Events

By Miriam Raftery

February 2, 2025 (San Diego’s East County) – February brings some favorite festivities and fun-filled events including a Judy Collins Concert in El Cajon, a stage production of Romeo and Juliet in Borrego Spr9ings, romantic Valentine’s teas in Julian, a black history celebration in Lemon Grove, the Boots and Bowties awards dinner at Sycuan, Fido Fest in Santee, and Hawk Watch in Ramona.

Scroll down for full details on February’s events in San Diego’s inland region.

JUDY COLLINS AT THE MAGNOLIA FEB. 12

Award-winning singer-songwriter Judy Collins will perform at the Magnolia performing arts center in El Cajon on February 12.  Her rendition of Joni Mitchell’s “Both Sides Now” won entry into the Grammy Hall of Fame and she won song of the year at the Grammy’s for her version of “Send in the Clowns”  She’s had numerous top-ten hits, gold and platinum selling albums.  Recently, artists such as Dolly Parton, Joan Baez, and Leonard Cohen honored her legacy with the album Born to the Breed: A Tribute to Judy Collins.

For tickets, visit https://www.magnoliasandiego.com/.

VALENTINE TEAS IN JULIAN FEB. 13-17

Julian Tea and Cottage Arts will host  Valentine’s Teas February 13 through 17. The special set menu is a romantically inspired four-course experience starting with a cup of soup, then a variety of finger sandwiches and savories, followed by a scone with curd, jam and whipped cream, plus a luscious dessert tray.

Vegetarian, gluten-free and children’s options are available with advance notice. These teas will be served indoors and are also available to go.

For reservations and details, visit https://juliantea.com/.

ROMEO AND JULIET FEB. 14-23

Romeo and Juliet will take stage at the Borrego Springs Performing Arts Center February 21-23.  The Shakespeare classic tells the tale of an age-old vendetta between two powerful families that erupts into bloodshed while a young lovestruck Romeo Montague falls in love with Juliet Capulet.

For tickets, visit eastcountyarts.org

BLACK HISTORY EMPOWERMENT CELEBRATION FEB. 22

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.

FIDO FEST IN SANTEE FEB. 22

The city of Santee invites you to bring your dog for fun times at Fido Fest, or adopt a furry companion from rescue groups.  The event will take place on Saturday, Feb. 22 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Town Center Community Park East, 550 Park Center Drive East in Santee.

Contests will be held for the biggest and smallest dogs, best costume, and best trick. There will also be “arfs” and crafts, demonstrations, off-leash areas, vendors and giveaways.

Dogs attending must be on a leash, friendly with other dogs and people, comfortable in large groups, and up to date on vaccinations. Dogs must also be ready to have a good time, exhibited by lots of tail wagging!

For a list of adoption groups and event details, visit https://www.cityofsanteeca.gov/calendar/events/fido-fest/45710.

EAST COUNTY HONORS AWARDS FEB. 22 AT SYCUAN

The San Diego Regional East County Chamber of Commerce  will celebrate its 113^th annual East County Honors on Saturday, February 22^nd, 2025  at Sycuan Casino Resort at 5 p.m. This year’s theme is Boots and Bowties.

For over a century, the San Diego Regional East County Chamber of Commerce has been a strong voice on business, education, and community issues of interest to the East County Region of San Diego County. Since 1912, the Chamber has held the tradition of swearing in the new Chamber Board of Directors and recognizing outstanding businesses, organizations, and community leaders of East County.

For tickets, visit https://business.eastcountychamber.org/events/details/2-22-east-county-honors-awards-gala-17797.

HAWK WATCH IN RAMONA EACH SATURDAY IN FEBRUARY

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 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.

If it rains, the educational program will be held in the barn, but without the usual falconry flight displays.Hawk Watch is wheelchair accessible.

For more information, visit https://www.wildlife-research.org/hawkwatch .

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.

East County News Service

January 29, 2025 (Santee) – Bring your dog for fun times at Fido Fest, or adopt a furry companion from rescue groups.  The city of Santee event will take place on Saturday, Feb. 22 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Town Center Community Park East, 550 Park Center Drive East in Santee.

Contests will be held for the biggest and smallest dogs, best costume, and best trick. There will also be “arfs” and crafts, demonstrations, off-leash areas, vendors and giveaways.

Dogs attending must be social and friendly with other dogs and people, and comfortable in large groups.

Dogs who display aggressive behavior, as determined by  City of Santee volunteers or staff, will be asked to leave.

Dogs must be up to date on vaccinations. This means puppies must be over 4 months old and have completed their full set of puppy vaccinations, including rabies.

All dogs must be kept on a leash no longer than 6 feet at all times.

Dogs must also be ready to have a good time, exhibited by lots of tail wagging!

For a list of adoption groups and event details, visit https://www.cityofsanteeca.gov/calendar/events/fido-fest/45710.

Source:  San Diego Zoo and Safari Park

January 29, 2025 (San Diego) - The San Diego Zoo Safari Park welcomes guests aged 65 and older to enjoy free admission throughout February during Seniors Free Month. To participate, guests 65 and older simply need to present a valid photo ID upon arrival. Visitors can immerse themselves in the Safari Park’s vast 1,800-acre landscape, home to over 3,000 animals representing more than 300 species, alongside a botanical collection featuring over 1.3 million plants. This unique experience provides educational opportunities and unforgettable moments for all ages.

Source:  Downtown El Cajon

January 24, 2025 (El Cajon) - For the first time in 30 years, dogs are wagging their tails back into downtown El Cajon! Join the city on Saturday, January 25th for the End of Pawhibition, a celebration of this historic ordinance repeal. This all-day event will be filled with pawsitively delightful activities for you and your four-legged friends.

East County News Service

January 8, 2025 (La Mesa) -- Forty-seven years after Wait Until Dark premiered on Broadway, Jeffrey Hatcher has adapted Frederick Knott's 1966 original, giving it a new setting. In 1944 Greenwich Village, Susan Hendrix, a blind yet capable woman, is imperiled by a trio of men in her own apartment. As the climax builds, Susan discovers that her blindness just might be the key to her escape, but she and her tormentors must wait until dark to play out this classic thriller's chilling conclusion.​

Lamplighters Theatre in La Mesa will present this updated twist on the classic thriller starting January 10 through February 2. Show times are Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m.,  except on Saturday, January 18, there will bea  2 p.m. matinee only.

For tickets, visit  https://www.lamplighterslamesa.com/

East County News Service

January 16, 2025 (El Cajon)-- In honor of Valentine's Day, the Saps at Sea Laurel & Hardy club presents: Laurel & Hardy – Romantic Leads??  Films include "Should Married Men Go Home?", "Our Wife", and "Yes, Yes Nannette." 

The event takes place on Saturday, February 1, from 4:30 to 8 p.m. at First Lutheran Church of El Cajon, 867 S Lincoln Ave, El Cajon, CA 92020. 

Admission is $10 and includes dessert.  Children 12 and under are free.  Movie-related books will be available for sale.

Doors open at 4:30 p.m.; the program starts at 5 p.m.

For more information,visit the Saps At Sea - San Diego Facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/groups/111118255744315

By Miriam Raftery

November 29, 2024 (Pine Valley) – Camp Christmas in Pine Valley is back, with dazzling lighting displays and more from 5:30 to p.m. Nov. 29-30, Dec. 1, Dec. 6-8, and Dec. 13-22.  Visitors to Camp Christmas, located in a mountain community in San Diego's East County, will see thousands of computerized lights strung on trees and a spectacular water show,  both synchronized to holiday music.

There’s also hayrides, a bounce house, laser tag, archery, food,  live entertainment, and a talking Christmas tree, a Nativity presentation, Camp Christmas train rides, a children’s playground, climbing wall, face painting, gift shop, and more.

Food options include a buffet, barbecue dinners, snack bar, sweet treats, and more.

Pine Valley gets chilly in winter, so be sure to bundle up!

For reservations and details, visit  https://pinevalleycampchristmas.com/