Here’s a roundup of some culture and civic events in the borderland in the coming week.
Movies at the Park
Catch a free outdoor screening of “Sonic the Hedgehog 3” at 7:30 p.m. Friday, July 11, at Veterans Park, 5301 Salem Drive, as part of the City of El Paso’s Movies at the Park summer series. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, blankets and snacks to enjoy the movie under the stars. The film series is presented by the El Paso Parks and Recreation Department in partnership with Raising Cane’s, ZTEX and the El Paso Community Foundation. Information and schedule: elpasotexas.gov
El Fresco Music Series
The El Fresco Music Series continues its summer lineup with a Country Night concert at 7 p.m. Friday, July 11, at the El Paso Convention Center Plaza, 1 Civic Center Plaza in Downtown. The free, family-friendly event is part of the city’s “Ritmo & Rodeo” themed outdoor concert series highlighting local country and Latin acts. Guests can expect live music from regional performers, food vendors, giveaways and activities for all ages in a lively outdoor setting. Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, dancing shoes and a love for homegrown talent. Information: elpasolive.com
Fort Bliss Ten-Miler
Test your endurance at the annual Fort Bliss Ten-Miler in the Heat, set for 7 a.m. Saturday, July 12, at the Joshua W. Soto Physical Fitness Center, 20751 Constitution Ave. The race is open to both Fort Bliss residents and the surrounding community, though a Community Access Pass is required for all non-military visitors ages 16 and older. Registration is $10 and includes a finisher medal, with awards going to the top three male and female finishers in each age group. Participants must register in person at the Soto Physical Fitness Center by July 3; late registration does not guarantee a race shirt, which must be purchased separately online. Children ages 15 and under may run with a parent and signed waiver. No pets allowed. Information: bliss.armymwr.com or 915-744-5785.
Coffee at the Trail
Join local historians Ron Leiman and Joseph Longo from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, July 12, for a morning of conversation, community and coffee at the El Paso Mission Trail Visitor Center, 9065 Alameda Ave. This free event invites attendees to explore the history of the Ysleta community and its schools, offering an opportunity to connect with the people and stories that have shaped the region. Information: elvisromo1@gmail.com or 915-820-7261.
Coming Up
• Plaza Classic Film Festival: The Plaza Classic Film Festival returns to Downtown El Paso for its 18th year from July 17-27, bringing more than 100 film screenings to the historic Plaza Theatre and surrounding venues. This year’s lineup includes classics like “Alien,” “La Bamba,” “Cabaret,” “Saving Private Ryan” and “Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back” as well as the popular Local Flavor Showcase highlighting regional filmmakers. Special guests such as actress Veronica Cartwright and writer-director Luis Valdez will participate in select screenings. Tickets are on sale at the Plaza Theatre box office and through Ticketmaster. Festival passes are available now at plazaclassic.com.
• Gear Up & Go: Prepare for upcoming outdoor adventures during Gear Up & Go, a free, all-inclusive indoor safety experience hosted by We Hike and Visit El Paso from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday, July 19, at the El Paso Convention Center, 1 Civic Center Plaza. The event offers hands-on training for hiking, biking, walking and running across mountain, desert and urban terrain. Open to all skill levels, the event includes immersive safety lessons, motivational activities and giveaways, plus a free guided sunrise hike the following morning to put your new knowledge into practice. Registration is required. Information: wehikeadventure.org
• Insect Night at the Museum of Archaeology: Explore the world of bugs during Insect Night, which returns from 7 to 10 p.m. Saturday, July 26, to the El Paso Museum of Archaeology, 4301 Woodrow Bean Transmountain Drive. The evening event will feature hands-on activities, night hikes and a bug crawl showcasing the desert’s nocturnal critters. Families are invited to experience nature after dark on the museum grounds. Admission is free. Information: epmarch.org
• Luau at La Nube: La Nube STEAM Discovery Center, 201 W. Main Drive, is going tropical for its next adults-only event, After Hours @ La Nube: Tiki Luau Adult Night, from 7 to 10 p.m. Friday, July 25. Guests ages 21 and older are invited to dress in their favorite island-themed attire and enjoy tropical drinks, snacks, karaoke, limbo contests and hands-on STEAM experiences with a summer twist. Tickets start at $40 for La Nube members, with VIP options offering exclusive access to the Tiki Room Terrace and specialty drinks. Information and tickets: la-nube.org
Mark Your Calendar
• 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.
• 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
• 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.
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