Hauntfest on Main
The annual Hauntfest on Main is an exciting family-friendly Halloween themed event held in Downtown El Cajon, on East Main Street and the surrounding areas by Magnolia and Ballantyne. This family friendly event features live music on two stages, costume contests, carnival rides, face painting, a haunted car show, and a variety of local vendors offering food, games, crafts, and more!
Date: Friday, October 17, 2025
Time: 4:00pm – 9:00pm
Location: Downtown El Cajon
Hauntfest Entertainment
Hauntfest admission and most activities are FREE. Check out some of the entertainment options below!
Rides and Interactive Activities
Pay a nominal fee for a thrill on the carnival rides! More thrills are offered for FREE at the inflatable bounce houses, haunted maze, photo opportunities, and a rock wall!
Games
Test your skills and have some fun with our free carnival-style games at Haunt Fest! Play for candy, enjoy the challenge, and see if you can take home a win while adding to the excitement of the night.
Costume Contest
Wear your best costume and enter to win great prizes for that awesome look. Register prior to the start of each age category to participate. Registration and contests take place at the Centennial Plaza Stage.
Times and Age Divisions
5:00 PM Ages 0-7
6:00 PM Ages 8-12
7:00 PM Ages 13-17
8:00 PM Ages 18+
Prizes (subject to change)
Youth 1st Place $100
Youth 2nd Place $50
Youth 3rd Place $25
Adult 1st Place $250
Adult 2nd Place $100
Adult 3rd Place $50
Must be present to win. The Costume Contest Stage is located at Centennial Plaza near the main entrance to The Magnolia. Terms subject to change without notice. No fees to register.
Trunk or Treat
Don’t miss the Trunk or Treat Car Show, hosted by the Downtown El Cajon Business Partners! Stroll through a festive lineup of decorated cars, each decked out in creative Halloween themes and ready to hand out candy to trick-or-treaters. It’s a perfect mix of classic car fun and spooky celebration—free for all ages to enjoy!
Face Painting and Airbrush Tattoos
Get into the spooky spirit at Haunt Fest with free face painting and airbrush tattoos!
Vendors
Stilt Walkers
Keep an eye out for our wandering stilt walkers, towering above the crowd and fully dressed in hauntingly fun costumes. They’ll be roaming the streets, adding an extra touch of magic and Halloween spirit to Haunt Fest!
Candy
Bring your trick-or-treat bags and enjoy the free Haunt Fest Candy Trail! Kids can collect sweet treats at our game booths, from many of our vendors, and during the always-popular Trunk or Treat, brought to you by the Downtown El Cajon Business Partners. It’s a fun and festive way to stock up on candy while exploring all that Haunt Fest has to offer!
Reptile Petting Zoo
Get up close and personal with some amazing creatures at the free Reptile Petting Zoo! From snakes to lizards, you’ll have the chance to see and even touch these fascinating animals in a safe, family-friendly setting. It’s a unique experience you won’t want to miss at Haunt Fest!
DJ Dance Party
Keep the energy going all night long at the free DJ Dance Party by 35 Productions! With exciting beats and a lively atmosphere, it’s the perfect place to dance, celebrate, and soak in the Halloween vibes at Haunt Fest. The DJ’s stage is located in the Prescott Promenade.
Movie
Take a break from the excitement and relax under the stars with a special free showing of Monsters University! Starting at sunset, this family-friendly favorite is the perfect way to enjoy a cozy moment in the middle of all the Haunt Fest fun.
Sensory Tent
Food
Come hungry and check out our amazing food vendors at Haunt Fest! From delicious meals to sweet desserts, there’s something for every craving. Food is available for purchase, so be sure to grab a bite while enjoying the festivities.
The Magnolia’s Haunted Circus
Join us for the 3rd annual Haunted Circus at the Magnolia in El Cajon! Taking place during the city of El Cajon’s HauntFest event. You can RSVP for free to watch the circus style performances in the Magnolia’s historic theater. The link to RSVP is coming soon. This year’s theme is Monsters at Play!
Family friendly fun, playful Halloween themed circus show!
· Jugglers
· Contortionists
· Stilt Walkers
· Hoop Throwers
· Stacking Chairs
· Crystal Balls
· Acrobats
· & More!
Performances by Twisted Orbit Circus Entertainment. Sponsored by Waste Management.
ON-SALE/RSVP: Friday, August 29th 10am PST
Two Shows:
- Show #1 – Doors/show: 5pm/5:30pm
- Show #2 – Doors/show: 7pm/7:30pm
Universe Link: https://www.universe.com/users/the-magnolia-el-cajon-WYHBS9
