The Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve will host its annual Spring Festival on Saturday, April 12, offering a full day of free family entertainment along the lakeside trails.
The event, organized by the Padre Dam Municipal Water District, runs from 10 AM to 4 PM and features local artisan vendors, live music on two stages, a children's fishing derby, food trucks, and interactive exhibits from local community organizations.
Event Highlights
- Fishing Derby (ages 5-15): Registration opens at 9 AM at Lake 5. Rods and bait provided. Prizes for biggest catch in three age categories.
- Live Music: Two stages featuring local bands and acoustic performers throughout the day
- Vendor Village: 60+ local artisan and craft vendors along the Lake 1 trail
- Food Trucks: 15 food trucks and a dedicated beer/wine garden (21+)
- Kids' Zone: Bounce houses, face painting, and nature crafts near the playground
- Community Exhibits: Local nonprofits, schools, and city departments with interactive displays
Logistics
Admission to the festival is free. Parking at Santee Lakes is $1 per vehicle. The recreation preserve recommends arriving early as parking fills quickly, and suggests carpooling or using the nearby trolley station.
"This is one of our biggest community events of the year," said Padre Dam spokesperson Lisa Montez. "Last year we had over 5,000 visitors, and we expect even more this spring."
Dogs on leashes are welcome in all festival areas. The event runs rain or shine.
For vendor applications or volunteer opportunities, visit santeelakes.com.