Here’s a roundup of some culture and civic events in the borderland in the coming week.
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 El Paso and throughout 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. DJs and local bands will perform. 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. Information: Rubin Center.
Big El Paso Fair
The Big El Paso Fair continues to offer family-friendly fun through Sunday, April 13, at Ascarate Park, 6900 Delta Drive. The fair features amusement park rides, live entertainment and fair food. It is scheduled to be open from 5 to 11 p.m. Monday-Friday and from 1 p.m. to midnight Saturday-Sunday. Tickets can be purchased at the gate or online. They cost $30 for super saver wristbands, which offer unlimited access to rides, and $15 for general admission. Parking is free at Ascarate Park. Information and tickets: bigelpasofair.com
Family Eid Party
The Islamic Center of El Paso is hosting a family-friendly festival to celebrate Eid al-Fitr following Ramadan. Activities include laser tag, a petting zoo, bounce houses, face painting and race track. There will be dinner provided as well as a Craze frozen yogurt truck. Entrance is free and the event takes place 6-9 p.m. Saturday, April 5, at the mosque’s grounds, 143 Paragon Lane. Dress code: Casual attire, though shoulders, back and chest area should be covered. Information: icelpaso.org
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
“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.
Coming Up
FloraFest at UTEP: FloraFest, El Paso’s signature native plant sale, returns from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, April 12, at the Chihuahuan Desert Gardens on the University of Texas at El Paso campus. The spring sale offers a wide variety of native and native-adapted plants — many in bloom and ideal for planting before summer heat sets in. Shoppers can seek gardening advice from local Master Gardeners and horticulturists while supporting the maintenance and operation of the gardens. Plants sold are often unavailable at local retailers and are well-suited for the region’s climate, helping conserve water and support pollinators. Information: utep.edu
Public Art Program Master Plan community meetings: The City of El Paso’s Public Art Program is updating its Master Plan, and residents are invited to help shape the future of public art across the city. The Museums and Cultural Affairs Department will host a series of open-house meetings Monday-Thursday, April 7-10, at various locations to gather input and share details about the new plan, which will guide public art development over the next decade. Community feedback collected through these events and an online questionnaire will help inform strategic decisions about how public art enhances El Paso’s cultural and visual landscape.
All meetings begin at 5:30 p.m. at the following locations:
- Monday, April 7: Dorris Van Doren Branch Library, 551 E. Redd Road
- Tuesday, April 8: Esperanza Acosta Moreno Branch Library, 12480 Pebble Hills Blvd.
- Wednesday, April 9: Northgate Transfer Center at Metro 31, 9348 Diana Drive
- Thursday, April 10: Sylvia A. Carreon Community Center, 709 Lomita Drive
Information: epmcad.org
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.
Mark Your Calendar
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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