El Paso Matters – ‘Beauty and the Beast’ Broadway show, Femme Frontera Film Festival, Viva La Lucha 5K lead week’s events

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

‘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

Femme Frontera Film Festival

The Femme Frontera Film Festival showcases diverse stories and perspectives that are often underrepresented in mainstream media. One of the highlights this year is the 10th annual Showcase Premiere, featuring short films by emerging filmmakers from El Paso, the Cherokee Nation, New Zealand, Austin, Bolivia and Peru.

When: June 11-14 (various showtimes)
Where: Mexican American Cultural Center and Plaza Theatre in Downtown
Cost: Free
Information: Femme Frontera Film Festival

Viva La Lucha 5K

The third annual Viva La Lucha 5K will bring a lucha libre-themed race to Sunland Park Racetrack and Casino, combining a community run with a festive atmosphere inspired by wrestling culture. The event is open to runners and walkers of all experience levels.

When: 7 a.m.-noon Saturday, June 13
Where: Sunland Park Racetrack and Casino, 1200 Futurity Drive
Cost: $15-$65
Information: eventbrite.com

Down By Fore at Cool Canyon Nights

WestStar’s Cool Canyon Nights concert series continues at McKelligon Canyon Amphitheatre with free weekly performances throughout the summer featuring local and regional acts. The family-friendly series begins with patio entertainment before the evening’s headlining performance under the stars.

When: Patio entertainment at 6 p.m.; Down By Fore at 7 p.m. Thursday, June 11
Where: McKelligon Canyon Amphitheatre, McKelligon Canyon Road
Cost: Free
Information: Cool Canyon Nights Instagram

The city of El Paso’s Movies at the Park series brings free outdoor movie screenings to parks across the city. (Courtesy city of El Paso)

Movies at the Park: ‘GOAT’

The city of El Paso’s Movies at the Park series brings free outdoor movie screenings to parks across the city through Sept. 4. The next installment features “GOAT,” an animated sports comedy about a determined young goat pursuing his dream of competing in a professional animal sports league. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, blankets and snacks for the family-friendly movie night.

When: 8 p.m. Friday, June 12
Where: Argal Park, 10300 Socorro Road
Cost: Free
Information: elpasotexas.gov

Parks After Sunset: ‘The Bad Guys’

El Paso County’s free “Parks After Sunset” series will bring movies, splash pad activities and pet services to county parks through July 17. Families are encouraged to bring swimsuits, towels, blankets and lawn chairs for the summer events, which also include free pet microchipping offered on a first-come, first-served basis through the County Animal Welfare Department. The June 12 event will feature a screening of DreamWorks Animation’s “The Bad Guys.”

When: Splash activities at 5:30 p.m., pet microchipping at 6 p.m. and movie at approximately 8 p.m. Friday, June 12
Where: Ruben Estrella Park, 14590 Greg Drive
Cost: Free
Information: epcounty.com

Black History Tour

Visit El Paso and community partners will host a guided driving tour highlighting African American historical sites across El Paso. The experience explores Black history in the region from 1850 through 2022 and examines the contributions of Black El Pasoans through community service, business, education, religion, literature, music and politics. The tour begins and ends at the McCall Neighborhood Center.

When: 9 a.m.-noon Friday, June 12 (doors open at 8:30 a.m.)
Where: McCall Neighborhood Center, 3231 Wyoming Ave.
Cost: Free
Information: eventbrite.com

Pride Night with the El Paso Locomotive

El Paso Sun City Pride will host a fundraiser during Pride Night with the El Paso Locomotive FC, with a portion of ticket sales supporting the organization’s operational expenses. Organizers encourage community members to attend and support local LGBTQ+ advocacy efforts during the match, which will see the Locomotive face Phoenix Rising FC.

When: 7 p.m. Saturday, June 13. Gates open 6 p.m.

Where: Southwest University Park, 1 Ballpark Plaza

Cost: $20

Information: El Paso Sun City Pride Instagram

MORE EVENTS: Pride Month events return to El Paso with parades, markets, festivals

‘1876 Billy the Kid — The Play’

The San Elizario Players community theatre troupe will present “1876 Billy the Kid ~ The Play,” a family-friendly production exploring the history and legends surrounding Billy the Kid in the Southwest. Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs for the outdoor performance in the heart of San Elizario.

When: 6-7:30 p.m. Sunday, June 14
Where: Main Street Stage, 1503 Main St., San Elizario
Cost: Free
Information: sanelizariohistoricdistrict.com

Coming Up

Third Thursday: Juneteenth Lecture and Discussion

The El Paso Museum of History’s Third Thursday series will mark Juneteenth with a lecture and discussion exploring the holiday’s broader historical context across the borderlands. Local scholar Jazmine Janay Cuevas will discuss how Africans in México, the United States and surrounding regions resisted enslavement and shaped the path toward emancipation and freedom.

When: 6-7:30 p.m. Thursday, June 18
Where: Mexican American Cultural Center auditorium, 201 W. Franklin Ave.
Cost: Free
Information: epmacc.org

Party on the Plaza: Noche de Mariachi

Party on the Plaza, a free outdoor concert series presented by GECU Federal Credit Union, returns to Downtown El Paso with monthly performances scheduled on the third Thursday from May through October. The series features rotating music genres and outdoor performances at San Jacinto Plaza, with DJ sets opening each evening before the featured act takes the stage. June’s installment, “Noche de Mariachi,” will feature Mariachi Alegre.

When: 5-8 p.m. Thursday, June 18 (DJ opener at 5 p.m.; headliner at 6:30 p.m.)
Where: San Jacinto Plaza, 114 W. Mills Ave.
Cost: Free
Information: events.elpasotexas.gov

Talking Texas Art: West Texas

As part of its 25th anniversary celebration, Glasstire is hosting a statewide series of panel discussions examining art and arts writing across Texas regions over the last 25 years. The West Texas edition in El Paso will feature artists and arts leaders discussing the region’s creative landscape and cultural evolution. Panelists include Buck Johnston, Rebecca Muñoz and Gaspar Enríquez, moderated by Jessica Fuentes of Glasstire.

When: 6 p.m. Thursday, June 18
Where: El Paso Museum of Art, 1 Arts Festival Plaza
Cost: Free
Information: glasstire.com

El Fresco: All Stars — Latina Legends

Part of the city’s El Fresco Music Series, this outdoor concert will highlight local talent with a “Latina Legends” theme at Convention Center Plaza. The free, all-ages event is one of several performances scheduled throughout the summer.

When: 6 p.m. Friday, June 19
Where: Convention Center Plaza, 1 Civic Center Plaza
Cost: Free
Information: elpasolive.com

La Fe Father’s Day 5K Run and Walk

Centro de Salud Familiar La Fe will host its 29th annual Father’s Day 5K community run and walk through Segundo Barrio, with proceeds supporting the La Fe Culture and Technology Center’s cultural, educational and community programs. The 3.1-mile event is open to runners and walkers of all ages.

When: 7:30-10 a.m. Saturday, June 20
Where: La Fe Culture and Technology Center, 721 S. Ochoa St. (rear building)
Cost: $25 early registration; $30 late registration
Information: Centro de Salud Familiar La Fe Instagram

Mark Your Calendar

Amistad 2nd Annual Salute to Women Veterans Appreciation Day

Amistad will host its second annual Salute to Women Veterans Appreciation Day to recognize and celebrate women who have served in the military. The event will include a brunch spread and remarks from guest speakers representing local veterans and behavioral health organizations. RSVP is requested at least one week in advance.

When: 10-11 a.m. Tuesday, June 23
Where: Amistad, 3210 Dyer St.
Cost: Free
Information: 915-298-0968 or jrobinson@projectamistad.org

Summer Break Discovery Series

Tech2O will kick off summer break with a free family event featuring hands-on crafts, educational activities and interactive experiences designed for children and caregivers. Organizers encourage families to bring their curiosity and spend the morning exploring science and discovery together.

When: 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Friday, June 26
Where: Tech2O, 10751 Montana Ave.
Cost: Free
Information: tech2o.org

Pop Goes the Fort

Fort Bliss will host Pop Goes the Fort at Biggs Park as part of America’s 250th celebration, featuring free live entertainment from the 1st Armored Division Band and additional performers to be announced. Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, blankets and picnic supplies for the family-friendly event.

When: 4 p.m. Saturday, June 27
Where: Biggs Park, 11388 Sergeant Major Blvd., Fort Bliss
Cost: Free
Information: bliss.armymwr.com

Con Orgullo, A MACC Pride Celebration

The Mexican American Cultural Center will host a two-day Pride celebration highlighting theatre, film and hands-on art activities centered on identity, culture and creative expression. Programming includes performances, screenings and community activities, with some events carrying age restrictions or registration requirements.

When: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, June 27; 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday, June 28
Where: Mexican American Cultural Center, 201 W. Franklin Ave.
Cost: Free (registration required for select events)
Information: epmacc.org

Insect Night

The El Paso Museum of Archaeology will host its annual Insect Night this summer, inviting visitors to explore nocturnal insects and desert wildlife through hands-on activities and guided experiences. The free event will include night hikes, moth observation and opportunities to learn about insects in an outdoor setting.

When: 7-10 p.m. Saturday, July 18
Where: El Paso Museum of Archaeology, 4301 Transmountain Drive
Cost: Free
Information: events.elpasotexas.gov

Cypress Hill at Speaking Rock

Hip-hop group Cypress Hill will bring its “Once Upon a Time in the Summer” tour to Speaking Rock Entertainment Center for a free outdoor concert. The Los Angeles group, known for its blend of rap and Latin influences and albums including “Black Sunday,” will perform as part of an age 21-and-older event.

When: Doors open at 6 p.m. Sunday, July 26
Where: Speaking Rock Entertainment Center, 122 S. Old Pueblo Road
Cost: Free
Information: speakingrock.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: Tickets start $144
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

Usher and Chris Brown

R&B artists Usher and Chris Brown are scheduled to bring their co-headlining tour to El Paso later this year with a performance at Sun Bowl Stadium. Tickets are available through Ticketmaster.

When: 8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 3
Where: Sun Bowl Stadium, 2701 Sun Bowl Drive
Cost: $133-$631
Information: ticketmaster.com

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