Here’s a roundup of some culture and civic events in the borderland in the coming week.
9/11 Remembrances
El Paso Fire Department 9/11 Memorial Ceremony
The El Paso Fire Department will host a public memorial ceremony Thursday, Sept. 11, to honor the nearly 3,000 people who died in the 2001 terrorist attacks — including 343 firefighters. The ceremony is slated for 8:30 a.m. at Fire Station 18, 7901 San Jose Road in the Lower Valley. El Paso community leaders, firefighters and other first responders will participate in the ceremony at the fire station, which features the “Rising Stronger” sculpture by Julio Sanchez de Alba commemorating the 9/11 attacks.
EPCC Veterans Resource Center 9/11 Remembrance
El Paso Community College Veterans Resource Center will hold a 9/11 Remembrance on Thursday, Sept. 11 at the Valle Verde Campus, 919 Hunter Drive, next to the large stairwell by the Architecture Building Z. The ceremony honoring those who served and those who lost their lives during the 2001 terrorist attacks will be held at 9:59 a.m. – marking the time the South Tower of the World Trade Center collapsed 56 minutes after being struck.
9/11 Stair Climb Memorial at Sun Bowl Stadium
The University of Texas at El Paso Army Reserve Officers’ Training Corps will host a 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb Thursday, Sept. 11 to honor and remember the firefighters, police officers and emergency medical first responders who died in the 2001 terrorist attacks. The event at Sun Bowl Stadium begins with an opening ceremony at 6:10 a.m. and continues with the stair climb through about 9 a.m.
Patriot Day at Fort Bliss National Cemetery
Volunteers are invited to honor service members during Patriot Day at Fort Bliss National Cemetery, 5200 Fred Wilson Ave., from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 11. Organized by Carry The Load, the nationwide initiative brings people together at national cemeteries to clean headstones and help maintain the grounds as a tribute to veterans and fallen heroes. The event is open to the public and encourages participation from individuals, youth groups, and employee teams. Attendees are asked to arrive early, dress respectfully with closed-toe shoes, and note that children younger than 14 must be accompanied by an adult. Pets are not permitted.
Also this week
UTEP volleyball hosts nationally ranked UCLA
The University of Texas at El Paso volleyball team will put its unbeaten record on the line when it opens the Sun City Classic against nationally ranked UCLA at 6 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 11, at Memorial Gym. The Miners, off to a 6-0 start, face the Bruins, who are ranked No. 24 by the American Volleyball Coaches Association, in the tournament’s Orange Out game. UTEP will also host Texas Southern and Oral Roberts during the three-day event, which concludes Sept. 13. Tickets are available through the Eisenberg Family Ticket Office at the Brumbelow Building on the UTEP campus. Information: 915-747-8837 or www.utepminers.com/tickets
Kermés de los Vecinos at Cleveland Square
The El Paso Museum of History and the Mexican American Cultural Center will host a free Kermés de los Vecinos on Saturday, Sept. 13, at Cleveland Square Park, 510 N Santa Fe St. The day begins with programming inside the MACC from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., where visitors can create tricolor decorations, learn traditional crafts, sample antojitos and join ballet folklórico classes in preparation for Mexican Independence Day. From 4 to 7:30 p.m., the celebration moves outdoors with a community kermés featuring games, food and music ahead of the Vivamos México Official Grito taking place later that evening at the El Paso Convention Center, 1 Civic Center Plaza. Prior to the event, the Consulate General of Mexico in El Paso, the Chihuahua State Tourism Secretariat and Destination El Paso will host a ribbon cutting of the “Mata Ortiz Monumental Spheres” exhibit at 10 a.m. Friday, Sept. 12 at Arts Festival Plaza, 109 W. San Francisco Ave. in Downtown. Information: epmacc.org/events
Community Movie Night at Ascarate Park
Families are invited to Ascarate Park beginning at 5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 13, for a free Community Movie Night and Resource Fair hosted by city Reps. Deanna M. Rocha and Josh Acevedo along with County Commissioner David Stout and community partners. The evening begins with a resource fair from 5 to 7:30 p.m., where residents can connect with local organizations, followed by a screening of the classic film “Jumanji” starring Robin Williams at 7 p.m. Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, blankets and flashlights to enjoy the event, which will also feature complimentary popcorn, drinks and ice cream while supplies last. The gathering, held near the pavilion at Ascarate Park, 6900 Delta Drive, offers a family-friendly atmosphere with no entry fee. Information: 915-212-0003 or district3@elpasotexas.gov
Flora of the Chihuahuan Desert at UTEP
The Centennial Museum and Chihuahuan Desert Gardens will host Flora of the Chihuahuan Desert: Select Habitats and the Plants Within at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 10. Conservation botanist Michael Eason, vice president of conservation and collections at the San Antonio Botanical Garden, will lead the free lecture. Eason will highlight the diversity of habitats and species that define the region and share insights from his work on plant conservation across Texas and beyond. The talk is part of the “Cultivating Your Home” speaker series, which complements the museum’s current exhibit exploring how native plant gardens support and preserve the ecological story of the Chihuahuan Desert. The museum is located at 610 W. University Ave. on the University of Texas at El Paso campus. Parking is available on nearby streets or in the Sun Bowl Parking Garage. Information: utep.edu
‘Baila El Paso’ begins
Live Active El Paso will launch its free “Baila El Paso!” dance series with a bachata, cumbia and salsa class at 10 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 14, at the Wayne Thornton Community Center, 3134 Jefferson Ave. Offered in partnership with the El Paso Ballroom Dance Academy, the beginner-friendly session requires no previous experience or dance partner. Instructors will guide participants through the basics of the popular Latin dance styles, followed by 30 minutes of social dancing to live music. The program, part of the city of El Paso Parks and Recreation Department’s effort to promote active living, will continue at various recreation centers through November, culminating in a WinterFest finale in December. Information: elpasotexas.gov
El Paso Symphony Orchestra 95th Anniversary
The El Paso Symphony Orchestra, which is celebrating its 95th anniversary season starting this fall, is honoring supporter Marlene Stewart at its gala fundraiser at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 13, at the El Paso Country Club, 5000 Country Club Place. Stewart will be awarded the El Paso Patron of the Arts Award in appreciation of her more than 40 years of support of the arts in the community. This year’s classical series begins at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 19-20 at the Plaza Theatre in Downtown, featuring Aristo Sham, the winner of the 2025 Van Cliburn International Piano Competition, and EPSO under Music Director Bohuslav Rattay. Other season shows include “Space Odyssey” Oct. 17-18, “A Christmas Fantasia” Dec. 5-6, and a Nov. 8 show as part of its film series featuring “Jurassic Park.” The second half of the season begins Jan. 23-24 with “Majestic Rhythms,” continues Feb. 27-28 with “The Seventh Symphonies” and concludes April 24-25 with “Carmina Burana.” Tickets and information: epso.org
Coming Up
• MEOWseum at La Nube: La Nube STEAM Discovery Center will host Gabby’s Dollhouse MEOWseum Discovery Days on Saturday, Sept. 20, in partnership with DreamWorks Animation and the Association of Children’s Museums. The event, inspired by the popular preschool series, invites families to explore hands-on activities that celebrate imagination, problem-solving and teamwork. Children can enjoy storytimes, crafts, a scavenger hunt and a meet-and-greet with Gabby, while special themed items will be available at the gift shop. The event is included with admission to La Nube. Information: la-nube.org
• Lincoln Park Day: Lincoln Park will come alive with art, music and tradition at the annual Lincoln Park Day on Sunday, Sept. 21, at 4001 Durazno St. The celebration, recognized as the region’s largest lowrider car show, brings together families and the community for a day of Chicano art, classic cars, live entertainment and local food. The event highlights El Paso’s cultural heritage while showcasing the creativity of lowrider owners and artists from across the area. Information: Lincoln Park Conservation Committee.
• Kevin Smith at El Paso Film Festival: The El Paso Film Festival will kick off its eighth year with “An Evening with Kevin Smith” at 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 25, at the Plaza Theatre, 125 W Mills Ave. Known for cult classics such as “Clerks,” “Chasing Amy,” “Dogma” and “Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back,” Smith will take the stage for a live conversation featuring personal stories, audience Q&A and reflections on his decades in independent filmmaking. The festival, which runs Sept. 25-27 at various Downtown venues, will also screen 10 feature films and more than 60 short films, celebrating diverse voices and cross-cultural storytelling from the U.S.-Mexico border and beyond. Tickets and VIP passes are available at the Plaza Theatre box office and Ticketmaster. Information and tickets: elpasofilmfestival.org
• Way Out West Fest: Country music fans will fill Downtown El Paso on Saturday, Sept. 27, for the return of the Way Out West Fest, a celebration of western heritage and live country entertainment. Headlined by chart-topping artist Dustin Lynch, the festival will feature food vendors, family-friendly activities and performances by Travis Denning, Don Louis and Nashville-based trio Just Jayne. Gates open at 5 p.m. at the El Paso Convention Center plaza, 1 Civic Center Plaza. The event will offer a mix of national acts and local flavor, continuing its tradition of bringing together music lovers for a night of high-energy performances and cultural pride. Information: epwayoutwest.com
Mark Your Calendar
• Chalk the Block: Downtown El Paso will once again transform into an open-air gallery as Chalk the Block returns Oct. 11-12 for its 18th anniversary. What began in 2008 as a small sidewalk chalk art competition has become one of the region’s largest public arts festivals, drawing more than 45,000 visitors each year. The weekend celebration will showcase more than 100 local and touring artists, offering interactive installations, live performances, chalk competitions, and art and food vendors throughout the Downtown Arts District. Festivalgoers can also explore hands-on activities and exhibits at cultural institutions including the El Paso Museum of Art, El Paso Museum of History and the new Mexican American Cultural Center. Admission is free. Information: chalktheblock.com
• MountainStar Sports Group Amigo Airsho: Tickets are now on sale for the Amigo Airsho, which celebrates the spirit of aviation and offers a salute to the nation’s armed forces. The show will be held Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 18-19, at Biggs Army Airfield on Fort Bliss. Air performers this year include an F-16C Fighting Falcon Demo and the Patriots Jet Team. Ground entertainment includes motocross athletes from Dialed Action Sports, California Tom Cruise and Arizona Ice Man, plus the Fort Bliss band, kids zones, a STEAM exhibit and more. Attendees will be able to bring one sealed water bottle or an empty (non-glass) reusable bottle to refill at water stations throughout the event. Every attendee will also receive a complimentary water bottle at the entrance. General admission starts at $35, with free admission for kids age 12 and younger. Free parking. Information: Amigo Airsho
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