East County Magazine
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
SPRING GARDEN AND BUTTERFLY FESTIVAL RETURNS MAY 3
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service April 24, 2025 (El Cajon)—On May 3, the Spring Garden and Butterfly Festival returns at the Water Conservation Garden at Cuyamaca College. The event features plant sales nurtured by Cuyamaca College Nursery students as well as butterflies, live music, specialty garden-related vendors, food trucks, and family-friendly activities. The festival coincides with the college’s Coyote Music
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
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
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
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
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
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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