El Cajon’s Hauntfest cancelled this year due to budget shortfall

East County News Service

(El Cajon) – The economy has provided an unpleasant “trick” to fans of El Cajon’s annual Hauntfest, a popular Halloween-season event.  In an announcement on social media, the city states, “After careful consideration, the City of El Cajon has made the difficult decision to cancel HauntFest in 2026 due to budget constraints.”

The city acknowledged that cancellation of the “cherished tradition” this October will be disappointing but many, and voiced thanks to residents, sponsors, volunteers and city workers who have made the vent a success over the years.

But the post adds, “Like families and businesses, cities sometimes must make difficult financial decisions and live within their means. While this was not an easy choice, it reflects our commitment to responsible stewardship of public funds and ensures that funding is focused on maintaining essential City services and long-term financial stability.”

On social media, residents and downtown business owners voiced their views on this news.

Joy Romey, who says she owns a small business on Main Street, questioned the city’s priorities in investing in upgrades to downtown, only to run out of money for the popular event. “We have new flower boxes & tables with chairs; but we are cancelling events that actually bring people to see the upgrades… Make It make sense,” she commented on the city’s post.

The city had already shortened its car show and outdoor concerts seasons due to budget constraints. Some voiced dismay at prior cancellation of other events in the city, from the Mother Goose Parade (which was privately operated) to a St. Patrick’s Day run.

Duane Flex voiced a similar concern, writing,  “And yet the city is floating the idea of buying Parkway Plaza, and the property Kaiser owns, at Greenfield and East Main to redevelop both sites. What could possibly go wrong?”

Others supported the city’s decision. Mark Lawson wrote, “Sorry to see [it] cancelled, but thank you mayor for not being like some and try imposing a tax like others…. better to be a budget issue then a spending problem.”

Ryan Welcher voiced hope that the cancellation will be only temporary, with the treat and that the treat for the community may return in the future.  “This is sad but I’m glad to see a city take financial responsibility over its events and not treat our budget like an open checkbook,” he wrote, then added, “Maybe it can be in the cards for next year.”

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