Here’s a roundup of some culture and civic events in the borderland in the coming week.
Mexican American Cultural Center Grand Opening
The city’s Mexican American Cultural Center, 201 W. Franklin Ave., will open its doors to the public at 10 a.m. Saturday, March 22. The grand opening celebration will have guided tours, hands-on activities, two new exhibits and food trucks. Other activities will celebrate the renovations to the adjacent Cleveland Square Park. The MACC is a three-story, 41,000-square-foot cultural center located between the Main Library and the El Paso Museum of History. Information: epmacc.org
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When will the Mexican American Cultural Center in Downtown El Paso open?
The Mexican American Cultural Center, the last signature project of the 2012 quality of life bond program, has yet to open. City officials say they’re “rounding the last corner.”
Water Week at UTEP
The University of Texas at El Paso and Universidad Autónoma de Ciudad Juárez host Water Week 2025 through Saturday, March 22, featuring a series of interdisciplinary events aimed at raising awareness of global water issues. Inspired by World Water Day, this year’s theme, “Water: States and Transformations,” explores the evolving challenges and solutions in water management. The weeklong event includes interactive workshops, research presentations, student poster sessions and artistic performances across various locations on the UTEP campus. Information and schedule: utep.edu.
Water Moves in San Jacinto Plaza
Forklift Danceworks and the University of Texas at El Paso present Water Moves, a community-centered performance exploring the impact and significance of water in the region. The free, public event will take place from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Thursday, March 20, at San Jacinto Plaza in Downtown El Paso. Co-directed by UTEP’s Melissa Melpignano and Forklift Danceworks’ Allison Orr, the performance will feature students from UTEP and Wesleyan University, the UTEP Concert Chorale, Mountain Movement Dance Company and local community members. Water Moves is part of UTEP’s World Water Week 2025 and Forklift Danceworks’ global project, The Way of Water. Information: forkliftdanceworks.org
Be My Neighbor Day at ESC Region 19 Head Start
Families are invited to celebrate kindness and community at Be My Neighbor Day from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, March 22, at ESC Region 19 Head Start, 11670 Chito Samaniego Dr. During the event, hosted by PBS El Paso and PNC Grow Up Great, children can meet Daniel Tiger from PBS’ “Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood,” interact with firefighters and police officers, and enjoy hands-on activities with community partners. The event also features a blanket drive benefiting the El Paso Center for Children. Admission is free. Information: kcostv.org
Coming Up
Change Makers: Celebrate Women’s History Month during Change Makers, a collaborative event presented by Progress321 and El Paso Matters from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 26, at the Hotel Paso del Norte, 10 Henry Trost Court. This year’s luncheon honors outstanding women in health from various fields. Keynote speaker will be Dr. Nirma D. Bustamante, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Mexico Country Director. Information: elpasomatters.org
El Paso Opera’s Casino Night: El Paso Opera raises the stakes with its annual Casino Night taking place from 7 p.m. to midnight Saturday, March 29, at Lost & Found, 2519 N. Stanton St. Guests can play classic casino-style games while taking in live performances. Limited tickets are available for this event to benefit El Paso Opera productions. Information: epopera.org
El Paso Chihuahuas season begins: The El Paso Chihuahuas begins its 2025 Pacific Coast League season with a three-game homestand March 28-30 against the Salt Lake Bees, the Triple-A affiliate of the Los Angeles Angels, at Southwest University Park, 1 Ballpark Plaza. The Chihuahuas are coming off a 2024 campaign that saw the team finish ninth in the league standings. This year marks the 11th season for the Chihuahuas in El Paso. Individual tickets are on sale at milb.com. Information and tickets: milb.com
EPSO’s ‘The Music of Journey’: The El Paso Symphony Orchestra brings the hits of Journey to life with Windborne’s “The Music of Journey” at 8 p.m. Saturday, March 29, at the Plaza Theatre, 125 W. Mills Ave. Led by guest conductor Brent Havens and featuring vocalist Brody Dolyniuk alongside a full rock band, the concert will showcase classic anthems such as “Don’t Stop Believin’,” “Open Arms” and “Faithfully.” Tickets are available through the Plaza Theatre box office and official ticketing outlets. Information: elpasolive.com
Mark Your Calendar
Headline Happy Hour: Join El Paso Matters for an evening of conversation, food and drinks from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, March 27, at Butter Smith Kitchen & Pies’ Northeast location, 4757 Hondo Pass Drive. Attendees can meet the journalists and staff behind the nonprofit newsroom, learn about upcoming coverage and share ideas on issues that matter to the community. Happy hour specials will be available from 5 to 10 p.m., with proceeds supporting El Paso Matters’ independent journalism. The event is free, but registration is encouraged. Information and registration: elpasomatters.org
“Viva! El Paso” auditions: Aspiring performers have a chance to be part of “Viva! El Paso,” the long-running outdoor musical celebrating the region’s history, with auditions scheduled from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Saturday, April 5, at the Officer David Ortiz Recreation Center, 563 N. Carolina Drive. Actors, singers and dancers ages 16 and older are invited to audition. Singers should bring prepared music, while dancers should wear comfortable clothing for movement. Auditionees must bring a photo ID, Social Security card, headshot and performance resume. Information: 915-307-0617 or 915-276-5681.
The post El Paso events: MACC opening, Water Week, Chihuahuas home opener appeared first on El Paso Matters.
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