Here’s a roundup of some culture and civic events in the borderland in the coming week.
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: 8 p.m. 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 Sparta, Frontera Bugalu, Ximena Sariñana, Adrian Quesada’s Trio Asesino and others, alongside daytime programming developed with local cultural institutions.
• When: 3-11 p.m. 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
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: Noon-7 p.m. Friday, May 1; 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday, May 2; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday, May 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
America’s Kids Run
An annual community run at Fort Bliss focused on youth fitness and family participation, featuring a 5K and 1-mile race open to all ages. The event highlights the military community, with youth participation encouraged and registration required in advance or on race day.
• When: 9-11 a.m. Saturday, May 2 (5K at 10 a.m.; 1-mile at 10:05 a.m.)
• Where: Bliss Smith Field, 220 Sheridan Road, Fort Bliss
• Cost: Free (ages 17 and younger); $5 (ages 18 and older)
• Information: 915-568-2617
Beyond the Stars Day at La Nube
La Nube will host a daylong, space-themed event featuring hands-on STEAM activities, including engineering projects, virtual reality experiences, crafts and a museum-wide scavenger hunt. The family-oriented program will also include a costume contest and themed photo opportunities.
• When: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday, May 3
• Where: La Nube, 201 W. Main Drive
• Cost: Included with admission
• Information: lanube.org
‘Nuestra Historia — The Threads of Time’
Eden Performing Arts will present an outdoor historical reenactment in San Elizario dramatizing key moments spanning more than four centuries. The production highlights events including the arrival of the Spanish in 1598, the settlement’s abandonment, Billy the Kid’s jail escape and the Salt Wars of 1877, with performances staged throughout the plaza by actors, dancers and community volunteers.
• When: 1 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. Sunday, May 3
• Where: San Elizario Placita, 1521 San Elizario Road
• Cost: Free
• Information: edenperformingarts.org
BTS Fan Events
BTS Teen Hangout
The El Paso Public Library Main Branch Downtown will host a BTS-themed teen hangout where you can make BTS pickets.
• When: 4:30-5:30 p.m. Thursday, April 30
• Where: 501 N. Oregon St.
• Cost: Free
• Information: epkpopevents on Instagram
Bangtan Cupsleeve Event
DāNa Ice Cream Parlour will host dance performances and photo card trading. Free BTS gifts while supplies last.
• When: 1-10 p.m. Friday, May 1
• Where: 8825 N. Loop Drive, Building C, Suite 301
• Cost: Varies
• Information: DāNa Ice Cream Parlour Instagram
BTS Trivia and Craft Fest
The El Paso Public Library Main Branch Downtown will kick off BTS weekend with trivia and crafts. Call and reserve a spot in advance.
When: 1:30-5 p.m. Saturday, May 1
Where: 501 N. Oregon St.
Cost: Varies
Information: El Paso Public Library Instagram
Welcome BTS!
The El Paso Public Library Dorris Van Doren Branch invites visitors to make BTS buttons to show off BTS Army pride.
When: 4-5 p.m. Friday, May 1
Where: 551 Redd Rd.
Cost: Varies
Information: El Paso Public Library Instagram
Chucohae 915
World Boba & Coffee will host a mini-market and daily cupsleeve events. Vendors will sell handmade crafts and BTS- and K-Pop-related merchandise. BTS cupsleeves will be offered with purchase of themed boba drinks. The coffee shop will extend operating hours until midnight May 2 and until 8 p.m. May 3.
When: 2-6 p.m. Friday, May 1; 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, May 2; 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday, May 3
Where: 2500 N. Mesa St.
Cost: Varies
Information: worldbobaandcoffee.com
Arirang at Weirdoughs
Weirdoughs Bakery & Cafe will host pre-concert events in collaboration with Houston-based artist Pepi Studios. The event will feature BTS themed photo opportunities, vendors and pre-ordered custom merchandise.
When: Noon-4 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, May 2-3
Where: 2900 N. Mesa St.
Cost: Varies
Information: Weirdoughs Bakery & Cafe Instagram
BTS Banner Fan Project Pickup
BTS fan-group BTS Army Sin Fronteras is organizing a project for concertgoers that involves raising multiple fan-designed banners during the song “Come Over.” Participants may download the file and print the banner themselves or pick up the El Paso-themed banner at Starbucks near UTEP and around Sun Bowl Stadium while supplies last.
When: 9-10 a.m. Saturday-Sunday, May 2-3
Where: Starbucks, 2300 N. Mesa St., and around Sun Bowl Stadium
Cost: Free
Information: btsarmysinfronteras Instagram, Banner Download
Army Welcome Week
TaeTae Boba Tea Shop, a BTS-themed cafe in Ciudad Juárez, is hosting a week of BTS-inspired drinks, free gifts and album listening parties daily through Friday, May 1. Each day is dedicated to a different member of BTS. Visitors are encouraged to dress up as their favorite group member.
When: 11 a.m.-9 p.m. through Friday, May 1
Where: C. Pedro Rosales de León 7513-Local 2, Ciudad Juárez
Cost: Varies
Information: TaeTae Boba Tea Shop Instagram
Coming Up
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
‘Frontera que Late — Pasión por el Fútbol’ exhibition opening
The Consulate General of Mexico in El Paso, in partnership with FC Juárez, will debut an exhibition exploring the history and cultural impact of professional soccer in the border region. The display will feature jerseys, archival materials and photographs highlighting the evolution of the Bravos and Bravas and their role in shaping binational identity.
• When: 6-8 p.m. Thursday, May 7
• Where: Consulate General of Mexico in El Paso, 910 E. San Antonio Ave.
• Cost: Free
• Information: Consulate General of Mexico in El Paso Facebook
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: 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 13
• Where: Sun Bowl Stadium, 2701 Sun Bowl Drive
• Cost: Prices start at $98
• Information: Tickets on sale via Ticketmaster
Mark Your Calendar
Armed Forces Day Parade
A community parade honoring U.S. service members will take place at Fort Bliss, followed by an afternoon of family-friendly activities, including military demonstrations, equipment displays and games.
• When: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, May 16
• Where: Bliss Smith Field, 220 Sheridan Road, Fort Bliss
• Cost: Free
• Information: 915-588-8247
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: 6 p.m. Friday-Saturday, May 15-16
• Where: Southwest University Park, 1 Ballpark Plaza
• Cost: Games sold out.
• 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 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
Third Thursdays in the Downtown Arts District
A monthly initiative invites residents and visitors to explore the Downtown Arts District with extended hours, special programming and activities across participating cultural institutions. The event often includes an artisan market, live music, food vendors and community organization booths.
• When: 5-9 p.m. Thursday, May 21
• Where: Downtown Arts District, including 1 Civic Center Plaza and surrounding locations
• Cost: Free
• Information: epmcad.org
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
Viva La Lucha 5K
The third annual Viva La Lucha 5K will bring a lucha libre–themed race to Sunland Park Racetrack & 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 & Casino, 1200 Futurity Drive
• Cost: $15-$65
• Information: eventbrite.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 Familar La Fe Instagram
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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