Here’s a roundup of some culture and civic events in the borderland in the coming week.
Labor Day Weekend Events
• St. Anthony’s Bazaar: St. Anthony’s Seminary, 4601 Hastings Drive, will host its annual Labor Day Bazaar from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 30, through Monday, Sept. 1. The three-day event is one of El Paso’s longest-running community traditions, featuring live music, raffles, games and family-friendly activities alongside a wide variety of food and refreshments. Proceeds from the bazaar support the Franciscan Seminary, which houses and educates about 35 residents. The fundraiser is the seminary’s most important of the year, drawing crowds from across the region to enjoy entertainment while contributing to its mission.
• Bark at the Park: The El Paso Chihuahuas host a family- and pet-friendly matchup against the Tacoma Rainiers at 12:05 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 31, at Southwest University Park, 1 Ballpark Plaza. It will be Kids Sunday at the park, which gives young fans the chance to run the bases after the game. The team will also host its first Bark at the Park of the season, welcoming fans and their four-legged companions to the ballpark. Additional highlights include a Labor Day celebration and a kids’ giveaway of Chico socks, available while supplies last. Information and tickets: milb.com
• Harvest Wine and Music Festival: The second annual Harvest Wine and Music Festival invites residents to take in award-winning wines and live performances during a three-day showcase in Las Cruces. From Saturday, Aug. 30, through Monday, Sept. 1, festivalgoers can enjoy unlimited tastings from New Mexico’s top vineyards, shop from local artisans, and hear performances from bands including UnLyshed, Kat Crosby & the Rhythm Gators, Damian Wyldes and more. A songwriter contest and VIP experiences with exclusive tastings and private concerts add to the festivities. The event runs daily from noon to 6 p.m. at the Southern New Mexico Fairgrounds, 12125 Robert Larson Blvd. Information: nmwine.com
• Hatch Chile Festival: The Hatch Chile Festival returns for its 53rd year Friday-Sunday, Aug. 29-31, celebrating the crop that made Hatch, New Mexico, the “Chile Capital of the World.” The townwide event features carnival rides, live music, cooking competitions and vendors selling everything from roasted green chile to jewelry and crafts. Festivities begin Friday with a carnival and music, followed by the main festival Saturday and Sunday. Admission is free, though visitors should plan for shopping and food purchases. Hatch is located about 80 miles north of El Paso. Information: hatchchilefestival.com
Around El Paso
• 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.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
Coming Up
• Minerpalooza: Minerpalooza returns to the University of Texas at El Paso campus at 5 p.m. Friday, Sept. 5, marking its 35th year as one of the university’s signature traditions. The free, family-friendly event draws thousands of students and community members with live performances, food vendors, games and attractions, including Pete’s Playground for younger attendees. A beer and wine garden will be available for guests age 21 and older, while activity booths and inflatables can be accessed with tickets sold on-site. The celebration launches the new academic year with music, entertainment and community spirit. Information: utep.edu
• UTEP football season opener: The University of Texas at El Paso football team will play its 2025 home opener against the University of Tennessee at Martin at 7 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 6, at Sun Bowl Stadium. The Skyhawks, who reached the second round of last year’s FCS Championship, will provide an early test for the Miners in head coach Scotty Walden’s second season. The matchup marks UTEP’s first of six home games this year, five of which are on Saturdays. Tickets are available at UTEPMiners.com or by calling 915-747-8837. Information: utepminers.com
• 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
• Movies at the Park — ‘Encanto’: The Movies at the Park series concludes Friday, Sept. 5, with a free outdoor screening of Disney’s “Encanto” at Cleveland Square Park, 510 N. Santa Fe St. The movie begins at 7:30 p.m., offering a chance for the community to gather for an evening of family-friendly fun. Attendees are welcome to bring lawn chairs, blankets and snacks for a comfortable night of movie watching. The series is presented by El Paso Parks and Recreation. Information: elpasotexas.gov
• ‘Canine Fiesta’ at Ascarate Pool: El Paso County Parks and Recreation will launch a new Dog Swim Season at Ascarate Pool, 6900 Delta Drive, giving pets and their owners a chance to cool off together. The series kicks off with the “Canine Fiesta” from noon to 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 6, featuring a cutest outfit contest and a dog paddle competition. Additional “Pup Swim” days will follow Sept. 10-27 from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Wednesdays and from 1 to 3:30 p.m. Saturdays. Registration is $2 per dog, with proof of current rabies, distemper and parvo vaccinations required. Owners swim free. Information: 915-273-3501 or epcountyparks.com
Mark Your Calendar
• ‘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. Saturday, 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 cCity 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
• 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
The post El Paso events: Celebrate Labor Day with St. Anthony’s Bazaar, Bark at the Park, wine and chile festivals appeared first on El Paso Matters.
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