Community Corner
East County Nightlife: Celebrating Moms and Mexican Battles
Your Patch guide to East County nightlife, May 5-8.
If you told a Mexican solider in 1862 that in just 150 years, his army’s extraordinary defeat of French invaders would be honored by (mostly) Americans with cheap beer and taco specials, he’d probably laugh. He also might shoot you, being a funny-looking time traveler and all, but he’d definitely laugh and call you a some nasty things.
While most self-respecting East County bars will offer some form of Cinco de Mayo specials, a couple venues are highlighted below. And yes, it’s a bummer when any bar-friendly holiday falls on a Thursday, but at least you’ll have a few days to recover before taking out the woman who brought you into this world (and can just as easily take you out of it) for Mother’s Day.
In fact, there’s quite a few family-friendly events listed this weekend, which could be possible alternatives to braving the brunch stampede on Sunday. Either way, at least bring her , she desereves at least that!
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THURSDAY
CINCO DE MAYO AT “PEDRO’S PLAZA”
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Where/when: , 8330 La Mesa Blvd., La Mesa, Thursday
Why Go: Pete’s transforms into “Pedro’s Plaza” in honor of our neighbors south of the border, and will offer drink specials such as $2.50 bottles of Corona, Pacifico and Modelo Especial, $3 drafts and $9 pitchers of Dos XX, and $4.50 shots of Amate Tequila. Feliz Cinco de Mayo!
Price: No cover.
CLASSIC MOVIE NIGHT
Where/when: Casa de Oro Library, 9805 Campo Road, 5 p.m. Thursday
Why Go: Enjoy a classic film as it was originally intended to be viewed—on a big screen in front of a rapt audience. Thursday's film will be "Gunga Din," and popcorn and refreshments will be provided, plus trivia and prizes after the show.
Price: Free.
FRIDAY
CINCO DE MAYO AT FANNIE’S
Where/when: , 9143 Campo Road, Spring Valley, 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. Friday
Why Go: Although Fannie’s isn’t following Pete’s footsteps and changing its name for the occasion (although if it did, would it be Culo’s?), there will still be plenty of drink specials, plus beer pong, VIP seating, and DJ ANTWANIC spinning hip hop and old school all night long.
Price: No cover.
ZOMBIE PROM
Where/when: Monte Vista High School, 3230 Sweetwater Springs Blvd., Spring Valley, 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
Why Go: Not to be confused with the Disney’s new prom-themed movie, the Monarch Theater’s spring musical throws a 50s B-movie twist into a typical tale of prom season angst—the brokenhearted male lead is a zombie.
Price: $6 in advance, $8 at the door, $3 for children 10 and younger.
SATURDAY
Where/when: Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve, 9310 Fanita Parkway, Santee, 5 to 9 p.m. Saturday
Why Go: Who says orchestra concerts need to be stuffy? Enjoy live music East County style, as Santana High School’s band and choir and West Hills High School’s orchestra and guitars perform while guests dine on Famous Dave’s BBQ and peruse a variety of silent auction items.
Price: $40
Where/when: The San Diego Auto Collection, 7215 El Cajon Blvd., San Diego, 6 to 10 p.m. Saturday
Why Go: Help support Helix High School’s instrumental music program at this adult-oriented event (age 21 and up only), featuring an auction, dinner, and prizes for the best “Roaring 20s” costume.
Price: $25 per person, or $175 for a table of eight. Tickets must be purchased in advance: contact Lisa Moya at (619) 548-9361 or Lisamoya1@yahoo.com
DINNER AND A DRAMATIC READING
Where/when: Jamul Haven, 13518 Jamul Drive, Jamul, 4:30 p.m. Saturday
Why Go: Enjoy quaint 19th century Victorian surroundings while listening to a dramatic reading of “Causa Mortis,” a medical black comedy by Jacob Appel. A light dinner will be served beforehand.
Price: Free.
SUNDAY
LEMON GROVE CASINO NIGHT
Where/when: , 8086 Broadway, Lemon Grove, 6:30 to 10:30 p.m. Sunday.
Why Go: Who needs Vegas? This event will feature bingo, craps, black jack, roulette, raffles and a silent auction, all to benefit the Lemon Grove Holiday Food and Toy Drive and the St. John of The Cross community.
Price: $15 admission gives you $300 in poker chips and one Bingo card (additional chips and cards are available for purchase). Also, the church is serving up a chicken dinner for an extra $10.
KARAOKE WITH DAVID MAGOWN
Where/when: , 7662 Broadway, Lemon Grove, 9 p.m. Sunday
Why Go: Unlike some karaoke venues where the most you can expect is a round of applause, Dirk’s karaoke night is an actual contest. What’s the prize? You’ll have to show up and sing to find out.
Price: $3 to enter the contest, free to observe.
MOTHER’S DAY DINNER
Where/when: , 9621 Mission Gorge Road, Santee, 4 to 9 p.m. Sunday
Why Go: Treat mom to a choice of two dinner specials: seasoned slow roasted prime rib with wasabi mashed potatoes and asparagus, or baked chicken breast with artichoke aioli glaze, roasted red potatoes and asparagus.
Price: Call for reservations—(619) 258-2110.
