Throughout the United States, communities are marking a historic milestone this summer: the nation’s 250th birthday. The semiquincentennial commemorates 250 years since the adoption of the Declaration of Independence and has inspired celebrations ranging from civic events and historical programs to concerts, festivals and fireworks displays in cities large and small.
In El Paso, the occasion is taking shape through a weeklong lineup of events that blends national traditions with the region’s own culture and character. Organizers have planned eight days of activities across the city and Fort Bliss from June 27 through July 4 as part of the local America 250 celebration, culminating in Fourth of July festivities in Downtown El Paso.
Whether you’re looking for a classic parade, a fireworks show, family activities, live music or something a little more offbeat, there are plenty of ways to celebrate. Here’s a look at Fourth of July and America 250 events happening across El Paso and the Borderland in the days ahead.
FACT CHECK: Are you allowed to buy and light fireworks in the El Paso city limits?
Pop Goes the Fort
Fort Bliss will host Pop Goes the Fort at Biggs Park as part of America’s 250th celebration, featuring free live entertainment from the 1st Armored Division Band and additional performers to be announced. Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, blankets and picnic supplies for the family-friendly event.
- When: 4 p.m. Saturday, June 27
- Where: Biggs Park, 11388 Sergeant Major Blvd., Fort Bliss
- Cost: Free
- Information: bliss.armymwr.com
Let Freedom Wag Adoption Promotion
El Paso Animal Services will celebrate Independence Day with its Let Freedom Wag adoption promotion, offering reduced-cost pet adoptions throughout the week. The event encourages residents to give shelter pets a home ahead of the holiday while supplies and eligible animals are available.
- When: 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, June 27-Saturday, July 4
- Where: El Paso Animal Services, 5001 Fred Wilson Ave.
- Cost: $2.50 adoptions
- Information: elpasoanimalservices.org
Armijo Library: Patriotic Craft Series
Armijo Library will host a weeklong series of patriotic-themed craft activities leading up to Independence Day. Participants can create projects including salt-painted fireworks, ribbon flags, liberty wands, patriotic rock painting, Statue of Liberty silhouettes and a collaborative liberty rock garden.
- When: 2-5 p.m. Saturday, June 27-Friday, July 3
- Where: Armijo Library, 620 E. Seventh Ave.
- Cost: Free
- Information: 915-212-0369 or elpasolibrary.org
Jose Cisneros Library: Fourth of July Friendship Bracelets
Participants can celebrate Independence Day by creating festive friendship bracelets at the Jose Cisneros Library. The hands-on activity is designed for community members looking to make a themed craft ahead of the holiday.
- When: 11 a.m. Monday, June 29
- Where: Jose Cisneros Library, 1300 Hawkins Blvd.
- Cost: Free
- Information: elpasolibrary.org
Chamizal Express Library: Fourth of July Programs
Chamizal Express Library will celebrate Independence Day week with a series of Colonial Craft Workshop activities for children and families. The lineup includes patriotic-themed projects such as slime making, cardboard state crafts, bedazzled ornaments, pom-pom flags and parade wand creations.
- When: Monday, June 29-Friday, July 3
- Where: Chamizal Express Library, 2119 Cypress Ave.
- Cost: Free
- Information: elpasolibrary.org
Tiny Patriot Explorer Day
Children ages 3-5 are invited to learn about patriotism and civic pride through interactive activities at Tiny Patriot Explorer Day. The event is designed to introduce young children to what makes the United States unique through age-appropriate games and hands-on experiences.
- When: 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, June 30
- Where: Pavo Real Recreation Center, 9301 Alameda Ave.
- Cost: Free
- Information: elpasotexas.gov
Glow Independence Night
Glow Independence Night will transform the Sylvia A. Carreon Community Center into an immersive, glow-themed experience featuring interactive spaces designed for creativity and participation. Attendees can move through hands-on activity zones, including a glow lab, glow tunnel, glow room and a movie area. UV paint will be provided, and participants are encouraged to bring snacks.
- When: 4:30-7:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 1
- Where: Sylvia A. Carreon Community Center, 709 Lomita Drive
- Cost: Free
- Information: elpasotexas.gov
Red, White and Brew at Painted Dunes
Painted Dunes Desert Golf Course will host its sixth annual Red, White and Brew celebration featuring one of El Paso’s largest fireworks displays along with live music, food trucks, local vendors and family activities. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs for the outdoor event, which also includes free parking and jumping balloons.
- When: 6-10 p.m. Friday, July 3
- Where: Painted Dunes Desert Golf Course, 12000 McCombs St.
- Cost: $10 in advance; free for children age 5 and younger
- Information: painteddunes.com
El Paso Chihuahuas Independence Day Weekend
The El Paso Chihuahuas will celebrate Independence Day Weekend with two nights of baseball and postgame fireworks during a homestand against the Sacramento River Cats. Fans can also bid on specialty stars-and-stripes jerseys worn by players, with winning bidders able to collect jerseys directly from players following Saturday’s game.
- When: 6:35 p.m. Friday, July 3, and Saturday, July 4 (fireworks following each game)
- Where: Southwest University Park, 1 Ballpark Plaza
- Cost: $20-$109
- Information: milb.com
Fourth of July Celebration at Cleveland Square Park
El Paso Parks and Recreation will host a free Independence Day celebration in Downtown El Paso 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
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
4th of July Festival and Firework Show
The third annual 4th of July Festival and Firework Show will return to the Rio Grande Valley Ranch with an evening of family activities, local vendors and live entertainment. The event will feature food trucks, games, horseback riding, a petting zoo and a fireworks display to close out the night, with organizers encouraging attendees to bring lawn chairs and plan to spend the evening at the ranch.
- When: 5-9 p.m. Saturday, July 4
- Where: Rio Grande Valley Ranch, 220 FM 259, Canutillo
- Cost: Free
- Information: 915-261-1500 or uppervalleymarket.com
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
Western Playland July Fourth Fireworks Celebration
Western Playland will mark Independence Day with its annual fireworks celebration, pairing an evening at the amusement park with a nighttime display over Sunland Park. Visitors are encouraged to arrive early to enjoy rides and attractions before the fireworks begin at 9 p.m.
- When: Park open 2-10 p.m.; fireworks at 9 p.m. Saturday, July 4
- Where: Western Playland, 1249 Futurity Drive, Sunland Park
- Cost: Single-day park admission, $29.99
- Information: westernplayland.com
Wet ‘N’ Wild Waterworld Fireworks Show
Wet ‘N’ Wild Waterworld will celebrate Independence Day with extended park hours and a fireworks display. Guests can spend the day at the park before staying for the fireworks show after the water attractions close.
- When: Waterpark hours 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; fireworks at 9 p.m. Saturday, July 4
- Where: Wet ‘N’ Wild Waterworld, 8804 S. Desert Blvd., Anthony, Texas
- Cost: Prices begin at $33.99 for ages 4 and older.
- Information: wetnwildwaterworld.com
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
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