
Here’s a roundup of some culture and civic events in the Borderland in the coming week.
Fungi Mungle at Cool Canyon Nights
WestStar’s Cool Canyon Nights concert series wraps up its summer season with a final evening of free live music at McKelligon Canyon Amphitheatre. The family-friendly series concludes with patio entertainment before Fungi Mungle closes out the 2026 lineup under the stars.
- When: Patio entertainment at 6 p.m.; Fungi Mungle at 7 p.m. Thursday, July 30
- Where: McKelligon Canyon Amphitheatre, McKelligon Canyon Road
- Cost: Free
- Information: Cool Canyon Nights Instagram
Lowdown Downtown Lowriding Experience
The Lowdown Downtown Lowriding Experience will celebrate lowrider culture with a day of customized vehicles, live music, local artists and vendors at the El Paso Convention Center. The family-friendly event will also feature bicycles and performances from Hi-C and Tony A, I Am Lopez, Dayna Donna and Miriah Avila.
- When: 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 1
- Where: El Paso Convention Center, 1 Civic Center Plaza
- Cost: Visit website for admission information
- Information: Lowdown Downtown Instagram
Day of Remembrance Ceremony
United Way of El Paso County’s Center for Resiliency and El Paso County will host the community’s annual Day of Remembrance marking the seventh anniversary of the Aug. 3, 2019, Walmart mass shooting. The event at the Ascarate Healing Garden will include a community sound bath, luminaria lighting, a reading of the names of the 23 victims, live music and reflections from faith and community leaders. Community volunteers are also being sought to assist with the event.
- When: Community sound bath at 10:30 a.m.; remembrance ceremony begins at 6:45 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 2
- Where: Ascarate Healing Garden, 6900 Delta Drive
- Cost: Free
- Information: unitedwayelpaso.org
Bienvenidos a Bliss Relocation Fair
Fort Bliss MWR will host the 21st annual Bienvenidos a Bliss Relocation Fair, connecting new and returning military families with more than 100 organizations offering information on housing, education, recreation, health care and other community resources available at Fort Bliss and throughout the El Paso area.
- When: 1-4 p.m. Thursday, July 30
- Where: Centennial Banquet and Conference Center, 11199 Sgt. E. Churchill St., Fort Bliss
- Cost: Free
- Information: 915-569-5864
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
Back to School Bash at La Nube
La Nube will celebrate the start of the school year with an afternoon of live music, STEAM activities and community resources for families. Guests can also support local classrooms by donating at least $15 worth to receive a free child admission ticket for a future visit.
- When: Noon-4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 1
- Where: La Nube, 201 W. Main Drive
- Cost: Starting at $17
- Information: la-nube.org

‘Viva! El Paso’
The outdoor theatrical production “Viva! El Paso” continues at McKelligon Canyon for its 2026 season, continuing a long-running summer tradition that traces more than 400 years of regional history through music, dance and performance. Created by Hector Serrano and now directed by Jaime Carrasco, the show features local performers and celebrates cultural influences from Spain, Mexico and the United States.
- When: 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays through Aug. 2
- Where: McKelligon Canyon Amphitheatre, McKelligon Canyon Road
- Cost: $32.50
- Information: ticketmaster.com
Coming Up
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
- 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, 1500 McKelligon Canyon Gate
- Cost: Free
- Information: visitelpaso.com/wehike
Mark Your Calendar
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
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
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
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
The post Cool Canyon Nights concludes; Lowdown Downtown celebrates El Paso lowrider culture appeared first on El Paso Matters.
Read: Read More



