Here’s a roundup of some culture and civic events in the borderland in the coming week.
El Paso Chihuahuas season begins
The El Paso Chihuahuas begin their 2025 Pacific Coast League season with a three-game homestand Friday-Sunday, 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
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
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
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
EPCC Punk Rock Speaker Series
El Paso Community College will host two talks Friday, March 28, as part of its speaker series exploring the city’s punk rock history. Author and historian Tara López will present “Exploring Chuco Punk & Overlooked Histories” at 11 a.m. at the EPCC Transmountain Campus Library, 9570 Gateway North Blvd., for students, followed by a public talk, “Chuco Punk: Sonic Insurgency in El Paso,” at 6 p.m. at the El Paso Museum of History, 510 N. Santa Fe St. Both events are free to attend and will examine the cultural significance and overlooked narratives of El Paso’s punk scene. Two additional talks in the series are scheduled for April.
Coming Up
El Paso Science Festival: Families are invited to spark curiosity and ignite a love for science during the El Paso Science Festival on Saturday-Sunday, April 5-6, at the El Paso Convention Center, 1 Civic Center Plaza. The free event runs from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. both days and features more than 100 interactive exhibits and hands-on activities designed to engage students from pre-K to eighth grade. The festival will also include a main stage with science demonstrations every two hours and a speaker series with hourly talks from leading scientists sharing insights on discoveries and real-world challenges. Information: elpasoscience.org
Borderland BeerFest: DeadBeach Brewery will host the return of Borderland BeerFest from noon to 11 p.m. Saturday, April 5, at 3200 Durazno Ave. The free event will showcase independent craft breweries from Texas, New Mexico and California. This year’s festival also includes more non-alcoholic offerings and a partnership with the Upper Valley Farmer’s Market, which will bring more than 30 local vendors to the site. The event is open to all ages. Information: deadbeach.com
Storybook Studio at UTEP’s Rubin Center: Families with young children are invited to explore art, storytelling and hands-on creativity during Storybook Studio on Saturday, April 5, at the Stanlee and Gerald Rubin Center for the Visual Arts, 720 Dawson Road. The free event runs from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the center on the University of Texas at El Paso campus, and features a child-centered visit to the exhibition MUD+CORN+STONE+BLUE, led by UTEP art education students and faculty. Children ages 3-10 and their families can enjoy read-aloud activities focused on themes like agriculture and the environment, followed by art-making in the auditorium.
Texas Epilepsy Walk — El Paso: Take part in the annual Texas Epilepsy Walk – El Paso from 8 to 10:30 a.m. Saturday, April 5, at Eastwood Park, 3110 Parkwood St. The free event begins with check-in at 8 a.m., followed by a brief presentation and a walk around the park at 9 a.m. Participants are encouraged to register individually or as part of a team and to consider donating or fundraising to support the Epilepsy Foundation Texas. Proceeds help fund local programs for individuals living with epilepsy. Information: epilepsyfoundationtexas.org or aannelus@eftx.org
Mark Your Calendar
“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.
El Paso Comic Con: El Paso Comic Con returns Friday-Sunday, April 11-13, to the El Paso Convention Center with a guest list that includes Vincent D’Onofrio, known for his roles in “Law & Order: Criminal Intent” and “Daredevil,” and WWE Hall of Famer Sgt. Slaughter. Actor Sean Gunn of “Guardians of the Galaxy” and “Gilmore Girls” is also set to appear, alongside voice actors and comic book artists. VIP passes, which include early entry, autograph line access and other perks, are $150 and available online only. General admission ranges from $25 to $80. Full event details and the Q&A panel schedule are available online. Information: elpasocomiccon.com
UTEP football spring game: Fans of the University of Texas at El Paso football program can get a first look at the 2025 Miners under second-year head coach Scotty Walden during the team’s annual spring game at 11 a.m. Saturday, April 12, at Sun Bowl Stadium. The scrimmage marks the culmination of spring practices, which are otherwise closed to the public. More than 30 new players and five new coaches — including offensive and defensive coordinators Mark Cala and Bobby Daly — join 67 returners this season. A key storyline this spring is the competition at quarterback, with returning players and highly touted recruit Malachi Nelson battling for the starting role. Admission to the spring game is free.
Las Artistas Spring Show and call for artists: Las Artistas is accepting applications until Thursday, May 15, for its 55th annual Art & Fine Crafts Show, set for Nov. 15-16 at the EPIC Railyard Event Center in South El Paso. The juried show features work from painters, sculptors, mixed media artists and other fine arts professionals, attracting collectors from across the region. A $35 jury fee and five images, including a booth shot, are required. Meanwhile, the organization’s Spring Show takes place Saturday-Sunday, April 26-27, at the El Paso International Museum of Art, 1211 Montana Ave. Admission is free. Information: lasartistas.org
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