Here’s a roundup of some culture and civic events in the Borderland in the coming week.
UTEP volleyball vs. New Mexico State
The University of Texas at El Paso volleyball team opens its 2026 home volleyball schedule against rival New Mexico State after a 25-5 season that ended with an NCAA tournament appearance. The Miners finished No. 19 in the NCAA RPI rankings last season and posted an 11-1 Conference USA record. Fans are encouraged to wear white for the “White Out” matchup.
- When: 6 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 30
- Where: Memorial Gym, 101 W. Robinson Ave.
- Cost: Ticket information pending
- Information: utepminers.com
Kids-N-Co. Presents ‘Mean Girls: High School Version’
Kids-N-Co. Performing Arts and Education Center will present “Mean Girls: High School Version,” featuring young El Paso performers in an adaptation of Tina Fey’s film and Broadway musical. The production follows Cady Heron as she navigates friendship, popularity, bullying and the social hierarchy of a new high school.
- When: 7:30 p.m. Aug. 28-29, Sept. 2-3 and Sept. 11-12
- Where: Kids-N-Co. Performing Arts & Education Center, 1340 Murchison Drive
- Cost: $15 general admission; $10 for students, military members and senior citizens
- Information: epkidsnco1.wixsite.com
The El Paso Occult Tour: Tunnels, Temples & Secret Societies
Local author and folklorist Heather Shade will lead an evening walking tour exploring the hidden history, folklore and architecture of Downtown El Paso. The tour will examine Masonic symbols, historic Chinatown passages, secret meeting places and stories tied to revolutionary activity, with participants advised to wear comfortable walking shoes and bring a flashlight for darker areas.
- When: 9-11 p.m. Friday, Aug. 28; check-in begins at 8:30 p.m.
- Where: Meet outside the El Paso Museum of History, 510 N. Santa Fe St.
- Cost: $20 plus tax
- Information: eventbrite.com
Home and Garden Show
The El Paso Home and Garden Show will bring home improvement professionals, remodeling ideas and product demonstrations to the El Paso Convention Center. Visitors can explore exhibits featuring home renovation, landscaping and design while gathering inspiration and advice for future projects.
- When: 2-6 p.m. Friday, Aug. 28, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 29, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 30 (free admission all weekend)
- Where: El Paso Convention Center, 1 Civic Center Plaza
- Cost: Free
- Information: showtechnology.com
The Market at San Jacinto Plaza
The Market returns to San Jacinto Plaza as the outdoor market celebrates its 15th anniversary in Downtown El Paso. The market features local artisans and small businesses along with live music on select Saturdays.
- When: 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 29
- Where: San Jacinto Plaza, 114 W. Mills Ave.
- Cost: Free
- Information: epmcad.org
Insect Identification Workshop
The El Paso Museum of Archaeology will host an insect identification workshop led by Braulio Sanchez, with instruction offered in English and Spanish. The event is open to all ages, with participants 11 and younger required to attend with a paid adult. Participants will learn about insects found in the Chihuahuan Desert, take a guided hike using the iNaturalist app for identification and return to the classroom for an introduction to nature journaling and drawing.
- When: 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 29
- Where: El Paso Museum of Archaeology, 4301 Woodrow Bean Transmountain Road
- Cost: $15 for members; $25 for nonmembers
- Information: events.elpasotexas.gov
Mix and Match Workshop with Blast
Artist Blast will lead a hands-on workshop at the El Paso Museum of Art exploring his approach to color, design and lettering. Presented in conjunction with the exhibition “Blast: Trancazos de la Vida Real,” the workshop is open to all experience levels, with supplies included.
- When: 1-4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 29
- Where: El Paso Museum of Art, 1 Arts Festival Plaza
- Cost: $5
- Information: epma.art
Adobe-Making Workshop
The El Paso Museum of History will host a hands-on workshop exploring the history of adobe construction in the Paso del Norte region and its connections to Indigenous knowledge and sustainable building practices. Led by Chicano artist and culture bearer Ome Tekuani Tlaloc, participants will use pre-made adobe bricks to create miniature casitas while learning about the traditional building material and its continued relevance today.
- When: 1-3 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 29
- Where: El Paso Museum of History, 510 N. Santa Fe St.
- Cost: Free with registration
- Information: epmuseumofhistory.org
Coming Up
Movies at the Park: ‘Toy Story 4’
El Paso Parks and Recreation will close out its Movies at the Park season with a free outdoor screening of “Toy Story 4.” The family-friendly series, presented with Raising Cane’s, ZTEX and the El Paso Community Foundation, encourages guests to bring lawn chairs, blankets and snacks for a movie under the night sky.
- When: 8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 4
- Where: White Spur Park, 4800 Love Road
- Cost: Free
- Information: elpasotexas.gov
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. Becky G will be the guest performer at both El Paso shows.
- When: 7 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 5 and Sunday, Sept. 6
- Where: Sun Bowl Stadium, 2701 Sun Bowl Drive
- Cost: Tickets start $144
- Information: shopkarolg.com
Let Freedom Sing: Corey Kent and Don Louis
Fort Bliss will host a free day of live music and family activities at Freedom Crossing Shopping Center as part of its Boots.Bands.Bliss. series. The event will feature performances by country artists Corey Kent and Don Louis, the 1st Armored Division Band and others, along with inflatables, vendors and a kids zone. Open to the public; visitors without installation access must obtain a Fort Bliss Community Access Pass.
- When: 1-10 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 5
- Where: Freedom Crossing Shopping Center, 1611 Haan Road, Fort Bliss
- Cost: Free
- Information: bliss.armymwr.com
UTEP football home opener
The University of Texas at El Paso football team plays its first home game of the 2026 season against Texas Southern at Sun Bowl Stadium. The Heritage Night matchup, sponsored by GECU, will be the Miners’ second game of the season and will include a T-shirt giveaway.
- When: 7 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 12
- Where: Sun Bowl Stadium, 2701 Sun Bowl Drive
- Cost: Varies
- Information: utepminers.com/tickets
Mark Your Calendar
Fall 2026 Rubin Center Exhibitions Opening Reception
The Rubin Center for the Visual Arts will celebrate the opening of its fall exhibitions, “Costuras Territoriales” and “AMBOS,” which explore the U.S.-Mexico border region through textiles, material practices and the histories and lived experiences that shape the region. The reception will bring together artists and community members for an evening featuring music and appetizers.
- When: 5-7:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 10
- Where: Rubin Center for the Visual Arts, Seamon Hall, 720 Dawson Road
- Cost: Free
- Information: utep.edu
Encores and Overtures Gala 2026
El Paso Opera will host its annual Encores and Overtures Gala, an evening of fine dining, live performances and fundraising to support the organization’s artistic and educational programs. The event includes a cocktail hour with a silent auction, a three-course dinner, presentation of the Maestro Award and a casino-themed after-party with dancing.
- When: Friday, Sept. 11
- Where: The Elmont Event Center, 240 W. Castellano Drive
- Cost: Starting at $206
- Information: epopera.org
Kermes de los Vecinos
The Mexican American Cultural Center and El Paso Museum of History will celebrate Mexican Independence Day with a community kermés at Cleveland Square Park. The event will feature food, music, games, arts and crafts and other activities.
- When: Noon-6 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 12
- Where: Cleveland Square Park, 501 N. Santa Fe St.
- Cost: Free
- Information: epmacc.org
‘Mágico – The Magic of Mexico’
The El Paso Symphony Orchestra will open its 2026-27 Classical Series with “Mágico – The Magic of Mexico,” a multimedia concert celebrating Mexico’s landscapes, culture and traditions through orchestral music and photography. The program features works by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, José Pablo Moncayo, Arturo Márquez and Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov, accompanied by imagery from photographer and multimedia artist Nicholas Bardonnay.
- When: 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Sept. 18-19 (Opening Notes lecture at 6:30 p.m.)
- Where: Plaza Theatre, 125 Pioneer Plaza
- Cost: $17-$49
- Information: epso.org
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: $45 through Aug. 31
- Information: elpasomatters.org/run
¡Vivamos México! Official Grito Celebration
The Paso del Norte region will celebrate the 216th anniversary of Mexico’s independence with an evening of live entertainment, cultural performances and family activities. Presented by the Consulate General of Mexico in El Paso, Destination El Paso and the city of El Paso, the event will feature the official Grito de Independencia ceremony, lucha libre, mariachi music, food trucks, an artisan market and a kids zone.
- When: 5-11 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 12
- Where: El Paso Convention Center Plaza, 1 Civic Center Plaza
- Cost: Free
- Information: Visit El Paso Facebook
El Paso Greek Festival
The El Paso Greek Festival returns to St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church for a three-day celebration of Greek culture, food and traditions. The annual festival features Mediterranean favorites including gyros and baklava, along with music and activities for families.
- When: 5-10 p.m. Friday, Sept. 18; noon-10 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 19; noon-6 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 20
- Where: St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, 124 S. Festival Drive
- Cost: $5 adults; $3 active-duty military and veterans with valid military ID; free for children age 12 and younger
- Information: stnicholasep.com
Oktoberfest
Fort Bliss Morale, Welfare and Recreation will bring Oktoberfest to Biggs Park for two nights of German-inspired food, music and dancing. The adults-only event will feature live entertainment from Terry Cavanagh and the Alpine Express and the German Air Force Schuhplattlers, and admission is free for the first time this year. Open to the public; visitors without installation access must obtain a Fort Bliss Community Access Pass.
- When: 6 p.m.-midnight Friday-Saturday, Sept. 18-19
- Where: Biggs Park, 11388 Sgt. Major Blvd., Fort Bliss
- Cost: Free; ages 18 and older, must be 21 or older to drink
- Information: bliss.armymwr.com
Water Festival 2026
El Paso Water will host its annual Water Festival at the TecH2O Water Resources Learning Center, with music, dance, art, educational exhibits and hands-on activities highlighting the role of water in the desert community. Visitors can explore El Paso Water vehicles, learn about conservation and take part in interactive displays, while ages 14 and older can tour the Kay Bailey Hutchison Desalination Plant.
- When: 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 19
- Where: TecH2O Water Resources Learning Center, 10751 Montana Ave.
- Cost: Free
- Information: tech2o.org
Way Out West Festival featuring Cole Swindell
Way Out West Fest returns to Downtown El Paso with a full day of country music, food and regional competitions celebrating Borderplex culture. The festival features headliner Cole Swindell, along with the Chili Challenge, Quest for the Best Margarita Contest and other attractions highlighting the flavors and traditions of the region.
- When: 5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 26
- Where: El Paso Convention Center, 1 Civic Center Plaza
- Cost: Tickets start at $55.30
- Information: epwayoutwest.com
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
Brew at the Zoo
The El Paso Zoo will open after dark for its annual Brew at the Zoo, an age 21-and-older Halloween event featuring craft beer, food, live music and entertainment throughout the zoo. Costumes are encouraged, with VIP admission beginning an hour before the general event.
- When: 7-11 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 17; VIP entry at 6 p.m.
- Where: El Paso Zoo, 4001 E. Paisano Drive
- Cost: To be announced
- Information: El Paso Zoo Facebook
Día de los Muertos Desfile y Festival
The ninth annual Día de los Muertos Desfile y Festival will transform El Paso’s Downtown Arts District into a daylong celebration honoring loved ones and Mexican traditions. The free event features arts and cultural activities, community altars, local vendors, live performances and a parade showcasing about 60 floats, performers and community organizations.
- When: Festival from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; parade at 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 24
- Where: El Paso Downtown Arts District, Downtown El Paso
- Cost: Free
- Information: epmacc.org
Amigo Airsho
The Amigo Airsho returns to Biggs Army Airfield for two days of military and civilian aviation demonstrations, static aircraft displays and family activities. The 2026 lineup includes the U.S. Navy Blue Angels, U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor Demo Team, U.S. Army Golden Knights and aerobatic pilot Kirby Chambliss, along with a kids zone, STEAM exhibits, food vendors and performances by the 1st Armored Division Band.
- When: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, Oct. 24-25
- Where: Biggs Army Airfield, Fort Bliss
- Cost: Tickets start at $30
- Information: amigoairsho.com
Boo at the Zoo
Families can celebrate Halloween at the El Paso Zoo during Boo at the Zoo, featuring candy stations, Halloween-themed inflatables and opportunities for children to explore the zoo in costume. The annual event offers a family-friendly Halloween experience alongside animals from the zoo’s Africa, Asia and Las Americas exhibits.
- When: 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 31
- Where: El Paso Zoo, 4001 E. Paisano Drive
- Cost: $13.95 adults; $10.95 teens, seniors and active-duty military or spouses; $8.95 children ages 2-12; free for children age 23 months and younger
- Information: El Paso Zoo Facebook
The post UTEP volleyball opens home schedule, Kids-N-Co’s ‘Mean Girls’ production takes the stage appeared first on El Paso Matters.
Read: Read More