East County Magazine
WILD IN THE COUNTRY: MAY 9 AT LIONS, TIGERS & BEARS
Printer-friendly versionMay 3, 2009 (Alpine) –Looking for a truly wild night out? Dust off your boots for a hoedown with the Country Cats at Lions, Tigers & Bears, San Diego County’s only wild cat rescue facility. The event features a barbecue, visits with exotic big cats and other ranch animals, “Splash” performing artists, plus a silent and live auction hosted
ROCKOLA! BEATLES TRIBUTE BAND CONCERT OPENS SPRING FEST IN ALLIED GARDENS FRIDAY NIGHT
Printer-friendly versionAllied Gardens (April 29, 2009) – Spring Fest, one of East County’s favorite community parties kicks off Friday night, May 1st at 6 p.m. with a concert by Rockola. Bring your dancing shoes! Enjoy classic rock ‘n’ roll music as well as food, a beer garden, and more. Known for their Beatles tributes, Rockola has concert clips you can
GOOD BET: POKER FUNDRAISER & RIDE MAY 9; EVENT TO BENEFIT WARNER SPRINGS AGRICULTURE DEPARTMENT
Printer-friendly versionApril 29, 2009 (Warner Springs)—Feeling lucky? Join a Poker Ride Fundraiser to benefit the Warner Springs Agriculture Department on May 9th. A $75 entry fee includes entry into a 7-card-stud poker tournament, tri-tip barbecue lunch at Lake Henshaw Resort, apple pie and ice cream from the Julian Café served up at Jess Martin Park in Julian, a $10 free
LIFE’S A CIRCUS: BIG TOP SHOW TONIGHT IN RANCHO SAN DIEGO, NEXT 2 DAYS IN POWAY
Printer-friendly versionApril 28, 2009(San Diego’s East County)—Elephants hoisted a big top tent to open the 73rd edition of Carson & Barnes Circus in Rancho San Diego/La Mesa, where the show goes on with a 4:30 matinee and a 7:30 evening show tonight. The circus brings nearly 100 performers and a traveling zoo to East County. Proceeds help benefit local hosts–including
CHALDEAN FOOD TASTING FESTIVAL & BUSINESS FAIR FRIDAY NIGHT
Printer-friendly versionApril 29, 2009 (El Cajon)—East County is home to one of the largest populations of Iraqi Chaldean Christians in the United States. On Friday night from 5 to 9 p.m., the public is invited to savor the authentic flavors of Chaldean cuisine including such favorites as falafels, kebabs, shawamma, hummus, tabbouleh, and more. The event, hosted by Knights of
SPRINGTIME WITH THE VINTNERS: MEET 7 LOCAL WINEMAKERS APRIL 25 in ALPINE
Printer-friendly versionApril 22, 2009 (Alpine) – Here’s an appetizing event blossoming with opportunities: The Vine Wines Bar & Bistro has teamed up with Petunia & Pomegranate Nursery in Alpine to co-host Springtime with the Vintners. Savor an afternoon of wine, music, appetizers and art amid two picturesque venues this Saturday, April 25th, from 1 to 4 p.m.. Admission is $15.
LIVE BUTTERFLY RELEASE, WILDLIFE EXHIBITS & MORE AT SAGE & SONGBIRDS FESTIVAL MAY 2-3 IN ALPINE
Printer-friendly versionApril 21, 2009 (Alpine)–The upcoming Sage & Songbirds Festival at Viejas Outlet Center, May 2-3, will be filled to capacity with vendors and exhibitors from throughout Southern California. In addition, prizes for this year’s opportunity drawings exceed the value of years past—including a grand prize of four tickets to Disneyland Park and Disney’s California Adventure Park. Also of interest
SAGE & SONGBIRDS GARDEN TOUR: RAPTOR REHAB FACILITY INCLUDED ON THIS YEAR’S TOUR MAY 1-3
Printer-friendly versionApril 20, 2009( Alpine)–Are you looking for ideas to “spruce up” your garden or yard? The Sage & Songbirds Garden Tour has a wealth of ideas for creating beautiful gardens that also provide wildlife-friendly habitat. The 12th annual event, set for May 1-3, spotlights five unique gardens, chock-full of plants, waterscapes, pathways, structures and other very interesting features. Lisa
RSVP NOW! ON THE ROAD WITH THE EAST COUNTY EATER APRIL 20
Printer-friendly versionWhat could be better than an evening of wine-tasting, fabulous food and the marvelous music of Paul Nichols–all to benefit East County Magazine? The Vine Wine Bar & Bistro in Alpine is the coziest retreat we’ve found yet, and they’re opening up just for us on Monday, April 20 from 6 to 8 pm. Reserve now – space is
SPRING GARDEN FESTIVAL’S “CONSERVATION IN BLOOM” HIGHLIGHTS WATER CONSERVATION, CULTURAL CONSERVATION, AND CUYAMACA COLLEGE’S BIGGEST PLANT SALE OF THE YEAR
Printer-friendly versionDrawing to win a High-Efficiency Clothes Washer or Home Landscape Re-design April 18, 2009 (RANCHO SAN DIEGO)—On Saturday, April 25, from 9 a.m.-4 p.m,, Cuyamaca College’s campus will bloom with activity as three of its on-campus venues—the Ornamental Horticulture Department, the Water Conservation Garden,and the Heritage of the Americas Museum—invite the public to celebrate spring at their sixteenth annual
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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

LEMON GROVE CONCERTS IN THE PARK SERIES OPENS JUNE 26
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service June 25, 2025 (Lemon Grove) — Lemon Grove’s summer concert series kicks off at Berry Street Park (7071 Mt. Vernon in Lemon Grove) each Thursday evening from 6:30 to 9 p.m. The series opens June 26 with a DJ and Karaoke and runs through August 7, concluding with the Bayou Brothers playing Cajun, Zydeco and

FARM TOUR DAY RETURNS JUNE 28
Printer-friendly versionExplore San Diego Agriculture with Local Farmers East County News Service June 10, 2025 (Escondido) — The San Diego County Farm Bureau is bringing back Farming Tour Day, starting at 9 a.m., Saturday June 28. This year’s event offers a rare, behind-the-scenes look at a diverse array of local farms in Escondido, showcasing the heart of San Diego agriculture.
4TH ANNUAL JULIAN TOWN SQUARE MUSIC FESTIVAL JUNE 7
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DESTINATION EAST COUNTY: JAMMIN’ JUNE EVENTS
Printer-friendly version By Miriam Raftery May 20, 2025 (San Diego’s East County) – June is jam-packed with summer fun, including outdoor concerts in El Cajon, La Mesa, Lemon Grove, Santee, and Viejas. You can also cheer on Flag Day Parade, enjoy the Descanso Day Parade and Fair, laugh along with comedian Arsenio Hall at Sycuan, learn about our region’s

EXPERIENCE EAST COUNTY HISTORY AND CULTURE AT CAMPO DAYS JUNE 14-15
Printer-friendly version By G. A. McNeeley May 18, 2025 (Campo) – You’re invited to step back in time to the Wild West and experience the history and culture of San Diego’s East County during Campo Days. This free event includes visits to four museums in Campo, as well as activities ranging from riding a historic railway to watching exciting
TAKE THE WARRIOR HIKE CHALLENGE MAY 24 AT EL CAPITAN COUNTY PRESERVE
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DESCANSO DAY FAIR AND PARADE JUNE 7: SMALL TOWN FAMILY FUN
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EL CAJON HOSTS AMERICA ON MAIN STREET MAY 17
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service May 13, 2025 (El Cajon) — America on Main Street is also known as El Cajon’s Largest Block Party. The event will hosted in Downtown El Cajon on Saturday, May 17. Admission and most activities are free of charge. America on Main Street is a celebration of the American spirit through appreciation and respect of

THE RIVER AT SYCUAN CASINO RESORT RETURNS FOR SUMMER WITH PRESTIGIOUS COUNTRY MUSIC ARTISTS
Printer-friendly version East County News Service May 6, 2025 (San Diego’s East County) — Sycuan Casino Resort, in partnership with KSON, is bringing back The River from June through September. The River at Sycuan is San Diego’s only country concert pool party that will feature “the hottest country artists in the nation,” according to a Sycuan news release. The

JAMUL TRAILS RANCH HOSTS FARM DAYS FIRST TWO WEEKENDS IN MAY
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service April 29, 2025 (Jamul) – Jamul Trails Ranch invites you to experience Farm Days, which include a petting zoo, planting sunflowers, painting bird houses and feeding farm animals. Farm Days will be held May 2-4 and May 8-10 from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Jamul Trails Ranch is located at 2865 Echo Valley Road in Jamul.
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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