Destination East County:  Late Summer Festivities

(San Diego’s East County) — Summer’s end fun includes Julian Mountain Brewfest,  a comedy show in La Mesa, Borrego Night Sky Tours’ Lunar Eclipse Spectacular, Julian’s Grape Stomp Festa, the Holy Smoke Deep Pit BBQ in Descanso,  Alley Cat Art Fest in El Cajon,  plus a night hike and stargazing at Oakoasis Park in Lakeside.

Cheers! Julian Mountain Brewfest August 22

The second annul Julian Mountain Brewfest will be held on August 22 from 12-4 p.m. at Nickel Beer Company, 1485 Hollow Glen Road in Julian.  Participants will have opportunities to taste beverages including locally brewed beer, mead, cider, and wine.

The $25 cost includes eight tastings of alcoholic beverages plus one non-alcoholic drink, a commemorative cup, and musical entertainment.

Get tickets and more information at https://visitjulian.com/julian-mountain-brewfest/.

Comedy show August 25 at Spacebar Café & Wine Bistro

Eight comics will entertain at the 4^th Friday Comedy Show on August 25 from 7:30 to 9 p.m. at the Spacebar Café and Wine Bistro, located at 7454 University Avenue in La Mesa.

There is no cover charge. A variety of food and beverages, including wine and beer, are available for purchase.  View menu at https://atspacebar.com/.

The participating comedians include Gene Levin, Pam Wardrip, Edna Nerona, Diana Puig, Mozdak Momen, Iris Neal, Alan Rios, and Elice Lin.

Borrego Night Sky Tours hosts Lunar Eclipse Spectacular on August 27

Astronomer and longtime syndicated Stargazers columnist Dennis Mammana will host a special Lunar Eclipse Spectacular on Thursday, Aug. 27, from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. in the Borrego Springs desert.

During the eclipse, approximately 93% of the moon’s diameter will pass through Earth’s dark central shadow. The full moon will gradually dim and take on a reddish appearance while the surrounding stars and Milky Way become more visible in the darkened sky.

Borrego Springs’ open desert landscape and limited city lighting make the area especially well suited for viewing nighttime events. The three-hour program will include guided explanations and telescope views of the eclipse, along with other celestial objects visible that evening.

Spaces are filling quickly. For program details and reservations, visit BorregoNightSkyTours.com.

Julian Grape Stomp Festa September 5

The 29^th annual Grape Stomp Festa invites you to kick off your shoes and cross grape stomping off your bucket list at the Menghini Winery in Julian on September 5 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.  The fun includes wine tasting, live entertainment, games, food, a kids’ area, and a Lucy look-alike contest.

Learn more here. Get Your Tickets Here.

89th annual “Holy Smoke” deep pit BBQ September 6

Our Lady of Light Parish in Descanso continues 89 years of tradition with its Holy Smoke Deep Pit BBQ on Sunday, September 6.

The event begins at 11 a.m. and includes slow-cooked BBQ beef and sides, homemade cobbler, live country and rock music featuring The Wish Band, door prizes, crafts, children’s games, and a $500 grand prize drawing.

From I-8, exit Highway 79 and head north, then turn left on Riverside Drive and proceed for a half mile to the church.

Alley Cat Art Fest Sept. 12

Get ready for a day filled with art, music, and creativity at Alley Cat Art Fest on Saturday, September 12, from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. This free, open-air festival brings together the best of Artivál and the beloved Alley Cat Art Walk for Downtown El Cajon’s biggest celebration of local arts and culture.

Spanning Main Street, Magnolia Avenue, Arts Alley, Prescott Promenade, and surrounding streets, the festival invites visitors to explore Downtown El Cajon’s colorful arts district while browsing more than 50 talented local artists showcasing paintings, sculptures, photography, jewelry, handcrafted goods, and more. Enjoy live music, delicious food and drinks, and creativity around every corner.

Wander through the iconic Arts Alley, where striking large-scale murals by local artists transform the streets into an open-air gallery and celebrate Downtown El Cajon’s rich public art scene. Whether you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind piece to take home, eager to support local artists, or simply searching for a fun day out with family and friends, Alley Cat Art Fest is the perfect place to experience East County’s thriving creative community. Even better, proceeds from the festival help restore Downtown El Cajon’s existing murals and support future public art, leaving a lasting impact long after the festival ends!

Night Hike and Stargazing at Oakoasis Park Sept. 12

Women in the Wild and the San Diego Astronomy Association invites you to enjoy stargazing and a night hike at Oakoasis County Preserve (12620 Wildcat Canyon Road in Lakeside).  The event takes place on September 12 from 6 to 9 p.m.

Bring a flashlight—preferably red or amber. Cloud cover may cancel this event; for updates call (858)699-8668.

For more information, visit sdparks.org/womeninthewild

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