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 to sample their culinary delights.

East 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.

East 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.

East County News Service

March 1, 2025 (Mt. Helix) --  Mt. Helix Park invites you to Nature Day atop Mt. Helix on March 15 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

This event will feature live animals, a butterfly release, booths from over 30 nature organizations, activities, crafts and a native plant sale.

By Miriam Raftery

February 27, 2025 (Rancho San Diego) – Tomatomania returns to the Water Conservation Garden at Cuyamaca College on Friday and Saturday, March 7-8.  The free, two-day event celebrates 75-80 incredible varieties of your favorite summer treat—tomatoes. You can purchase tomato plants including some rare varieties, cherished heirlooms and legendary classics—plus get tips from experts on how to grow the most flavorful tomatoes.  Hours are 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on March 7 and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on March 8.

By Miriam Raftery

February 18, 2025 (San Diego’s East County) – Late February brings several unique activities to enjoy, including new moon fishing at Lake Jennings, Fido Fest in Santee, a black history celebration in Lemon Grove, a farm tour adventure at Fort Cross in Santa Ysabel, Romeo and Juliet onstage in Borrego Springs, Hawk Watch in Ramona and a concert by Mariachi Amapolas at Cuyamaca College.

East County News Service

January 31, 2025 (Lemon Grove) – A Black History Empowerment Celebration will be held on February 22 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Lemon Grove Academy Middle School, 7866 Lincoln St. in Lemon Grove.  Festivities will include spoken word, drumming African dancers, music artists, soul food vendors, food trucks and more.

The event is sponsored by Thrive Lemon Grove, F.A.C.E. Lemon Grove School District, and House Gone  Wild International.

By Jonathan Goetz

January 9, 2024 (El Cajon) – January happenings include a film festival in Borrego Springs—ideal if you like the desert without the heat—as well as opportunities to see raptors up close in Ramona,  take a group hike up Cowles Mountain, watch a thriller at Lamplighters Theatre in La Mesa, or network with veterans in Santee.

Scroll down for details on these entertaining options.

East County News Service

View raptors and learn about birds of prey at Hawk Watch, hosted by the Wildlife Research Institute at Begent Ranch (18528 Highland Valley Rd.) in Ramona each Saturday in January and February starting at 10 a.m.  Arrive early for this free event, with coffee and donuts available starting at 9:30 a.m. It’s recommended to bring binoculars, a folding chair, sturdy shoes and a jacket.

The event begins with an educational biologist’s talk plus a Q&A session with falconry or ambassador raptors that you can see up close and personal.  After the 1.5 to 2 hour seated program, you can opt to drive a 2-mile route on paved roads to observe wild raptors including a Bald Eagle nest. Biologists and expert volunteers will help you spot and identify birds and view them through their high-powered professional telescopes.

By Miriam Raftery

November 30, 2024 (Lemon Grove) – ‘Tis the season to be jolly – so Revitalize Broadway invites singers (no experience required) to join in spreading some holiday cheer. Caroling on Broadway will take place Friday, December 13 and Saturday, December 21.

By Miriam Raftery

November 29, 2024 (San Diego’s East County) – There’s a dazzling array of holiday events coming up across our inland region--including synchronized light shows at Camp Christmas in Pine Valley, North Pole Limited Train Rides at the Campo depot, Lakeside’s Spirit of Christmas,  La Mesa’s Holiday in the Village, a holiday bonfire in Lemon Grove, holiday lights on Main in El Cajon, a Snow Day at Lindo Lakes in Lakeside, a Christmas Market in Crest, caroling on Broadway in Lemon Grove, Christmas on Mt Helix, and the German-American Societies Christmas in El Cajon.

Scroll down for full details on these festive events.

East County News Service

November 24, 2024 (Crest, CA) – The reindeer are taking a day off on Sunday, December 8, when Santa will arrive at the Crest Christmas Craft Faire aboard a fire truck!

Santa arrives at 4 p.m. and will visit with children until 6 p.m.  The Craft Faire begins at 10 a.m. and runs through 6 p.m. with unique crafts, vendors, raffle baskets, musical entertainment, food, and photo opportunities.

The event will be held at the Crest Clubhouse, 113 North Park Drive, in the Crest community of El Cajon.

East County News Service

November 13, 2024 (Lemon Grove) – Lemon Grove invites you to the city’s annual community bonfire on Friday, December 6 from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Treganza Heritage Park, 3200 Main St. in Lemon Grove.

Enjoy visits with Santa, music with a live band, a game truck, crafts, inflatables, free cookies, hot chocolate and popcorn, more foods for purchase, welcoming remarks from the mayor, an ugly sweater contest and more.

Source:  Mission Trails Regional Park Foundation

November 5, 2024 (San Diego) - It's that time of year again:  time to find the perfect gift for that special someone.  You can find it at the Holiday Marketplace at Mission Trails on Saturday, November 9 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Cost reduced due to a generous sponsor!

East County Magazine invites you to our Roaring '20s Jazz Age Party!

Sunday, November 17  6 p.m.

at Wine Works (8167 Center St., La Mesa, CA 91941)

Benefits East County Media, 501c3 nonprofit supporting East County Magazine local news reporting and our East County Wildfire & Emergency Alerts

• Celebrate the era of Great Gatsby, flappers, gangsters, silent film stars, ragtime. speakeasies and the Jazz Age
• Savor an elegant dinner and delicious desserts from Cupid’s Catering including charcuterie/appetizers(meats, fruits, cheeses), tri-tip, herbed chicken, portabello mushrooms (on request), ambrosia, salad, cheesecake, lemon marscapone cake
• Award-winning wines and sparkling wines available from San Pasqual Winery, the winemakers who led La Mesa to roll back its Prohibition-era ban on alcohol production
• Live jazz by the Joseph Luna duo (piano, sax, and vocal)
• Silent auction and raffle with amazing prizes
• Hear about local history during Prohibition from La Mesa Historical Society
• Dress in your best ‘20s attire or cocktail wear and party the night away
•  

Cost:  $50

Prepayment is REQUIRED for this special event.  To reserve space: