East County Magazine
SAN DIEGO EARTH WEEK FEATURES NEW EVENTS IN 2009
Printer-friendly versionGREEN JOBS FAIR AT SDSU AND A GREEN CITY LEADERSHIP FORUM ARE NEW THIS YEAR; EARTH FAIR KICKS OFF WEEK’S ECO-FRIENDLY ACTIVITIES April 17, 2009 (San Diego)—Earth Day Week in San Diego kicks off with Earth Fair 2009 in Balboa Park on Sunday, drawing more than 70,000 visitors. Produced by 400 volunteers, EarthFair features more than 400 exhibitors, special
YEE-HA! LAKESIDE RODEO APRIL 24-26
Printer-friendly versionApril 15, 2009 (Lakeside) The 45th annual Lakeside Rodeo has gained national exposure over the last 44 years, from a small hometown event to being named the International Professional Rodeo Association Rodeo (IPRA) of the year FOUR times! Events include bull-riding, bareback bronc, steer wrestling, team riding, and more. The annual Lakeside Rodeo held every April is the largest
WORLD’S BIGGEST TENT CIRCUS COMES TO EAST COUNTY: CARSON & BARNES BRINGS BIG TOP TO ALPINE, LA MESA & POWAY
Printer-friendly versionApril 9, 2009 (San Diego’s East County)—The 73rd edition of Carson & Barnes Circus will bring nearly 100 performers and a traveling zoo to East County in April, with proceeds helping to benefit local hosts. “From time to time, special opportunities take place that benefit everyone,” says Valerie Harrison, president of the Rancho San Diego-Jamul Chamber of Commerce, which
SPRING EGGSTRAVAGANZA AT SANTEE LAKES
Printer-friendly versionApril 9, 2009 (Santee)—Carnival rides, a petting zoo, crafts, food, inflatables and pony rides are among the attractions planned for “Eggstravaganza at Santee Lakes” on Saturday, April 11th. Continuous egg hunts will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Egg hunts are limited to children eight and younger. The Easter Bunny will also be on hand—and “hoppy” to
HOP TO GROSSMONT CENTER SATURDAY: EASTER BUNNY TO HIDE OVER 1500 EGGS AT LA MESA MALL
Printer-friendly versionApril 2, 2009 (La Mesa)—Grossmont Center is hosting an Easter egg hunt with treats for all visitors on april 11th from 9-10 a.m. in Macy’s Courtyard. The festivities include meeting the Easter bunny, prizes, giveaways and refreshments. Bring your own basket to hunt for over 1,500 colorfully decorated eggs. The event is free. The Easter bunny’s hut located in
ANZA-BORREGO DESERT STILL BLOOMING IN HIGHER ELEVATIONS
Printer-friendly versionWildflower Hike Planned April 16. April 1, 2009 (Borrego Springs) – It’s not too late to see Anza-Borrego Desert State Park in bloom. As we move past the peak flower time, the show is moving from the desert floor to canyons and higher elevations, where there are a wide variety of plants just beginning to bloom. Anza-Borrego Institute will

REMINDER! JOIN THE FUN TONIGHT AT A “HOT TIME AT HOOLEYS” WITH EAST COUNTY MAGAZINE!
Printer-friendly version August 12, 2009 – We sold out — but had a handful of cancellations so there are just a few tickets left for tonight’s "Have a Hot Time at Hooleys with East County Magazine." Festivities are from 6-9 p.m. at Hooleys Irish Pub & Grill in Grossmont Center. Tickets cost $25 or $20 for Chamber of Commerce members or members of sponsoring organizations.
APRIL 2009 FESTIVALS OF THE MONTH: PARTIES, A PARADE, RODEO, RIVER BLITZ AND MUCH MORE
Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery April 1, 2009 (San Diego’s East County)–Aloha! Viejas teams up with El Cajon to host a brand new festival on Saturday, April 4. The new "It’s 5’clock Somewhere Party" includes transformation of a downtown warehouse into an inland "beach" paradise complete with tiki bar, Hawaiian food and music by Shipwrecked, a Jimmy Buffet-style band. Also this
LA MESA VILLAGE ANTIQUE STREET FAIRE
Printer-friendly versionMarch 26, 2009 (La Mesa)–”Step back in time in La Mesa’s downtown village on Sunday, March 29 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Antique Street Faire. During the annual event,, La Mesa Boulevard is closed and antique dealers from far and wide set out their wares. Reminiscent of an old fashioned Midwest flea market, the event features
SPRING BREAK! WHERE TO HAVE FUN IF YOU’RE STAYING IN TOWN
Printer-friendly versionMarch 26, 2009 (San Diego’s East County) — With the economy in the tank, many college students are staying in San Diego over spring break. So after you get sunburned at the beach, what’s there to do for the rest of the week? Check out our guide to the coolest spots to have fun in San Diego’s eastern region.
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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.
MAJOR ANNUAL FESTIVALS AND EVENTS IN SAN DIEGO’S EAST COUNTY
January
Walk to the top of Mt. Helix – Click here
Hawk Watch, Ramona Grasslands, Ramona – Click here
Martin Luther King Choir concerts (locations vary) – Click here
Boardwalk Craft Market, Escondido – Click here
Outdoor ice skating at Viejas Outlet Center in Alpine – Click here
February
Hawk Watch, Ramona Grasslands – Click here
Cuyamaca College Pow-wow – Click here
Grossmont College Pow-wow – Click here
Chocolate Lovers Festival, Escondido – Click here
Black History Month events at SDSU – Click here
Via Valentino Night, Bernardo Winery – Click here
Heritage Day Parade, San Diego State University
Black History Month events at Grossmont and Cuyamaca Colleges, El Cajon – Click here
March
Lilac Festival, Fort Cross Old Timey Adventures, Julian – Click here
Circle of Art Festival, Borrego Springs – Click here
Jamul Kiwanis Hot Rod and Chili Cookoff Festival – Click here
Desert Birding Festival, Borrego Springs – Click here
Bunny Train, Pacific Railway Museum, Campo – Click here
Spring Eggstravaganza at Santee Lakes (Easter weekend, March or April) – Click here
April
Western Days and Parade, Lakeside – Click here
Lakeside Rodeo, Lakeside – Click here
Julian Gold Rush Days, Julian – Click here
Ramona Music Festival – Click here
Art and Garden Tour Mt. Helix – Click here
Classic Car Nights, El Cajon – Click here
Earth Day on Mt. Helix – Click here
Earth Day at the Desert View Tower at Jacumba Hot Springs – Click here
Mariachi Festival in Escondido – Click here
Sweet Pea Days, Summers Past Farms – Click here
Spring Garden and Butterfly Festival, Rancho San Diego – Click here
Julian Fiddle and Pickin’ Competition – Click here
Renaissance Faire, Escondido – Click here
Ramona Open Studios Tour – Click here
May
America on Main Street, El Cajon – Click here
Santee Street Fair and Craft Beer Festival – Click here
Ramona Rodeo – Click here
Classic Car Nights, El Cajon – Click here
Vintage Alpine, Flinn Springs – Click here
Wild in the Country at Lions, Tigers and Bears, Alpine – Click here
Lake Jennings Spring Carnival – Click here
Manzanita Rendezvous, Lake Morena – Click here
Taste of Julian – Click here
Campo Day – Click here
Campo/Lake Morena Roundup – Click here
SanTree Earth Day Fair – Click here
Dinner and a Concert Series, El Cajon – Click here
Viejas Concerts in the Park, Alpine – Click here
Movies in the Park (County parks) – Click here
Escondido Street Festival – Click here
Spring Renaissance Faire Escondido – Click here
June
Flag Day Parade, La Mesa – Click here
Lavender Day, Antique & Crafts Fair – Click here
Father’s Day Open House and Studio Tour, Santa Ysabel – Click here
Jamul Wine Festival – Click here
Juneteenth celebration, La Mesa – Click here
Julian Dance and Backcountry Barbecue – Click here
San Diego River Run, Lakeside – Click here
Classic Car Nights, El Cajon – Click here
Santee Summer Concert Series – Click here
Dinner and a Concert Series, El Cajon – Click here
Sundays at Six Concerts, La Mesa – Click here
Viejas Concerts in the Park, Alpine – Click here
Lemon Grove concerts in Berry Park – Click here
Back the the 50s Classic Car Show, La Mesa – Click here
Movies in the Park (County parks) – Click here
Viejas Movies in the Park – Click here
In-Ko-Pah Music Festival – Click here
Passport Through Time – Click here
La Mesa movies in the park – Click here
Summer concerts on Mt. Helix – Click here
Outdoor roller skating rink at Viejas Outlet Center in Alpine – Click here

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

INTERNATIONAL AEROBATICS COMPETITION TAKES PLACE APRIL 10-12 IN BORREGO SPRINGS
Printer-friendly version By Miriam Raftery March 21, 2025 (Borrego Springs) – An international aerobatics competition will be held at the Borrego Springs airport Thursday through Saturday, April 10-12, organized by the International Aerobatic Club’s Chapter 36. A highlight for viewers is Saturday’s four-minute freestyle flights set to music, usually involving smoke, flown by top pilots, IAC36 president Bryan Jones advises.

DESTINATION EAST COUNTY: AWESOME APRIL EVENTS
Printer-friendly versionMarch 18, 2025 (San Diego’s East County) – It’s springtime in East County—the season for flower festivals, Easter egg hunts, Lakeside’s rodeo and Western Days Parade, outdoor roller skating at Viejas , an aerobatics competition in Borrego Springs, and bunny rides aboard a historic train in Campo. This April, you can also enjoy a roaring ‘20s party atop Mt.

CHEERS TO THE VALLEY WINE FESTIVAL APRIL 5 IN RAMONA
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service March 20, 2025 (Ramona) — The Ramona Valley Vintners Association and the Ramona Chamber of Commerce invite you to Cheers to the Valley Wine Festival on Saturday, April 5 from 12 to 4 p.m. at Begent Ranch (18528 Highland Valley Rd., Ramona). The event includes catered small bites, arts and craft vendors, live music by

TASTE OF LAKESIDE APRIL 8; SAVOR FOODS FROM 10 RESTAURANTS TO SUPPORT THE MAINE AVENUE REVITALIZATION
Printer-friendly version East County News Service March 18, 2025 (Lakeside) — The Maine Avenue Revitalization Association (M.A.R.A.) invites you to the Taste of Lakeside, its upcoming fundraise on April 8 from 5-8 p.m. This event brings together ten local restaurants, including Cali-Stack, Ranch House, Octavio’s, East Bound, Yogurt Barn, The Parks, Caffeine Queens, and the VFW, offering attendees the opportunity

MT. HELIX PARK CELEBRATES CENTENNIAL APRIL 12 WITH DUELING PIANOS, DINNER AND DANCING
Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery March 18, 2025 (Mt. Helix) – You’re invited to join the 100th anniversary celebration of Mt. Helix Park with a Roaring ‘20s themed party on April 12 from 4:30 – 8 p.m. in the Mt. Helix Nature Theater. Enjoy delicious appetizers and dinner from Bekker’s Catering, followed by dueling pianos and dancing under the stars. Beer,

LILIAC FESTIVAL ABLOOM AT FORT CROSS IN JULIAN APRIL 19 – MAY 11
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service March 18, 2025 (Julian) – Fort Cross Adventures in Julian hosts its spring lilac festival from April 19 through May 11 on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sundays from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Preregistration is advised to assure space. General admission ($10) includes entry into a lilac maze, family farm area

SANTEE BUNNY TRAIL APRIL 12 OFFERS FUN FOR KIDS
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service March 18, 2025 (Santee) – The city of Santee invites you to hop on over to Santee’s Bunny Trail on Saturday, April 12 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Santee Trolley Square. Guests can enjoy photos with the bunny, games, crafts, face painting, giveaways and carnival rides. Santee Trolley Square is located at

BORREGO HOME AND GARDEN TOUR MARCH 15
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service March 2, 2025 (Borrego Springs) – The Anza Borrego Desert Natural History Association invites you to the 2025 Borrego Home and Garden Tour on Saturday, March 15 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Explore four special homes in the heart of the desert, at your own pace. Each home showcases unique architecture, landscaping and design

DAFFODIL DAYS IN JULIAN: WEEKENDS MARCH 7 – APRIL 13
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service March 2, 2025 (Julian) – Julian Farm and Orchard invites you to Daffodil Days, held each Friday, Saturday and Sunday from March 7 through April 13 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. In addition to u-pick daffodils, visitors can also enjoy other activities for a fee including a petting zoo, rock climbing, swings, picnic areas,
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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.
MAJOR ANNUAL FESTIVALS AND EVENTS IN SAN DIEGO’S EAST COUNTY
January
Walk to the top of Mt. Helix – Click here
Hawk Watch, Ramona Grasslands, Ramona – Click here
Martin Luther King Choir concerts (locations vary) – Click here
Boardwalk Craft Market, Escondido – Click here
Outdoor ice skating at Viejas Outlet Center in Alpine – Click here
February
Hawk Watch, Ramona Grasslands – Click here
Cuyamaca College Pow-wow – Click here
Grossmont College Pow-wow – Click here
Chocolate Lovers Festival, Escondido – Click here
Black History Month events at SDSU – Click here
Via Valentino Night, Bernardo Winery – Click here
Heritage Day Parade, San Diego State University
Black History Month events at Grossmont and Cuyamaca Colleges, El Cajon – Click here
March
Lilac Festival, Fort Cross Old Timey Adventures, Julian – Click here
Circle of Art Festival, Borrego Springs – Click here
Jamul Kiwanis Hot Rod and Chili Cookoff Festival – Click here
Desert Birding Festival, Borrego Springs – Click here
Bunny Train, Pacific Railway Museum, Campo – Click here
Spring Eggstravaganza at Santee Lakes (Easter weekend, March or April) – Click here
April
Western Days and Parade, Lakeside – Click here
Lakeside Rodeo, Lakeside – Click here
Julian Gold Rush Days, Julian – Click here
Ramona Music Festival – Click here
Art and Garden Tour Mt. Helix – Click here
Classic Car Nights, El Cajon – Click here
Earth Day on Mt. Helix – Click here
Earth Day at the Desert View Tower at Jacumba Hot Springs – Click here
Mariachi Festival in Escondido – Click here
Sweet Pea Days, Summers Past Farms – Click here
Spring Garden and Butterfly Festival, Rancho San Diego – Click here
Julian Fiddle and Pickin’ Competition – Click here
Renaissance Faire, Escondido – Click here
Ramona Open Studios Tour – Click here
May
America on Main Street, El Cajon – Click here
Santee Street Fair and Craft Beer Festival – Click here
Ramona Rodeo – Click here
Classic Car Nights, El Cajon – Click here
Vintage Alpine, Flinn Springs – Click here
Wild in the Country at Lions, Tigers and Bears, Alpine – Click here
Lake Jennings Spring Carnival – Click here
Manzanita Rendezvous, Lake Morena – Click here
Taste of Julian – Click here
Campo Day – Click here
Campo/Lake Morena Roundup – Click here
SanTree Earth Day Fair – Click here
Dinner and a Concert Series, El Cajon – Click here
Viejas Concerts in the Park, Alpine – Click here
Movies in the Park (County parks) – Click here
Escondido Street Festival – Click here
Spring Renaissance Faire Escondido – Click here
June
Flag Day Parade, La Mesa – Click here
Lavender Day, Antique & Crafts Fair – Click here
Father’s Day Open House and Studio Tour, Santa Ysabel – Click here
Jamul Wine Festival – Click here
Juneteenth celebration, La Mesa – Click here
Julian Dance and Backcountry Barbecue – Click here
San Diego River Run, Lakeside – Click here
Classic Car Nights, El Cajon – Click here
Santee Summer Concert Series – Click here
Dinner and a Concert Series, El Cajon – Click here
Sundays at Six Concerts, La Mesa – Click here
Viejas Concerts in the Park, Alpine – Click here
Lemon Grove concerts in Berry Park – Click here
Back the the 50s Classic Car Show, La Mesa – Click here
Movies in the Park (County parks) – Click here
Viejas Movies in the Park – Click here
In-Ko-Pah Music Festival – Click here
Passport Through Time – Click here
La Mesa movies in the park – Click here
Summer concerts on Mt. Helix – Click here
Outdoor roller skating rink at Viejas Outlet Center in Alpine – Click here