Events in Santee, CA

Downtown El Cajon welcomes back its midweek tradition, a lively car showcase that brings together classic and modern vehicles. Main Street and Prescott Promenade fill with live music, good food, and a warm community atmosphere under the neon glow. It is a chance to admire automotive style and enjoy the neighborhood spirit.

One of El Cajon’s standout music series returns, now on Fridays. Presented by the Downtown El Cajon Association, Music on Main offers a weekly showcase of live performances, nearby dining and drinks, and a welcoming community atmosphere at Prescott Promenade. Talented local bands and musicians take the stage as Downtown comes alive, with plenty of options close by for a bite or refreshment. Enjoy the music and the neighborhood spirit that define this recurring celebration.

A night of music and dance awaits at the family friendly Downtown Cafe in El Cajon.

New anglers and those seeking a refresher on catching fish at Santee Lakes can take a beginner-friendly class led by a ranger. The group meets just outside the General Store. Participants should bring a rod, a fishing permit, and bait, and both permits and bait are available in the General Store. The class is intended for ages 5 and up, with children younger than 8 required to be accompanied by an adult. Capacity is limited to 10 participants. Register in person at the office or by calling 619-596-3141.

At KAHOOTS Grossmont, a veterinary clinic offers vaccinations, testing, microchipping, nail trims, and more at affordable prices to help keep pets healthy. Most services do not require an appointment. Teeth cleaning for dogs and cats does require scheduling through the local store. The clinic is presented in partnership with Advanced Pet Service, whose veterinarians and technicians visit the store to provide these services. Options include individual vaccines and packages so pet owners can choose what their animals need.

Part of the Sounds of Summer Concert Series, this annual outdoor event takes place at Grossmont Shopping Center. Attendees will find free parking and plenty of food options within the shopping center. Bringing a folding chair is recommended.

San Diego jazz vocalist, composer, and producer Sacha Boutros returns from Paris for a short visit to share an elegant evening at The Jazz Lounge in San Diego. Expect live jazz steeped in romance and enduring classics as she offers an early look at her upcoming album, Americana, highlighting hopeful, loving songs that brought people together during World War II. Part of Freedom 250 marking the 250th anniversary of the United States, the program showcases her storytelling, humor, and international flair. With pianist Josh Nelson, the music unfolds across two intimate sets in a candlelit setting with cocktails and late-night jazz vibes. Guests are encouraged to dress elegantly for the evening.

This event focuses on newborn feeding choices and recognizes that the many options can feel overwhelming. It underscores that every family is different, and the right approach is the one that keeps your baby well nourished while also supporting your own physical and mental health. Whether you plan to breastfeed, use formula, or combine the two, each path is affirmed as a valid choice.

Hot 4 Teacher brings a high-energy tribute to Van Halen to Full Circle Saloon, spotlighting favorites from the David Lee Roth era and the adrenaline of Jump. Expect a lively night of rock, dancing, and drinks as the band turns up the classic riffs and sing-along choruses. Admission is a $5 cover at the door.

Kick off the morning with the Santee Chamber of Commerce at Morning Buzz, a relaxed networking meetup hosted at Santee Coffee Corner. Enjoy coffee and connect with local professionals, entrepreneurs, and neighbors in a welcoming setting. There is no cost to attend, and membership is not required. RSVP on the Chamber website or on Facebook, or text 619.449.1515.

Enjoy a friendly Adoption Event & Donation Drive at Petco in Santee. Meet adoptable dogs, including Senior Dog Ambassador Mikki, and chat with team members Jessica Garcia, Operations Manager, and Cameron Bjornsson, Kennel Assistant. Take part in drawings for assorted gift baskets, bring donations such as food and enrichment chews, support fundraising for Baguette’s medical journey, and learn more about the rescue and its adoptable dogs. Dog names will be announced closer to the event, and the lineup may change. Adoptable dogs are also listed on Adopt-A-Pet.

A new support group for the East County community is taking place in La Mesa. It is held at SD Oasis in the Ray & Rupert Room. RSVP is requested.

Enjoy a camper-only team fishing derby after dark, focused on pairs competing together. On event dates, only Lake 6 and Lake 7 are open for night fishing and they will be freshly stocked. A staffed weigh-in station will be set up along the dirt access road between the two lakes to record catches. Each registered campsite receives two complimentary participant wristbands at camper check-in. Guests may purchase additional team entries, up to three teams per site, at a cost of $30 per team. All anglers must be registered campers. Registration can be completed online or added to a reservation during booking. Prizes will be presented at the Lakeshore fire pit following the event, with coffee and donuts for participants. Awards will recognize derby results and there will also be raffle-style door prizes for everyone. All participants are entered in the raffle, and every fish brought to the scale adds an extra entry.

At Harry Griffen Park, the Barony of Calafia celebrates the legacy of the former Colleges of Calafia and the Saint Artemas tradition by uniting beloved Leif and Artemas customs in one gathering honoring Leif Artemas Erickson. Activities include bead stringing for festoons, playful ice floes, and a variety of Viking and Artemas games. Wearing Artemas green and yellow garb is encouraged. This is a dry site, so alcoholic beverages are not permitted. Parking is limited, and carpooling is recommended. Adult event registration is $20, with a $10 discounted rate for adult members. 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. Event stewards are Muirenn ingen Donndubáin and Sárán mac Duinn.

Enjoy a spirited end‑of‑summer sendoff that keeps the good times rolling as the season winds down. Even with the last days of summer approaching, the celebration continues with a warm, upbeat vibe.

Anchorman (2004) is the featured film this month. A social hour opens the evening as daylight fades, followed by a prompt start to the screening. For updates on future events, sign up through the Conejo Gardens mailing list.

Learn essential machine sewing skills while creating a custom bag at Blueprint Collective Home & Gift. Guided by Yvonne Apodaca, co-owner of Home Ec Studio, this small-group workshop invites participants to make either a reversible tote measuring about 18 by 12 inches or a crossbody bag measuring about 11 by 9 inches. All supplies are included in the $85 registration, and a selection of fabrics and trims will be available so each person can design a unique project. Enrollment is limited to 8 participants. This class is best for those with basic machine sewing knowledge or quick learners. Bringing a working sewing machine is recommended, and a limited number of loaner machines are available by reservation. If a project is not finished during the session, take-home instructions will be provided. Light refreshments will be served, and attendees are welcome to bring their own beverages or snacks. Free on-site parking is available, and the shop is in the same plaza as D'Amato's Pizza and next to a Baskin Robbins. Tickets are available on the shop’s website. Tickets are non-refundable; if cancellation is made more than 72 hours before the class, a store credit may be offered at the shop’s discretion. Photos and video may be taken for marketing purposes; to opt out, contact Blueprint directly.

Car enthusiasts and owners gather for a relaxed monthly meetup at Coffee Corner, hosted by The Mopar Club San Diego and organized by Sheri Hendrickson. Vehicles of any year, make, or model are invited, and motorcycles are welcome too. The aim is to create a friendly spot for the community to connect over their rides. Refreshments and food are available on-site from Coffee Corner and Estrada’s Mexican food shop. Please follow the venue guidelines. There is no alcohol or smoking of any kind, including vaping, and no burnouts, so the location can continue to host the event. Attendance is free, there is no registration or ticket sales, vendors are not typically present, and any posts about sign-ups from sources other than Sheri are not legitimate.

Returning for its fourth year, the Nsefu Wildlife Motorcycle Monkey Run brings a group ride together with a post-ride after party at Full Circle Saloon. Motorcycle enthusiasts can share the road, then gather to celebrate afterward in a social setting.

An adoption event and donation drive at Petco in Santee features meet and greets with adoptable dogs and Senior Dog Ambassador Mikki. Rescue team members Jessica Garcia, Operations Manager, and Cameron Bjornsson, Kennel Assistant, will be available to share information. Activities include chances to win gift baskets, collecting donations such as pet food and enrichment chews, and fundraising to support Baguette’s medical journey. Guests can learn more about the rescue and the dogs seeking homes. Dog attendee names will be announced closer to the event, and the lineup may change.

80's Night returns to Full Circle Saloon for another fun evening.

Celebrating ten years, Ladies at the Lake Fall Market brings a bigger than ever shopping experience with handmade creations, boutique selections, one of a kind items, desserts and other sweets, and on trend merchandise. The beverage lounge returns beneath the gazebo, hosted by @Bellabeveragecatering and @burleyandthebean. A lakeside photo spot will be available for memorable pictures.

Howl-o-ween Hounds is a dog adoption event at Grossmont Center focused on matching adoptable pups with loving families. Guests can meet dogs hoping for a forever home and discover ways to support the cause, even if they are not adopting. Sharing the word with friends and family helps connect more pets with the care they deserve.

The night spotlights the 2004 film Shaun of the Dead. A relaxed social hour begins as daylight fades, and the movie starts promptly afterward.

The 2026 San Diego Walk for Apraxia gathers the community at Town Center Community Park for a free event that honors Apraxia Stars and raises awareness of childhood apraxia of speech. Families, friends, and professionals come together to celebrate achievement, connect with one another, and support the programs of Apraxia Kids. Organizers emphasize a safe, enjoyable, and memorable experience for participants and their teams. Registration is free. Registered participants can work toward fundraising incentives, and walkers who raise $50 receive the official 2026 event t-shirt. All registered Apraxia Stars receive a complimentary shirt and medal, and each Star is recognized individually with a certificate. Funds raised help Apraxia Kids educate professionals and families, strengthen community engagement and outreach, and advance advocacy and research. The Walk for Apraxia is widely recognized as the nation’s largest awareness event dedicated to childhood apraxia of speech, helping more children find support as understanding grows.

Get into a festive mood with a Halloween-themed paint night at BNS Brewing & Distilling Co. Guided by Heart Art LLC, this creative evening welcomes both beginners and experienced painters. Admission includes all painting supplies and instruction, a drink coupon, and a raffle entry for a chance to win a Halloween goodie basket. Everyone takes home a finished canvas, and all ages are welcome. Costumes are encouraged for extra seasonal flair.

This lunch-and-learn for new parents focuses on practical preparation for pediatric appointments and making sense of vaccination schedules. It also offers guidance for supporting a child’s evolving cognitive, physical, and nutritional needs.