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 events popping up across our inland region.

Highlights include Ramona’s Cheers to the Valley Wine Festival, Karnival of the Arts in Jacumba, SDSU’s pow wow, Lakeside’s Western Days Parade and Rodeo, a Spring Garden Festival and Butterfly Release at the Water Conservation Garden,  and an International Dark Sky celebration in Santa Ysabel.

Other events include wolf center tours in Julian, piano Joyce  Yang in concert at Cuyamaca College, Journey’s Steve Augeri onstage in Poway, spring break activities at local libraries, the Dance in Julian, Arbor Day in El Cajon, the Adams Avenue Unplugged musical festival, Sweet Pea Days at Summers Past Farms in Flinn Springs, San Diego Gay Men’s Chorus performing “HERstory” at the Magnolia in El Cajon, “Cinderella” ballet in Poway,  a health fair at Grossmont Center in La Mesa, and the launch of Classic Cruise season in El Cajon.

Scroll down for details on these events and more.

California Wolf Center Tours in Julian: Weekends in April

Spring is an active time for wolves at the California Wolf Center in Julian, which offers guided tours each weekend in April. Guests learn about wolves and wolf conservation. 

For reservations and details, visit  https://californiawolfcenter.org[1].

Pianist Joyce Yang at Cuyamaca College April 9

Experience a world-class piano performance by Grammy nominee Joyce Yang as she returns to East County for the prestigious ECHO (East County Harmonics Organization) Chamber Music Series at Cuyamaca College’s Samuel M. Ciccati Performing Arts Center  on April 9. Known for her stunning virtuosity, Yang will perform a curated program of masterpieces in an intimate theater designed specifically for classical music acoustics.

For tickets, visit echochambermusic.org[2]

SDSU Pow wow April 11

SDSU will host its 54th annual pow wow on Saturday, April 11 starting at 11 a.m. The San Diego State University Pow Wow is a cultural and social event held annually to bring together the Native American community at SDSU. SDSU has the reputation of having one of the longest running pow wows ran by a university in California.

This event is open to the public and is a partnership between the Native Resource Center, the SDSU American Indian Studies Department, the Native American Student Alliance and the American Indian Alumni Chapter of SDSU.The pow wow, which is open to the public, will take place on the main SDSU Campus at 5500 Campanille Drive, San Diego.

 Poway Center presents Steve Augeri (formerly of Journey) April 11

Steve Augeri, former lead singer for Journey, will perform a night of Journey’s greatest hits at the Poway Center for the Performing Arts starting  at 7:30 p.m, on April 11. Journey hits to be performed include “Don’t Stop Believin’” and “Faithfully.”

Tickets are available at  https://powaycenter.com[3]

San Diego County Libraries: Spring Break Reading Series April 13-17

The San Diego County Library system will hold its Spring Break Reading Series April 13-17. While students are away from the classroom for Spring Break, county libraries transform into hubs for “hands-on” learning and entertainment. Locations including El Cajon, Spring Valley. La Mesa, Rancho San Diego, Lakeside and more will feature a rotating schedule of local musicians, reptile shows, and Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math workshops.

Look up local library events at https://sdcl.org[4]

Cheers to the Valley Wine Festival April 18 in Ramona

Cheers to the Valley Wine Festival April 18 in Ramona

The Ramona Chamber of Commerce invites you to savor the 2026 Cheers to the Valley Wine Festival on Saturday, April 18 from 12-4 p.m. 

This event features an elevated afternoon celebrating the best of Ramona Valley wine, food, live music and local artistry.  

For tickets and details, visit https://ramonachamber.com/cheerstothevalley/[5]

El Cajon’s Arbor Day Celebration April 18

The City of El Cajon invites community members and families to attend Spring Into El Cajon, a free community celebration of Arbor Day and the arrival of spring on Saturday, April 18 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Renette Park (935 Emerald Ave., El Cajon). This day of family-friendly activities focuses on sustainability, nature, and community connection.

The event will begin with a ceremonial tree planting. Throughout the day, families can explore a variety of interactive activities and educational opportunities centered around nature and sustainable living. Festive fun includes bounce houses, trackless train rides, story time sessions, crafts, live entertainment and a movie in the park.

For more information about Spring Into El Cajon and other recreation programs and events, visit www.elcajon.gov[6]  or contact the Parks and Recreation Department at (619) 441-1754.

 International Dark Sky Celebration April 18 at Santa Ysabel Nature Center

Reach for the stars at San Diego County’s International Dark Sky Week Celebration on Saturday, April 18 from 2-10 p.m. at the Santa Ysabel Nature Center (22135 Highway 79). The event includes “Defending the Night Sky,” a symposium from 2-7 p.m., followed by an after-dark star party to view the celestial sights from 8-10 p.m.

The symposium includes speakers as well as at 7 p.m. a screening of the documentary “The Starry Walk” exploring California’s dark sky locations. Speakers include Carolyn Heffner, chief engineer at Palomar Observatory, photographer Kamala Venkatesh with tips on shooting the night sky, UCSD research biologist Liz Harrison on how night light impacts human health, lighting engineer Paul Erickson on new streetlights for  San Diego, and more.

For the star party, participants are encouraged to bring a tripod and remote shutter release with your camera. Venkatesh will lead a session on night sky photography.

For more information, call (619)354-9258.

Charlie Puth at Viejas Arena April 22

Multi-platinum artist Charlie Puth will perform at the Viejas Arena at San Diego State University on April 22.  He is currently touring his 2026 album, Whatever’s Clever!, but will also play classics, including “See You Again” and “Left and Right,” his collaboration with Jungkook of BTS. Concert starts at 7:30 p.m.; doors open at 6 p.m.

For tickets, visit  https://as.sdsu.edu/viejas_arena/[7]

Sweet Pea Day at Summers Past Farm April 18

Summers Past Farms in Flinn Springs invites you to savor Sweet Pea Day from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on April 18. Take a nostalgic stroll through a towering, fragrant maze of multi-colored sweet peas grown on vintage-style trellises. This annual open house allows guests to wander the gardens at their own pace, cut their own fresh bouquet (just $5) and browse the farm’s boutique shop for handmade soaps and herbal treasures while the spring bloom peaks.

Find details at https://www.summerspastfarms.com[8]

Southern California Ballet presents “Cinderella” April 18 in Poway

Southern California Ballet will present a magical staging of the classic fairy tale “Cinderella” on April 18 at the Poway Center for the Performing Arts, with performances at 1 p.m. and 6 p.m.  Danced to the beautiful music of Sergei Prokofiev, Cinderella aims to have audiences leave the theater believing in the true kindness of human spirit.

Website: https://powaycenter.com[3]

Lakeside Western Days, Parade & Rodeo April 23-26

Lakeside’s Western Days transforms the town into a scene from the Old West April 23-26.  The Western Days Parade kicks off on Saturday, April 25 at 9:35 a.m. starting at Woodside Avenue and Winter Gardens Boulevard. The parade features more than 100 entries including equestrian teams, vintage tractors and the El Capitan High School band. The Lakeside Rodeo brings world-class Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association athletes for four days of bull riding, barrel racing and steer wrestling. Run by the all-volunteer El Capitan Stadium Association, proceeds fund Lakeside’s youth programs, scholarships and school facilities.

Learn more at https://www.lakesiderodeo.com/[9] and https://lakesidechamber.org/western-days-parade[10]

Spring Garden Festival & Butterfly Release April 25

The Water Conservation Garden at Cuyamaca College will host its Spring Garden Festival and Butterly Release from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on April 25, a day dedicated to the beauty and importance of local pollinators. The festival features a massive plant sale — perfect for anyone looking to build their own drought-tolerant sanctuary — plus garden tours, informational booths with experts and local artisan vendors. The highlight of the day is the live butterfly release, where hundreds of Painted Lady butterflies are set free into the garden.

Get a full schedule of events at https://www.thegarden.org[11]

East County Chamber Health Fair April 25

East County Chamber of Commerce brings its annual Health Fair to Grossmont Center in La Mesa from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m., April 25, between Target and Regal Cinemas. The family-friendly fair features more than 40 exhibitors providing complimentary health screenings, including blood pressure, glucose and BMI checks, alongside interactive fitness demonstrations like yoga and karate. Attendees can also access resources on senior care, financial planning and emergency services or participate in the on-site San Diego Blood Bank drive.

Find more information at https://eastcountychamber.org[12]

Adams Avenue Unplugged April 25

Adams Avenue Unplugged will take place on Saturday, April 25th, from noon to midnight, along Adams Avenue, from University Heights through Normal Heights to Kensington. This exceptional music walkabout is free and open to the public with the exception of the headliner artist, singer songwriter Alejandro Escovedo ($40 ticket).

Unplugged 2026 will feature 90 performances at 26 different venues including restaurants, bars, coffee houses, and the main stage located at the historic Normal Heights United Church. Adams Avenue businesses hope to treat musical aficionados and foodies to the rich neighborhood culture.

For the complete Unplugged line-up, schedule, VIP food & beer tickets, Headliner tickets and further info, please call (619) 282-7329, or visit the web at www.adamsavenueunplugged.com[13].

San Diego Gay Men’s Chorus at the Magnolia April 25-26

The San Diego Gay Men’s Chorus[14] will take center stage at The Magnolia April 25-26 with their production, “HERstory: Icons, Rebels & Trailblazers.” The concert is a musical tribute to women who revolutionized the landscape of American music. The performance will highlight the cultural disruptors and powerhouse vocalists who have empowered generations.

The San Diego Gay Men’s Chorus, which has a roster of more than 150 singers and dancers, will perform HERStirt starting at 6 p.m., Saturday, April 25 and at 2 p.m., Sunday, April 26 at The Magnolia[15], 210 E. Main St., El Cajon. According to the group’s Facebook page[16], artists featured in HERStory will include Cher, Dolly Parton, Beyonce, Whitney Houston, Taylor Swift, Cyndi Lauper, Madonna, Lady Gaga, Christina Aguilera and Britney Spears. 

Find tickets and details at https://www.magnoliasandiego.com/[17]

Karnival of the Arts at De Anza Springs Resort April 30-May 3

Performance art and music will collide and combine in concert in the high desert this spring as the Karnival of the Arts West returns to the DeAnza Springs Resort.

The festival, which has spent half a decade establishing a “West Coast home” in southeastern San Diego County, centers on a unique “triple-decked” stage production and will go from 4 p.m., April 30 through 4 p.m., May 3.

The design allows for simultaneous live painting, flow arts and musical performances, and this year features headliners Thundersmack (Leo P of Too Many Zooz and Michael Wilbur of Moon Hooch) and electronic multi-instrumentalist Vincent Antone.

Tickets are available at https://www.karnivalofthearts.com/[18].  

Cajon Cruise revs up each Wednesday from May through August

Downtown El Cajon’s favorite midweek tradition, Cajon Cruise (formerly Cajon Classic Cruise), returns with a an exciting showcase of vehicles that blend nostalgic classics with cutting-edge modern designs. This year, the event takes place every Wednesday in May through August from 5:00 p.m. to 7:30 p,m.

Cajon Cruise transforms Main Street into a lively gathering spot where car enthusiasts and families come together to admire gleaming chrome, revving engines, and an impressive mix of vintage treasures and contemporary machines. Enjoy live music, tasty bites, and the welcoming energy of Downtown El Cajon under its vibrant neon lights. Come for the cars, stay for the community — Cajon Cruise is the midweek celebration that keeps El Cajon rolling.

Find details and a schedule of events at https://www.downtownelcajon.com/events/cajon-cruise[19].

The Dance in Julian May 16

The popular Julian backcountry dance and BBQ fundraiser is back on Saturday May 16t from 12 noon to 8 p.m. featuring four bands including musical headliners Ash & The Mondays with pop hits from the 70s, 80s and 90s.

The event also features BBQ, beer, wine, full bar, soft drinks, local vendors, a pie eating contest, and an air guitar contest.

Admission:  $10, age 14 and under free.

The Dance will be held at the Julian American Legion, (2503 Washington St in Julian) The event is sponsored by the Sons of the American Legion to raise funds for local veterans and community programs.