Here’s a roundup of some culture and civic events in the borderland in the coming week.
Fourth of July Events
Rotary Independence Day Parade: Kick off your Fourth of July festivities at the 27th annual Rotary Independence Day Parade, hosted by the Rotary Club of West El Paso. The parade begins at 9 a.m. Friday, July 4, at Western Hills Methodist Church, 524 Thunderbird Drive. The route will continue west and turn left onto Shadow Mountain Drive before turning north onto Mesa Street. The procession will turn onto Champions Place and conclude at Cloudview Drive.
Fourth of July Celebration at Ascarate Park: El Paso County Parks and Recreation will host its annual Fourth of July Celebration from 4 to 10 p.m. Friday, July 4, at Ascarate Park, 6900 Delta Drive. The event will feature family-friendly entertainment throughout the evening, including food trucks, swimming at Ascarate Pool, a VIP picnic party and a fireworks show at approximately 9:20 p.m. to close out the night. Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets. Parking fee is $5.
Cleveland Square Park celebration: Celebrate Independence Day with an evening of live music and family-friendly festivities at Cleveland Square Park in Downtown El Paso. The city’s Parks and Recreation Department will host a free Fourth of July celebration from 7 to 10 p.m. Friday, July 4, featuring performances by local bands The Roulettes and Redemption Band. Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets and enjoy the festive atmosphere, with food and drinks available from local vendors.
Town of Anthony Fourth of July Parade: Celebrate Independence Day with the Town of Anthony’s annual Fourth of July Parade, set for 10 a.m. Friday, July 4, along Wildcat Drive. The community event invites residents and visitors to show their patriotic spirit while recognizing local first responders, civic leaders and small businesses. The parade is open to all.
Upper Valley Artist & Farmers Market 4th of July Festival: Celebrate Independence Day with family and friends at the Upper Valley Artist & Farmers Market’s Fourth of July Festival, set for 5 to 9 p.m. Friday, July 4, at Franklin High School, 900 N. Resler Drive. The evening will feature local vendors, food trucks, a dedicated kids’ zone, live music by DJs Chrri, Droppdeadd and Yari, and prize giveaways throughout the event. The festivities will conclude with a fireworks display at 9 p.m. Admission is free and open to the public.
City of Socorro Independence Day Xtravaganza: The City of Socorro will host its annual Independence Day Xtravaganza at 5 p.m. Friday, July 4, at Cougar Park, 10664 Socorro Road. The event will feature a headline performance by two-time Latin Grammy Award winner and Tejano music star Michael Salgado. The free, family-friendly celebration includes live entertainment, food trucks, local vendors, games and a fireworks show. It is open to the public. Information: 915-860-8615.
Red White and Brew at Painted Dunes: Painted Dunes Desert Golf Course will host its fifth annual Red, White and Brew Fireworks Show from 6 to 10 p.m. Thursday, July 3, at 12000 McCombs St. The family-friendly event will feature live music, food trucks, vendors, children’s activities and a fireworks display to kick off Independence Day celebrations. General admission is $10, with free entry for children 5 and under. Parking is free, and attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs. Tickets are available at painteddunes.com.
Freedom Festival at Horizon golf course: Celebrate Independence Day with the launch of a new community market at the Horizon Golf and Conference Center, 16000 Ashford St., during the Freedom Festival from 5 to 9 p.m. Friday, July 4. Hosted by Sun City’s Vendor Market, the event will feature indoor and outdoor shopping from local vendors, family-friendly activities, live music, and food from the center’s restaurant and bar. The festivities will culminate in a fireworks show at 9:15 p.m. Admission is free.
Fourth of July at Solana: Celebrate Independence Day with family fun at the Shoppes at Solana’s Fourth of July celebration from 5 to 10 p.m. Friday, July 4, at 750 Sunland Park Drive. The free event will feature water slides, inflatable games, a vendor market, live DJ music, food and a fireworks display scheduled for 9:30 p.m. All ages are welcome.
El Paso Locomotive: Celebrate Independence Day with soccer and fireworks as the El Paso Locomotive FC takes on rival San Antonio FC at 7 p.m. Friday, July 4, at Southwest University Park, 1 Ballpark Plaza. The USL Championship match will be capped with a fireworks display. Tickets and additional event details are available at eplocomotivefc.com.
Western Playland: The amusement park will host its annual July Fourth Fireworks Celebration from 4 to 10 p.m. Friday, July 4, at 1249 Futurity Drive in Sunland Park. The highlight of the evening — a fireworks display — is scheduled for 9 p.m., offering a colorful tribute to Independence Day. Visitors are encouraged to arrive early to enjoy the amusement park’s attractions and find a good viewing spot before the show begins. Regular park admission applies.
Wet ‘N’ Wild Waterworld: The water park in Anthony will host its annual Fourth of July celebration with a fireworks show at 9 p.m. Friday, July 4. Visitors can enjoy extended waterpark hours from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. before the nighttime display. Admission, cabanas and reserved tables can be purchased in advance through the waterpark’s website. Wet ‘N’ Wild is located at 8804 S. Desert Blvd. in Anthony, Texas.
Happening This Week
El Paso Tejano Music Festival
The El Paso Tejano Music Festival returns from 2 to 11:30 p.m. Saturday, July 5, at Ascarate Park for an all-ages celebration of Tejano music and culture. Headlined by Ruben “El Gato Negro” Ramos, the event will feature local Tejano artists, a Selena tribute performance, DJs and a variety of food trucks offering Tex-Mex fare. Attendees are invited to enjoy live music, dance and the scenic outdoor setting as part of this daylong celebration of El Paso’s cultural heritage. Paid parking is available on-site. Information and tickets: eventbrite.com
Cool Canyon Nights
Cool Canyon Nights continues its summer concert series Thursday, July 3, with a night of throwback rock at McKelligon Canyon Amphitheatre. Prime Rocks will headline the evening with a setlist of 1980s and 1990s rock hits, bringing high energy to the WestStar Main Stage at 7 p.m. Gates Open at 6 p.m. with Las Cruces-based Stoney Blue Fish playing on the patio stage Admission is free, and the venue is clear bag and cashless. The series continues through July 31. Information and schedule: Cool Canyon Nights.
Borlas y Pompones at the MACC
Celebrate color and tradition at the Borlas y Pompones open house from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, July 5, at the Mexican American Cultural Center, 201 W. Franklin Ave. This hands-on event invites guests of all ages to craft their own borlas (tassels) and pompoms, inspired by those commonly found in artisan markets across Mexico, especially in the state of Chiapas. Using vibrant yarns and traditional techniques, participants can create keychain or garland-ready decorations. The event is free and open to the public — no registration required. Information: epmacc.org
Women Hike to Aztec Caves
Join other women for a guided morning hike to the Aztec Caves from 7:30 to 10 a.m. Sunday, July 6, at Franklin Mountains State Park, 2900 Tom Mays Park Access Road. Led by a female ranger or volunteer, the two-mile trek offers a chance to explore the Chihuahuan Desert’s unique geology and wildlife while learning safe hiking practices. The moderate trail is family-friendly, with some loose rubble near the cave entrance that will be approached with care. Admission is $5 for ages 13 and up, free for Texas State Park Pass holders and children age 12 and younger. Reservations are required by calling 915-444-9121.
FC Juárez vs. Santos Laguna at Southwest University Park
Southwest University Park will host top-tier Mexican soccer when the FC Juárez Bravos face Santos Laguna in an international friendly at 7 p.m. Saturday, July 5. The match serves as the Bravos’ final preseason tune-up ahead of the 2025 Liga MX Apertura and marks the first public exhibition between the two clubs. Gates open at 6 p.m. Tickets: mlb.tickets.com
‘Cactus & Spurs’
Saddle up for “Cactus & Spurs: A Country & Western Hootenanny Art & Award Exhibit,” opening this week at Crossland Gallery, 500 W. Paisano Drive. Presented by the El Paso Art Association, this lively exhibition celebrates all things Country and Western with works from more than 70 local and regional artists. The show runs through Aug. 1 and features pieces honoring the spirit of the Southwest, alongside awards sponsored by local businesses and organizations. Gallery is open at varying hours from Tuesday through Saturday. Admission and parking are free. Information: elpasoartassociation.com or 915-534-7377.
Coming Up
El Fresco Music Series: The El Fresco Music Series continues its summer lineup with a Country Night concert at 7 p.m. Friday, July 11, at the El Paso Convention Center Plaza, 1 Civic Center Plaza in Downtown. The free, family-friendly event is part of the city’s “Ritmo & Rodeo” themed outdoor concert series highlighting local country and Latin acts. Guests can expect live music from regional performers, food vendors, giveaways and activities for all ages in a lively outdoor setting. Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, dancing shoes and a love for homegrown talent. Information: elpasolive.com
Luau at La Nube: La Nube STEAM Discovery Center, 201 W. Main Drive, is going tropical for its next adults-only event, After Hours @ La Nube: Tiki Luau Adult Night, from 7 to 10 p.m. Friday, July 25. Guests ages 21 and older are invited to dress in their favorite island-themed attire and enjoy tropical drinks, snacks, karaoke, limbo contests and hands-on STEAM experiences with a summer twist. Tickets start at $40 for La Nube members, with VIP options offering exclusive access to the Tiki Room Terrace and specialty drinks. Information and tickets: la-nube.org
Fort Bliss Ten-Miler: Test your endurance at the annual Fort Bliss Ten-Miler in the Heat, set for 7 a.m. Saturday, July 12, at the Joshua W. Soto Physical Fitness Center, 20751 Constitution Ave. The race is open to both Fort Bliss residents and the surrounding community, though a Community Access Pass is required for all non-military visitors ages 16 and older. Registration is $10 and includes a finisher medal, with awards going to the top three male and female finishers in each age group. Participants must register in person at the Soto Physical Fitness Center by July 3; late registration does not guarantee a race shirt, which must be purchased separately online. Children ages 15 and under may run with a parent and signed waiver. No pets allowed. Information: bliss.armymwr.com or 915-744-5785.
Mark Your Calendar
Plaza Classic Film Festival: The Plaza Classic Film Festival returns to Downtown El Paso for its 18th year from July 17-27, bringing more than 100 film screenings to the historic Plaza Theatre and surrounding venues. This year’s lineup includes classics like “Alien,” “La Bamba,” “Cabaret,” “Saving Private Ryan” and “Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back” as well as the popular Local Flavor Showcase highlighting regional filmmakers. Special guests such as actress Veronica Cartwright and writer-director Luis Valdez will participate in select screenings. Tickets are on sale at the Plaza Theatre box office and through Ticketmaster. Festival passes are available now at plazaclassic.com.
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