Here’s a roundup of some culture and civic events in the Borderland in the coming week.
Team USA Soccer Watch Party
The city of El Paso Parks and Recreation Department and the Mexican American Cultural Center will conclude a two-night series of free community soccer watch parties with the U.S. men’s national team’s match against Bosnia and Herzegovina. Fans are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets, wear their team colors and gather at Cleveland Square Park to watch the match on the venue’s outdoor screen.
- When: 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 1
- Where: Cleveland Square Park, 510 N. Santa Fe St.
- Cost: Free
- Information: El Paso Parks and Recreation Instagram
July 4 Celebration at the El Paso Convention Center
Part of a citywide celebration marking America’s 250th anniversary, this free Fourth of July event will close out eight days of festivities taking place across El Paso and Fort Bliss from June 27 through July 4. The celebration at the Convention Center will feature live performances by the 1st Armored Division Jazz Band and local artists, followed by a headlining performance from Randy Rogers Band and a projection light show finale.
- When: 5-10 p.m. Saturday, July 4
- Where: El Paso Convention Center, 1 Civic Center Plaza
- Cost: Free
- Information: visitelpaso.com and for Fort Bliss families, Morale, Welfare and Recreation
Fourth of July Celebration at Cleveland Square Park
El Paso Parks and Recreation will host a free Independence Day celebration in Downtown featuring live performances by local bands, family-friendly entertainment and a patriotic atmosphere as part of America’s 250th anniversary commemoration. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets and stay to watch the fireworks show presented by the El Paso Chihuahuas.
- When: 7-10 p.m. Friday, July 3
- Where: Cleveland Square Park, 510 N. Santa Fe St.
- Cost: Free
- Information: City of El Paso Facebook
MORE EVENTS: Celebrate July Fourth with fireworks, parades and America 250 events across El Paso
Rotary Independence Day Parade
The Rotary Club of West El Paso will host the 28th annual Rotary Independence Day Parade to celebrate the Fourth of July with a community procession through West El Paso. The parade route begins near Western Hills Methodist Church, 524 Thunderbird Drive, and continues along Shadow Mountain Drive and Mesa Street before concluding near Coronado High School.
- When: 9 a.m. Saturday, July 4
- Where: Begins at Western Hills Methodist Church, 524 Thunderbird Drive
- Cost: Free
- Information: july4parade.com
America 250 Independence Day Celebration at Ascarate Park
El Paso County will celebrate a full day of Independence Day festivities at Ascarate Park, featuring swimming, food trucks and live entertainment. The event will also include military vehicle displays from Fort Bliss and the 1st Armored Division, performances by the 1st Armored Division Band and live music by The Live 915 before ending with a fireworks show over Ascarate Lake.
- When: Saturday, July 4; fireworks at approximately 9:20 p.m.
- Where: Ascarate Park, 6900 Delta Drive
- Cost: Free admission; parking is $5 per vehicle
- Information: El Paso County Parks and Recreation Facebook
Town of Anthony Fourth of July Parade
The Town of Anthony will celebrate its annual Fourth of July Parade, a cross-state tradition that begins in Anthony, New Mexico, and concludes at Anthony Municipal Park in Texas. Community members can expect decorated floats, music and a festive atmosphere, with El Paso artist Krystall Poppin serving as this year’s grand marshal.
- When: 9 a.m. Saturday, July 4
- Where: Begins at Anthony Drive and Acosta Drive in Anthony, New Mexico, and ends at Anthony Municipal Park, Anthony, Texas
- Cost: Free
- Information: townofanthonytx.org
City of Socorro Independence Day Xtravaganza
The city of Socorro’s annual Independence Day Xtravaganza will return to Cougar Park for an evening of live entertainment, food and fireworks celebrating the Fourth of July. This year’s free community event will feature a special performance by Lupita Infante along with food trucks, local vendors, games and family activities before the night concludes with a fireworks show.
- When: Gates open at 5 p.m. Saturday, July 4
- Where: Cougar Park, 10664 Socorro Road, Socorro
- Cost: Free
- Information: costx.us
The Roulettes at Cool Canyon Nights
WestStar’s Cool Canyon Nights concert series continues at the McKelligon Canyon Amphitheatre with free weekly performances throughout the summer featuring local and regional acts. The family-friendly series begins with patio entertainment before the evening’s headlining performance under the stars.
- When: Patio entertainment at 6 p.m.; The Roulettes at 7 p.m. Thursday, July 2
- Where: McKelligon Canyon Amphitheatre, McKelligon Canyon Road
- Cost: Free
- Information: Cool Canyon Nights Instagram
‘Viva! El Paso’
The outdoor theatrical production “Viva! El Paso” continues at McKelligon Canyon for its 2026 season, continuing a long-running summer tradition that traces more than 400 years of regional history through music, dance and performance. Created by Hector Serrano and now directed by Jaime Carrasco, the show features local performers and celebrates cultural influences from Spain, Mexico and the United States.
- When: 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays through Aug. 2
- Where: McKelligon Canyon Amphitheatre, McKelligon Canyon Road
- Cost: $32.50
- Information: ticketmaster.com
El Paso Museum of Art free curator tour
The El Paso Museum of Art will offer a free curator-led tour of its American Gallery, highlighting works connected to West Texas and U.S. history. The guided experience includes a look at a late 18th-century portrait of George Washington by portrait artist Gilbert Stuart and selections from the museum’s American Collection.
- When: 11 a.m. Wednesday, July 1
- Where: El Paso Museum of Art, 1 Arts Festival Plaza
- Cost: Free
- Information: epma.art
Coming Up
Movies at the Park: ‘Encanto’
The city of El Paso’s free Movies at the Park series continues through September with outdoor screenings at parks across the city. Presented by the Parks and Recreation Department, the series encourages families to bring lawn chairs, blankets and snacks for movie nights under the stars.
- When: 8 p.m. Friday, July 10
- Where: Sgt. Jesus Roberto Vasquez Park, 510 N. Santa Fe St.
- Cost: Free
- Information: elpasotexas.gov
Parks After Sunset: ‘Elio’
El Paso County’s free “Parks After Sunset” series will bring movies, splash pad activities and pet services to county parks from June 5 through July 17. Families are encouraged to bring swimsuits, towels, blankets and lawn chairs for the summer events, which also include free pet microchipping offered on a first-come, first-served basis through the County Animal Welfare Department.
- When: Splash activities at 5:30 p.m., pet microchipping at 6 p.m. and movie at approximately 8 p.m. Friday, July 10
- Where: Summer Sky Park, 13876 Garforth Ave.
- Cost: Free
- Information: epcounty.com
EPCC’s ‘Taming of the Shrew’
El Paso Community College Theatre will present William Shakespeare’s “Taming of the Shrew” with a Borderland-inspired adaptation set in the late 1800s and influenced by the history of El Paso, Ciudad Juárez and the Southwest. Admission is one non-perishable food item per person, with donations benefiting EPCC’s Tejano Mercado food pantry. Performances run July 10-19 and feature a cast largely made up of EPCC students.
- When: 7 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays, July 10-19
- Where: Forum Theatre, EPCC Transmountain Campus, 9570 Gateway North Blvd.
- Cost: One non-perishable food item per person
- Information: epcc.edu/Academics/Theater
Salsa Tasting Fest
San Elizario will celebrate local flavors and culinary traditions with the Salsa Tasting Fest, held in conjunction with the opening of the new exhibition, From Stone to Table: Molcajete and Metate. The free community event will feature live music by Rodriga Rockmore and invite attendees to sample a variety of salsas and vote for favorites in categories including Best Salsa and Spiciest Salsa.
- When: 4-8 p.m. Saturday, July 11
- Where: Los Portales Museum and Information Center, 1521 San Elizario Road, San Elizario
- Cost: Free
- Information: losportalesmuseum.org
Mark Your Calendar
Party on the Plaza: Country Night
Part of the city’s Party on the Plaza concert series, this free outdoor music series brings themed performances to Downtown El Paso on the third Thursday of each month from May through October. Each evening features a DJ set followed by a headlining performance at San Jacinto Plaza, with genres rotating throughout the season.
- When: 5-8 p.m. Thursday, July 16
- Where: San Jacinto Plaza, 114 W. Mills Ave.
- Cost: Free
- Information: events.elpasotexas.gov
Insect Night
The El Paso Museum of Archaeology will host its annual Insect Night this summer, inviting visitors to explore nocturnal insects and desert wildlife through hands-on activities and guided experiences. The free event will include night hikes, moth observation and opportunities to learn about insects in an outdoor setting.
- When: 7-10 p.m. Saturday, July 18
- Where: El Paso Museum of Archaeology, 4301 Transmountain Drive
- Cost: Free
- Information: events.elpasotexas.gov
Cypress Hill at Speaking Rock
Hip-hop group Cypress Hill will bring its “Once Upon a Time in the Summer” tour to Speaking Rock Entertainment Center for a free outdoor concert. The Los Angeles group, known for its blend of rap and Latin influences and albums including “Black Sunday,” will perform as part of an age 21-and-older event.
- When: Doors open at 6 p.m. Sunday, July 26
- Where: Speaking Rock Entertainment Center, 122 S. Old Pueblo Road
- Cost: Free
- Information: speakingrock.com
Karol G: Tropicoqueta Tour
Colombian singer Karol G will bring her Tropicoqueta Tour to El Paso following her recent Coachella performance, with a stadium show scheduled at Sun Bowl Stadium. The stop is part of a global tour that includes major U.S. and international venues.
- When: Sunday, Sept. 6
- Where: Sun Bowl Stadium, 2701 Sun Bowl Drive
- Cost: Tickets start $144
- Information: shopkarolg.com
El Paso Matters 9.15K
The El Paso Matters 9.15K will return this fall, bringing runners and walkers together for a community-focused race through Downtown El Paso. The event includes a 9.15K run and a 1-mile family walk, with proceeds supporting local journalism and a post-race celebration with awards.
- When: 8 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 19 (line-up begins 7 a.m.)
- Where: Cleveland Square Park, 510 N. Santa Fe St.
- Cost: $40 through June 30
- Information: elpasomatters.org/run
Usher and Chris Brown
R&B artists Usher and Chris Brown are scheduled to bring their co-headlining tour to El Paso later this year with a performance at Sun Bowl Stadium. Tickets are available through Ticketmaster.
- When: 8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 3
- Where: Sun Bowl Stadium, 2701 Sun Bowl Drive
- Cost: $133-$631
- Information: ticketmaster.com
The post From watching Team USA soccer to July Fourth festivities, here’s what’s happening in El Paso appeared first on El Paso Matters.
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