Skip to content
It’s San DiegoSearch The Guide

Home › East County Events

East County Events

83 dates are listed for El Cajon, La Mesa, Santee, Lakeside and Alpine, read on organizer pages. 79 are marked family-friendly. Some details conflict between pages or are unconfirmed, and are named below. Many annual events have no 2027 date posted yet.Checked October 23, 2026.

83confirmed dates ahead
79marked family-friendly by the organizer
Free to $$see each organizer page for prices
Organizerpages are the source for every date

Every Week

  1. La Mesa Village Farmers Market

    Every Friday 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm (October to April) and 3:00 pm to 7:30 pm (May to September); closed November 27 and December 25, 2026 and January 1, 2027 (the organizer gives no season end)

    La Mesa Blvd between 4th St and Palm Ave, downtown La Mesa · Price: See event site (free parking at the Date Ave lot per organizer) · Organizer page

October 2026

  1. Kids Fish Free! (Lake Jennings)

    Oct 23 to Oct 31, 2026 · Lake and bait shop hours; see event site · Lake Jennings, 9535 Harritt Rd

    Price: Kids fish free; fishing permits and California fishing license required for adults (per organizer) · Organizer page

    On nowFamily

  2. Spooky Campoween (Lake Jennings campground)

    Oct 23 to Oct 25, 2026 · Campground event · Lake Jennings Campground, 10108 Bass Rd

    Price: Camping fees apply (per Lakeside Chamber listing) · Organizer page

    On nowFamily

  3. Bag O' Books Sale (Oct)

    Sat, Oct 24, 2026 · 10 a.m.-2 p.m. · El Cajon Library, Friends of the Library Bookstore, 201 E Douglas Ave

    Price: Fill a bag for a set price (amount truncated on listing); See event site · Organizer page

    Family

  4. Lakeside American Little League Trick or Treat

    Sat, Oct 24, 2026 · 5-7 p.m. · Venue not stated on listing

    Price: Not stated · Organizer page

    Family

  5. Pumpkin Decorating Contest

    Oct 24 to Oct 29, 2026 · Drop-off Oct 24-25; voting Oct 26-29 · El Cajon Library (Lobby), 201 E Douglas Ave

    Price: See event site · Organizer page

    Family

  6. SPOOKTACULAR (trunk-or-treat, games, inflatables)

    Sat, Oct 24, 2026 · 10 a.m.-2 p.m. · Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve, 9310 Fanita Pkwy

    Price: See event site (park lists Special Event/Peak Holiday Parking at $10 per vehicle; not stated whether this event counts) · Organizer page

    Family

  7. Saturday Cinema Club – ParaNorman (PG)

    Sat, Oct 24, 2026 · 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. · El Cajon Library, 201 E Douglas Ave

    Price: See event site · Organizer page

    Family

  8. Teen Lock-In (spooky creatures, scavenger hunt, costume contest)

    Sat, Oct 24, 2026 · 6-10 p.m. · La Mesa Library, 8074 Allison Ave

    Price: See event site · Organizer page

  9. Tree Planting Demonstration (Tree Education & Giveaway Series)

    Sat, Oct 24, 2026 · 10-11:30 a.m. · Aztec Park, 7945 Morocco Dr

    Price: FREE (per city page) · Organizer page

    Family

  10. Trunk or Treat Lakeside Rodeo

    Sat, Oct 24, 2026 · 5:30-7:30 p.m. · Lakeside Rodeo grounds implied by title; venue not stated on listing (rodeo address 12584 Mapleview St)

    Price: Not stated · Organizer page

    Family

  11. Haunted Chess Tournament: Youth Ages 8-17

    Tue, Oct 27, 2026 · 4-6:30 p.m. · El Cajon Library (Community Room), 201 E Douglas Ave

    Price: Free registration stated as "This registration is f…" (truncated); See event site · Organizer page

  12. All Ages Storytime with Hooray Miss Marae (spooky storytime)

    Thu, Oct 29, 2026 · 10:30-11:30 a.m. · La Mesa Library (Kids Area), 8074 Allison Ave

    Price: See event site · Organizer page

    Family

  13. America 250 Mosaic Mural Ceremony

    Thu, Oct 29, 2026 · 5 p.m. (header) / 5-6 p.m. (description) · Mast Park, 9125 Carlton Hills Blvd

    Price: Not stated on page (light refreshments per page) · Organizer page

    Family

  14. Preschool Storytime: Halloween Theme

    Fri, Oct 30, 2026 · 10:30-11:30 a.m. · Santee Library, 9225 Carlton Hills Blvd #17

    Price: See event site · Organizer page

    Family

  15. Fishing 101 (ranger-led class)

    Sat, Oct 31, 2026 · 9-10:30 a.m. · Santee Lakes, outside the General Store, 9310 Fanita Pkwy

    Price: See event site (sign-up link; fishing permit and bait sold at General Store) · Organizer page

    Family

  16. Halloween Water District Wave-In Day

    Sat, Oct 31, 2026 · 9 a.m.-4 p.m. · The Water Conservation Garden, 12122 Cuyamaca College Dr W

    Price: Complimentary admission for ratepayers/employees of Otay Water, Helix Water, Sweetwater Authority and Grossmont-Cuyamaca College students/employees (per organizer); others See event site · Organizer page

    Family

  17. Trick-or-Treating in La Mesa Village (8th annual)

    Sat, Oct 31, 2026 · 4-6 p.m. · Downtown La Mesa along La Mesa Blvd, Grant Ave to Acacia Ave

    Price: FREE (per organizer) · Organizer page

    Family

November 2026

  1. Santee Lakes Explorer BINGO (park challenge)

    Nov 1 to Dec 31, 2026 · Park hours · Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve, 9310 Fanita Pkwy

    Price: BINGO (one line) = free park entry (per organizer) · Organizer page

    Family

  2. Kamishibai Storytime (Nov)

    Thu, Nov 5, 2026 · 10:30-11:00 a.m. · Lakeside Library (Kids Area), 12428 Woodside Ave

    Price: See event site · Organizer page

    Family

  3. Puzzle Swap and Build (Alpine)

    Sat, Nov 7, 2026 · 11 a.m.-noon · Alpine Library, 1752 Alpine Blvd

    Price: See event site · Organizer page

    Family

  4. Clothing and Toy Swap

    Sun, Nov 8, 2026 · 10 a.m.-1 p.m. · La Mesa Library, 8074 Allison Ave

    Price: FREE (per city page) · Organizer page

    Family

  5. Comic Book Drawing with Little Fish Comic Book Studio

    Tue, Nov 10, 2026 · 3:30-4:30 p.m. · Alpine Library, 1752 Alpine Blvd

    Price: See event site · Organizer page

  6. Free Friday at the Garden

    Fri, Nov 13, 2026 · Not stated for this event (Garden Fridays 9 a.m.-4 p.m. per organizer) · The Water Conservation Garden, 12122 Cuyamaca College Dr W

    Price: Free Friday (organizer states only "Free Friday at the Garden"; terms not stated) · Organizer page

    Family

  7. Fishing 101 (ranger-led class)

    Sat, Nov 14, 2026 · 9-10:30 a.m. · Santee Lakes, outside the General Store, 9310 Fanita Pkwy

    Price: See event site (sign-up link; fishing permit and bait sold at General Store) · Organizer page

    Family

  8. Storytime with a Ballerina (Nutcracker performance)

    Tue, Nov 17, 2026 · 5:45 p.m. photo with dancers; 6 p.m. storytime and ballet · Santee Library, 9225 Carlton Hills Blvd #17

    Price: See event site · Organizer page

    Family

  9. DiNovember Storytime

    Wed, Nov 18, 2026 · 10:30-11:30 a.m. · Alpine Library, 1752 Alpine Blvd

    Price: See event site · Organizer page

    Family

  10. Globe for All Tour: Macbeth (Old Globe)

    Thu, Nov 19, 2026 · 1-2:30 p.m. · El Cajon Library (Reference Area), 201 E Douglas Ave

    Price: See event site · Organizer page

    Family

  11. Santee Holiday Lighting

    Fri, Nov 20, 2026 · 5:30 p.m.; tree lighting 6:15 p.m. · Santee Trolley Square, 9884 Mission Gorge Rd

    Price: Free (per city page) · Organizer page

    Family

  12. Trout Opener (Lake Jennings)

    Nov 20 to Nov 22, 2026 · Fri 6 a.m.-5 p.m. per Chamber listing; see event site · Lake Jennings, 9535 Harritt Rd

    Price: $13 listed on organizer events page · Organizer page

    Family

  13. Bag O' Books Sale (Nov)

    Sat, Nov 21, 2026 · 10 a.m.-2 p.m. · El Cajon Library, Friends of the Library Bookstore, 201 E Douglas Ave

    Price: Fill a bag for a set price (amount truncated on listing); See event site · Organizer page

    Family

  14. Feast and Fish (Lake Jennings)

    Nov 23 to Nov 25, 2026 · 8 a.m.-5 p.m. daily per Chamber listing · Lake Jennings, 9535 Harritt Rd

    Price: $12 listed on organizer events page · Organizer page

    Family

  15. Fishing 101 (ranger-led class)

    Sat, Nov 28, 2026 · 9-10:30 a.m. · Santee Lakes, outside the General Store, 9310 Fanita Pkwy

    Price: See event site (sign-up link; fishing permit and bait sold at General Store) · Organizer page

    Family

  16. Lion's Club Pancake Breakfast

    Sat, Nov 28, 2026 · 8-10:30 a.m. · Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve, 9310 Fanita Pkwy (campground events listing)

    Price: See event site · Organizer page

    Family

  17. Small Business Saturday Craft Fair

    Sat, Nov 28, 2026 · 9 a.m.-1 p.m. · The Water Conservation Garden, 12122 Cuyamaca College Dr W

    Price: Free Event (per organizer) · Organizer page

    Family

  18. Holiday Storefront Decorating Contest (online voting)

    Nov 30 to Dec 13, 2026 · Online voting · Downtown La Mesa storefronts

    Price: See event site · Organizer page

    Family

December 2026

  1. Selfies With Santa

    Wed, Dec 2, 2026 · 4 p.m. · Santee Trolley Square, 9884 Mission Gorge Rd

    Price: Free (per city page) · Organizer page

    Family

  2. Kamishibai Storytime (Dec)

    Thu, Dec 3, 2026 · 10:30-11:00 a.m. · Lakeside Library (Kids Area), 12428 Woodside Ave

    Price: See event site · Organizer page

    Family

  3. Spirit of Christmas (28th annual)

    Sat, Dec 5, 2026 · 3-7:30 p.m.; tree lighting and Santa arrival 5 p.m. · Maine Avenue, Lakeside

    Price: ADMISSION IS FREE TO EVERYONE (per organizer) · Organizer page

    Family

  4. Sustainable Saturday: Clothing and Toy Swap

    Sat, Dec 5, 2026 · 10 a.m.-1 p.m. · La Mesa Library (Kids Area), 8074 Allison Ave

    Price: See event site · Organizer page

    Family

  5. Holiday Lights in Downtown El Cajon

    Sun, Dec 6, 2026 · 3-7 p.m. · Prescott Promenade, 200 E Main St

    Price: Free (per organizer) · Organizer page

    Family

  6. Winterfest (Alpine Library)

    Tue, Dec 8, 2026 · 4-5 p.m. · Alpine Library, 1752 Alpine Blvd

    Price: See event site · Organizer page

    Family

  7. Sugar Plum Fairy Ballerina Storytime

    Thu, Dec 10, 2026 · 10:30-11:30 a.m. · Lakeside Library, 12428 Woodside Ave

    Price: See event site · Organizer page

    Family

  8. Free Friday at the Garden

    Fri, Dec 11, 2026 · Not stated for this event (Garden Fridays 9 a.m.-4 p.m. per organizer) · The Water Conservation Garden, 12122 Cuyamaca College Dr W

    Price: Free Friday (organizer states only "Free Friday at the Garden"; terms not stated) · Organizer page

    Family

  9. Fishing 101 (ranger-led class)

    Sat, Dec 12, 2026 · 9-10:30 a.m. · Santee Lakes, outside the General Store, 9310 Fanita Pkwy

    Price: See event site (sign-up link; fishing permit and bait sold at General Store) · Organizer page

    Family

  10. Holiday in the Village (11th annual)

    Sat, Dec 12, 2026 · 12-9 p.m. · La Mesa Blvd between Spring St and 4th St

    Price: Free, family friendly (per organizer); vendor items for kids ages 10 and under $5 or less at participating vendors · Organizer page

    Family

  11. Water Lantern Festival – Holiday Edition (Dec 12)

    Sat, Dec 12, 2026 · 2-7 p.m.; lantern launch 7 p.m. · Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve, 9310 Fanita Pkwy

    Price: Ticket required; price See event site · Organizer page

    Family

  12. Water Lantern Festival – Holiday Edition (Dec 13)

    Sun, Dec 13, 2026 · 2-7 p.m. · Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve, 9310 Fanita Pkwy

    Price: Ticket required; price See event site · Organizer page

    Family

  13. Photos with Santa

    Tue, Dec 15, 2026 · 5-6:30 p.m. · El Cajon Library (Community Room), 201 E Douglas Ave

    Price: See event site · Organizer page

    Family

  14. Holiday Light Stroll

    Wed, Dec 16, 2026 · 5 p.m. check-in with cider and cookies; stroll begins 5:30 p.m. · La Mesita Park, 8855 Dallas St

    Price: Free (per city page) · Organizer page

    Family

  15. Miss Marae and the Jingle Jangle Journey

    Wed, Dec 16, 2026 · 10:30-11:30 a.m. · Alpine Library, 1752 Alpine Blvd

    Price: See event site · Organizer page

    Family

  16. Fishing 101 (ranger-led class)

    Sat, Dec 26, 2026 · 9 a.m.-10:30 a.m. (page prints "10:30 pm", treated as typo, see NOTES) · Santee Lakes, outside the General Store, 9310 Fanita Pkwy

    Price: See event site (sign-up link; fishing permit and bait sold at General Store) · Organizer page

    Family

  17. Water District Wave-In Day

    Sat, Dec 26, 2026 · 9 a.m.-4 p.m. · The Water Conservation Garden, 12122 Cuyamaca College Dr W

    Price: Complimentary admission for ratepayers/employees of Otay Water, Helix Water, Sweetwater Authority and Grossmont-Cuyamaca College students/employees (per organizer); others See event site · Organizer page

    Family

January 2027

  1. Free Friday at the Garden

    Fri, Jan 8, 2027 · Not stated for this event (Garden Fridays 9 a.m.-4 p.m. per organizer) · The Water Conservation Garden, 12122 Cuyamaca College Dr W

    Price: Free Friday (organizer states only "Free Friday at the Garden"; terms not stated) · Organizer page

    Family

  2. Fishing 101 (ranger-led class)

    Sat, Jan 9, 2027 · 9-10:30 a.m. · Santee Lakes, outside the General Store, 9310 Fanita Pkwy

    Price: See event site (sign-up link; fishing permit and bait sold at General Store) · Organizer page

    Family

  3. Pajama Storytime (Alpine)

    Wed, Jan 13, 2027 · 10:30-11:30 a.m. · Alpine Library, 1752 Alpine Blvd

    Price: See event site · Organizer page

    Family

  4. Fishing 101 (ranger-led class)

    Sat, Jan 23, 2027 · 9-10:30 a.m. · Santee Lakes, outside the General Store, 9310 Fanita Pkwy

    Price: See event site (sign-up link; fishing permit and bait sold at General Store) · Organizer page

    Family

  5. Water District Wave-In Day

    Sat, Jan 23, 2027 · 9 a.m.-4 p.m. · The Water Conservation Garden, 12122 Cuyamaca College Dr W

    Price: Complimentary admission for ratepayers/employees of Otay Water, Helix Water, Sweetwater Authority and Grossmont-Cuyamaca College students/employees (per organizer); others See event site · Organizer page

    Family

  6. Sustainable Saturday: Clothing Swap

    Sat, Jan 30, 2027 · 10 a.m.-1 p.m. · La Mesa Library (Kids Area), 8074 Allison Ave

    Price: See event site · Organizer page

    Family

  7. Water District Wave-In Day

    Sat, Jan 30, 2027 · 9 a.m.-4 p.m. · The Water Conservation Garden, 12122 Cuyamaca College Dr W

    Price: Complimentary admission for ratepayers/employees of Otay Water, Helix Water, Sweetwater Authority and Grossmont-Cuyamaca College students/employees (per organizer); others See event site · Organizer page

    Family

February 2027

  1. Free Friday at the Garden

    Fri, Feb 12, 2027 · Not stated for this event (Garden Fridays 9 a.m.-4 p.m. per organizer) · The Water Conservation Garden, 12122 Cuyamaca College Dr W

    Price: Free Friday (organizer states only "Free Friday at the Garden"; terms not stated) · Organizer page

    Family

  2. Water District Wave-In Day

    Sat, Feb 27, 2027 · 9 a.m.-4 p.m. · The Water Conservation Garden, 12122 Cuyamaca College Dr W

    Price: Complimentary admission for ratepayers/employees of Otay Water, Helix Water, Sweetwater Authority and Grossmont-Cuyamaca College students/employees (per organizer); others See event site · Organizer page

    Family

March 2027

  1. Tomatomania

    Mar 5 to Mar 6, 2027 · Not confirmed · The Water Conservation Garden, 12122 Cuyamaca College Dr W (venue not stated on event page; footer address)

    Price: Not confirmed · Organizer page

    Family

  2. Health & Wellness Fair (1st annual)

    Sat, Mar 6, 2027 · Not confirmed (time not posted) · Downtown La Mesa

    Price: Free community event (per organizer) · Organizer page

    Family

  3. Free Friday at the Garden

    Fri, Mar 12, 2027 · Not stated for this event (Garden Fridays 9 a.m.-4 p.m. per organizer) · The Water Conservation Garden, 12122 Cuyamaca College Dr W

    Price: Free Friday (organizer states only "Free Friday at the Garden"; terms not stated) · Organizer page

    Family

  4. The Lost Leprachaun (page spelling)

    Mar 20 to Mar 27, 2027 · Not confirmed · The Water Conservation Garden, 12122 Cuyamaca College Dr W (venue not stated on event page; footer address)

    Price: Not confirmed · Organizer page

    Family

  5. Sustainable Saturday: Prom Clothing Swap

    Sat, Mar 27, 2027 · 10 a.m.-1 p.m. · La Mesa Library (Kids Area), 8074 Allison Ave

    Price: See event site · Organizer page

  6. Water District Wave-In Day

    Sat, Mar 27, 2027 · 9 a.m.-4 p.m. · The Water Conservation Garden, 12122 Cuyamaca College Dr W

    Price: Complimentary admission for ratepayers/employees of Otay Water, Helix Water, Sweetwater Authority and Grossmont-Cuyamaca College students/employees (per organizer); others See event site · Organizer page

    Family

April 2027

  1. Free Friday at the Garden

    Fri, Apr 9, 2027 · Not stated for this event (Garden Fridays 9 a.m.-4 p.m. per organizer) · The Water Conservation Garden, 12122 Cuyamaca College Dr W

    Price: Free Friday (organizer states only "Free Friday at the Garden"; terms not stated) · Organizer page

    Family

  2. Water District Wave-In Day

    Sat, Apr 24, 2027 · 9 a.m.-4 p.m. · The Water Conservation Garden, 12122 Cuyamaca College Dr W

    Price: Complimentary admission for ratepayers/employees of Otay Water, Helix Water, Sweetwater Authority and Grossmont-Cuyamaca College students/employees (per organizer); others See event site · Organizer page

    Family

May 2027

  1. Free Friday at the Garden

    Fri, May 14, 2027 · Not stated for this event (Garden Fridays 9 a.m.-4 p.m. per organizer) · The Water Conservation Garden, 12122 Cuyamaca College Dr W

    Price: Free Friday (organizer states only "Free Friday at the Garden"; terms not stated) · Organizer page

    Family

  2. Water District Wave-In Day

    Sat, May 22, 2027 · 9 a.m.-4 p.m. · The Water Conservation Garden, 12122 Cuyamaca College Dr W

    Price: Complimentary admission for ratepayers/employees of Otay Water, Helix Water, Sweetwater Authority and Grossmont-Cuyamaca College students/employees (per organizer); others See event site · Organizer page

    Family

  3. Water District Wave-In Day

    Sat, May 29, 2027 · 9 a.m.-4 p.m. · The Water Conservation Garden, 12122 Cuyamaca College Dr W

    Price: Complimentary admission for ratepayers/employees of Otay Water, Helix Water, Sweetwater Authority and Grossmont-Cuyamaca College students/employees (per organizer); others See event site · Organizer page

    Family

June 2027

  1. Free Friday at the Garden

    Fri, Jun 11, 2027 · Not stated for this event (Garden Fridays 9 a.m.-4 p.m. per organizer) · The Water Conservation Garden, 12122 Cuyamaca College Dr W

    Price: Free Friday (organizer states only "Free Friday at the Garden"; terms not stated) · Organizer page

    Family

  2. Water District Wave-In Day

    Sat, Jun 26, 2027 · 9 a.m.-4 p.m. · The Water Conservation Garden, 12122 Cuyamaca College Dr W

    Price: Complimentary admission for ratepayers/employees of Otay Water, Helix Water, Sweetwater Authority and Grossmont-Cuyamaca College students/employees (per organizer); others See event site · Organizer page

    Family

July 2027

  1. Free Friday at the Garden

    Fri, Jul 9, 2027 · Not stated for this event (Garden Fridays 9 a.m.-4 p.m. per organizer) · The Water Conservation Garden, 12122 Cuyamaca College Dr W

    Price: Free Friday (organizer states only "Free Friday at the Garden"; terms not stated) · Organizer page

    Family

  2. Water District Wave-In Day

    Sat, Jul 24, 2027 · 9 a.m.-4 p.m. · The Water Conservation Garden, 12122 Cuyamaca College Dr W

    Price: Complimentary admission for ratepayers/employees of Otay Water, Helix Water, Sweetwater Authority and Grossmont-Cuyamaca College students/employees (per organizer); others See event site · Organizer page

    Family

August 2027

  1. Free Friday at the Garden

    Fri, Aug 13, 2027 · Not stated for this event (Garden Fridays 9 a.m.-4 p.m. per organizer) · The Water Conservation Garden, 12122 Cuyamaca College Dr W

    Price: Free Friday (organizer states only "Free Friday at the Garden"; terms not stated) · Organizer page

    Family

  2. Water District Wave-In Day

    Sat, Aug 28, 2027 · 9 a.m.-4 p.m. · The Water Conservation Garden, 12122 Cuyamaca College Dr W

    Price: Complimentary admission for ratepayers/employees of Otay Water, Helix Water, Sweetwater Authority and Grossmont-Cuyamaca College students/employees (per organizer); others See event site · Organizer page

    Family

September 2027

  1. Free Friday at the Garden

    Fri, Sep 10, 2027 · Not stated for this event (Garden Fridays 9 a.m.-4 p.m. per organizer) · The Water Conservation Garden, 12122 Cuyamaca College Dr W

    Price: Free Friday (organizer states only "Free Friday at the Garden"; terms not stated) · Organizer page

    Family

  2. Water District Wave-In Day

    Sat, Sep 25, 2027 · 9 a.m.-4 p.m. · The Water Conservation Garden, 12122 Cuyamaca College Dr W

    Price: Complimentary admission for ratepayers/employees of Otay Water, Helix Water, Sweetwater Authority and Grossmont-Cuyamaca College students/employees (per organizer); others See event site · Organizer page

    Family

October 2027

  1. Free Friday at the Garden

    Fri, Oct 8, 2027 · Not stated for this event (Garden Fridays 9 a.m.-4 p.m. per organizer) · The Water Conservation Garden, 12122 Cuyamaca College Dr W

    Price: Free Friday (organizer states only "Free Friday at the Garden"; terms not stated) · Organizer page

    Family

  2. Water District Wave-In Day

    Sat, Oct 23, 2027 · 9 a.m.-4 p.m. · The Water Conservation Garden, 12122 Cuyamaca College Dr W

    Price: Complimentary admission for ratepayers/employees of Otay Water, Helix Water, Sweetwater Authority and Grossmont-Cuyamaca College students/employees (per organizer); others See event site · Organizer page

    Family

What We Could Not Verify

  • Conflict: the Downtown El Cajon Holiday Lights tree lighting on December 6, 2026 is 6:15 p.m. on the organizer’s calendar and 6:30 p.m. on its event page. Both are on the organizer’s own site.
  • Date to confirm: the Santee Lakes Water Lantern Festival Holiday Edition, December 12 and 13, 2026. The calendar lists those dates, but both event pages carry a byline dated October 30, 2025. The ticket price is not confirmed.
  • Typo treated as a correction: Santee Lakes Fishing 101 on December 26, 2026 prints “9:00 am – 10:30 pm.” We read it as 10:30 a.m., like the other dates.
  • La Mesa Village Farmers Market: the city calendar says 3 to 7 p.m. through April 30, 2027 and lists no later dates; the Village Association says October to April 3 to 7 p.m. and May to September 3 to 7:30 p.m. with no season end. We show the whole window. Closures per the Village page: November 27 and December 25, 2026 and January 1, 2027.
  • Garden dates: Wave-In Day appears on both January 23 and January 30, 2027 as separate listings, and we keep both. Some Free Friday listings say the schedule is to be announced. Tomatomania, The Lost Leprachaun (spelled that way on the page) and the Health and Wellness Fair give dates but no hours.
  • Prices not confirmed: the $13 Trout Opener and $12 Feast and Fish numbers at Lake Jennings show no label on the organizer page. Whether the Santee Lakes Spooktacular charges the $10 special-event parking, and whether Free Friday is free for everyone, are not confirmed.
  • Venue and organizer not confirmed: the Lakeside Little League and Rodeo trick-or-treat rows come from the Lakeside Chamber calendar only. Santee Lakes’ “Ladies at the Lake Fall Market” shows a banner and no date, so it is not listed.
  • Lake Jennings Kids Fish Free runs October 1 to 31 on the organizer page; our row starts October 23, the first day of our window.
  • No 2027 date posted on an organizer page, so not listed: Cajon Cruise, Music on Main and the Alley Cat Art Fest (2026 only); the La Mesa Classic Car Show, Holiday in the Village 2027 and Trick-or-Treating 2027; Lakeside Touch-a-Truck (the page says see you in 2027), Western Days Parade, Rodeo and Spirit of Christmas 2027; Santee summer concerts and Holiday Lighting 2027.
  • Not read: the El Cajon Mother Goose Parade (no organizer page was reachable, and a news lead that the city aimed to revive it is not confirmed), the La Mesa Flower Show (not on the city or Village Association pages), and the Heritage of the Americas Museum Halloween Costume Contest, Maize Exhibition and “Open Doors, Open Minds” event (no dates on their pages).
  • Blocked or unreachable, so nothing is listed from them: the City of El Cajon, the Olaf Wieghorst Museum, and several chamber and arts sites. Three web addresses redirected to unrelated sites and were not used; the Alpine chamber, the Alpine community center and the Mother Goose Parade have no organizer page here.
  • Weekly library programs (storytimes, Lego clubs, chess clubs, homework help) are real but too many to list by date. See the County library calendar.
  • Left out as alcohol-centered or adult-oriented: La Mesa Oktoberfest, Santee Brews and Bites, Taste of La Mesa Village, the Garden’s Wags and Wine evenings, a museum evening fundraiser, adult classes, council and board meetings, blood drives and 55+ programs. Also left out: camper-only events, New Moon Fishing at Lake Jennings (kid-friendliness not stated), volunteer-only sign-ups and a La Mesa birthday listing with no description.

Places to Visit in East County

City Reservoir for Fishing

Lake Murray

City of San Diego lake with a La Mesa address. Closed 2nd Tuesdays.

City Regional Park

Harry Griffen Regional Park

La Mesa park with trails and an amphitheatre. Most trails closed to Nov 20.

Railroad Museum

La Mesa Depot Museum

Free railroad museum with a train on display. Tue and Thu noon to 3.

Library

La Mesa Library

Free county library. Open seven days.

Historic House Museum

Knox House Museum

Free historic house in El Cajon, open two Saturdays a month. Call ahead.

City Park

Wells Park

Free city park in El Cajon with a big playground and a walking path.

Library

El Cajon Library

Free county library. Open seven days.

Library

Fletcher Hills Library

Free county library. Closed Sundays and Mondays.

Garden and Education Center

The Water Conservation Garden

Nearly six acres of water-wise gardens. Free Friday is the 2nd Friday.

Museum

Heritage of The Americas Museum

Natural history, archaeology and art. Youth 17 and under free.

Library

Lemon Grove Library

Free county library. Closed Sundays.

City Parks

Lemon Grove City Parks

Six city parks. Details are thin on the city pages.

County Park

Spring Valley County Park

Two playgrounds and a pavilion, open sunrise to sunset.

Library

Casa de Oro Library

Free county library. Spring Valley address, closed Sundays.

Lakes and Playgrounds

Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve

Seven playgrounds, fishing and pedal boats. Parking $4 weekdays.

Visitor Center and Park

Mission Trails Regional Park Visitor Center

City of San Diego park with 60 miles of trails. Open daily 9 to 5.

River Trail

Walker Preserve

Flat riverside trail between Santee and Lakeside, about 1 mile.

Lake and Campground

Lake Jennings

Helix Water District lake. Day use $6 per adult. No swimming.

City Reservoir for Fishing

El Capitan Reservoir

City of San Diego reservoir. Cash or check only. Ramp closed.

City Reservoir for Fishing

San Vicente Reservoir

City of San Diego reservoir. Closed 2nd Fridays, Tue and Wed.

Hiking Preserve

El Capitan County Preserve

Strenuous 11-mile ridge trails. Closed every August for heat.

County Park and Lake

Lindo Lake County Park

Playground, skate park and butterfly garden. West basin work planned.

County Park and Trails

Louis A. Stelzer County Park

420 acres of oaks and short trails. Parking $5, opens 9:30.

State Wildlife Area

Hollenbeck Canyon Wildlife Area

About 6,100 acres near Jamul. Hunting is allowed here.

Library

Santee Library

Free county library. Weekly kids programs; closed Sundays.

Library

Lakeside Library

Free county library. Closed Sundays.

Library

Alpine Library

Free county library. Closed Sundays and Mondays.

National Forest Picnic Site

Pioneer Mail Picnic Site

Laguna Mountains picnic site. $5 per vehicle. Fire danger High.

National Forest Picnic Site

Desert View Picnic Site

Easy Laguna Mountains picnic stop off I-8. Fire rules conflict.

FAQ

Why are there no El Cajon city events?

The City of El Cajon’s site returned an access error for every page we tried, so we list nothing from its calendar. Check the city’s own site.

What time is the El Cajon tree lighting on December 6?

The organizer’s calendar says 6:15 p.m. and its event page says 6:30 p.m. We show both and flag the difference below.

Where are the 2027 festival and parade dates?

The organizers had not posted them when we read their pages on October 23, 2026. They are named below and will be added when posted.

Sources

  1. Santee Lakes: Events
  2. Lake Jennings: Events
  3. City of La Mesa: Calendar
  4. La Mesa Village Association
  5. City of Santee: Calendar
  6. Lakeside Chamber of Commerce: Events
  7. The Water Conservation Garden
  8. Downtown El Cajon Business Partners: Events
  9. San Diego County Library: Events
  10. Heritage of the Americas Museum

Checked October 23, 2026 by It’s San Diego. Cite this page: It’s San Diego (itssandiego.com), checked October 23, 2026. Free to quote with a link to this page; tables are licensed CC BY 4.0.