Here’s a roundup of some culture and civic events in the borderland in the coming week.
Jewel Box Series
The El Paso Community Foundation’s annual Jewel Box Series returns with a season of locally produced theater, music and performance works presented in the 195-seat Philanthropy Theatre at the Plaza Theatre Performing Arts Centre. The 2026 lineup features productions by SOMOS Performance Group, Eden Performing Arts, Next Stage Theatre Co. and Kessto Kreatures, with performances scheduled on select weekends throughout the spring.
- When: Select weekends, Jan. 11-May 17
- Where: Philanthropy Theatre, Plaza Theatre Performing Arts Centre, 125 W. Mills Ave.
- Cost: Varies
- Information: elpasolive.com
UTEP Men’s Basketball vs. Middle Tennessee / WKU
The University of Texas at El Paso men’s basketball team opens the 2026 calendar year with a two-game homestand at the Don Haskins Center as the Miners look to climb the Conference USA standings. UTEP enters the week with a 4-10 overall record and is seeking its first conference win.
- When: 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 8, vs. Middle Tennessee; 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 10, vs. WKU
- Where: Don Haskins Center, 151 Glory Road
- Cost: All tickets for Jan. 8 game priced at $9.15
- Information: utepminers.com
Women Hike at Lower Sunset Trail
An easy-to-moderate guided hike for women through the Chihuahuan Desert, led by a female ranger or volunteer, offering participants a chance to learn best hiking practices and explore the area’s desert ecosystems. The 2.5-mile route is suitable for families, beginner hikers, and geology and wildlife enthusiasts.
- When: 8:30 a.m.-noon Saturday, Jan. 10
- Where: Franklin Mountains State Park, Tom Mays Unit, 2900 Tom Mays Park Access Road
- Cost: $5 (ages 13 and older); free for Texas State Park Pass holders and children ages 5-12
- Information: Reservations required, 915-444-9121
Peak Challenge at Ron Coleman Trail
An advanced hiking event at Franklin Mountains State Park challenging participants to complete one of the park’s most strenuous routes. The hike covers approximately 4 miles and includes steep inclines, rock scrambling and chain-assisted ascents, beginning in McKelligon Canyon and ending at Smuggler’s Pass. Reservations are required and space is limited.
- When: 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 11
- Where: Meet at Smuggler’s Pass (Mammoth Trunk) parking area, Franklin Mountains State Park
- Cost: $5 (ages 13 and older); free for Texas State Park Pass holders and children ages 5-12
- Information: Registration required, 915-444-9121
Coming Up
Zuill Bailey and Friends
The opening week of the festival brings together cellist Zuill Bailey and guest performers including the Vega Quartet, violinists Helen Kim and Yinzi Kong, and pianist and festival director William Ransom for an evening of chamber music aimed at engaging new audiences.
- When: 7:30-9 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 14
- Where: UTEP Fox Fine Arts Recital Hall
- Cost: Varies
- Information: elpasopromusica.org
Third Thursdays in the Downtown Arts District
A monthly initiative bringing extended hours, special programming and coordinated activities to cultural institutions throughout the Downtown Arts District, where you can experience multiple venues in a single evening. Participating locations include the El Paso Museum of Art, El Paso Museum of History, El Paso Mexican American Cultural Center, El Paso Public Library Main Branch, La Nube STEAM Discovery Center, the Visit El Paso Visitors Information Center, El Paso Community Foundation and the Market EP.
- When: 5-7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 15
- Where: Locations across the Downtown Arts District
- Cost: Free
- Information: elpasotexas.gov
Days of Remembrance Bridal & Quince Expo:
The 36th annual Winter Days of Remembrance Bridal & Quince Expo will bring together brides, quinceañeras and families from across the region for a showcase of more than 75 local vendors, along with entertainment and prize giveaways.
- When: 11 a.m. Sunday, Jan. 18
- Where: El Paso Convention Center, 1 Civic Center Plaza
- Cost: Tickets available online
- Information: bridalquinceexpo.com
Mark Your Calendar
Outdoor Cooking 101
A hands-on workshop focused on campfire cooking with a Dutch oven, offering participants an opportunity to practice outdoor cooking techniques at Franklin Mountains State Park. Space is limited and advance registration is required.
- When: 10 a.m.-noon Saturday, Jan. 24
- Where: Franklin Mountains State Park, Visitor Center, 2900 Tom Mays Access Road
- Cost: $8 (ages 13 and older); $3 with Texas State Park Pass; $1 (ages 5-12)
- Information: tpwd.texas.gov
EPSO’s ‘Majestic Rhythms’
The El Paso Symphony Orchestra presents a two-night program featuring conductor Bohuslav Rattay and violinist Matthew Vera, with works by Alberto Ginastera, Édouard Lalo and Ferde Grofé. A pre-concert “Opening Notes” talk with Nathan Black begins at 6:30 p.m. each evening in the Philanthropy Theatre.
- When: 7:30 p.m. Friday-Saturday, Jan. 23-24
- Where: Plaza Theatre, 125 W. Mills Ave.
- Cost: $17-$49
- Information: epso.org
‘The Edge is a Center’ at Rubin Center gallery
A group exhibition dubbed “The Edge is a Center” at the Stanlee and Gerald Rubin Center for the Visual Arts explores contemporary graphic design through the work of University of Texas at El Paso alumni whose practices span murals, packaging, branding and other forms. The exhibition examines how designers shaped by life along the U.S.-Mexico border navigate and redefine boundaries across cultures, disciplines and media.
- When: Opening reception, 5-7:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 29. Exhibit closes April 11
- Curator walkthrough: Noon-1 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 11, led by guest curator Ana Gabriela Becerra and senior curator Andres Payan Estrada
- Where: Stanlee and Gerald Rubin Center for the Visual Arts, 720 Dawson Road
- Cost: Free
- Information: utep.edu
‘La Bohème’ with El Paso Opera
Giacomo Puccini’s opera will be presented in a reimagined production at St. Rogers Depot, with the venue transformed into a theatrical space for a limited engagement. The 2026 staging features five performances, including a Sunday matinee, with expanded seating options and tiered ticket pricing.
- When: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 30, with additional performances through Feb. 7
- Where: St. Rogers Depot, 420 N. Campbell St.
- Cost: Varies
- Information: epopera.org
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