Boo!
Downtown El Cajon will once again become the region’s Halloween hotspot as HauntFest 2025 takes over on Friday, Oct. 17, from 4 to 9 p.m. The free family-friendly event, now recognized as the largest Halloween block party in San Diego County, is expected to draw thousands of costumed visitors for a night of spooky fun, live entertainment, and community celebration.
More than 20,000 people packed the streets last year, and organizers say they are ready to welcome even more this October. From candy trails and costume contests to haunted attractions and classic cars, HauntFest has become a seasonal staple in East County, offering something for all ages.
“Each year we like to add a little something new, and this year’s HauntFest brings a colorful and playful twist with our ‘Monsters at Play’ theme,” said Heather Carter, special events director for the City of El Cajon. “Guests can also look forward to an expanded Trunk-or-Treat car show with even more incredible vehicles, along with a refreshed layout of our entertainment stages to keep the energy flowing throughout downtown.”
Behind the scenes, preparing for such a massive event is no small task. Carter said planning begins almost immediately after the previous HauntFest concludes and continues year-round.
“We work closely with the City’s public works, police, fire, and building safety departments to map out everything from street closures to crowd flow and emergency access,” she said. “Local businesses are also an important part of the process, as we coordinate parking, security, and vendor placement to ensure the event feels festive, but safe and manageable.”
Families come for the variety of activities, and Carter said it’s that mix that makes HauntFest special. “It’s hard to choose just one favorite attraction,” she said. “Kids can enjoy the candy trail and costume contests, while older kids and adults head for the haunted maze, reptile petting zoo, or the Haunted Circus at The Magnolia. But the real draw is that HauntFest has something for every age group to enjoy together, making it a true all-ages Halloween celebration.”
Keeping HauntFest free is a priority for the city, ensuring the event remains accessible to everyone. “El Cajon is proud to be a diverse, family-centered community,” Carter said. “Keeping HauntFest free ensures that cost is never a barrier for the community to come out, celebrate together, and create memories.
It’s part of our commitment to providing inclusive events that bring people together and strengthen community spirit.
Inclusivity also inspired one of HauntFest’s most unique features: the sensory-friendly tent.
“The idea came from our inclusion programs within the Parks and Recreation Department, which serve children with disabilities year-round,” Carter said. “We realized that a large, high-energy event like HauntFest can be overwhelming, so we created a calm space for individuals who need a break from the sensory stimulation. The feedback was incredibly positive. Parents tell us it makes them feel seen and supported, and it allows their children to fully enjoy the event.”
The Trunk-or-Treat car show remains a highlight, hosted by the Downtown El Cajon Business Partners. Classic car enthusiasts decorate their vehicles and hand out candy, while local businesses get involved by passing out treats of their own.
“This year it’s bigger than ever,” Carter said. “It’s a true community celebration where families, local businesses, and car lovers all come together to make HauntFest special.”
Sponsors also play a critical role. Kaiser Permanente, Sycuan, City Ventures, and Downtown El Cajon Business Partners are among those who make the event possible.
“Sponsors help us enhance the experience for attendees, whether that’s through funding live entertainment, supporting family zones, or adding unique attractions,” Carter said. “Beyond financial support, their presence shows that our community partners are invested in making El Cajon a vibrant, connected place to live.”
For Carter, one of the most memorable parts of HauntFest comes as day turns to night.
“My favorite moment is always seeing the streets fill up as the sun sets and the lights and decorations come alive,” she said. “You see kids in costumes, parents with cameras, teens hanging out with friends—it’s that mix of excitement and community connection that makes HauntFest so special.”
Looking ahead, Carter said the city intends to continue evolving the event while preserving what families love most about it.
“We’ll keep building on what people enjoy while introducing new elements to keep things fresh,” she said. “That could mean new themed areas, more interactive activities, or expanded collaborations. Our goal is always the same: to create a safe, inclusive, and unforgettable Halloween tradition that brings the whole community together.”
As the countdown begins to Oct. 17, El Cajon is preparing to welcome thousands of residents and visitors back to the heart of downtown for a night filled with tricks, treats, and memories. For families looking to make Halloween unforgettable, HauntFest 2025 promises to deliver all the thrills of the season—and plenty of community spirit along the way.
