2023 (El Cajon) -- Enjoy a healthy Halloween and free admission to The Water Conservation Garden on Thursday, October 26 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. courtesy of the Grossmont Healthcare District.
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October 13, 2023 (El Cajon) -- Welcome Newcomer Network will host its 6TH Multicultural Festival on November 4 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at EJE Academies, 851 S Johnson Ave, El Cajon, CA 92020. The event will include multicultural food, cultural dance, a show of traditional costumes, storytelling, games and raffle drawings. For this year, we anticipate over 1,000 attendees.
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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.
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Fitness competition, live band, dancing, sports stars, kids activities, auto show and opportunities to meet police and firefighters are all slated
East County News Service
July 17, 2023 (El Cajon) -- El Cajon is gearing up to celebrate the 40th anniversary of its National Night Out event, a milestone for a community event that has been fostering positive interactions between law enforcement and the local community. This year’s event, set to be the largest ever hosted, will take place on Tuesday, August 1 from 5 to 9 p.m. in the parking lot at Parkway Plaza Mall in El Cajon.
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June 12, 2023 (El Cajon) – The El Cajon Historical Society is hosting an open house to celebrate its 50th anniversary. The public is invited to commemorate this special occasion on June 24 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Knox House Museum, 280 North Magnolia Ave. in El Cajon.
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May 10, 2023 (El Cajon) – You’re invited to an evening of musical celebration to bridge the gap between student success and equity, raising funds for students studying musical arts. Nationally renowned musical artists will join students from Grossmont and Cuyamaca Community colleges and other local musicians at this inaugural event on Thursday, May 25 from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. at the Samuel M. Ciccati Performing Arts Center at Cuyamaca College.
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May 7, 2023 (El Cajon) - ‘Tis the merry month of May, and Shakespeare’s hilarious fairytale about the fickleness of love comes to life in the Grossmont College Stagehouse Theatre just in time for spring. Spend the evening in an enchanted forest filled with fairies, a quartet of confused royals, and a troupe of actors desperately trying to put on a play for the king.
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April 11, 2023 (El Cajon) – El Cajon’s Dinner and a Concert series opens May 5 and will continue every Friday night from 6 to 8 p.m. from May through September. Opening night will feature Twisted Gypsy, a Fleetwood Mac Tribute band taking you back to the early days of ‘70s rock and roll.
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Photo: job seeker conversing with recruiters at Grossmont College job fair
Source: Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District
March 16, 2023 (El Cajon) -- Grossmont College will welcome more than 50 employers representing industries such as healthcare, hotels and tourism, public safety, local government, retail, and defense, as part of the 2nd Annual Refugee Job Fair March 23.
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March 14, 2023 (El Cajon) – Parkway Plaza shopping mall in El Cajon will host its annual Easter Eggstravaganza on Tuesday, April 4 from 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
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East County News Service
By Miriam Raftery
East County News Service
Source: Heartland Coin Club
East County News Service
East County News Service
East County News Service
East County News Service
By Miriam Raftery
East County News Service
Source: Downtown El Cajon
By Lindsay Elias
East County News Service
East County News Service
East County News Service
Source: Grossmont College Stagehouse Theatre
East County News Service
East County News Service
By Miriam Raftery
Fitness competition, live band, dancing, sports stars, kids activities, auto show 
East County News Service
East County News Service
East County News Service
More than 50 employers to attend 2nd Annual Event
East County News Service
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