East County Magazine
THEY’VE GOT RHYTHM: FROM TRIBAL DRUMS TO DIDGERIDOOS AT SAGE & SONGBIRDS FESTIVAL
Printer-friendly version“I had a dream that I would have a drum,” recalled Neka’asawe, a drum maker who was among the many vendors displaying indigenous crafts at the Sage & Songbirds Festival at Viejas Outlet Center in early May. “I went into a sweat lodge and prayed. A spirit told me I would make many drums.” Printer-friendly version
VINTAGE AIRCRAFT SHOW LANDS AT GILLESPIE FIELD—MAY 16 & 17
Printer-friendly versionMay 13, 2009 (El Cajon)–The public is invited to a free Vintage Aircraft Fly-In and Classic Car Show at Gillespie Field on May 16 and 17. In addition to 1920s- to 1950s-era aircraft, classic cars will also be displayed. Aircraft include a 1930 Stearman 4E Speedmail formerly used to deliver mail; the last remaining 1931 Laird LBC 300; and
SYMPHONY IN THE PARK CAPS SCRIPPS RANCHO COMMUNITY FAIR SUNDAY, MAY 17
Printer-friendly versionMay 16, 2009 (Scrpps Ranch)–The Scripps Ranch Commuity Association invites you to help celebrate the 10th Annual Community Fair on Sunday, May 17, at the Scripps Ranch Community Park, 11454 Blue Cypress Drive, San Diego.The fair runs from noon to 5:30 pm, followed by the first Symphony in the Park concert of the year at 5:45 pm. The concert
ESCONDIDO STREET FAIRE OFFERS FAMILY FUN ON SUNDAY, MAY 17
Printer-friendly versionMay 16, 2009 (Escondido) – Over 700 booths, live entertainment, a farmers’ market, international foods plus arts and crafts displays will be featured at the Escondido Street Faire this Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The event, sponsored by the Escondido Chamber of Commerce and the Downtown Business Association, claims to be the second largest street fair in
ECCAC HOSTS PARTY MAY 30 TO FUND LEGAL BATTLE AGAINST POWERLINK: MAY 30 IN LAKESIDE
Printer-friendly versionThe East County Community Action Coalition (ECCAC) is sponsoring a fundraiser on Saturday, May 30, 2009 from 11-4 pm at Hazy Meadow Ranch in Lakeside, CA. This is an all-county event that will feature live music, raffle, opportunity drawing, carnvial games, pony rides, and more. The organization seeks public help to fund legal action to "sunset" Sunrise Powerlink. The
CONCERTS IN THE COURTYARD
Printer-friendly versionLA MESA, CA (May 8, 2009) – Concerts in the Courtyard will feature free live entertainment produced by Grossmont Center in Macy’s Courtyard every first and third Thursday now through July 2ND from 6p.m. – 8p.m. The family-oriented concerts will feature sounds of diverse artists who will perform a variety of music genres from oldies and Jazz to
MAY 17 HARVEST PROJECT BENEFITS ARCHI’S ACRES, HELPS VETERANS FIND NEW ROOTS
Printer-friendly versionMay 9, 2009 (Escondido)–The independent arts organization contACT ARTS (formerly xDrop Arts Organization) is sponsoring The Harvest Project, a benefit event to help Archi’s Acres organic farm build a new greenhouse to serve more combat veterans in its Veterans Sustainable Agriculture Training (VSAT) program. The event is on Sunday, May 17 from 1 – 6 pm at the World
WEEKLY CAJON CLASSIC CRUISE OPENS MAY 13TH FOR 9TH SEASON
Printer-friendly versionMay 1, 2009 (El Cajon)–Cajon Classic Cruise, the largest weekly classic car show in Southern California, returns to Main Street in Downtown El Cajon on Wednesday, May 13 from 5:00 to 8:00 pm with its 2009 Season Opener. In addition to viewing classic cars, the grand opening includes live music by the little Efert Band, a DJ from 104.2
ARRIBA! CINCO DE MAYO FIESTA AT SAVANNA GRILL
Printer-friendly versionApril 29, 2009 (El Cajon)—No need to venture south of the border to celebrate Cinco de Mayo! The Rancho San Diego-Jamul Chamber of Commerce is hosting a Cinco de Mayo grand opening party at Savanna Grill complete with music, mariachis, mariachis and Mexican-style food–and the public is welcome to join the fiesta. Savanna Grill is located at 3773 Willow
Circus Brings Smiles to Young and Old
Printer-friendly versionBIG RIDE: Rancho San Diego-Jamul Chamber of Commerce leader Valerie Harrison (front) joins East County Magazine Editor Miriam Raftery and Caroline Braun from Supervisor Dianne Jacob’s aboard an elephant at the Carson & Barnes Circus. May 3, 2009(San Diego’s East County)–Hosted by the Rancho San Diego-Jamul Chamber of Commerce, the world-renowned Carson & Barnes Circus presented a dazzling performance
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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
Dog costume contest and Halloween party Oct. 25 in El Cajon aims to be a treat for pets and their owners
Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery 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
Brews & Bites event coming to Santee Oct. 18
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service Oct. 8, 2025 (Santee) — There will be plenty of treats — in the form of brews, boos and bites — with no tricks in sight at this month’s Santee Brews & Bites Festival Fundraiser. The annual Brews & Bites Festival Fundraiser, a Halloween-themed night of live music, food and beverage samples for those ages
Oktoberfest brings cheer to La Mesa Vlilage
Printer-friendly version By Heidi Hope Miriam Raftery contributed to this report October 5, 2025 (La Mesa)—Oktoberfest continues through 8 p.m. tonight in La Mesa’s downtown village. The three-day festival, which began on Friday, celebrates Bavarian culture complete with good food, live music and fun games. Some of the prominent German themed dishes available are the homemade root beer, Bratwurst sausages and
Prost! Oktoberfest events across East County
Printer-friendly version East County News Service October 2, 2025 (San Diego’s East County) – Ready to savor German beers and foods, kick up your heels to traditional German music as well as contemporary bands, enjoy games, carnival rides and vie for prizes? All of these opportunities and more can be found at Oktoberfest celebrations across East County include large festivals
Wild Night Out: Camp alongside rescued big cats at Lions Tigers & Bears’ spooky campover
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service Oct. 3, 2025 (Alpine) — For a unique, once-a-year experience, Lions Tigers & Bears sanctuary in San Diego County is inviting the public to its annual Spooky Campover event on Friday, Oct. 24. The overnight campout offers the rare chance to sleep under the stars — surrounded by the sounds of rescued big cats
The Garden Goes Batty Oct. 18
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service 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. Visitors can also enjoy trick-or-treat stations, the youth rock band Epidural, and partner booths. Cost is $15 for members, $18 for nonmembers, or
Borrego Days Desert Festival October 18-19
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service October 3, 2025 (Borrego Springs, CA) — Borrego Springs hosts its annual Borrego Days Desert Festival on October 18 and 19. Saturday features a morning flyover and parade, as well as the “Shine and Show” vehicle show. There’s also a beer garden, kids’ zone, food stations, and booths featuring everything from art to information. Plus you
Harvest Fest returns to Julian Farm and Orchard: celebrate fall in the mountains each weekend in October
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service Photo courtesy of Julian Farm and Orchard October 1, 2025 (Julian) – The crisp air of fall and the golden glow of pumpkins signal the return of Harvest Fest at Julian Farm and Orchard, open every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. through October 26, 2025. Families, friends,
Ladies at the Lake fall market Oct. 11 in Santee
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service September 28, 2025 (Santee) — The ninth annual Ladies at the Lake Fall Market will be Saturday, October 11, 2025, at the Lake 1 event area at Santee Lakes from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Shoppers and craft fair goers throughout San Diego are expected to attend the event that celebrates women owned businesses, and
Post-Thanksgiving fun with big cats and bears at LTB
Printer-friendly version East County News Service Photo by Karen Pearlman Sept. 27, 2025 (Alpine) — While most San Diego County residents are planning their Thanksgiving feasts, a much wilder kind of holiday celebration is in the works for a special group of residents in Alpine. Lions Tigers & Bears, the county’s only accredited big cat and bear sanctuary, will
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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