Events

East County Events

Lionel's Legacy hosting sleepover party and more in Lakeside April 18-19

East County News Service
 
April 14, 2026 (Lakeside) — East County-based senior dog rescue group Lionel's Legacy is holding a day of games, community and advocacy on Saturday, April 18 at the Rock House in Lakeside.
 
The first-ever "Canine Carnival" is set for April 18 while a slumber party that starts that night will take visitors into more activities the morning and early part of April 19 at 11937 Woodside Ave.
 
Saturday's event, which runs from noon to 8 p.m., serves as a major fundraiser for Lionel's Legacy, a  501c-3 nonprofit with a mission to provide life-saving medical care and permanent foster homes for aging pets.
 

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Mountain Empire Art Show Debuts April 15 in Boulevard

East County News Service

April 14, 2026 (Boulevard) -- The Backcountry Resource Center in Boulevard will be busy this Wednesday, April 15 hosting the first-ever Mountain Empire Art Show 2026, opening at 4 p.m. and the Boulevard-Jacumba Town Hall Event at 6:30 p.m.

The first annual Mountain Empire Art Show  is an act of advocacy for the vibrant and sometimes hidden gem of the art community of the high desert east county region. Sixteen artists will show at the Backcountry Resource Center, gathered by the curation of Mara Harris who enthusiastically organized the show as an act of community activism.

Harris is also a resident on Jewel Valley Road the primary location for the Starlight Solar Project slated for Boulevard. 

The art show theme is "Artists Activate Aliveness!" It is a direct response to the east desert communities' concern of the impact of the growing number of industrial solar, battery, and wind turbine projects in the Mountain Empire region.


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Cheers to the Valley Wine Festival April 18 in Ramona

East County News Service

April 5, 2026 (Ramona) – The Ramona Chamber of Commerce is inviting the public to savor the 2026 Cheers to the Valley Wine Festival, from noon to 4 p.m., Saturday, April 18.

This event features an elevated afternoon celebrating the best of Ramona Valley wine, food and local artistry.

A $50 ticket includes unlimited tastings from local wineries, a commemorative glass, catered small bites, live music by Sam Powell, and an opportunity to shop at local art and craft vendors.


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Destination East County: Festive events in mid-April and May 2026

 

By Miriam Raftery

April 5, 2026 (San Diego’s East County) – As April continues, drifting into the merry month of May, there are many unique events popping up across our inland region.

Highlights include Ramona’s Cheers to the Valley Wine Festival, Karnival of the Arts in Jacumba, SDSU’s pow wow, Lakeside’s Western Days Parade and Rodeo, a Spring Garden Festival and Butterfly Release at the Water Conservation Garden,  and an International Dark Sky celebration in Santa Ysabel.

Other events include wolf center tours in Julian, piano Joyce  Yang in concert at Cuyamaca College, Journey’s Steve Augeri onstage in Poway, spring break activities at local libraries, the Dance in Julian, Arbor Day in El Cajon, the Adams Avenue Unplugged musical festival, Sweet Pea Days at Summers Past Farms in Flinn Springs, San Diego Gay Men’s Chorus performing “HERstory” at the Magnolia in El Cajon, “Cinderella” ballet in Poway,  a health fair at Grossmont Center in La Mesa, and the launch of Classic Cruise season in El Cajon.

Scroll down for details on these events and more.


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Mild desert weather promised for hot weekend events in Jacumba Hot Springs - April 4, 5

By Rebecca Person

April 3, 2026 (Jacumba Hot Springs) - Sunny, mild desert weather sets the stage April 4 and 5th, for a stellar weekend full of music, outdoor fun and fantastic food, a new shop opening and more. The weekend’s events include a Beatles tribute music fest and campout, bathhouse bazaar,  Easter Brunch, and an herbalist’s new shop opening.


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County hosts International Dark Sky Celebration April 18 at Santa Ysabel Nature Center

East County News Service

April 3, 2026 (Santa Ysabel) – Reach for the stars at San Diego County’s International Dark Sky Week Celebration on Saturday, April 18 from 2-10 p.m. at the Santa Ysabel Nature Center (22135 Highway 79). The event includes “Defending the Night Sky,” a symposium from 2-7 p.m., followed by an after-dark star party to view the celestial sights from 8-10 p.m.


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San Diego Gay Men’s Chorus brings “HERstory -- Icons, Rebels and Trailblazers” to The Magnolia April 25-26

East County News Service

April 3, 2026 (El Cajon) -- The San Diego Gay Men’s Chorus will take center stage at The Magnolia later this month with their production, “HERstory: Icons, Rebels & Trailblazers.”

Scheduled to run on just two days -- April 25 and April 26 -- the concert is a musical tribute to women who revolutionized the landscape of American music. The performance will highlight the cultural disruptors and powerhouse vocalists who have empowered generations.


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Ilan-Lael Foundation hosts docent-led tour April 9 in Santa Ysabel

By Philicia Tonangoye

Karen Pearlman contributed to this story.

April 1, 2026 (Santa Ysabel) -- The nonprofit Ilan-Lael Foundation will host an immersive art and nature experience on a 90-minute-long docent-led tour at 10 a.m., Thursday, April 9.

The event will take place in Santa Ysabel and focuses on the art and architecture of founder and artist James Hubbel, set against the beautiful natural scenery of the Santa Ysabel landscape.

Admission fees start at $45 per person, and a prior reservation is required.

Participants should be prepared for the activity level in and around 930 Orchard Lane. Organizers emphasize that everyone must wear closed-toe, sturdy footwear for the tour, which involves natural paths and steps.


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Magical Mystery Campout and Beatles Tribute Fair: festival April 4-5 in Jacumba

By Rebecca Person

March 28, 2026 (Jacumba Hot Springs) -- East County’s abuzz with a Beatles invasion. De Anza Springs Resort, a high desert retreat, welcomes the public to the Magical Mystery Campout and Beatles Fair, a two-day festival on April 4 and 5.  The weekend will feature multiple Beatles cover bands, hiking, swimming in indoor and outdoor mineral pools and a spa, stargazing, and Beatles memorabilia.


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Meet candidates in Lakeside on April 22

East County News Service

March 27, 2026 (Lakeside) – Voters are invited to the “Candidates to Constituents Town Hall” series. The series is hosted by Alpine resident Anne Tillmond and features local, county & state candidates that voters can connect with over three town halls. The first C2C town hall is on Wednesday, April 22nd, 2026 in Lakeside from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. Doors open at 6:15 p.m.

Light refreshments will be provided. Contact candidatestoconstituents@gmail.com for more information or to RSVP - Seating is limited.


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East County public transportation guide to Padres Opening Day March 26

Skip Interstate 8 and 'ride the rails' with the Padres-wrapped Trolley
 
East County News Service
 
March 25, 2026 (San Diego) -- With the San Diego Padres set to kick off the 2026 season at Petco Park tomorrow afternoon (March 26, first pitch set for 1:10 p.m.), baseball fans in Santee, El Cajon, Lemon Grove, La Mesa, San Carlos and beyond are being urged to dodge the inevitable Interstate 8 gridlock.
 
With sellout crowds expected all weekend, the San Diego Metropolitan Transit System is ramping up Green and Orange Line service to ensure East County fans spend more time in their seats and less time hunting for pricey parking spots.

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Karnival of the Arts coming to DeAnza Springs April 30 through May 3

East County News Service

March 24, 2026 (Jacumba Hot Springs) -- Performance art and music will collide and combine in concert in the high desert this spring as the Karnival of the Arts (KOTA) West returns to the DeAnza Springs Resort.

The festival, which has spent half a decade establishing a "West Coast home" in southeastern San Diego County, centers on a unique "triple-decked" stage production and will go from 4 p.m., April 30 through 4 p.m., May 3.

The design allows for simultaneous live painting, flow arts and musical performances, and this year features headliners Thundersmack (Leo P of Too Many Zooz and Michael Wilbur of Moon Hooch) and electronic multi-instrumentalist Vincent Antone.

"Our event highlights art like no other," says KOTA co-founder and producer Miguel Munoz. "Starting with triple decked stages for simultaneous live painting and dance/flow performances right along side regional favorite bands and international headliners."


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The Circle Players present 'The Conundrum on the Crackerjack Cruise' April 17, 18 and 19

East County News Service
 
March 24, 2026 (El Cajon) -- The First Presbyterian Church of El Cajon’s theater outreach program, The Circle Players, will navigate Richardson Hall into the high seas next month for an interactive mystery dinner theater production, “The Conundrum on the Crackerjack Cruise.”
 
Written by Nancy Bond, the play invites audience members to board the fictional cruise ship Grand Jubilation as it sets sail for the Bahamas.
 
The evening blends traditional performance with a "Game Night" experience. Guests are encouraged to participate as fellow passengers, competing in teams and cheering for victory as the sun and fun shift into a web of mystery and intrigue.

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Walden Family Services marks 50 years with golf tournament and 'No Place Like Home' gala

East County News Service
 
March 22, 2026 (San Diego) -- Nonprofit Walden Family Services, which has supported more than 100,000 foster children and families since its founding in 1976, will host two public fundraisers as part of celebrating its 50 years in service.
 
The golden anniversary comes as the organization pivots toward an expansion of its housing and prevention programs for "Transitional Age Youth" --- young adults ages 18 to 26 who are aging out of the foster care system.
 
The celebration begins this week with the Walden Fairways Scramble Golf Tournament on Thursday, March 26. Held at the Singing Hills Golf Course at Sycuan, the charity tournament is designed to raise immediate funds for Walden’s housing initiatives.
 

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Planning under way for 80th annual Crest 4th of July Parade and daylong festival

Vendors, food trucks and parade participants wanted

By Paul Levikow

March 21, 2026 (Crest) – The Crest Community Association is planning the 80th Annual Crest 4th of July Parade and is looking for parade participants and vendors for the festival. The event will also honor the 250th birthday of the United States.


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Destination East County: April festivities and Easter events

By Miriam Raftery

March 20, 2026 (San Diego’s East County) – Upcoming events in our inland region include egg hunts, a bunny bash, and a train ride with the Easter Bunny.  Plus you can enjoy a Spring Garden Festival and Butterfly Release at the Water Conservation Garden,a Beatles tribute music festival in Jacumba Hot Springs, a pow-wow at SDSU, Lakeside’s Western Days Parade and Rodeo, a Lilac Festival in Santa Ysabel, El Cajon’s Arbor Day Celebration, a dark skies celebration in Santa Ysabel, Adams Avenue Unplugged, Sweet Pea Days at Summers Past Farms, wolf center tours in Julian, a piano concert at Cuyamaca College, a health fair at Grossmont Center, county libraries’ Spring Break reading series, and a performance by Journey’s former lead singer in Poway.

Scroll down for these fun and festive happenings.


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Julian Junior Theater makes debut with ‘Annie Jr.' April 24-26

East County News Service

March 19, 2026 (Julian) -- In another month, the sun will be coming out for youths in the San Diego County's backcountry mountains.

In April, the newly formed Julian Junior Theater will take to the stage for its inaugural production, bringing the beloved classic Annie (but in the Annie Jr. version) to the local community. Tickets are $10, and there will only be four performances.

As a California nonprofit, Julian Junior Theater was established with a clear mission: to foster self-confidence, self-expression and a lifelong love for the performing arts.

By providing enriching education and dynamic performance opportunities, JJT is a vital creative hub for young residents in the rural Julian region.


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Final chord at Hooley's with Evans Academy Extravaganza March 20

Photo courtesy Facebook
 
By Karen Pearlman
 
March 19, 2026 (La Mesa) -- For nearly two decades, the dark wood and stone hearth of Hooley’s Public House in Grossmont Center have served as more than just a backdrop for a well-poured Guinness. It has been a community living room, a dining spot with a welcoming vibe, a sanctuary for local history buffs and a rockin' stage for East County’s music scene.
 
That era comes to a close when Hooley's in La Mesa closes its doors on Sunday, March 29.
 
But before the doors lock for the final time, the pub will host one last massive celebration of local talent: the Evans Academy Extravaganza.

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‘Americans and the Holocaust’ exhibition coming to Grossmont College

East County News Service
 
March 19, 2026 (El Cajon) -- The Grossmont College Library was selected as one of only 50 libraries across the United States to host the traveling exhibition “Americans and the Holocaust.”
 
Americans and the Holocaust is a collaborative effort between the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum and the American Library Association. Locals will be able to visit the exhibition from April 14 through May 21, 2026 at Grossmont College, 8800 Grossmont College Drive in El Cajon.
 
This is the exhibition's second national tour, and follows a successful run at 50 libraries between 2021-23. Because of its popularity, the USHMM and ALA expanded the initiative to an additional 50 sites for a 2024-26 cycle, reaching communities from Hawaii and Alaska to Texas and New Hampshire.

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La Mesa Conversations to host panel on immigration enforcement and local response

East County News Service
 
March 18, 2026 (La Mesa) -- As the national conversation surrounding immigration enforcement continues to intensify, local community leaders are working to provide clarity.
 
On Monday, March 23, the group La Mesa Conversations will host a public panel titled “Community Responses to Immigration Enforcement: Standing with Our Neighbors.”
 
The event, which is free and open to the public, will provide an opportunity for people to share information about the complex federal issue and examine its impact on families, schools, businesses and houses of worship. The discussion is featuring a diverse cross-section of local leadership, reflecting how immigration enforcement touches various facets of civic life.
 
The panel includes:
 
Mariah Jameson, community representative for San Diego County Supervisor Monica Montgomery Steppe; Christian DeMent: pastor at La Mesa First United Methodist Church; Erin Tsurumoto Grassi: Associate Director of Alliance San Diego; Krystle Johnson, a special education teacher and community activist; and Brianna Coston, trustee for the La Mesa–Spring Valley School Board.

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Alejandro Escovedo to headline Adams Avenue Unplugged Saturday, April 25

Source:  Adams Avenue Business

March 16, 2026 (San Diego) - Adams Avenue Unplugged will take place on Saturday, April 25th, 12 noon to 12 midnight, along Adams Avenue, from University Heights through Normal Heights to Kensington. This exceptional music walkabout is free and open to the public with the exception of the headliner artist. Alejandro Escovedo ($40 ticket).

Unplugged 2026 will feature 90 performances at 26 different venues including restaurants, bars, coffee houses, and the main stage located at the historic Normal Heights United Church. Adams Avenue businesses hope to treat musical aficionados and foodies to the rich neighborhood culture.


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Santee’s Bunny Trail March 28 includes dragon dancers and egg-citing activities

By Miriam Raftery
 
March 17, 2026 (Santee) -- Get ready for fire-breathing fun at Santee's Bunny Trail, including dragon dancers performing from  White Dragon Martial Arts School.
 
This year, the event takes place from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m., at Town Center Community Park East, 550 Park Center Drive in Santee.
 
This year’s event features a bunny trail experience instead of a traditional egg hunt.
 
Families stroll booth-to-booth collecting eggs at their own pace, then exchange collected eggs for a festive goodie bag. Visit booths in any order and stop by as many as you’d like. Be sure to bring baskets!
 

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Inaugural Wellness 5K to fund expansion for Native Boys & Girls Club

East County News Service
 
March 16, 2026 (East County) -- The Boys & Girls Club of Kumeyaay Nation Wellness will host its inaugural Wellness 5K Walk & Run later this month at Naval Training Center Park.
 
A fundraising effort to expand services for Native youth across San Diego County, the event begins at 8 a.m., Sunday, March 29, at the old NTC-headquartered park at 2455 Cushing Road. Organizers say the event will help fund a new safe space and enhanced programming for the Boys & Girls Club of Kumeyaay Nation Wellness.
 
Currently based on the La Posta Band of Mission Indians Reservation in Boulevard, the BGCKNW holds the distinction of being the first Native Services Boys & Girls Club established in California.

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Sanctified in Swing: A benefit for Lemon Grove Arts Collective on March 28

East County News Service

March 16, 2026 (East County) -- An evening of music, storytelling and community will be the draw in La Mesa later this month.

The Ira Aldridge Repertory Players will be presenting “Sanctified in Swing” starting at 7 p.m., Saturday, March 28 at Spacebar Café & Wine Bistro, 7454 University Ave., in La Mesa. Doors open at 6 p.m., organizers say.

The event will include poems written by Calvin Manson as well as jazz, blues and R&B vocal music by Leslie Green and Roosevelt Carter -- all Lemon Grove residents.

Green will light up the stage with a powerful voice flowing through jazz, blues, and R&B, rich with soul, warmth, and the power to lift every heart. She will be joined by Carter, known for his velvet smooth, rich and warm voice.


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Donate to help pets in need at Alpine Pet Food and Supply Drive April 4

East County News Service

March 14, 2026 (Alpine) – Dog and cat food, treats, grooming supplies, new pet toys, feeding bowls, beds, blankets, crates/carriers, leashes, collars, litter boxes and litter are among the items sought to help pets in need. You can drop off items on April 4 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Viejas Pit Stop, 5454 Willows Road in Alpine.


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German Cabaret returns to El Cajon with 'No Train to Anywhere'

East County News Service
 
March 12, 2026 (El Cajon) -- The German Theater Group San Diego has announced its 2026 production, a German-language cabaret titled "Es fährt kein Zug nach irgendwo" (There is no train to anywhere), scheduled for a two-show run this April.
 
The performances will take place at the German American Societies of San Diego headquarters 1017 S. Mollison Ave. in El Cajon at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, April 25, at 7:30 p.m. and 2 p.m. Sunday, April 26. Organizers noted that tickets for the annual event typically sell out in advance.
 
The production follows the tradition of German Kabarett -- a distinct theatrical form that blends social satire, sketches, music and poetry. Unlike American-style stand-up, German cabaret often utilizes a full ensemble to offer humorous and critical reflections on contemporary life and politics.
 
The San Diego ensemble, operating under the artistic direction of founder Astrid Ronke, has grown from 13 members at its 2016 inception to today's more than 30 actors, vocalists and volunteers.

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Spring Into El Cajon on April 18 celebrates Arbor Day and arrival of spring

East County New Service

Image by Satheesh Sankaran from Pixabay

March 6, 2026 (El Cajon) - The City of El Cajon invites community members and families to attend Spring Into El Cajon, a free community celebration of Arbor Day and the arrival of spring on Saturday, April 18 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Renette Park (935 Emerald Ave., El Cajon). This day of family-friendly activities focuses on sustainability, nature, and community connection.


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SDSU hosts pow wow April 11

East County News Service

March 6, 2026 (San Diego) -- SDSU will host its 54th annual pow wow on Saturday, April 11 starting at 11 a.m.

The San Diego State University Pow Wow is a cultural and social event held annually to bring together the Native American community at SDSU. SDSU has the reputation of having one of the longest running pow wows ran by a university in California.

This event is open to the public and is a partnership between the Native Resource Center, the SDSU American Indian Studies Department, the Native American Student Alliance and the American Indian Alumni Chapter of SDSU.


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Nature Day on Mt. Helix March 14: Butterflies, plants galore and more

East County News Service

March 6, 2026 (Mt. Helix) – You’re invited to celebrate Nature Day at the Mt. Helix Park, where Earth Day is every day. The historic nature preserve atop Mt. Helix will come alive with live animals, butterfly releases, a native plant sale, activities, crafts, ecosystem tours, and booths from over 30 nonprofit nature groups  


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East County Chamber honors leaders, organizations at 114th annual soiree

Sycuan Casino Resort hosted the San Diego Regional East County Chamber of Commerce's 114th annual East County Honors Awards Gala over the weekend.

Photos and story by Karen Pearlman

March 2, 2026 (El Cajon) -- More than 400 business and nonprofit leaders, community advocates and public officials gathered at Sycuan Casino Resort last Saturday for the 114th Annual East County Honors Awards Gala.
 
Hosted by the San Diego Regional East County Chamber of Commerce, the event continues to be more than a formal dinner, it also acts as a fundraiser for the nonprofit that represent the diverse business community of the East County region, including El Cajon, Lemon Grove, Rancho San Diego, Alpine, Spring Valley and Jamul.
 
The organization also maintains strong partnerships with other chambers in Santee, La Mesa, Lakeside, Julian, Borrego Springs, Ramona and Poway.
 

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