Here’s a roundup of some culture and civic events in the borderland in the coming week.
Chalk the Block
Downtown El Paso will once again transform into an open-air gallery as Chalk the Block returns Friday-Saturday, Oct. 11-12 for its 18th anniversary. What began in 2008 as a small sidewalk chalk art competition has become one of the region’s largest public arts festivals, drawing more than 45,000 visitors each year.
The weekend celebration will showcase more than 100 local and touring artists, offering interactive installations, live performances, chalk competitions, and art and food vendors throughout the Downtown Arts District. Festivalgoers can also explore hands-on activities and exhibits at the El Paso Museum of Art, El Paso Museum of History and the Mexican American Cultural Center. Admission is free. Information: chalktheblock.com
Trivia on Tap with El Paso Matters
El Paso Matters will launch El Paso Giving Day with Trivia on Tap from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 9, at Old Sheepdog Brewery, 3900 Rosa Ave. The free community event invites teams to test their knowledge of El Paso history, culture, food and music while enjoying craft beer and food specials. Space is limited, so RSVPs are encouraged, though some walk-ups may be accommodated. Prizes will be awarded, and proceeds from the brewery’s featured beer will support El Paso Matters’ mission of providing local, independent journalism. Spectators are welcome. Information: elpasomatters.org
Halloween Town Market at County Coliseum
The Halloween Town Market will return from 4 to 10 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 11, bringing an evening of spooky fun to the El Paso County Coliseum, 4100 E. Paisano Drive. The free, family-friendly event will feature trick-or-treating for children (while supplies last), a costume contest, live music, food trucks, and a vendor market organized by Kaleidoscope Art Market. Guests can also enjoy themed photo opportunities and seasonal attractions designed to capture the spirit of Halloween. Admission is free, and all ages are welcome.
UTEP Florafest
The University of Texas at El Paso will host its fall Florafest Native Plant Sale from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 11, at the Undergraduate Learning Center plaza. Organized by the Centennial Museum and Chihuahuan Desert Gardens, the event offers a wide variety of native plants suited for desert landscaping. Shoppers are encouraged to arrive early for the best selection and to bring their own wagons, as only a limited number will be available on-site. Purchases can be made by card only, and proceeds benefit the continued care and development of the Chihuahuan Desert Gardens. Information: utep.edu
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Some of the plants available at the fall 2025 Florafest Native Plant Sale. -
Some of the plants available at the fall 2025 Florafest Native Plant Sale. -
Some of the plants available at the fall 2025 Florafest Native Plant Sale. -
Some of the plants available at the fall 2025 Florafest Native Plant Sale. -
Some of the plants available at the fall 2025 Florafest Native Plant Sale.
‘Mountain of Gold’ at History Museum
An El Paso Museum of History exhibit that draws on local memories and histories honors and explores the region’s historic Chinese, Korean, Filipino, Japanese and Vietnamese communities is now on view. “Mountain of Gold” looks into each group’s distinct traditions, culture, family stories, neighborhoods and businesses through an array of community-based displays. The exhibit’s title refers to how families described the United States as a “mountain of gold” and Mexico as a “mountain of silver.” The exhibit runs through January 2027 at the museum, 510 N. Santa Fe St. Museum hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday to Saturday and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday. Information: epmuseumofhistory.org
El Paso Fire Department Fire Fest 2025
The El Paso Fire Department will host Fire Fest 2025, a family-friendly event to honor the men and women of the department and their work, on Saturday, Oct. 11. The event will feature live demonstrations by the city’s and county’s fire crews, food trucks, farmer’s market, blood drive, charity auction and free flu vaccines. A ribbon cutting for the redesigned fire department’s Shock Trauma Air Rescue, or STAR, helicopter will also be held. The free event is from noon to 6 p.m. at Veterans Park, 5301 Salem Drive.
Coming Up
• MountainStar Sports Group Amigo Airsho: Tickets are now on sale for the Amigo Airsho, which celebrates the spirit of aviation and offers a salute to the nation’s armed forces. The show will be held Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 18-19, at Biggs Army Airfield on Fort Bliss. Air performers this year include an F-16C Fighting Falcon Demo and the Patriots Jet Team. Ground entertainment includes motocross athletes from Dialed Action Sports, California Tom Cruise and Arizona Ice Man, plus the Fort Bliss band, kids zones, a STEAM exhibit and more. Attendees will be able to bring one sealed water bottle or an empty (non-glass) reusable bottle to refill at water stations throughout the event. Every attendee will also receive a complimentary water bottle at the entrance. General admission starts at $35, with free admission for kids age 12 and younger. Free parking. Information: Amigo Airsho
• EPSO’s ‘Space Odyssey’: The El Paso Symphony Orchestra will present “Space Odyssey” on Oct. 17-18 at the Plaza Theatre, 125 W. Mills Ave., with concerts beginning at 7:30 p.m. under the direction of conductor Bohuslav Rattay. The program features John Williams’ “Adventures on Earth” from “E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial,” Eric Whitacre’s “Deep Field: The Impossible Magnitude of our Universe” accompanied by film, and Richard Strauss’ “Also sprach Zarathustra, Op. 30.” The UTEP Concert Chorale will join the orchestra for the performances. Audiences are also invited to attend “Opening Notes” with Nathan Black at 6:30 p.m. in the Philanthropy Theatre for insights into the evening’s works. Tickets range from $17 to $49. Information: epso.org
• Pumpkin Palooza: The Upper Valley Artist and Farmers Market will host a fall-themed Pumpkin Palooza Market from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 19, at Mesa Plaza, 7930 N. Mesa St. The event will feature pumpkin painting for all ages, seasonal foods and drinks from local vendors, autumn-inspired crafts and goods from area makers, and photo-friendly setups designed for festive fall snapshots. Organizers describe the market as a family-friendly event that goes beyond the traditional pumpkin patch, with free entry and a focus on local community talent and flavors.
‘I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter’ at Wise Theatre: The University of Texas at El Paso Department of Theatre and Dance will perform a play based on Erika L. Sanchez’s novel about a Chicago teen who struggles to balance her immigrant parents’ expectations with her dreams of becoming a writer. “I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter,” adapted by Isaac Gomez, will show at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 24, 25 and 30 and at 2 p.m. Oct. 26 and Nov. 2 at UTEP’s Wise Family Theatre, 2nd Floor, Fox Fine Arts Center on campus. Tickets are $12 for students, $15 for university faculty and staff, alumni, seniors and military, and $18 for adults and available at ticketmaster.com. Information: utep.edu/theatredance
Mark Your Calendar
• Oculto Film Fest: The Oculto Film Fest returns to the borderland this fall with events on both sides of the Rio Grande — Oct. 24-25 at El Paso’s Plaza Theatre and Nov. 1-2 at including a two-day celebration in Ciudad Juárez on Nov. 1-2 at the Paso del Norte Cultural Center in Ciudad Juárez. The festival will showcase a mix of horror and fantasy films from around the world, alongside short film blocks, master classes, panel discussions and industry talks. Highlights include international features such as “The Mouth of the Soul,” a gore musical comedy from Estonia, and a wide selection of short films from Mexico, Spain, Chile, Argentina and beyond. Information and schedule: ocultofilmfest.com
• Día de los Muertos Desfile and Festival: The Día de los Muertos Desfile and Festival invites the community to Downtown El Paso on Saturday, Nov. 1, for a daylong celebration of life and remembrance. The event, hosted by the Mexican American Cultural Center and the city’s Museums and Cultural Affairs Department, runs from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. at 201 W. Franklin Ave. Attendees will take in a mile-long parade featuring floats, folklórico dancers, musicians and community groups. Free cultural programming will take place across the Downtown Arts District museums, alongside an artisan market and food truck plaza highlighting local vendors. The festival, rooted in Mesoamerican traditions and the observance of All Souls’ Day, offers families an opportunity to honor loved ones while experiencing one of El Paso’s largest public celebrations. Information: epmacc.org
• El Paso Winefest: The 12th Annual El Paso Winefest returns Nov. 1-2, bringing together wine, food and live entertainment for a weekend of culinary celebration. The grand tasting event Saturday, Nov. 1, will feature more than 500 wines alongside dishes from 25 local restaurants, with both general admission and VIP tickets available. On Sunday, Nov. 2, the gastronomic battle will showcase Michelin-star chefs mentoring culinary students in a timed competition judged by bloggers, the public and industry leaders. Proceeds from the festival benefit the RotaCare free medical clinic in El Paso’s Lower Valley. Tickets range from $75 to $250, with weekend passes and group packages also available. Information: elpasowinefest.com
• WinterFest: The city of El Paso’s WinterFest holiday event begins Saturday, Nov. 22 and runs through Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026, in Downtown. The event kicks off at 5 p.m. Nov. 22 at San Jacinto Plaza with the Scherr Legate Lights Parade starting at 6 p.m. WinterFest features holiday lights displays at San Jacinto Plaza, Cleveland Square Park and throughout the Downtown Arts District, ice skating, fiestas, movies, pictures with Santa, and a slew of special events. Full schedule to be announced. Information: epwinterfest.com
• El Paso Matters 9.15K: The El Paso Matters 9.15K will leave the starting line at 9:15 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 7, at San Jacinto Plaza in Downtown El Paso. More than just a race, the 9.15-kilometer course highlights community pride by honoring the region’s area code, with proceeds supporting El Paso Matters’ nonprofit journalism. Runners, walkers and supporters are invited to participate in this celebration of local stories and connection, with the event blending fitness, identity and civic engagement. Registration is now open. Information: elpasomatters.org
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