Here’s a roundup of some culture and civic events in the borderland in the coming week.
Cool Canyon Nights Concludes with Fungi Mungle
Cool Canyon Nights wraps up its summer concert series Thursday, July 31, with an energetic finale featuring El Paso’s famed “party band,” Fungi Mungle. Known for their mix of disco, pop and rock hits, Fungi Mungle will have McKelligon Canyon dancing under the stars. Kicking off the night is The Retroz, a group playing nostalgic tunes that span decades. Doors to the free, family-friendly event open at 6 p.m. with The Retroz on the patio with Fungi Mungle on the main stage at 7 p.m. at the McKelligon Canyon Amphitheatre, with early arrival recommended for the best seating and views.
‘Maletas Migrantes’ Exhibit Opening at the MACC
The exhibit “Maletas Migrantes,” a collection of artistic suitcases created by artists from Mexico and the United States using various techniques, opens at the Mexican American Cultural Center, 201 E. Franklin St., on Friday, Aug. 1. Each suitcase tells a unique story inspired by the journeys, dreams and experiences of migrants, offering creative perspectives on universal values such as perseverance, hope and belonging, organizers said. The exhibit is in collaboration with the Consulate General of Mexico in El Paso, the Centro Cultural Paso del Norte and the Museum of the Revolution on the Border and will be on display through October. The opening ceremony is 5:30-7:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 1. Admission is free. Information: MACC
Experience El Paso Barroco concert: 4 + guitarra
Experience the sounds of the Baroque era at “El Paso Barroco: 4 + guitarra,” a free concert from 2 to 3 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 2, at the El Paso Museum of Art, 1 Arts Festival Plaza. Hosted by El Paso Barroco, a cross-border collective of musicians dedicated to historically informed performances of 16th- to 18th-century music, the concert features a reduced ensemble performing guitar quintets. Guest artists Edgar Camargo Sandoval and Alvaro Nájera Ramos will join the group in performing works such as Luigi Boccherini’s spirited “Fandango” and Joseph Schnabel’s “Quintet in C Major.” Information: epma.art
Check Out EPISD Back to School Fiesta
El Paso ISD continues its third annual Back to School Fiesta celebrations July 30-31 with evening events planned at some of the district’s high schools. The events, scheduled from 6 to 7:30 p.m., aim to connect families, students and staff from each campus and its feeder schools. Attendees can expect school-specific activities and informational booths. High schools participating include Coronado and Franklin on July 30; and Andress, Austin, Bowie and Chapin on July 31. Information: episd.org
Bridal, Quince and Sweet 16 Expo: Plan your big day during the 20th Annual Summer Days of Remembrance Bridal, Quince & Sweet 16 Expo, taking place from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 3, at the El Paso Convention Center, 1 Civic Center Plaza. Hosted by Elegant Penguin Enterprises, this long-running expo brings together dozens of vendors offering deals and guidance for weddings, quinceañeras and sweet 16 celebrations. Admission is $5 per person; children ages 12 and younger are free. Proceeds from the door benefit the Paso del Norte Center of Hope. The event is cashless.
Harry Potter Festival: Celebrate the magic of the wizarding world at the Harry Potter Festival from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 2, at the Fort Bliss Art and Hobby Shop, 820 Marshall Road. Inspired by Diagon Alley, the event will feature local vendors, face painting, crafts and a photo station complete with Hogwarts robes and acceptance letters. The festival is free and open to all ages. A Fort Bliss community access pass is required for El Paso residents to enter the base. Information: 915-568-5563.
Aug. 3 Day of Remembrance: El Paso County will host its annual Day of Remembrance Ceremony on Sunday, Aug. 3, at the Healing Garden in Ascarate Park, 6900 Delta Drive, to honor the 23 lives lost in the 2019 mass shooting at the Cielo Vista Walmart. The day begins with a 10:30 a.m. sound bath at the park pavilion, followed by a 6:30 p.m. musical performance by El Paso Pro-Musica. A solemn program at 8 p.m. will include a prayer led by Bishop Mark Seitz and a reading of the victims’ names by members of the El Paso County Commissioners Court. The event is presented in partnership with the El Paso United Family Resiliency Center.
Coming Up
Empower Health Expo: The Empower Health Expo takes place from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 16, at the El Paso Convention Center, 1 Civic Center Plaza, offering a full day of wellness-centered activities. This free event, which requires online registration, aims to support the community’s physical, emotional and mental well-being through a mix of interactive offerings. Attendees can expect health screenings, free vaccines, live fitness demonstrations, and talks from health experts on the latest in care. The expo will also include donation drives for pantry and clothing items, as well as opportunities to donate blood and hair. A portion of vendor proceeds will benefit local nonprofits working to improve community health. Information and registration: empowerhealthexpo.com
Mark Your Calendar
El Paso Pro-Musica Summerfest: El Paso Pro-Musica, which has been bringing chamber music performances to the community since 1977, is bringing the Balourdet Quartet for its Summerfest concert at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 28, at the University of Texas at El Paso’s Fox Fine Arts Recital Hall. The quartet, which formed at Rice University in 2018, comprises Angela Bae and Justin DeFillips on violins, Benjamin Zannoni on viola and Russell Houston on cello. The quartet Tickets are $5 for students; $20 for seniors and military; and $25 for all other adults. Tickets and information: eppm.org.
El Fresco Music Series finale: Celebrate the final night of the 2025 El Fresco Music Series with a Latin-themed evening at 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 29, at the El Paso Convention Center Plaza in Downtown El Paso. The free outdoor concert will feature live performances by local Latin bands, a variety of food vendors, family-friendly activities and giveaways — all part of this year’s “Ritmo & Rodeo” theme highlighting country and Latin music. Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and enjoy a night of music, dancing and community under the El Paso sky.
Balourdet Quartetto at UTEP: El Paso Pro Musica brings the Balourdet Quartetto for a performance at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 28, at the University of Texas at El Paso Fox Fine Arts Recital Hall. The ensemble is known for fresh takes on classical and contemporary works, and has been described by The Boston Musical Intelligencer as “absolute musical perfection.” The concert is part of the group’s engagement with UTEP students and the broader community. Information and tickets: elpasopromusica.org
El Paso Opera’s Encores & Overtures: El Paso Opera will launch its new season with Encores & Overtures 2025: A Night in Monte Carlo, a gala celebration blending glamour, philanthropy and live performance. The event takes place from 6 p.m. to midnight Friday, Sept. 5, at the Elmont Special Event Center, 240 W. Castellano Drive, Suite B. Guests can expect an evening of cocktails, a three-course dinner, opera highlights from baritone Levi Hernandez and El Paso Opera’s Artist Ambassadors, and the presentation of the Maestro Award to Kirk and Judy Robison. The night concludes with a casino-themed after-party and dancing. Tickets range from $206 to $10,300. Information and tickets: epopera.org
The post El Paso events: Celebrate Cool Canyon Nights’ finale, take in Barroco concert at art museum appeared first on El Paso Matters.
Read: Read More