Here’s a roundup of some culture and civic events in the borderland in the coming week.
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
Nickelodeon’s Worldwide Day of Play at La Nube
Nickelodeon’s Worldwide Day of Play will take over La Nube and Main Street from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 27, in Downtown El Paso. The free community event, held in partnership with the Association of Children’s Museums, will transform the area into a block party filled with family activities, including character meet-and-greets with SpongeBob SquarePants, PAW Patrol and Gabby’s Dollhouse, hands-on STEAM workshops, local food trucks and community booths. Children can also take part in Nickelodeon’s signature slime experience. Admission to the outdoor festivities is free, while tickets are required for indoor access to La Nube’s STEAM Discovery Center, where advance booking is recommended due to limited availability. Information and tickets: la-nube.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
Harvest Wine Festival
La Viña Winery will host its annual Harvest Wine Festival from noon to 7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 27-28, in Anthony, New Mexico. Guests can sample more than 20 wines, browse art and craft vendors, and enjoy live music alongside Southwestern cuisine. General admission is $25 and includes a souvenir glass with either five tastings or one full glass of wine. Admission for ages 12-20 is $10, while children younger than 12 are free. A $100 VIP package for adults offers expanded tastings, craft beer, German food pairings, reserved seating, exclusive access and additional amenities. Pets and outside food or beverages are not permitted. Information: lavinawinery.com
Chile Pepper Challenge
The Chile Pepper Challenge: Charity Ride and 5K returns Sunday, Sept. 28, at Grace Gardens, 6709 Westside Drive, with a 7 a.m. start. Hosted by the El Paso Bicycle Club and the University Medical Center Foundation, the annual event raises funds for University Medical Center’s Cardiac Care Fund, which supports early screenings, advanced treatments and community education on heart disease and stroke. Cyclists will take on routes through the Mesilla Valley, while families can participate in the new 5K walk/run promoting healthy living at every age. Proceeds benefit local efforts to fight cardiovascular disease. Information: 915-203-3295 or umcfoundationelpaso.org
Honor Flight Welcomes Veterans
The community is invited to welcome home veterans returning from an Honor Flight trip to Washington, D.C., on Saturday, Sept. 27, at El Paso International Airport. The veterans will arrive at 3:30 p.m., and the public is encouraged to gather in the airport’s main lobby with “Welcome Home” signs, banners and flags to show support. Parking for the event will be free and validated. The celebration is organized by the city of El Paso and offers an opportunity for residents to honor local veterans for their service.
Chihuahuan Desert Fiesta at El Paso Zoo
The El Paso Zoo and Botanical Gardens will host the 21st annual Chihuahuan Desert Fiesta from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 27, at the zoo, 4001 E. Paisano Drive. The event highlights the region’s desert ecosystem with educational booths, discovery tables featuring local organizations and animal encounter presentations. First launched in 2005 by the Chihuahuan Desert Education Coalition, the fiesta has grown into a community tradition, with roots tied to conservation efforts that helped secure Castner Range’s designation as a national monument. Admission to the fiesta is included with regular zoo entry. Information: elpasozoo.org
Coming Up
• Border Folk Festival: The 10th annual El Paso Border Folk Festival Music Conference and Concert Series will showcase the sounds and traditions that define the border region, culminating in a concert at 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 3, at the Plaza Theatre, 125 W. Mills Ave. The evening will feature Mariachi Los Camperos and Tesoro. In addition to performances, the multi-day conference offers workshops and networking opportunities for students from school and community music programs, highlighting mariachi as well as other genres to promote music education, technique and appreciation. Information and tickets: epborderfest.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
Mark Your Calendar
• El Paso Matters 9.15K: The El Paso Matters 9.15K will leave the starting line at 9:15 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 7, at San Jacinto Plaza in Downtown El Paso. More than just a race, the 9.15-kilometer course highlights community pride by honoring the region’s area code, with proceeds supporting El Paso Matters’ nonprofit journalism. Runners, walkers and supporters are invited to participate in this celebration of local stories and connection, with the event blending fitness, identity and civic engagement. Registration is now open. Information: elpasomatters.org
• 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
• Día de los Muertos Desfile and Festival: The Día de los Muertos Desfile and Festival invites the community to Downtown El Paso on Saturday, Nov. 1, for a daylong celebration of life and remembrance. The event, hosted by the Mexican American Cultural Center and the city’s Museums and Cultural Affairs Department, runs from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. at 201 W. Franklin Ave. Attendees will take in a mile-long parade featuring floats, folklórico dancers, musicians and community groups. Free cultural programming will take place across the Downtown Arts District museums, alongside an artisan market and food truck plaza highlighting local vendors. The festival, rooted in Mesoamerican traditions and the observance of All Souls’ Day, offers families an opportunity to honor loved ones while experiencing one of El Paso’s largest public celebrations. Information: epmacc.org
• El Paso Winefest: The 12th Annual El Paso Winefest returns Nov. 1-2, bringing together wine, food and live entertainment for a weekend of culinary celebration. The grand tasting event Saturday, Nov. 1, will feature more than 500 wines alongside dishes from 25 local restaurants, with both general admission and VIP tickets available. On Sunday, Nov. 2, the gastronomic battle will showcase Michelin-star chefs mentoring culinary students in a timed competition judged by bloggers, the public and industry leaders. Proceeds from the festival benefit the RotaCare free medical clinic in El Paso’s Lower Valley. Tickets range from $75 to $250, with weekend passes and group packages also available. Information: elpasowinefest.com
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