Things to do
Things to do in El Cajon
Home to one of the largest Iraqi and Chaldean communities in the country, and the Middle Eastern food that comes with it.
Things to do
The MagnoliaArts
A city-owned performance venue downtown that opened in September 2019 after an $8 million-plus investment and books concerts through Live Nation.
210 E Main St, El Cajon, CA 92020
Knox House MuseumMuseum
An 1876 building that served as a hotel and residence, now home to the El Cajon Historical Society's collection on the valley's ranching and town history.
280 N Magnolia Ave, El Cajon, CA 92020
Olaf Wieghorst Museum & Western Heritage CenterMuseum
Honors the Western painter who lived in El Cajon for 44 years, with his work and a recreation of his home and studio.
131 Rea Ave, El Cajon, CA 92020
Prescott Promenade and Arts AlleyLandmark
The pedestrian heart of downtown on Main Street, with murals in Arts Alley and outdoor seating used for concerts and festivals.
The Water Conservation GardenPark
A six-acre demonstration garden at Cuyamaca College showing drought-tolerant landscaping with hands-on exhibits.
12122 Cuyamaca College Dr W, El Cajon, CA 92019
Gillespie FieldLandmark
The oldest and largest of San Diego County's eight airports, a busy general aviation field that hosts an annual airshow.
1960 Joe Crosson Dr, El Cajon, CA 92020
Parkway PlazaShopping
An enclosed regional mall with more than 130 stores that serves most of East County.
Summers Past FarmsFamily
A working farm and garden center in Flinn Springs with seasonal plantings, gardens and shops.
St. Madeleine Sophie's Center GardenPark
A two-acre therapeutic garden with a citrus orchard and a passive-solar greenhouse, run by a nonprofit serving adults with developmental disabilities.
2119 E Madison Ave, El Cajon, CA 92019
Harvest International MarketMarket
A large international grocery with produce, imported goods and a Middle Eastern bakery that reflects the city's Iraqi community.
Parkway BowlFamily
A family-owned bowling center with an arcade, billiards, restaurant and bar.
Eat & drink
Ali Baba Family RestaurantIraqi / Middle Eastern
A long-running Chaldean gathering spot known for generous platters, grilled pompano and tannour bread baked in-house.
Al AzayemIraqi counter-service
A counter-service spot for stuffed chicken, quzi and other dishes that show why food writers drive to El Cajon for Iraqi cooking.
Mal Al ShamMiddle Eastern
Falafel, kabobs and quzi, the Iraqi roasted lamb platter.
Sahara: Taste of the Middle EastMiddle Eastern
Kabobs, chicken tikka and falafel with unlimited sauces.
Royal SweetsMiddle Eastern bakery
Baklava, gelato and celebration cakes for the city's many family occasions.
The Breakfast HouseDiner
A 1950s-style diner that represents El Cajon's older suburban side.
Burning Beard Brewing CompanyBrewery
An El Cajon brewery with IPAs, lagers and smashburgers.
Annual events
Alley Cat Art FestSeptember
In 2026 the long-running Alley Cat Art Walk and Artival merged into one free daytime festival on Main Street, Arts Alley and Prescott Promenade, with more than 50 artists.
America on Main StreetMay (third Saturday, Armed Forces Day)
The city's large downtown festival celebrating community and military service.
Hauntfest on MainOctober
A Halloween street event downtown with carnival rides and vendors.
Winter WonderlandDecember
A holiday event at Wells Park with Santa photos and crafts.
Fourth of July FireworksJuly 4
The city's Independence Day celebration at Kennedy Park.