East County residents looking for things to do this spring won't have to look far. March and April bring dozens of festivals, concerts and community events across the region.

Santee hosts its annual Bunny Trail on March 28 at Town Center Community Park East from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Children collect eggs from local vendors and businesses, then exchange them for goodie bags at the city's redemption booth. The free event features a live DJ, face painting, carnival rides and photo ops with the Easter Bunny. Santee Lakes follows up with its massive Egg-stravaganza on April 4, where more than 10,000 eggs will be hidden across the property for age-specific scrambles starting at 9 a.m.

Lakeside's Western Days returns April 23-26 with the town's iconic parade kicking off at 9:35 a.m. on April 25. More than 100 entries—including equestrian teams, vintage tractors and El Capitan High's marching band—will wind through downtown. The Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association sanctioned Lakeside Rodeo runs all four days at El Capitan Stadium, with proceeds funding youth programs and scholarships.

Concert highlights include Miguel and Jean Dawson at SDSU's Cal Coast Amphitheatre on March 14, country supergroup Lady A at Viejas in Alpine on March 19, and multi-platinum artist Charlie Puth at Viejas Arena on April 22. Shaun Cassidy, the 1970s teen idol, brings his "Magic of a Midnight Sky" tour to The Magnolia in El Cajon on March 22.

Gardening enthusiasts can hit Tomatomania at the Water Conservation Garden on March 6-7, where 75 to 80 tomato varieties—including the 2026 Tomato of the Year, a Belgian beefsteak called Sart Roloise—will be available. Julian's Daffodil Days run March 21-22 at Town Hall, and Summers Past Farms in Flinn Springs hosts Sweet Pea Day on April 18, where visitors can cut their own bouquets for $5. A full event calendar is available at East County Magazine.