1. The Secret Life of Pets Movie Viewing, MacArthur Park:

Come out to the last of the Summer Movie Series in MacArthur Park and enjoy a beautiful night with your loved ones under the stars. The movie begins at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, September 21. It is sure to be a hoot, holler, woof and meow! For more event details, visit the calendar.

2. La Mesa Oktoberfest

Prost to Oktoberfest’s 45th anniversary! Come out to La Mesa for the largest Oktoberfest celebration in San Diego County. This event is free for all ages, but you can skip the lines and get extra add-ons when you purchase tickets ranging from $5-50. For more event details and ticket information, visit the event page. 

3. Catch the Premier of the Play “Butterflies Are Free” at the Lamplighters Community Theater

The Lamplighters Community Theater has shared laughter, joy, drama, entertainment and thought-provoking performances with locals for 81 years. If you have not had the chance to check out one of their highly acclaimed plays, do yourself a favor and make a day or evening out of it! The show “Butterflies Are Free” is set to premiere Oct 12 and will run through November 11. Directed by George Bailey, it is a touching and humorous play about doubt, heartbreak and taking risks. For more information about tickets and showtimes, visit the theater page. 

4. La Mesa Farmers Market (Every Friday in the Village from 3-7 pm)

Summer may be coming to an end soon, but farm-fresh fruits and vegetables, delicious cheese and fish, fresh cut flowers and crafts will always be in season. Come shop, explore and walk the La Mesa Farmers Market on Friday afternoons to get your weekend started right! There will be live music, and lots of local vendors to support. All the fun will be happening in the Village, which is home to many amazing and novel businesses you must check out. For more information about the La Mesa Farmers Market, visit the Farmer's Market page. 

5. The 13^th Annual Park Appreciation Day 

La Mesa’s parks are the City’s jewels! Come help us keep them clean and beautiful by volunteering for La Mesa Park Appreciation Day, which takes place October 13 between 8-12 p.m. at all La Mesa parks. Individuals, families, businesses and congregations are encouraged to join and help with a day of clean-up. Bring gardening gloves, rakes and trowels to the park. General cleanup will include picking up trash, light raking, trimming, planting, spreading mulch and weeding. All ages are welcome to participate. Adults must accompany children under the age of 18 years unless children are with a supervised group. Signed waivers are required. For more information about how to get involved, visit the sign-up page.