By Miriam Raftery

September 19, 2024 (San Diego’s East County) -- Fall brings festivities galore! 

There are some awesome autumn events coming up across East County in late September and October, including the new Taste of the College Area, Oktoberfests in La Mesa and El Cajon, Hauntfest on Main and a Haunted Circus in El Cajon,  Rolling Pumpkins at Parkway Plaza, and Pumpkin Express train rides in Campo.

Here are the festive details:

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

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.

By Miriam Raftery

Photo:  CC by SA-NC via Bing

August 1, 2024  (San Diego’s East County) – Musical entertainment options in East County for September including Celtic Thunder singers from  Ireland, English protest singer/songwriter Billy Bragg, acclaimed songwriters/musicians Ray LaMontagne and Gregory Alan Isakov, country music singers Sara Evans and Eric Paslay, and the famed Jacksons.

 Below are details on their upcoming local concerts at venues including The Magnolia, SDSU, and Sycuan.

East County News Service

August 15, 2024 – The Element Dance Center in La Mesa announces its upcoming charity event, "A Night of Hope," gala benefiting Dancers Against Cancer. This extraordinary evening of compassion, talent, and philanthropy is set to take place on August 24 at Joan Kroc Theater, just east of La Mesa at 6611 University Ave., San Diego.

The Element Dance Center has consistently demonstrated a commitment to nurturing young dancers' dreams while fostering unity and giving back to the community. "A Night of Hope" is designed to raise awareness and funds for Dancers Against Cancer, a nonprofit organization providing essential support and assistance to dancers and their families affected by cancer.

By Miriam Raftery

July 31, 2024 (San Diego's East County) -- August has some amazing events for summertime fun, including the Mt. Helix Food & Wine Festival,  a Dweezil Zappa concert at The Magnolia, Summer Jams at Santee Lakes, live music at Julian Heroes, outdoor concerts in El Cajon, sunset train rides at the historic Campo depot, a summer twilight walk at MIssion Trails Regional Park, and live music at Sycuan including LOCASH and the Jacksons.

By Miriam Raftery

June 17, 2024 (San Diego’s East County) – There’s more than fireworks and parades happening in July. How about open farm days at Oasis Camel Dairy in Ramoma,  Pine Valley Days, outdoor concerts and car shows, Sip of Julian tasting event, the Ramona Country Fair and movies in County parks?

Click here for our 4^th of July festivities in East County. Scroll down for the many other hot happenings coming up throughout July.

East County News Service

July 7, 2024 (Julian)—Banner Ranch invites you to try your luck at panning for gold just as prospectors did in the 1870s at Banner Creek.  On July 12., you can rent a gold panning kit for four hours (9 a.m. to 1 p.m. or 2 p.m. to  6 p.m.) and a glass tube container to take home any findings.

Banner City was founded in 1870 when Louis Redman tripped over gold quartz in a canyon 1500 feet below Julian.  He marked his gold find with an American flag, hence the town became known as Banner. Some claim the yield that year from Banner’s mines surpassed those of Julian’s gold prospecting.  Even today, there are over 150 placer claims in the area.

June 22, 2024 (El Cajon) -- East County Dining Club invites you to a Mideast Feast at Tarbosh restaurant (1142 East Main St., El Cajon) featuring Iraqi cuisine on Thursday, July 18 at 6:30 p.m. to benefit East County Magazine and East County Wildfire & Emergency Alerts. Savor a delicious buffet for just $22, support local journalism,and win prizes in our raffle.

RSVP to 619 698 7617 or editor@eastcountymagazine.org

Savor a delicious buffet dinner for just $22! (excludes tax and tip).

Includes kebobs, schwarma, falafel, mini pastry, koba, and salad, with chicken, beef and vegetarian options.

Win prizes! Raffle items include: Gift certificates to local restaurants and shops, massage/spa gift certificates, wine rack, wine lovers baskets, art, beach gear, jewelry, purses, coffee, gift baskets, books, Spookeasy event tickets/basket, and more!

Thanks to our sponsors:  Tarbosh Restaurant, Lemon Grove Bistro, Alvarado Institute of Skincare, Brody’s Burgers, Beach Hut Deli, Massage Envy, St. Madeline Sophie’s Gift Shop and Gallery, Surji Coffee, Maxwell’s House of Books, San Pasqual Winery, Jessyka Heredia, and more soon!

By Miriam Raftery

June 1, 2024 (San Diego's East County) -- East County has some joyful June events coming up—including La Mesa's Flag Day Parade, a Star Party in Julian, a Renaissance Experience in Santee, a Taste of Julian, Descanso Day Parade and Fair, Bathhouse Bazaar concerts in Jacumba Hot Springs, live music at the Magnolia in El Cajon, a twilight walk at Mission Trails, a comedy night in La Mesa,a Chili Cookoff with Lemon Grove Lions Club, the Santee Pride Walk, Julian Town Square Music Festival, Santee summer concerts, La Mesa's classic car show, Lemon Grove's concert series opener,and El Cajon’s outdoor concerts and classic car shows, and more.

June 4, 2024 (Santee) -- Step back in time at the Santee Renaissance Experience on June 15 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The event, held at 9000 Edgemoor Drive in Santee, will feature real Medieval style battles, multiple guilds to entertain and educate you, plus pirates, fairies, mermaids and a Madrigal choir.

You can also try your hand at archery, shop for crafts and wares, enjoy exotic food vendors and a beer garden.

East County News Service

Photo, left: Chiquis

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:

East County News Service

Photo courtesy of Anza Borrego Desert State Park

May 6, 2024 (Borrego Springs)—The Anza-Borrego Desert Natural History Association will host its traditional season’s end event—a trip to watch the sunset and moon rise at Font’s Point over the Borrego Badlands and the Salton Sea.

The organization’s program director Mike McElhatton will lead this free event. RSVP at 760-767-3098.

East County News Service

April 24, 2024 (Santee) – Heartland Coin Club invites you to discover a fascinating world of coins and currency at the club’s bi-annual coin show on Saturday, May 11 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.   There will be something for everyone, from seasoned collectors to curious beginners, at the Cunnane Social Center at Guardian Angels Catholic Church,  9310 Dalehurst Rd. in SanteeEnjoy a fun-filled day with your family and friends as you explore:

• a wide array of collectible U.S. and foreign coins, antique coins, and currency from trusted dealers.

• rare and interesting coins, including early American coins, Buffalo nickels, Seated Liberty quarters, and more.

• modern U.S. coins, commemorative coins, and error coins.

• ancient coins and foreign currency from countries that no longer exist.

• tokens, medals, and other collectibles.

• free coin appraisals by over 20 expert dealers and club members with 44 tables and thousands of rare coins, medals, and paper currency.

• fun activities and free coin collecting items for kids in our Young Numismatists Area.

By Miriam Raftery

January 20, 2024 (San Diego’s East County) – January and February are prime times to enjoy a full moon desert walk, Valentine’s dinners and wine pairings, farm tours, hawk watching, new nature walks at Lakeside’s River Park, concerts, theatrical productions and more in San Diego’s East County.