El Paso Matters – Día de los Niños celebrates 30 years; Margarita Festival returns

Here’s a roundup of some culture and civic events in the borderland in the coming week.

Día de Los Niños / Día 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 Margarita Festival

An event for adults ages 21 and older features a margarita tasting competition, live DJ, food vendors and a beer garden at The Yard Patio Beer Garden. Attendees will sample drinks from local bars and restaurants and vote for their favorite, with proceeds benefiting children’s charities.

When: Noon-6 p.m. Saturday, April 25
Where: The Yard Patio Beer Garden, 14261 Montana Ave.
Cost: Tickets start at $25.27
Information: texasfests.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

Earth Day Celebration at El Paso Zoo

The El Paso Zoo will host an Earth Day event featuring educational exhibits, interactive tables and entertainment focused on conservation efforts and endangered species. Visitors can learn from partner organizations about wildlife protection and ways to support environmental initiatives.

When: 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, April 25
Where: El Paso Zoo, 4001 E. Paisano Drive
Cost: $8.95-$13.95
Information: elpasozoo.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

EPSO’s ‘Carmina!’

The El Paso Symphony Orchestra will present a two-night program featuring Mozart’s “Symphony No. 39” and Carl Orff’s “Carmina Burana,” with performances by soprano Meechot Marrero, tenor Brian Downen and baritone Ricardo Herrera, along with the University of Texas at El Paso’s Choral Union and Youth Opera of El Paso. A pre-concert “Opening Notes” talk with Nathan Black will be held before each performance.

When: 7:30 p.m. Friday-Saturday, April 24-25
Where: Plaza Theatre, 125 Pioneer Plaza
Cost: $17–$49
Information: epso.org

Las Artistas Spring Show

The fifth annual Las Artistas Spring Show will bring together a curated group of regional artists for a weekend showcasing original artwork at the International Museum of Art. The event offers visitors an opportunity to view and purchase works while engaging with the local arts community.

When: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, April 25; 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday, April 26
Where: International Museum of Art, 1211 Montana Ave.
Cost: Free
Information: lasartistas.org

Mes de la Poesía: Cartografía y Memoria

Poets Abigail Carl-Klassen and Iliana Pichardo Urrutia will present their books “Village Mechanics” and “All That Was Future” in a moderated conversation led byAlessandra Narváez Varela. The event will include a book sale and signing following the discussion.

When: 3-4:30 p.m. Saturday, April 25
Where: Mexican American Cultural Center, 201 W. Franklin Ave.
Cost: Free
Information: epmacc.org

Provecho Amigos Culinary Event

A citywide culinary showcase highlighting El Paso’s food scene, Provecho Amigos will bring together local chefs and restaurants offering sample-sized dishes ranging from street food to fine dining. Proceeds from the event will support a culinary scholarship for local high school students.

When: Noon-5 p.m. Saturday, April 25
Where: El Paso Convention Center, 1 Civic Center Plaza
Cost: $26.25–$78.75
Information: provechoamigos.com

La Viña Winery Spring Wine Festival

La Viña Winery will host its annual spring wine festival with a weekend of wine tastings, live music and local vendors. The event will feature more than 20 wines, along with food trucks, art and craft booths, and additional VIP experiences available for purchase.

When: Noon-7 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, April 25-26
Where: La Viña Winery, 4201 S. Hwy 28, Anthony, New Mexico
Cost: $30 general admission; $10 (ages 12-20); free (younger than 12); VIP $120
Information: lavinawinery.com

Hal Marcus Memorial and “El Paso Gracias a Dios” Unveiling

A community gathering will honor the life and legacy of El Paso artist Hal Marcus with the unveiling of his painting “El Paso Gracias a Dios” at its new home. The event will include a historical presentation on the first Thanksgiving, live performances by Eden Performing Arts and an exhibit of Marcus’ work, with select pieces available for purchase.

When: Noon-3 p.m. Sunday, April 26
Where: Casa Ford, 5815 Montana Ave.
Cost: Free
Information: Sunset Parlor Instagram

Independent Bookstore Day Events

Rosie Juárez Appearances at Local Bookstores

Author Rosie Juárez will appear at the Nook Bookstore & Café and Margin Notes Bookbar to discuss and sign copies of her memoir “His Niece,” which explores her experience as a relative of Richard Ramirez, known as the “Night Stalker.”

The Nook Bookstore & Café

When: 10 a.m.-noon Saturday, April 25
Where: The Nook Bookstore & Cafe, 3260 N. Zaragoza Road, Suite 201
Cost: Free
Information: The Nook Bookstore & Café Instagram

Margin Notes Bookbar

When: 1-4:30 p.m. Saturday, April 25
Where: Margin Notes Bookbar, 7460 Cimarron Market Ave., Building 2, Suite 300
Cost: Free
Information: Margin Notes Bookbar Instagram

Indie Bookstore Pop-Up Event at Colorful Chapters

Colorful Chapters Bookstore will host a pop-up event in celebration of Indie Bookstore Day, bringing together books and local pastries in a community-focused setting. The event will also include a do-it-yourself bookmark station for attendees.

When: 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Sunday, April 26
Where: Wake and Bake, 5001 N. Mesa St., Building 2, Suite A
Cost: Free to attend; purchases optional
Information: Colorful Chapters Bookstore Instagram

Rosie Juárez Signing at Margin Notes Bookbar

Rosie Juárez will continue her local appearances with a stop at Margin Notes Bookbar, where she is scheduled to meet readers and sign copies of “His Niece.” The memoir reflects on family ties to one of the most widely known criminal cases in U.S. history.

Coming Up

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

Amigo Man 5K Run and 1-Mile Walk

The Amigo Man race marks its 50th anniversary with a 5K run and 1-mile walk at McKelligon Canyon, followed by post-race activities including vendors, food trucks and a morning yoga session. Finisher medals will be awarded to the first 200 participants to cross the finish line.

When: 7:30 a.m. (5K) and 7:40 a.m. (1-mile walk) Sunday, May 3
Where: McKelligon Canyon Amphitheater, 1500 McKelligon Canyon Road
Cost: $35
Information: RunSignUp.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

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

Mark Your Calendar

El Fresco: All Stars Music Series

The city of El Paso and El Paso Live will launch the 2026 El Fresco Music Series with its “El Paso All Stars” theme, a free outdoor concert series highlighting local talent with themed performances throughout the summer. The opening night will feature a “Disco Fever” theme at the Convention Center Plaza.

When: 6 p.m. Friday, May 8
Where: Convention Center Plaza, 1 Civic Center Plaza
Cost: Free
Information: elpasolive.com

Cinco de Mayo at the MACC

The Mexican American Cultural Center will host a Cinco de Mayo event exploring the history of the holiday and the cultural traditions of Puebla, Mexico, where the Battle of Puebla took place. The program will include folklórico workshops for children, hands-on crafts, food and performances highlighting regional music and dance.

When: 2-6 p.m. Saturday, May 9
Where: Mexican American Cultural Center, 201 W. Franklin Ave.
Cost: Free
Information: epmacc.org

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

Jewel Box Series: “An Anansi Experience”

The El Paso Community Foundation’s Jewel Box Series continues with “An Anansi Experience,” a production by Kessto Kreatures that highlights community-based performance in the intimate Philanthropy Theatre at the Plaza Theatre Performing Arts Centre.

When: 2:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. Sunday, May 17
Where: Philanthropy Theatre, Plaza Theatre Performing Arts Centre, 125 W. Mills Ave.
Cost: $18.20
Information: epcf.org/jewelboxseries

Beauty and the Beast

Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast” will return to the stage as part of a new North American tour, bringing the classic musical to the Plaza Theatre as part of the Broadway in El Paso series. The production features music by Alan Menken, lyrics by Tim Rice and a book by Linda Woolverton, with performances scheduled across multiple dates.

When: June 10-14 (various showtimes)
Where: Plaza Theatre, 125 W. Mills Ave.
Cost: $49.75-$158.60
Information: broadwayinelpaso.com

Karol G: Tropicoqueta Tour

Colombian singer Karol G will bring her Tropicoqueta Tour to El Paso following her recent Coachella performance, with a stadium show scheduled at Sun Bowl Stadium. The stop is part of a global tour that includes major U.S. and international venues.

When: Sunday, Sept. 6
Where: Sun Bowl Stadium, 2701 Sun Bowl Drive
Cost: Presale begins April 27
Information: shopkarolg.com

El Paso Matters 9.15K

The El Paso Matters 9.15K will return this fall, bringing runners and walkers together for a community-focused race through Downtown El Paso. The event includes a 9.15K run and a 1-mile family walk, with proceeds supporting local journalism and a post-race celebration with awards.

When: 8 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 19 (line-up begins 7 a.m.)
Where: Cleveland Square Park, 510 N. Santa Fe St.
Cost: $40 through June 30
Information: elpasomatters.org/run

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