Events in La Mesa, CA

A beloved midweek tradition in Downtown El Cajon rolls back with a vibrant showcase of classic and contemporary cars. Activity fills Main Street and the Prescott Promenade, where live music, tasty food, and a friendly neighborhood vibe unfold beneath El Cajon’s neon glow. It is all about admiring standout vehicles and connecting with a welcoming community of enthusiasts.

A leading live music series returns to Downtown El Cajon with a weekly celebration of performances, food, and community spirit. Presented by the Downtown El Cajon Association, Music on Main brings talented local bands and musicians to Prescott Promenade. Attendees can arrive early to enjoy nearby dining and drinks, then settle in for an evening of great music and friendly company.

Good Mojo Band performs live at the family friendly Downtown Cafe in El Cajon, pairing live music with opportunities to dance.

New anglers and anyone looking for a refresher on catching fish at Santee Lakes can take part in a ranger-led class held just outside the General Store. Bring a rod, a fishing permit, and bait, with permits and bait available in the General Store. The session is for participants older than 5, and children under 8 must be accompanied by an adult. Capacity is limited to 10 participants. Sign up in the office or by calling 619-596-3141.

Kahoots Grossmont is hosting a convenient vet clinic focused on preventive care at affordable prices. Most services are available on a walk-in basis, so no appointment is needed except for teeth cleaning. Teeth cleaning for dogs and cats requires scheduling through the local store. The clinic is offered in partnership with Advanced Pet Service, with veterinarians and technicians visiting the store to provide care. Available services include individual vaccinations and packages, testing, microchipping, and nail trimming, making it easy to keep pets healthy without the high cost.

This annual outdoor event offers a relaxed experience with convenient free parking. The shopping center provides plenty of food options to enjoy. Bring a folding chair for comfortable seating.

San Diego jazz favorite Sacha Boutros, a vocalist, composer, and producer, returns from Paris for a brief visit and takes the stage at The Jazz Lounge for a glamorous night filled with romance and timeless classics. She shares a preview of her upcoming album, Americana, spotlighting the hopeful and loving songs that connected people around the world during World War II. Presented as a Freedom 250 celebration of the United States’ 250th anniversary, the program features her signature elegance, storytelling, humor, and international flair. Pianist Josh Nelson joins for this intimate club experience. Expect candlelight, cocktails, and late night jazz vibes, with two performances planned.

Responding to strong demand and building on twelve years of success, a signature Florida community festival is coming to San Diego for the first time in 14 years. The Annual Brazilian Festival will be held in the city, bringing its longstanding tradition closer to local hearts.

This event focuses on the early decision of how to feed a newborn and recognizes that sorting through the options can feel overwhelming. It emphasizes that every family is different and that the best approach is the one that keeps your baby well nourished while also supporting your physical and mental health. Breastfeeding, formula feeding, or a combination are all valid choices, with reassurance that your decision is supported as you consider what works for you and your baby.

Hot 4 Teacher, a Van Halen tribute act, brings the David Lee Roth era to life at Full Circle Saloon. The performance features many of the band’s classic hits, creating a lively setting for dancing and drinks. A five dollar cover is collected at the door.

Hosted by the Santee Chamber of Commerce at Santee Coffee Corner, this Morning Buzz meetup brings people together for coffee and conversation in a relaxed setting. Mingle with local professionals, business owners, and neighbors while getting a feel for what the Chamber offers the community. There is no cost to attend, and everyone is welcome, whether you are a member or not.

At Petco in Santee, this adoption event and donation drive highlights rescue dogs and the team behind their care. Visitors can meet adoptable dogs and connect with Senior Dog Ambassador Mikki, along with Jessica Garcia, Operations Manager, and Cameron Bjornsson, Kennel Assistant. Activities include chances to win gift baskets, opportunities to donate items such as food and enrichment chews, and ways to support Baguette’s medical journey. Information about the rescue and its adoptable dogs will be available. Specific dog attendees will be shared closer to the event and may change.

A new East County Support Group is gathering in La Mesa at SD Oasis in the Ray & Rupert Room. Community members are welcome, and RSVP is requested.

At Harry Griffen park, the Barony of Calafia celebrates the traditions of Leif Artemas Erickson, blending beloved Leif and Artemas customs and recalling the legacy of the former Colleges of Calafia, including the one named for Saint Artemas. The day includes an opening court and a closing court at the discretion of Their Excellencies, and the lists will close during the event. Activities include bead stringing for festoons, ice floes, and a mix of Viking and Artemas games. Wearing Artemas green and yellow garb is encouraged. Lunch details will be announced. Admission is $20 for adults, or $10 with the adult member discount, and youth under 18 are guests of the barony. Cash and checks will be accepted at the gate, with checks made out to SCA, Inc./Barony of Calafia. The site is dry, so alcoholic beverages are not permitted. Parking is limited, so consider carpooling. Event stewards are Muirenn ingen Donndubáin and Sárán mac Duinn.

Wind down the season at the Grossmont Center End of Summer Concert at Grossmont Center La Mesa. Enjoy a lively sendoff to summer with music and a cheerful atmosphere as the season comes to a close.

This month’s feature presentation is Anchorman (2004). The evening begins with a social hour as the day turns to night, then the film starts promptly. For updates on future events, visit the Conejo Gardens website and join the mailing list.

Blueprint Collective Home & Gift presents a hands-on sewing workshop where participants create a custom bag while building confidence with basic machine skills. Guided by Yvonne Apodaca, co-owner of Home Ec Studio, each person can choose to make a reversible tote measuring about 18 by 12 inches or a crossbody bag measuring about 11 by 9 inches. A selection of fabrics and trims will be available so every bag feels uniquely personal, and all supplies are included in the $85 fee. The class is limited to eight people to allow for individual attention. It is best suited to those who already have basic familiarity with a sewing machine or quick learners. Please bring a working machine; a small number of loaners can be reserved in advance. If a project is not finished during class, take-home instructions will be provided so it can be completed later. Light refreshments will be offered, and participants are welcome to bring their own snacks or beverages. Free onsite parking is available, with quick food options nearby, including pizza by the slice and an ice cream shop. Tickets are non-refundable, and cancellations made more than 72 hours in advance may receive store credit at the shop’s discretion. Purchasing a ticket grants permission for event photography and video for marketing purposes, with the option to opt out by contacting the organizer.

Santee Cars & Coffee gathers car enthusiasts and owners for a relaxed monthly meet at Coffee Corner, using the Pathways Center parking lot in front of the shop. Vehicles of any year, make, or model are invited, and motorcycles are welcome. Hosted by The Mopar Club San Diego and organized by Sheri Hendrickson, the focus is on creating a friendly place for the community to connect. Coffee Corner and Estrada’s Mexican food shop are in the same parking lot for convenience. Attendance is free, no tickets or advance registration are required, and vendors are not typically present. To keep the location available, attendees must follow Pathways Center rules, which include no alcohol or smoking of any kind, including vaping, and no burnouts. Be cautious of posts about registration or ticket sales from anyone other than Sheri.

The fourth annual Nsefu Wildlife Motorcycle Monkey Run combines a motorcycle ride with a celebratory after party at Full Circle Saloon, presented by Nsefu Wildlife Conservation Foundation.

An Adoption Event and Donation Drive at Petco in Santee offers a chance to meet adoptable dogs, greet Senior Dog Ambassador Mikki, and connect with Jessica Garcia, Operations Manager, and Cameron Bjornsson, Kennel Assistant. There will be a chance to win gift baskets, a donation area for supplies such as food and enrichment chews, and opportunities to contribute to Baguette’s medical journey. Guests can learn about the rescue and its adoptable dogs, which can also be viewed on Adopt-A-Pet. Names of participating dogs will be shared closer to the event, and the list of dog attendees may change.

Another 80's Night returns to Full Circle Saloon for a fun, nostalgia-filled evening celebrating the decade.

Celebrating ten years, the Ladies at the Lake Fall Market presents an expanded shopping experience with handcrafted pieces, boutique discoveries, distinctive products, sweet treats, and on-trend merchandise. The drinks lounge under the gazebo makes a return, featuring beverages from Bellabeveragecatering and Burley and the Bean. A lakeside photo spot will be set up to capture keepsake moments while exploring the market.

A dog adoption event focused on matching pets with loving families. It welcomes people looking to adopt a new companion as well as anyone who wants to support pet adoption by sharing details with friends and relatives. Spreading the word can help more dogs find a home.

CineArts Festival’s October Movie Night features Shaun of the Dead (2004). A social hour welcomes attendees as evening settles in, followed by the screening shortly after sunset. For updates on future events, visit the Conejo Gardens website and look for the mailing list sign-up.

The 2026 San Diego Walk for Apraxia brings families, friends, and professionals together at Town Center Community Park for a free community gathering that celebrates Apraxia Stars and raises awareness of childhood apraxia of speech. The event supports the programs of Apraxia Kids, with funds dedicated to education, community outreach, advocacy, and research. Registration is free, and individuals who fundraise can earn incentive prizes, with walkers who raise $50 receiving the official 2026 Walk for Apraxia t-shirt. Every Apraxia Star is recognized individually and receives a free t-shirt, medal, and certificate in honor of their hard work. Additional event details will be shared as the date approaches, and efforts are being made to ensure a safe, fun, and memorable experience for all teams and supporters. It is part of the largest apraxia awareness event in the country, offering a space where families feel understood and connected.

Embrace spooky season creativity with a Halloween themed paint night at BNS Brewing & Distilling Co. in Santee. Heart Art LLC leads a guided session so both first timers and experienced painters can follow along and complete a festive canvas to take home. Each ticket includes all supplies and instruction, a coupon for one drink, and a raffle entry for a chance to win a Halloween goodie basket. Open to all ages. Costumes are welcome, and the brewery setting offers a relaxed place to sip, socialize, and make art together.

Find practical guidance on getting ready for pediatric visits, making sense of vaccine schedules, and caring for your child as cognitive, physical, and nutritional needs change over time.