Here’s a roundup of some culture and civic events in the borderland in the coming week.
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
Insect Night at the Museum of Archaeology
Explore the world of bugs during Insect Night, which returns from 7 to 10 p.m. Saturday, July 26, to the El Paso Museum of Archaeology, 4301 Woodrow Bean Transmountain Drive. The evening event will feature hands-on activities, night hikes and a bug crawl showcasing the desert’s nocturnal critters. Families are invited to experience nature after dark on the museum grounds. Admission is free. Information: epmarch.org
Reptilia at the El Paso Zoo
Slither into the fascinating world of reptiles at Reptilia: Celebration of Snakes, happening from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, July 26, at the El Paso Zoo, 4001 E. Paisano Drive. The family-friendly event features live snake displays from the zoo and private collectors, educational exhibits at the Kalahari Research Station and Discovery Classroom, and a special presentation by Wild Encounters at the Wildlife Amphitheater. Organizers aim to highlight the ecological importance of snakes. Regular zoo admission applies: $8.95 for children, $10.95 for teens and seniors, and $13.95 for adults. Information: elpasozoo.org
Korean War exhibit closing event
A commemorative closing event for the El Paso Museum of History exhibit “El Paso Homegrown – The Korean War” is scheduled from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, July 26, at the museum, 510 N. Santa Fe St. Held in honor of the 72nd Korean War Armistice Day, the event will feature a color guard and the playing of taps to pay tribute to the 94 El Pasoans who died during the war. Organizers will also announce plans for a new Korean War monument bearing the names of those fallen. The public is invited to attend this recognition of local sacrifice and view the exhibit before it concludes. Information: epmuseumofhistory.org
Plaza Classic Film Festival
The Plaza Classic Film Festival continues in Downtown El Paso this week, bringing more than 100 film screenings to the historic Plaza Theatre and surrounding venues. The festival concludes Sunday, July 27. This year’s lineup includes classics such as “Alien,” “Schindler’s List” 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 will participate in select screenings. Tickets are on sale at the Plaza Theatre box office and through Ticketmaster. Information: plazaclassic.com
Cool Canyon Nights
Cool Canyon Nights continues Thursday, July 24, with an evening of Latin-infused rhythms at the McKelligon Canyon Amphitheatre. El Paso favorites Frontera Bugalu will headline the night with their signature blend of cumbia, salsa and borderland soul. Opening the show is Saving Bandit, an emerging local band. Doors open at 6 p.m., with performances beginning at 7 p.m. Admission is free, and attendees are encouraged to arrive early to secure seating. Information: elpasolive.com
Live Active El Paso Backpack Giveaway and 3K Walk/Run
Families can get a healthy start to the school year at the Live Active El Paso Backpack Giveaway and 3K Walk/Run, taking place at 8 a.m. Saturday, July 26, at Pavo Real Park, 9301 Alameda Ave. The event begins with a family-friendly walk/run, and participants who complete the 3K will receive a free backpack while supplies last. More than 1,600 backpacks will be available for school-aged children on a first-come, first-served basis. Attendees can also access free vaccinations, wellness resources, and groceries from a food pantry for the first 200 families. Additional activities include face painting, live entertainment and community booths. The event is free and open to the public.
Coming Up
• EPISD Back to School Fiesta: El Paso ISD will host its third annual Back to School Fiesta from July 29 to 31, with evening celebrations planned at each of the district’s high schools. The events, scheduled from 6 to 7:30 p.m., aim to connect families, students and staff from each campus and its feeder schools. Attendees can expect school-specific activities and informational booths. High schools participating include Burges, El Paso, Irvin and Jefferson on July 29; Coronado and Franklin on July 30; and Andress, Austin, Bowie and Chapin on July 31. Information: episd.org
• Bridal, Quince and Sweet 16 Expo: Plan your big day during the 20th Annual Summer Days of Remembrance Bridal, Quince & Sweet 16 Expo, taking place from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 3, at the El Paso Convention Center, 1 Civic Center Plaza. Hosted by Elegant Penguin Enterprises, this long-running expo brings together dozens of vendors offering deals and guidance for weddings, quinceañeras and sweet 16 celebrations. Admission is $5 per person; children ages 12 and younger are free. Proceeds from the door benefit the Paso del Norte Center of Hope. The event is cashless.
• Harry Potter Festival: Celebrate the magic of the wizarding world at the Harry Potter Festival from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 2, at the Fort Bliss Art and Hobby Shop, 820 Marshall Road. Inspired by Diagon Alley, the event will feature local vendors, face painting, crafts and a photo station complete with Hogwarts robes and acceptance letters. The festival is free and open to all ages. A Fort Bliss community access pass is required for El Paso residents to enter the base. Information: 915-568-5563.
Mark Your Calendar
• Empower Health Expo: The Empower Health Expo takes place from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 16, at the El Paso Convention Center, 1 Civic Center Plaza, offering a full day of wellness-centered activities. This free event, which requires online registration, aims to support the community’s physical, emotional and mental well-being through a mix of interactive offerings. Attendees can expect health screenings, free vaccines, live fitness demonstrations, and talks from health experts on the latest in care. The expo will also include donation drives for pantry and clothing items, as well as opportunities to donate blood and hair. A portion of vendor proceeds will benefit local nonprofits working to improve community health. Information and registration: empowerhealthexpo.com
• El Fresco Music Series finale: Celebrate the final night of the 2025 El Fresco Music Series with a Latin-themed evening at 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 29, at the El Paso Convention Center Plaza in Downtown El Paso. The free outdoor concert will feature live performances by local Latin bands, a variety of food vendors, family-friendly activities and giveaways — all part of this year’s “Ritmo & Rodeo” theme highlighting country and Latin music. Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and enjoy a night of music, dancing and community under the El Paso sky.
• El Paso Opera’s Encores & Overtures: El Paso Opera will launch its new season with Encores & Overtures 2025: A Night in Monte Carlo, a gala celebration blending glamour, philanthropy and live performance. The event takes place from 6 p.m. to midnight Friday, Sept. 5, at the Elmont Special Event Center, 240 W. Castellano Drive, Suite B. Guests can expect an evening of cocktails, a three-course dinner, opera highlights from baritone Levi Hernandez and El Paso Opera’s Artist Ambassadors, and the presentation of the Maestro Award to Kirk and Judy Robison. The night concludes with a casino-themed after-party and dancing. Tickets range from $206 to $10,300. Information and tickets: epopera.org
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