Events in National City, CA

A beloved midweek tradition returns to downtown El Cajon with Cajon Cruise, showcasing a lively mix of classic and modern vehicles. Main Street and the Prescott Promenade buzz with live music, tasty food, and a warm community atmosphere under the city’s neon glow. Come for the cars and enjoy the community spirit.

Enjoy an evening of live music and dancing at Downtown Cafe in El Cajon, a welcoming spot suitable for families. Look forward to a fun atmosphere with plenty of rhythms to keep everyone moving.

Music on Main is back in Downtown El Cajon as a weekly celebration of live performance, food, and community. Presented by the Downtown El Cajon Association at Prescott Promenade, the series spotlights bands and musicians from the local scene. Arriving early allows time to enjoy nearby dining and drinks before settling in for great music and friendly company.

Keep your pet healthy at a convenient veterinary clinic at KAHOOTS Grossmont. A visiting team from Advanced Pet Service provides affordable preventive care, including vaccinations, testing, microchipping, and nail trimming, with options for individual shots or bundled packages. Walk-ins are welcome for all services except teeth cleanings. Dental cleanings for dogs and cats require an appointment arranged through the store.

Part of the Sounds of Summer Concert Series, this annual outdoor event takes place at Grossmont Shopping Center. Parking is free and there are many dining options throughout the center. Attendees are encouraged to bring a folding chair for seating.

San Diego favorite Sacha Boutros, a jazz vocalist, composer, and producer, returns from Paris for an elegant night of live jazz, romance, and timeless classics at The Jazz Lounge in San Diego. She offers a preview of her upcoming album AMERICANA, celebrating the hopeful and loving music that connected the world during World War II. As part of the Freedom 250 commemoration of the United States 250th anniversary, the program highlights her elegance, storytelling, humor, and international flair, with pianist Josh Nelson. Two intimate performances are planned. The setting features cocktails, candlelight, and late-night jazz vibes, and guests are encouraged to dress elegantly.

This Lunch & Learn focuses on the early decision of how to feed a newborn and offers reassurance for anyone sorting through the choices. It highlights breastfeeding, formula, and mixed feeding, and encourages selecting the option that keeps your baby well nourished while also supporting your own physical and mental health. What works best can differ from one family to another, and this session affirms that all thoughtful approaches are valid.

A new East County Support Group is taking shape in La Mesa, creating a welcoming space for community members. The gathering is held at SD Oasis in the Ray & Rupert Room. It offers an opportunity to connect with others and share experiences in a supportive setting.

At Harry Griffen park, the Barony of Calafia celebrates the legacy of the former Colleges of Calafia, including the College of Saint Artemas, with a gathering that blends beloved Leif and Artemas traditions under the banner of Leif Artemas Erickson. The day unfolds with the site opening, an opening court at Their Excellencies' discretion, lists closing later, and a closing court before the event concludes and the site closes. Activities include bead stringing to make festoons, ice floes, and Viking and Artemas games. Attendees are encouraged to wear Artemas green and yellow garb. Lunch details will be announced. Adult Event Registration is $20 and the Adult Member Discount Event Registration is $10. Youth under 18 are guests of the barony. Cash and checks are accepted at the gate, and checks should be made payable to "SCA, Inc./Barony of Calafia". This is a dry site, so no alcoholic beverages are permitted. Parking is limited, which makes carpooling a good idea. Event stewards are Muirenn ingen Donndubáin and Sárán mac Duinn.

Summer may be winding down, but the celebration continues with a concert at Grossmont Center La Mesa. This end-of-summer gathering offers a musical sendoff to the season.

At Blueprint Collective Home & Gift, this hands-on sewing workshop focuses on creating a custom bag while building confidence at the machine. Led by Yvonne Apodaca, co-owner of Home Ec Studio, participants choose to make either a reversible tote measuring about 18 by 12 inches or a crossbody bag around 11 by 9 inches. The $85 fee includes all supplies, and a variety of fabrics and trims will be available so each bag feels uniquely yours. This class suits those with basic machine sewing experience or quick learners. Prior experience helps ensure projects are completed during the session, and take-home instructions will be provided if extra time is needed. Please bring a working sewing machine, or request one of the limited loaner machines in advance through the shop. Enrollment is capped at eight people. Light refreshments are provided, and guests are welcome to bring a favorite beverage or snack. Free parking is available on site, and the plaza offers nearby options like D'Amato's Pizza and a Baskin Robbins. Tickets are available through the shop’s website. Sales are nonrefundable, though cancellations made more than 72 hours in advance may be eligible for store credit at the shop’s discretion. Event photos or video may be taken for marketing, and the shop can be contacted directly to opt out.

Howl-o-ween Hounds is a dog adoption event dedicated to connecting furry friends with loving homes. It welcomes anyone hoping to adopt a new companion as well as those who want to support a great cause. Taking place at Grossmont Center, this heartwarming gathering encourages the community to spread the word so more dogs can find the care and companionship they deserve.

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