Here’s a roundup of some culture and civic events in the Borderland in the coming week.
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, food trucks, live performances and a parade showcasing about 60 floats, performers and community organizations.
The parade begins at the intersection of Campbell Street and Mills Avenue and continues west on Mills, turns north on Mesa Street, turns west on Franklin Avenue then south on Santa Fe Street.
More than 50,000 visitors participate in the daylong event and parade.
- 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.
Visitors can bring one sealed water bottle or an empty reusable (non-glass) bottle to refill at water stations. Guests will also receive one complimentary water bottle at the entrance. Clear bag policy enforced. No drones, tents, outside food or non-service or emotional support animals.
- 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
UTEP Latin Music Festival: Student Recital
The University of Texas at El Paso will kick off its three-day Latin Music Festival with a free recital featuring piano and guitar students from its classical and commercial music programs. The performance will celebrate Latin American music, culture and heritage while showcasing the talents of emerging musicians.
- When: 7:30-9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 23
- Where: Fox Fine Arts Recital Hall, 500 W. University Ave.
- Cost: Free
- Information: utep.edu or 915-747-6625
El Paso Locomotive FC Fan Appreciation Night
El Paso Locomotive FC will close out its regular season against regional rival New Mexico United at Southwest University Park. The match will also feature Fan Appreciation Night, with special festivities and a fireworks show for supporters.
- When: 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 24
- Where: Southwest University Park, 1 Ballpark Plaza
- Cost: $15-$51
- Information: mlb.tickets.com
Spooky Fest at Camp Cohen Water Park
Camp Cohen Water Park will host a family-friendly Halloween celebration featuring trick-or-treating, raffles, games, live entertainment and local vendors. Families are encouraged to wear costumes and enjoy free festivities, with an optional Spookyfest Pass available for additional games, activities and perks.
- When: 2-6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 24
- Where: Camp Cohen Water Park, 9700 Gateway Blvd. North
- Cost: Free admission; Spookyfest Pass $10 in advance or $13.95 onsite
- Information: epwaterparks.com
Ghost Stories of San Elizario
Explore the haunted history of San Elizario during a guided evening stroll through the historic district. Following a 7 p.m. presentation of “La Llorona,” a storyteller will lead visitors to locations associated with reported ghost encounters, sharing firsthand accounts and local legends along the way.
- When: 8:30-11 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 24
- Where: Main Street Stage, 1501 Main St., San Elizario
- Cost: Free
- Information: sanelizariohistoricdistrict.com
Women Hike at Agave Loop
Franklin Mountains State Park will host a women’s guided hike through the Chihuahuan Desert, led by a female park ranger or volunteer. The moderate, 1.5-mile hike will explore desert ecosystems and hiking practices, with scenic views and some challenging terrain. Participants should bring water, snacks and appropriate footwear. All experience levels are welcome, but reservations are required.
- When: 8:30-10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 24
- Where: Franklin Mountains State Park, 2900 Tom Mays Access Road (meet at West Cottonwood Spring Trailhead)
- Cost: $5 for ages 13 and older; free for children ages 12 and younger and Texas State Parks Pass holders
- Information: 915-444-9121
Obon Japanese Festival
The El Paso Museum of History will host a free Japanese cultural celebration highlighting the connections between Obon and Día de los Muertos, two traditions that honor loved ones who have died. The all-ages event will feature four Japanese lantern-making workshops, where participants can create and decorate their own chōchin lanterns while learning about Obon. Each workshop is limited to 27 participants on a first-come, first-served basis.
- When: 2-6:45 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 24 (workshops at 2, 3, 5 and 6 p.m.)
- Where: El Paso Museum of History, 510 N. Santa Fe St.
- Cost: Free
- Information: epmuseumofhistory.org
Annual Physical Therapy Run, Walk and Roll Event
The Greater El Paso Physical Therapy District will host its 34th annual Run, Walk and Roll fundraiser at Ascarate Park, featuring 5K and 1-mile distances open to runners, walkers and wheelchair participants. The event includes a costume contest, with proceeds benefiting local nonprofit organizations, including the United Spinal Association, as well as physical therapy students.
- When: 8:30-11 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 25 (check-in begins at 7 a.m.)
- Where: Ascarate Park, 6900 Delta Drive
- Cost: $20-$40, depending on registration date and category, plus online fees
- Information: runsignup.com
Coming Up
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
Halloween Carnivals
El Paso Parks and Recreation will host free Halloween Carnivals at recreation and community centers across the city. The neighborhood celebrations will feature costume contests, games, candy, jumping balloons and music.
- When: 3-6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 31
- Where: El Paso recreation and community centers
- Cost: Free
Participating locations:
- Armijo Recreation Center, 700 E. Seventh Ave.
- Chamizal Community Center, 2119 Cypress Ave.
- Chihuahuita Community Center, 417 Charles Road
- Don Haskins Recreation Center, 7400 High Ridge Drive
- Galatzan Recreation Center, 650 Wallenberg Drive
- Gary Del Palacio Recreation Center, 3001 Parkwood St.
- Marty Robbins Recreation Center, 11620 Vista del Sol Drive
- Michelle T. Adjemian Recreation Center, 9031 Viscount Blvd.
- Mountain View Park/Rae Gilmore Recreation Center, 8501 Diana Drive
- Nolan Richardson Recreation Center, 4435 Maxwell Ave.
- Officer David Ortiz Recreation Center, 563 N. Carolina Drive
- Pat O’Rourke Recreation Center, 901 N. Virginia St.
- Pavo Real Recreation Center, 9301 Alameda Ave.
- San Juan Recreation Center, 701 N. Glenwood St.
- Seville Recreation Center, 6700 Sambrano Ave.
- Sylvia A. Carreon Community Center, 709 Lomita Drive
- The Beast Urban Park, 13501 Jason Crandall Drive
- Valle Bajo Community Center, 7380 Alameda Ave.
- Veterans Recreation Center, 5301 Salem Drive
- Wayne Thornton Community Center, 3134 Jefferson Ave.
Freedom Fright
Fort Bliss MWR and Freedom Crossing will host the second annual Freedom Fright, a free, two-day Halloween celebration featuring a “Monster Mash” theme. Families are encouraged to wear costumes and enjoy trick-or-treating, haunted houses, face painting, inflatables, live music and other activities. Visitors without military installation access can apply for a community pass online.
- When: 6-10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Oct. 30-31
- Where: Freedom Crossing at Fort Bliss, 1611 Haan Road
- Cost: Free
- Information: bliss.armymwr.com or 915-588-8247
Halloween Trick-or-Treating at Cielo Vista Mall
Cielo Vista Mall will host a free, family-friendly Halloween celebration featuring trick-or-treating throughout the shopping center. Children and families can visit participating retailers to collect candy and other treats while supplies last.
- When: 4-6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 31
- Where: Cielo Vista Mall, 8401 Gateway Blvd. West
- Cost: Free
- Information: simon.com
Halloween Fest Hike
Franklin Mountains State Park will host a Halloween celebration featuring educational booths, spooky games and activities highlighting the creepy critters that inhabit the mountains. Visitors can participate in a carved pumpkin contest, a guided nature hike or a beginner-friendly bike ride. Costumes are encouraged, and advance registration is required for the contest, hike and bike ride.
- When: 9 a.m.-noon Saturday, Oct. 31
- Where: Franklin Mountains State Park, 2900 Tom Mays Access Road
- Cost: $5 for ages 13 and older; free for Texas State Parks Pass holders and children ages 5-12 participating in the hike or bike ride
- Information: 915-444-9121
Día de los Muertos 5K
The inaugural Día de los Muertos 5K will bring runners and walkers together to honor loved ones through movement, community and tradition. The family-friendly event will take place ahead of the 41st annual KLAQ Halloween Parade, with participants invited to celebrate the holiday while remembering those who have died.
- When: 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 31; packet pickup 4-8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 30, at Chapoteo Water Park (1225 Giles Road)
- Where: Eastwood (Album) Park, 3110 Parkwood St.
- Cost: $55
- Information: runsignup.com
Día de los Muertos Festival
Historic San Elizario will celebrate Día de los Muertos with an evening of music, art and cultural traditions honoring loved ones who have died. The free festival will feature folklórico performances, traditional altars and ofrendas, a Catrín and Catrina costume contest, the opening of the “Las Catrinas” photo exhibit, food trucks and a car showcase.
- When: 5-8 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 1
- Where: San Elizario Placita, 1521 San Elizario Road, San Elizario
- Cost: Free
- Information: 915-851-1682 or losportalesmuseum.org
Mark Your Calendar
Chihuahuan Desert Conference
The Fourth Chihuahuan Desert Conference will bring researchers, conservationists and other participants to the El Paso Zoo and Botanical Gardens for two days focused on the region’s wildlife, native plants, habitat preservation and restoration. The conference opens with an evening icebreaker Nov. 4, followed by presentations and sessions Nov. 5; registration also includes meals, refreshments and zoo admission on both days.
- When: Wednesday-Thursday, Nov. 4-5
- Where: El Paso Zoo and Botanical Gardens, 4001 E. Paisano Drive
- Cost: $125; registration closes Oct. 20
- Information: chihuahuandesertconference.com
Flying Horse Half Marathon, 10K, 5K and Giddy Up Fun Run
The Flying Horse race will return to Sunland Park Racetrack and Casino with four distances for runners and walkers of varying experience levels. Proceeds will benefit United Way of El Paso County and participating local nonprofits, and registered participants will receive a finisher’s medal and access to a post-race expo with refreshments and local vendors.
- When: 7:30 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 14
- Where: Sunland Park Racetrack and Casino, 1200 Futurity Drive, Sunland Park
- Cost: $25-$105
- Information: flyinghorserace.com
SUTURA Binational Art Encounter
SUTURA will bring a five-day celebration of art and culture to El Paso and Ciudad Juárez, featuring exhibitions, performances, discussions, music, food and community-led activities. The inaugural binational event will highlight Latinx, Chicano, Mexican and borderland artists through programming at museums, galleries, cultural centers and public spaces on both sides of the border.
- When: Wednesday, Nov. 18, through Sunday, Nov. 22 (various times)
- Where: Multiple venues throughout El Paso and Ciudad Juárez, including the El Paso Museum of Art, UTEP and downtown arts districts
- Cost: Admission information to be announced
- Information: sutura-sutura.org
El Paso WinterFest 2026
Downtown El Paso will transform into a holiday wonderland as WinterFest returns with more than 1 million lights, a 55-foot Christmas tree, outdoor ice skating and festive attractions. The annual celebration will feature the Scherr Legate WinterFest Lights Parade, a Singing Tree display at Cleveland Square Park and a New Year’s Eve Star Drop at San Jacinto Plaza.
- When: Nov. 21-Jan. 3, 2027
- Where: San Jacinto Plaza, Cleveland Square Park and surrounding Downtown El Paso streets, near 1 Civic Center Plaza
- Cost: Free admission; some activities may require a fee
- Information: epwinterfest.com
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