Here’s a roundup of some culture and civic events in the borderland in the coming week.
Earth Day Boogie Bash & Glow for the Planet 3k Run/Walk
Celebrate Earth Day with an event featuring live entertainment, food trucks, local vendors, educational booths, raffles, free pet adoptions by El Paso Animal Services and a Glow for the Planet 3K Run/Walk from 5 to 9 p.m. Saturday, April 12, at Ralph T. Cloud Park (formerly Yucca Park), 7975 Willamette Ave. Opening ceremony begins at 5 p.m., followed by DJ music by Mazo Vibe. Lucha League wrestling matches begin at 6 p.m., and DJ Johnny Kage takes the stage at 7 p.m. The free run/walk begins at 7:30 p.m. Raffles every 45 minutes. The event is hosted by the city of El Paso, Environmental Services Department, Parks and Recreation Department and Live Active El Paso. Information: elpasotexas.gov/esd or 915-212-6000.
FloraFest at UTEP
FloraFest, El Paso’s signature native plant sale, returns from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, April 12, at the Chihuahuan Desert Gardens on the University of Texas at El Paso campus. The spring sale offers a wide variety of native and native-adapted plants — many in bloom and ideal for planting before summer heat sets in. Shoppers can seek gardening advice from local Master Gardeners and horticulturists while supporting the maintenance and operation of the gardens. Plants sold are often unavailable at local retailers and are well-suited for the region’s climate, helping conserve water and support pollinators. Information: utep.edu
UTEP Football Spring Game
Fans of the University of Texas at El Paso football program can get a first look at the 2025 Miners under second-year head coach Scotty Walden during the team’s annual spring game at 11 a.m. Saturday, April 12, at Sun Bowl Stadium. The scrimmage marks the culmination of spring practices, which are otherwise closed to the public. More than 30 new players and five new coaches — including offensive and defensive coordinators Mark Cala and Bobby Daly — join 67 returners this season. A key storyline this spring is the competition at quarterback, with returning players and highly touted recruit Malachi Nelson battling for the starting role. Admission to the spring game is free.
El Paso Comic Con
El Paso Comic Con returns Friday-Sunday, April 11-13, to the El Paso Convention Center with a guest list that includes Vincent D’Onofrio, known for his roles in “Law & Order: Criminal Intent” and “Daredevil,” and WWE Hall of Famer Sgt. Slaughter. Actor Sean Gunn of “Guardians of the Galaxy” and “Gilmore Girls” is also set to appear, alongside voice actors and comic book artists. VIP passes, which include early entry, autograph line access and other perks, are $150 and available online only. General admission ranges from $25 to $80. Full event details and the Q&A panel schedule are available online. Information: elpasocomiccon.com
‘Neighborhoods and Shared Memories’ at El Paso Museum of History
The El Paso Museum of History, 510 N. Santa Fe St., will host an opening reception for its newest exhibit, “Neighborhoods and Shared Memories: Hacienda Heights to Ranchland,” from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, April 10. The exhibit explores the transformation of the Mission Valley area from rural farmland into a diverse residential community during the post-World War II housing boom. Highlighting the lived experiences of Black, Mexican and white families from 1950 to 1990, the exhibition reflects on the impact of desegregation, community institutions and local businesses in shaping the area’s identity. This installation is part of the museum’s ongoing series featuring historic El Paso neighborhoods. Information: epmuseumofhistory.org
El Paso Main Library to Reopen
The city’s Main Library will reopen to the public at 10 a.m. Thursday, April 10, after undergoing extensive renovations. The library, at 501 N. Oregon St., was renovated while the city built the Mexican American Cultural Center that opened March 22. The two share building space. The four-story library first opened in 1954 and received about $5.9 million in renovations from the 2012 quality of life bond. The improvements include enhanced spaces for print collections, reading nooks, private study rooms, a new glass-enclosed main entrance, expanded work areas, Friends of the Library Bookstore, quiet room, new furniture and café area. The new schedule is 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday and Saturday, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday and 1-6 p.m. Friday and Sunday.
Public Art Program Master Plan Community Meetings
The city of El Paso’s Public Art Program is updating its Master Plan, and residents are invited to help shape the future of public art across the city. The Museums and Cultural Affairs Department will host a series of open-house meetings Wednesday and Thursday, April 9-10, at various locations to gather input and share details about the new plan, which will guide public art development over the next decade. Community feedback collected through these events and an online questionnaire will help inform strategic decisions about how public art enhances El Paso’s cultural and visual landscape.
Both meetings begin at 5:30 p.m. at the following locations:
- Wednesday, April 9: Northgate Transfer Center at Metro 31, 9348 Diana Drive
- Thursday, April 10: Sylvia A. Carreon Community Center, 709 Lomita Drive
Information: epmcad.org
Big El Paso Fair
The Big El Paso Fair continues to offer family-friendly fun through Sunday, April 13, at Ascarate Park, 6900 Delta Drive. The fair features amusement park rides, live entertainment and fair food. It is scheduled to be open from 5 to 11 p.m. Monday-Friday and from 1 p.m. to midnight Saturday-Sunday. Tickets can be purchased at the gate or online. They cost $30 for super saver wristbands, which offer unlimited access to rides, and $15 for general admission. Parking is free at Ascarate Park. Information and tickets: bigelpasofair.com
Coming Up
El Paso Matters Book Club Craft Night: The El Paso Matters Book Club invites readers and creatives to a bookmark-making night at 6 p.m. Thursday, April 17, at Margin Notes Bookbar, 7460 Cimarron Market Ave, Building 2, Suite 300. The hands-on event draws inspiration from the club’s current selection, “The Crossing: El Paso, the Southwest, and America’s Forgotten Origin Story” by Richard Parker. Participants will use Texas-themed magazines and scrapbook supplies to craft personalized bookmarks that reflect the region’s culture and history. All materials are provided, and each ticket includes a choice of El Paso Matters Beer, wine, or a latte. Information: elpasomatters.org
47th Annual NorthEaster Parade: The Mimbela Family NorthEaster Parade is scheduled for 10 a.m. Saturday, April 19. The procession will feature floats, marching bands, local organizations, music and dance performances. This year’s theme is “Traditional Easter” and the grand marshal is retired U.S. Army 1st Sgt. Dan Webb, founder of Veterans at Breakfast and a supporter of other veteran groups and organizations. The parade starts at the intersection of Diana Drive and Hercules Avenue, goes north on Diana Drive and east on Hondo Pass Drive.
Information: northeasterparade.com
National Junior Ranger Day: Celebrate National Junior Ranger Day from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, April 19, at Chamizal National Memorial, 800 S. San Marcial St., with a free, family-friendly event highlighting the cultural and natural heritage of national parks. Attendees can enjoy live music, dance performances and hands-on art activities. Children will have the opportunity to earn a Junior Ranger badge through educational experiences. The event aims to inspire a love for public lands and share the story of the Chamizal National Memorial through community-driven programming. Information: 915-532-7273.
Mark Your Calendar
After Hours at La Nube: La Nube STEAM Discovery Center, 201 W. Main Drive, is turning back the clock for “Neon Night Out: Bring Back the 80s,” an adults-only evening of retro fun from 7 to 10 p.m. Friday, April 25. Guests 21 and older can explore the center’s interactive exhibits with a glow-in-the-dark twist, sip themed cocktails, enjoy snacks and dance to classic ’80s hits. Attendees are encouraged to dress in their boldest neon and vintage gear. Tickets range from $40 to $55, with a limited number of “80s Tickets” that include themed giveaways. Advance purchase is required — tickets will not be sold at the door. Information and tickets: la-nube.org
El Paso Symphony Orchestra: Fabulous Finale – Classic Trio: The El Paso Symphony Orchestra presents the last of its classical series for the season, Fabulous Finale – Classical Trio, April 25-26 at the Plaza Theatre. The concert is led by Bohsulay Rattay, conductor, and features Kiron Tellian, winner of the 2024 Borderland Chopin International Piano Competition. The program is Dvořák’s “Carnival Overture” and Rachmaninoff’s “Concerto for Piano No. 3, op. 30, D minor,” featuring Stravinsky’s “Petrushka.” The concert is at 7:30 p.m. Opening Notes with Nathan Black for insights on the evening’s program begins at 6:30 p.m. before each concert at the Philanthropy Theatre. Admission is $17 to $49. Information: EPSO
• MACC Artist Talk — Rendered in Resilience: El Paso native Marianna Olague will reflect on her time as the El Paso Mexican American Cultural Center’s inaugural ¡Es Hora! Artist in Residence during an artist talk from 3 to 4 p.m. Saturday, April 26, at the MACC auditorium, 201 W. Franklin Ave. Olague will share how themes of family, labor and love influence her painting practice, followed by a moderated discussion with curator Ramón Cardenas exploring her creative process and the stories behind her work. Information: epmacc.org
Keystone Crafts and Culture: Celebrate El Paso’s natural beauty and creative spirit at Keystone Crafts and Culture, a mostly vegetarian market featuring local art, handmade crafts and live music from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, April 26. The event at Keystone Heritage Park, 4200 Doniphan Drive, will include garden tours led by volunteers, a showcase of native plants by the Cactus Club and a chance to take part in the City Nature Challenge by photographing local flora and fauna. Entry is $3 for adults and $1 for children 12 and younger; members enter free. Information: keystoneheritagepark.com
Las Artistas Spring Show and Call for Artists: Las Artistas is accepting applications until Thursday, May 15, for its 55th annual Art & Fine Crafts Show, set for Nov. 15-16 at the EPIC Railyard Event Center in South El Paso. The juried show features work from painters, sculptors, mixed media artists and other fine arts professionals, attracting collectors from across the region. A $35 jury fee and five images, including a booth shot, are required. Meanwhile, the organization’s Spring Show takes place Saturday-Sunday, April 26-27, at the El Paso International Museum of Art, 1211 Montana Ave. Admission is free. Information: lasartistas.org
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