Here’s a roundup of some culture and civic events in the borderland in the coming week.
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, which takes place in the parking lots north of Sun Bowl Stadium, 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 city’s 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
Faculty Art at UTEP Rubin Center
The University of Texas at El Paso’s Department of Art will showcase the breadth of its faculty’s creative work in the 2025 Faculty Biennial, opening Thursday, Sept. 4, at the Stanlee and Gerald Rubin Center for the Visual Arts. The exhibition, on view through Dec. 11, features pieces across media including drawing, sculpture, ceramics and large-scale murals from more than two dozen faculty artists. Curated by longtime KTEP “State of the Arts” host Marina Monsisvais, the biennial highlights both the intellectual and artistic contributions of UTEP’s art faculty to the borderland. The opening reception will be held from 5 to 7:30 p.m. and is open to the public. Information: utep.edu
Coming Up
• ‘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
• 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. Information: epmacc.org/events
• 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.
Mark Your Calendar
• 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
• 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
The post El Paso events: Celebrate Minerpalooza, cheer UTEP football opener appeared first on El Paso Matters.
Read: Read More