Here’s a roundup of some culture and civic events in the Borderland in the coming week.
Mission Trail Art Market
The Mission Trail Art Market returns for its 17th season, bringing professional artists and craftspeople from across the region to the San Elizario Historic District with pottery, jewelry, paintings, photography, home décor, specialty foods and more. Visitors also can catch the Pistoleros de San Elizario’s reenactment of Billy the Kid’s jailbreak from the Old El Paso County Jail at 1 and 4 p.m., held in conjunction with the monthly market.
- When: 4-9 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 9
- Where: San Elizario Historic District, 1503 Main St., San Elizario
- Cost: Free
- Information: 915-526-7681
Rumbo al Ring: Two-Month Giving Day Countdown
Nonprofit leaders can prepare for this year’s El Paso Giving Day campaign during a workshop covering key deadlines, outreach strategies, messaging and volunteer engagement. El Paso Giving Day committee members and staff will also be available to answer questions and help organizations prepare for the annual community fundraising event.
- When: 5-6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 5
- Where: Mexican American Cultural Center, 201 W. Franklin Ave.
- Cost: Free
- Information: Register at elpasogivingday.org/calendar
El Paso Museum of History Benefit: An Evening at Rancho Los Castro
The El Paso Museum of History will host a benefit celebrating the closing of “Escaramuza, The Poetics of Home,” a traveling exhibition exploring photographic portraiture, poetry and the tradition of escaramuza in the United States. The evening will include cocktails, dinner, a silent auction, a charrería performance by the Castro family, and live music and dancing, with proceeds supporting the museum’s educational programs and preservation efforts.
- When: 6-10 p.m. Friday, Aug. 7
- Where: Lienzo Charro Los Castro, 7530 Damian Road, Canutillo
- Cost: $125
- Information: epcf.org
Sun City Tiki
Sun City Tiki will transform Downtown El Paso into a tropical getaway with an evening of island-inspired entertainment, live music and themed cocktails. The new age 21-and-older event features fire dancers, luau-style performances, hula lessons, tropical vendors and Hawaiian-inspired food, bringing a taste of the islands to the El Paso Convention Center.
- When: 6 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 8
- Where: El Paso Convention Center, 1 Civic Center Plaza
- Cost: $15-$75
- Information: suncitytiki.com
Border Latch
Border Latch will celebrate its 15th anniversary by bringing together breastfeeding mothers, families and supporters to raise awareness about the importance of breastfeeding. The free community event includes a coordinated breastfeeding countdown as part of World Breastfeeding Week activities.
- When: 9-11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 8 (breastfeeding countdown at 10:30 a.m.)
- Where: Bassett Place, 6101 Gateway West
- Cost: Free
- Information: 915-600-0306 or freefrontera77@gmail.com
Sound Bath Meditation
The El Paso Museum of Art will host a free Sound Bath meditation session exploring the theme “Who Are You Without the Roles?” Participants are encouraged to bring a yoga mat and blanket for the guided experience, presented in collaboration with Live Active El Paso and supported by Art Bridges.
- When: Noon-1:30 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 9
- Where: El Paso Museum of Art, 1 Arts Festival Plaza
- Cost: Free
- Information: El Paso Museum of Art Instagram
Gear Up and Go: Sunrise at McKelligon Canyon
The free Gear Up and Go series, presented by We Hike and Visit El Paso, helps outdoor enthusiasts build hiking skills through hands-on workshops and guided sunrise hikes. Following the advanced hiking safety workshop on Aug. 8, participants will put their training into practice during a guided morning hike through McKelligon Canyon.
- When: 6:30 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 9
- Where: McKelligon Canyon Gate, 1500 McKelligon Canyon Road
- Cost: Free
- Information: visitelpaso.com/wehike
Women Hike at Nature Walk Trail
Women are invited to explore the Chihuahuan Desert during a ranger-led hike at Franklin Mountains State Park. The easy, three-quarter-mile walk follows the Nature Walk Trail through arroyos and hills, offering opportunities to observe native plants, wildlife and birds. Reservations are required.
- When: 7:30-9 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 8
- Where: Franklin Mountains State Park, 2900 Tom Mays Access Road (meet at the Nature Walk Trailhead)
- Cost: $5 for adults; free for Texas State Park Pass holders and children age 12 and younger
- Information: Reservations required by calling 915-444-9100
Movies at the Park: ‘The Lego Movie’
The city of El Paso’s free Movies at the Park series continues through Sept. 4 with outdoor family movie nights at parks across the city. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, blankets and snacks for the screenings, which are presented in partnership with Raising Cane’s, ZTEX and the El Paso Community Foundation.
- When: 8 p.m. Friday, Aug. 7
- Where: Vista del Valle Park, 510 N. Santa Fe St.
- Cost: Free
- Information: elpasotexas.gov
Coming Up
Harry Potter Festival
Fort Bliss Art and Hobby will host a free Harry Potter-themed festival featuring local vendors, hands-on crafts and family-friendly activities inspired by the Wizarding World. Guests can browse a magical marketplace, enjoy face painting, create themed keepsakes and take photos at a Hogwarts-themed selfie station. The event is open to the public, though visitors without installation access must obtain a pass before entering Fort Bliss.
- When: 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 15
- Where: Marshall Park, 820 Marshall Road, Fort Bliss
- Cost: Free
- Information: blissarmymwr.com
Art and Wellness Family Day
The El Paso Museum of Art will host a free Art and Wellness Family Day focused on grief, remembrance and community healing. Families and visitors can create personalized memory boxes honoring loved ones while exploring art in a welcoming, drop-in setting. Activities are available while supplies last.
- When: 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 15
- Where: El Paso Museum of Art, 1 Arts Festival Plaza
- Cost: Free
- Information: El Paso Museum of Art Instagram
Tour de Tolerance
The El Paso Holocaust Museum and Study Center’s 21st annual Tour de Tolerance will bring cyclists, runners and walkers together to raise funds for the museum’s educational programs promoting inclusion and combating hatred. Participants can choose from a 50K bike ride, 40K gravel race, 5K run/walk, 1-mile family walk or 1-mile dog walk, with competitive races and awards for top finishers.
- When: 7 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 16
- Where: 100 Airport Road, Santa Teresa
- Cost: $35-$55
- Information: elpasoholocaustmuseum.org
Mark Your Calendar
El Fresco: All Stars — Country Spotlight
The city of El Paso’s free El Fresco Music Series concludes its summer season with a “Country Spotlight” showcase featuring local performers at Convention Center Plaza. The final installment of the El Paso All Stars series invites attendees to enjoy an evening of live music celebrating country favorites.
- When: Doors open at 6 p.m. Friday, Aug. 21
- Where: Convention Center Plaza, 1 Civic Center Plaza
- Cost: Free
- Information: El Paso Live Instagram
‘El Tormento de Pablo’ in San Elizario
Los Portales Museum will present the free outdoor theatrical production “El Tormento de Pablo,” a retelling of the la llorona legend from the husband’s perspective that blends Mexican and Aztec traditions through music, dance and storytelling. The family-friendly evening also includes a mercadito, Aztec dance ceremony and a catrina parade, with attendees encouraged to wear traditional Mexican attire and bring lawn chairs or blankets.
- When: 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 22 (play begins at 7 p.m.)
- Where: Los Portales Museum, 1521 San Elizario Road, San Elizario
- Cost: Free
- Information: losportalesmuseum.org
Texas Western Gold Rush
UTEP will kick off the fall semester with its sixth annual Texas Western Gold Rush, an evening celebrating Miner pride with live music, student performances, giveaways and fireworks. The campus tradition welcomes new and returning students with entertainment and opportunities to connect before the academic year begins.
- When: 6-11 p.m. Monday, Aug. 24
- Where: Centennial Plaza, 500 W. University Ave.
- Cost: Free
- Information: utep.edu
Home and Garden Show
The El Paso Home and Garden Show will bring home improvement professionals, remodeling ideas and product demonstrations to the El Paso Convention Center. Visitors can explore exhibits featuring home renovation, landscaping and design while gathering inspiration and advice for future projects.
- When: 2-6 p.m. Friday, Aug. 28, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 29, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 30 (free admission all weekend)
- Where: El Paso Convention Center, 1 Civic Center Plaza
- Cost: Free
- Information: showtechnology.com
UTEP volleyball vs. New Mexico State
The University of Texas at El Paso volleyball team opens its 2026 home volleyball schedule against rival New Mexico State after a 25-5 season that ended with an NCAA tournament appearance. The Miners finished No. 19 in the NCAA RPI rankings last season and posted an 11-1 Conference USA record. Fans are encouraged to wear white for the “White Out” matchup.
- When: 6 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 30
- Where: Memorial Gym, 101 W. Robinson Ave.
- Cost: Ticket information pending
- Information: utepminers.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. Becky G will be the guest performer at both El Paso shows.
- When: 7 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 5 and Sunday, Sept. 6
- Where: Sun Bowl Stadium, 2701 Sun Bowl Drive
- Cost: Tickets start $144
- Information: shopkarolg.com
Encores and Overtures Gala 2026
El Paso Opera will host its annual Encores and Overtures Gala, an evening of fine dining, live performances and fundraising to support the organization’s artistic and educational programs. The event includes a cocktail hour with a silent auction, a three-course dinner, presentation of the Maestro Award and a casino-themed after-party with dancing.
- When: Friday, Sept. 11
- Where: The Elmont Event Center, 240 W. Castellano Drive
- Cost: Starting at $206
- Information: epopera.org
‘Mágico – The Magic of Mexico’
The El Paso Symphony Orchestra will open its 2026-27 Classical Series with “Mágico – The Magic of Mexico,” a multimedia concert celebrating Mexico’s landscapes, culture and traditions through orchestral music and photography. The program features works by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, José Pablo Moncayo, Arturo Márquez and Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov, accompanied by imagery from photographer and multimedia artist Nicholas Bardonnay.
- When: 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Sept. 18-19 (Opening Notes lecture at 6:30 p.m.)
- Where: Plaza Theatre, 125 Pioneer Plaza
- Cost: $17-$49
- Information: epso.org
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: $45 through Aug. 31
- Information: elpasomatters.org/run
Way Out West Festival featuring Cole Swindell
Way Out West Fest returns to Downtown El Paso with a full day of country music, food and regional competitions celebrating Borderplex culture. The festival features headliner Cole Swindell, along with the Chili Challenge, Quest for the Best Margarita Contest and other attractions highlighting the flavors and traditions of the region.
- When: 5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 26
- Where: El Paso Convention Center, 1 Civic Center Plaza
- Cost: Tickets start at $55.30
- Information: epwayoutwest.com
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
Día de los Muertos Desfile y Festival
The ninth annual Día de los Muertos Desfile y Festival will transform El Paso’s Downtown Arts District into a daylong celebration honoring loved ones and Mexican traditions. The free event features arts and cultural activities, community altars, local vendors, live performances and a parade showcasing about 60 floats, performers and community organizations.
- When: Festival from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; parade at 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 24
- Where: El Paso Downtown Arts District, Downtown El Paso
- Cost: Free
- Information: epmacc.org
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