East County Magazine
Cheers to the Valley Wine Festival April 18 in Ramona
East County News Service April 5, 2026 (Ramona) – The Ramona Chamber of Commerce is inviting the public to savor the 2026 Cheers to the…
Destination East County: Festive events in mid-April and May 2026
By Miriam Raftery April 5, 2026 (San Diego’s East County) – As April continues, drifting into the merry month of May, there are many unique…
County hosts International Dark Sky Celebration April 18 at Santa Ysabel Nature Center
East County News Service April 3, 2026 (Santa Ysabel) – Reach for the stars at San Diego County’s International Dark Sky Week Celebration on Saturday,…
San Diego Gay Men’s Chorus brings “HERstory — Icons, Rebels and Trailblazers” to The Magnolia April 25-26
East County News Service April 3, 2026 (El Cajon) — The San Diego Gay Men’s Chorus will take center stage at The Magnolia later this…
Mild desert weather promised for hot weekend events in Jacumba Hot Springs – April 4, 5
By Rebecca Person April 3, 2026 (Jacumba Hot Springs) – Sunny, mild desert weather sets the stage April 4 and 5th, for a stellar weekend…
Jamul Casino Resort gets two film awards
“Water Sweet – The Story of Jamul” Earns Top Honors at AAF Reno ADDY Awards East County News Service April 1, 2026 (Jamul) – Jamul…
Ilan-Lael Foundation hosts docent-led tour April 9 in Santa Ysabel
By Philicia Tonangoye Karen Pearlman contributed to this story. April 1, 2026 (Santa Ysabel) — The nonprofit Ilan-Lael Foundation will host an immersive art and…
Fallbrook artist loses 50 years of work in studio fire
“This is nothing compared to what is taking place in the world” — Jerome Gastaldi, who lost 50 years of work in a fire at…
Magical Mystery Campout and Beatles Tribute Fair: festival April 4-5 in Jacumba
By Rebecca Person March 28, 2026 (Jacumba Hot Springs) — East County’s abuzz with a Beatles invasion. De Anza Springs Resort, a high desert retreat,…
Meet candidates in Lakeside on April 22
East County News Service March 27, 2026 (Lakeside) – Voters are invited to the “Candidates to Constituents Town Hall” series. The series is hosted by…
East County public transportation guide to Padres Opening Day March 26
Skip Interstate 8 and ‘ride the rails’ with the Padres-wrapped Trolley East County News Service March 25, 2026 (San Diego) — With the San Diego…
Karnival of the Arts coming to DeAnza Springs April 30 through May 3
East County News Service March 24, 2026 (Jacumba Hot Springs) — Performance art and music will collide and combine in concert in the high desert…
The Circle Players present ‘The Conundrum on the Crackerjack Cruise’ April 17, 18 and 19
East County News Service March 24, 2026 (El Cajon) — The First Presbyterian Church of El Cajon’s theater outreach program, The Circle Players, will navigate…
Mt. Miguel High School Foundation hosts “Spring Craft Fair” April 11 to support local students
East County News Service March 23, 2026 (Spring Valley) — The Mt. Miguel High School Foundation is inviting the community to its upcoming “Spring Craft…
Sarah Foles: A Short Story Collection by Travis Lee provides rich social commentary
Reviewed by Pennell Paugh March 22, 2026 (San Diego) — San Diego author Travis Lee has released a collection of short stories currently displayed in…
Walden Family Services marks 50 years with golf tournament and ‘No Place Like Home’ gala
East County News Service March 22, 2026 (San Diego) — Nonprofit Walden Family Services , which has supported more than 100,000 foster children and families…
Planning under way for 80th annual Crest 4th of July Parade and daylong festival
Vendors, food trucks and parade participants wanted By Paul Levikow March 21, 2026 (Crest) – The Crest Community Association is planning the 80th Annual Crest…
Destination East County: April festivities and Easter events
By Miriam Raftery March 20, 2026 (San Diego’s East County) – Upcoming events in our inland region include egg hunts, a bunny bash, and a…
Julian Junior Theater makes debut with ‘Annie Jr.’ April 24-26
East County News Service March 19, 2026 (Julian) — In another month, the sun will be coming out for youths in the San Diego County’s…
Final chord at Hooley’s with Evans Academy Extravaganza March 20
Photo courtesy Facebook By Karen Pearlman March 19, 2026 (La Mesa) — For nearly two decades, the dark wood and stone hearth of Hooley’s Public…
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Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting — not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine’s local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.
Our Guide to Live Entertainment venues
DESTINATION EAST COUNTY: MARVELOUS MAY EVENTS
Printer-friendly version By Miriam Raftery 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
NASHVILLE AMERICANA DUO- GOLDPINE AT THE BARN IN RAMONA MAY 23
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service 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
WILD IN THE COUNTRY FUNDRAISER COMING MAY 17; GALA HELPS LIONS, TIGERS & BEARS
Printer-friendly version Photo and story by Karen Pearlman 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
‘UNITED WE DREAM’ BAZAAR COMING TO EL CAJON IN MAY
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service 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
SPRING HARP FEST RETURNS TO LA MESA APRIL 19
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service 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
WHAT’S BREWING? SANTEE STREET FAIR AND CRAFT BEER FESTIVAL MAY 24
Printer-friendly version East County News Service 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.
35TH ANNUAL VINTAGE ALPINE MAY 4 OFFERS TASTES OF LOCAL WINES, BEERS, AND FOOD
Printer-friendly version By Miriam Raftery 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
Our guide to movie viewing options in San Diego’s inland region
Printer-friendly version By Miriam Raftery San Diego’s inland region has a variety of cinema options, including several movie theaters (some with upscale options), outdoor movies in the park for six months each year, summer “dive-in” movies at a pool, and a desert film festival. Beyond popcorn, many local theaters also offer a wide array of foods and even alcoholic beverages.
MANZANITA SPRING RENDEZVOUS: MOUNTAIN MEN, PIONEERS AND MORE
Printer-friendly version By Miriam Raftery (Click image above to view flyer with sign-up details) April 10, 2025 (Campo) – You’re invited to join mountain men, fur trappers and pioneer families from the Laguna Mountain Rendezvous for “Shinin’ Times” that rewind back to the 1820s. The organization’s spring camp will be held May 2-10 at Northcote Ranch,2402 Lake Morena Drive in
Our guide to annual festivals in San Diego’s inland region
Printer-friendly version Each year, San Diego County’s inland communities host many special events and festivals that reflect our region’s colorful history, arts and music, cultural heritage, diversity, beautiful environment, and holiday celebrations. Parades, outdoor concerts and movies, country fairs, classic car shows, powwows, rodeos, Oktoberfests, ethnic events, wine and food tastings, seasonal and holiday festivities are just some of the
JOURNEY OF THE HEART: AUTHOR TANYA HARRIS HOSTS BOOK SIGNING EXPERIENCE AT KROC THEATRE APRIL 16
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service April 8, 2025 (San Diego’s East County) – Tanya Harris lost her 13-yeare-old son, Treyvon, who was struck by a car outside his school in Lemon Grove in 2019. Now she has authored a book, Journey of the Heart: Should I Stay or Should I Go?” The book recounts her soulful, faith-filled exploration of
LEMON GROVE HOSTS EGGSTRAVAGANZA APRIL 19
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service April 8, 2025 (Lemon Grove) – Lemon Grove invites you to hop on over to the Lemon Grove Recreation Center at 3131 School Lane, Lemon Grove for the city’s ninth annual Eggstravanza from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., Saturday, April 19. Egg hunts with 10,000 eggs are scheduled by age group at the following times
LAKESIDE RODEO AND WESTERN DAYS EVOKE AREA’S COWBOY HERITAGE
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service April 4, 2025 (Lakeside) – A series of events in late April honor Lakeside’s Wild West heritage—include the Lakeside Rodeo, Lakeside Western Days Parade, and a Western Days Breakfast. The 61st annual Lakeside Rodeo takes place April 24-27 at the Lakeside Rodeo Grounds. Rodeos began as a way for cowboys to hone their skills. Lakeside
MONSTERS ON THE LOOSE: THE TRUE STORY OF THREE UNSOLVED MURDERS IN PROHIBITION-ERA SAN DIEGO
Printer-friendly versionBy Richard Carrico Reviewed by Pennell Paugh April 2, 2025 (San Diego) – San Diego denizen and resident Richard L. Carrico pieces fragments of evidence together for cold cases, while shedding light on a dark chapter in San Diego’s history. Monsters on the Loose tells the tragic, true stories of three females who were murdered early in 1931: Virginia
DARK SIDE: TRUE STORIES FROM A TEENAGE POT SMUGGLER
Printer-friendly versionMemoir by Stu Stall Reviewed by Pennell Paugh April 1, 2025 (San Diego) — Stu Stall, a life-long resident of Coronado, has released a second memoir — Dark Side: True Stories from a Teenage Pot Smuggler. The book is filled with tales of adventure, danger and betrayal. Stall’s life in his twenties seemed carefree — full of parties, women,
AUTHOR OF BOOK ON JOHN D. SPRECKELS SPEAKS IN LEMON GROVE APRIL 3
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service March 30, 2025 (Lemon Grove) – The Lemon Grove Historical Society’s “History Alive” lecture series continues this Thursday, April 3 at 7 p.m. with local author Sandra Bonura speaking about her new book, Empire Building: John D. Spreckels and the Making of San Diego. The event will be held at the H. Lee House in
LAMPLIGHTERS THEATRE PRESENTS BRIGHT STAR APRIL 18-MAY 18
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service March 30, 2025 (La Mesa) – Bright Star, a sweeping tale of love and redemption set against the rich backdrop of the Blue Ridge Mountains in the 1920s and ’40, takes stage at Lamplighters Theatre. The play opens April 18 and runs through May 19. Bright Star is inspired by a real event and featuring
TOWN HALL APRIL 9 ON PROPOSED BATTERY STORAGE FACILITY IN LA MESA
Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery March 29, 2025 (La Mesa) – La Mesa Councilmember Laura Lothian will host a town hall community discussion on a battery storage facility proposed on El Paso St. The town hall will take place Wednesday, April 9 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at Brew Coffee Spot, 6101 Lake Murray Blvd. Heartland Fire Chief Brent Koch, Heartland
VALLEY VIBES COMMUNITY EVENT IS SET FOR JUNE 1 IN ESCONDIDO TO FUND CONSERVATION EFFORTS
Printer-friendly versionOrganizers are seeking a headline sponsor East County News Service March 26, 2025 (Escondido) — Mark your calendars for Valley Vibes, a free, family-friendly fiesta with interactive exhibits, great food, crafts and live music courtesy of North Park Rock-n-Blues Band. Valley Vibes will run from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, June 1, at the Sikes Adobe
LOCAL RESIDENTS OBJECT TO TRUMP SLASHING FUNDS FOR LIBRARIES AND MUSEUMS
Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery Photo courtesy of Library Foundation San Diego March 26, 2025 (San Diego) – On Friday, March 14, President Trump issued an Executive Order intended to drastically reduce funding from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), the only federal agency dedicated to funding library services. “Without IMLS funding, the 37-branch San Diego Public Library system
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Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting — not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine’s local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.
Our Guide to Live Entertainment venues
East County Magazine
Tree Lighting Ceremony & Santa’s arrival at Parkway Plaza on November 21
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service November 11, 2025 (El Cajon) — Parkway Plaza will light up the night with its beloved Tree Lighting Ceremony and Santa’s Arrival to kick off the
Racing turkeys stampede at Oasis Camel Dairy in Ramona
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service November 9, 2025 (Ramona) – This is not a turkey trot. The Wild West Turkey Stampede returns November 15, 28, 29 and 30 at the
BalletCenter Studios bringing a twist on a holiday classic
Printer-friendly version“Clara & the Nutcracker Soldier” Comes to the Joan B. Kroc Theatre East County News Service Nov. 8, 2025 (San Diego) — A fresh take on the
Christmas with the wild animals at Lions Tigers & Bears
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service Nov. 18, 2025 (Alpine) — Lions Tigers & Bears, San Diego County’s lone accredited animal sanctuary is getting ready for the winter holidays. The
Marinelli Brothers Circus brings big top shows to El Cajon Nov. 12 – Dec. 5
Printer-friendly version East County News Service November 6, 2025 (El Cajon) – A brand new circus is coming to San Diego’s East County. The Marinelli Brothers Circus brings its
Our Guide to Live Entertainment venues