Here’s a roundup of some culture and civic events in the borderland in the coming week.
UTEP Football Welcomes 2005 Bowl Team
The University of Texas at El Paso will welcome back more than 30 members of its celebrated 2005 football team during the Saturday, Nov. 8, home game against Jacksonville State, which kicks off at 1 p.m. at Sun Bowl Stadium. In honor of the reunion — timed with the Hall of Fame inductions of standout Miners Thomas Howard and Jordan Palmer — the university has rolled back ticket prices to $13, reflecting rates from two decades ago. The 2005 squad finished the season with an 8-4 record, earned a GMAC Bowl berth and was briefly ranked in the national top 25 during its run. Returning players and former head coach Mike Price will be recognized on the field during the game. Information and tickets: utepminers.com
Downtown Veterans Day Parade
El Paso will honor local service members with its annual Veterans Day Parade beginning at 10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 8, in Downtown. Presented in partnership with Flags Across America and the United American Veterans Organization, the free event invites the community to line the streets and pay tribute to veterans from across the region. The parade will step off at 10 a.m. and follow a route west along Myrtle Avenue from Florence Street before looping through several Downtown corridors and concluding near City Hall. Attendees are encouraged to arrive early and show support along the route. Information: elpasotexas.gov
‘Jurassic Park’ in concert
The El Paso Symphony Orchestra presents “Jurassic Park in Concert” at 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 8, at the Plaza Theatre, 125 W. Mills Ave. Audiences can relive Steven Spielberg’s 1993 classic film on the big screen as a full symphony orchestra, conducted by James Welsch, performs John Williams’ legendary score live to picture. The event blends the film’s groundbreaking visual effects and thrilling adventure with the power of live orchestral performance, creating an immersive cinematic experience. Tickets range from $55 to $100. Information: epso.org
Sun Bowl Art Exhibit
The International Museum of Art will host the opening reception for the 76th annual Sun Bowl Art Exhibit from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 6, at 1211 Montana Ave. The long-running juried show, which began in 1949, highlights work from local artists and is presented in conjunction with the Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl festivities. Prizes for participating artists will be announced during the reception, and exhibited pieces will be available for purchase, with proceeds supporting both creators and the museum. Admission is free. The exhibition runs through Jan. 11, 2026. Information: internationalmuseumofart.org
Día de los Muertos Market at County Coliseum
The Kaleidoscope Art Market will host a Día de los Muertos Market from 4 to 10 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 8, at the El Paso County Coliseum, 4100 E. Paisano Drive. The family-friendly event features local artists, handmade goods, live music and performances, food vendors and raffles. Attendees are invited to contribute photos or mementos to a public ofrenda honoring loved ones as part of the community’s cultural observance. Admission is free.
Coming Up
• ‘Brushtrokes from the Frontlines’: The Emergence Health Network Veterans One Stop Center, 10737 Gateway Blvd. West, No. 350, will host the opening of “Brushstrokes from the Frontlines,” a traveling exhibit showcasing high-quality reproductions of artwork by El Paso-born painter and World War II artist correspondent Tom Lea. From 1941 to 1945, Lea documented U.S. and Allied troops across multiple theaters of war for Life Magazine, producing depictions such as the well-known “Two-Thousand Yard Stare.” An opening reception is scheduled from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 12, and the exhibit runs through Dec. 12. Admission is free, though registration is required. Information and registration: tomlea.com
• EPMA Family Day flag-making: Families can get creative with the El Paso Museum of Art during an offsite Family Day flag-making activity from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 15, at the Veterans Recreation Center, 5301 Salem Drive. Participants of all ages are invited to design and decorate their own flags, with materials provided free of charge while supplies last. No registration is required, making it an accessible drop-in option for parents, caregivers and children looking to explore hands-on art in a community setting.
• Las Artistas ‘Mimosas & Masterpieces’ Show: Las Artistas Fine Arts & Crafts Show celebrates its 55th anniversary with a new “Mimosas & Masterpieces” VIP Experience Nov. 15-16 at the Epic Railyard Event Center, 2201 E. Mills Ave. The region’s longest-running juried art show will feature more than 100 artists showcasing works in painting, sculpture, glass, jewelry, ceramics and more. Guests can purchase the $40 VIP experience to enjoy early access from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday, complete with complimentary mimosas and artist meet-and-greets. Regular hours are 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday, with general admission at $10 and free entry for children. The weekend will also include live entertainment, food vendors, and a silent auction benefiting arts education. Information: lasartistas.org
• Sun Bowl Thanksgiving Parade: El Paso’s long-running Sun Bowl Thanksgiving Parade returns to Montana Avenue beginning at 10 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 27, beginning at Ochoa Street and concluding at Copia Street. This year’s theme, “Childhood Is Where Dreams Are Born,” will be led by celebrity chef Aarón Sánchez, who serves as the 2025 grand marshal. First organized by the El Paso Downtown Lions Club in 1935, the parade now draws an estimated 250,000 spectators and remains one of the region’s largest community events, featuring entries from civic groups, service clubs and local industries. Information: sunbowl.org
Mark Your Calendar
• 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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