Here’s a roundup of some culture and civic events in the borderland in the coming week.
El Paso Pro-Musica “Cellobration”
El Paso Pro-Musica will present a cello-focused performance led by Artistic Director Zuill Bailey, joined by the Cello All-Stars and guest cellist John-Henry Crawford. The concert marks Bailey’s 25th anniversary with the organization and features musicians who studied under him at the University of Texas at El Paso.
- When: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, April 11
- Where: UTEP Fox Fine Arts Center Recital Hall, 500 W. University Ave.
- Cost: Starting at $30.30
- Information: elpasopromusica.org
Mission Valley Earth Day Celebration
The city of El Paso will host a free Earth Day celebration in the Lower Valley featuring food, games and live entertainment, including performances by DJ Johnny Kage and Mazo Vibe. The event will also include free pet adoptions and family-friendly activities.
- When: 6-10 p.m. Saturday, April 11
- Where: 7968 San Paulo Drive
- Cost: Free
- Information: City of El Paso Facebook
Community Planting at La Semilla
A community gathering to mark the planting season at La Semilla Community Farm, featuring a guided planting activity led by farm staff, along with performances, food and a collective blessing of the land. The event, part of the “Les Sembrantes (The Sowers)” exhibition organized by the Stanlee and Gerald Rubin Center for the Visual Arts, brings together farmers and food culture practitioners of all ages.
- When: 8:30 a.m.-noon Saturday, April 11
- Where: La Semilla Community Farm, 350 Our Way Rd., Anthony, New Mexico
- Cost: Free
- Information:La Semilla Community Farm
UTEP Focus Talks
UTEP art history students will present informal talks on selected works currently on view at the El Paso Museum of Art, offering insight into each piece’s style, historical context and significance. The presentations are the last of a two-date series open to the public.
- When: 5:30-6:30 p.m. Thursday, April 9
- Where: El Paso Museum of Art, One Arts Festival Plaza
- Cost: Free
- Information: epma.art
‘A Story of Stories’ Book Talk
Cristina D. Ramirez, a professor and head of the English Department at the University of Arizona, will present her award-winning book “A Story of Stories: The Texas Border Barrio Life and Writings of Doña Ramona González.” The talk will explore the life and work of a lesser-known Chicana writer from 1970s El Paso and her influence on the Chicano literary movement. Books will be available for purchase after the event.
- When: 6 p.m. Thursday, April 9
- Where: UTEP Student Union East, Andesite Room 102B
- Cost: Free
- Information: Facebook Events
Borderland BeerFest 2026
DeadBeach Brewery will host the return of Borderland BeerFest, a free-admission craft beer festival featuring breweries from Texas, New Mexico and California, along with food vendors, artisan booths and live entertainment. The all-ages event will offer beer tastings and full pours through a drink ticket system, with non-alcoholic options also available.
- When: Noon-10 p.m. Saturday, April 11
- Where: DeadBeach Brewery, 3200 Durazno Ave.
- Cost: Free admission; drink tickets available for purchase
- Information: deadbeach.com
UTEP FloraFest
The Centennial Museum and Chihuahuan Desert Gardens will host its annual FloraFest native plant sale on the University of Texas at El Paso campus, offering a wide selection of native and adapted plants suited for the region. The event serves as a primary fundraiser for the gardens and will include opportunities to speak with Master Gardeners and horticulture experts about plant care and landscaping in the Chihuahuan Desert.
- When: 9 a.m.–3 p.m. Saturday, April 11
- Where: UTEP Undergraduate Learning Center plaza
- Cost: Varies by purchase; card payments only
- Information: utep.edu
Peak Challenge at Ron Coleman Trail
Franklin Mountains State Park will host a guided Peak Challenge hike along the Ron Coleman Trail, a strenuous 4-mile route that includes steep inclines, rock scrambles and chain-assisted climbs. Reservations are required, and participants must come prepared with adequate water and hiking gear.
- When: 7:30 a.m.-noon Saturday, April 11
- Where: Smuggler’s Pass (Mammoth Trunk) parking area, Franklin Mountains State Park
- Cost: $5 (ages 13 and older); free for Texas State Park Pass holders and ages 5-12
- Information: texasstateparks.reserveamerica.com or 915-444-9121.
Mom & Baby Expo
A family-focused expo designed for expecting parents and families with young children will feature local vendors, services and workshops at the El Paso Convention Center. Programming includes a workout class and a lactation workshop, with raffles held throughout the event.
- When: Noon-4 p.m. Sunday, April 12
- Where: El Paso Convention Center, 1 Civic Center Plaza
- Cost: Free admission; workshops $15 with pre-registration
- Information: momandbabyexpo.org
Jewel Box Series: ‘The Odyssey’
Next Stage Theatre Co. will present “The Odyssey” as part of the El Paso Community Foundation’s Jewel Box Series, which highlights locally produced performances in the Philanthropy Theatre at the Plaza Theatre Performing Arts Centre.
- When: 2:30 p.m. Sunday, April 12
- Where: Philanthropy Theatre, Plaza Theatre Performing Arts Centre, 125 W. Mills Ave.
- Cost: $18.20, tickets available at Ticketmaster.
- Information: 915-231-1100
Mesilla Frontier Fair
The Mesilla Frontier Fair will bring a day of historical reenactments, cultural programming and family-friendly activities to Mesilla Plaza. The event will include performances, interactive booths, costume and salsa contests, and a reenactment of “The Ballad of Billy the Kid,” along with a talk on the 1871 Mesilla Riot.
- When: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, April 11
- Where: Mesilla Plaza, Calle Principal, Las Cruces, New Mexico
- Cost: Free
- Information: mesillanm.gov
Coming Up
El Paso Science Festival
The El Paso Science Festival will return with two days of hands-on exhibits, live demonstrations and interactive experiences for all ages at the El Paso Convention Center. The event will feature more than 100 activities focused on science, technology and engineering, along with main stage presentations and a special focus on artificial intelligence. NASA astronaut José Hernández is scheduled to headline the festival’s grand finale Sunday afternoon, sharing his experience of space travel in an immersive presentation.
- When: 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, April 18-19
- Where: El Paso Convention Center, 1 Civic Center Plaza
- Cost: Free
- Information: elpasoscience.org
Third Thursdays in the Downtown Arts District
A monthly initiative bringing extended hours and programming to cultural institutions across Downtown El Paso, with participating sites offering special activities alongside an artisan market, live music, food and community booths. The event is designed to encourage residents and visitors to explore multiple locations in one evening.
- When: 5-9 p.m. Thursday, April 16
- Where: Downtown Arts District, including 1 Civic Center Plaza and surrounding venues
- Cost: Free
- Information: epmcad.org
Bat Walk
Franklin Mountains State Park will host its first Bat Walk of the year, featuring an educational introduction about bats followed by a short, easy hike to observe them at dusk. Reservations are required, and participation is limited.
- When: 6:30-8 p.m. Friday, April 17
- Where: Franklin Mountains State Park, entrance gate off Transmountain Road, 2900 Tom Mays Access Road
- Cost: $8 (ages 13 and older); $3 with Texas State Park Pass; $1 (ages 12 and younger)
- Information: Reservations required, 915-444-9121
Kickin’ Asphalt 5K and 1-Mile Fun Run/Walk
The El Paso Center for Children will host its annual Kickin’ Asphalt fundraiser at Ascarate Park, featuring a 5K and 1-mile run/walk alongside live music, food trucks and family-friendly activities. The race begins at 6 p.m., with the broader event open to participants and spectators.
- When: 5-9 p.m. Saturday, April 18
- Where: Ascarate Park, 6900 Delta Drive
- Cost: $30 adults; $25 military and under 18; $35 race day; free for non-racers
- Information: epccinc.org
Dia de Los Niños / Dia de Los Libros
The city’s annual Día de los Niños / Día de los Libros celebration marks its 30th anniversary with a day of family-friendly activities promoting literacy and culture. The event begins with a neighborhood parade and continues with games, booths and community activities organized by the El Paso Public Library and Parks and Recreation Department.
- When: 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, April 25
- Where: Pavo Real Park and Recreation Center, 9301 Alameda Ave.
- Cost: Free
- Information: elpasolibrary.org
El Paso Autism Walk
The Autism Society of Texas and Autism Society of El Paso County will host a community walk and fun run at Ascarate Park to support programs for local families, autistic adults and their loved ones. The event includes a non-competitive 5K run, a 1-mile walk, a resource fair and family-friendly activities.
- When: 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Saturday, April 25
- Where: Ascarate Park, 6900 Delta Drive
- Cost: Registration required; $15, prices increase after April 24.
- Information: runsignup.com
Taste of El Paso Festival
The second annual Taste of El Paso Festival will bring together local restaurants, food trucks and breweries for a daylong celebration of regional cuisine, craft beer and live music in Northeast El Paso. Organizers say the event will feature more than 20 food vendors, regional beers on draft and cultural activities throughout the day.
- When: 2-10 p.m. Saturday, April 25
- Where: NEEP Collective, 8144 Dyer St.
- Cost: Admission from $15; all ages
- Information: Taste of El Paso Instagram
Mark Your Calendar
El Paso Comic Con
The annual El Paso Comic Con returns with a three-day event celebrating comics, film, anime, gaming and pop culture at the El Paso Convention Center. The event will feature celebrity guest panels, autograph signings, photo opportunities, cosplay, contests and KidCon activities, offering opportunities for fans to interact with creators and performers.
- When: Friday-Sunday, May 1-3
- Where: El Paso Convention Center, 1 Civic Center Plaza
- Cost: Prices start at $37.21; child passes start at $8.01
- Information: elpasocomiccon.com
Miche 5K
A new 5K event will make its El Paso debut at Ascarate Park, combining a community run with live music and a post-race celebration. The course will feature entertainment along the route, with a finisher’s medal and a michelada or nonalcoholic option available at the finish line, followed by live performances.
- When: 7 a.m. pre-race activities; 8 a.m. start Sunday, May 3
- Where: Ascarate Park, 6900 Delta Drive
- Cost: $56.66, discount for teams of 10 or more runners
- Information: miche5k.com
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BTS at Sun Bowl Stadium
Global K-pop superstars BTS will make their first appearance in El Paso as part of their 2026 world tour, performing two nights at Sun Bowl Stadium. The shows mark the group’s return to the stage following a multi-year hiatus while members completed mandatory military service in South Korea.
- When: Saturday-Sunday, May 2-3
- Where: Sun Bowl Stadium, 2701 Sun Bowl Drive
- Cost: Sold out. Tickets available on secondary markets.
Sol Summit Music and Cultura Festival
The inaugural Sol Summit Music and Cultura Festival will bring two days of live music and cultural programming to Downtown El Paso, featuring a bilingual, genre-spanning lineup of global, national and local artists. Headliners include The Flaming Lips and Bomba Estéreo, with additional performances by Ximena Sariñana, Adrian Quesada’s Trio Asesino and others, alongside daytime programming developed with local cultural institutions.
- When: Saturday-Sunday, May 2-3
- Where: San Jacinto Plaza, Downtown El Paso
- Cost: Prices start at $80.40; free for children 12 and younger with a ticketed adult
- Information: solsummitmusic.com
Post Malone and Jelly Roll at Sun Bowl
Chart-topping artists Post Malone and Jelly Roll will bring their Big Ass Stadium Tour Part 2 to El Paso, with Carter Faith joining the lineup. The stadium tour follows the success of the duo’s first joint run.
- When: Wednesday, May 13
- Where: Sun Bowl Stadium, 2701 Sun Bowl Drive
- Cost: Prices start at $98
- Information: Tickets on sale via Ticketmaster
Banana Ball Exhibition Games
Banana Ball — a fast-paced baseball format known for its entertainment-focused rules and fan interaction — will bring two exhibition games to El Paso as the Texas Tailgaters face the Firefighters at Southwest University Park.
- When: Friday-Saturday, May 15-16
- Where: Southwest University Park, 1 Ballpark Plaza
- Cost: Prices start at $35
- Information: bananaball.com
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