Here’s a roundup of some culture and civic events in the borderland in the coming week.
Lunar New Year Celebration 2025
Ring in the year of the snake during the El Paso Museum of History’s sixth annual Lunar New Year Celebration from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 1, at the museum,510 N. Santa Fe St. The free, family-friendly event features food trucks, cultural decor, pop-up exhibits and activities from museums, libraries and community partners. At 3 p.m., a procession will wind through the Downtown Arts District, followed by traditional and modern performances from 4 to 5 p.m. Lunar New Year, celebrated by east and southeast Asian cultures, marks the beginning of the lunisolar calendar year and is steeped in customs to welcome luck and prosperity.
El Paso Opera’s ‘Roméo & Juliette’
The El Paso Opera will present a unique take on William Shakespeare’s timeless tale during “Roméo & Juliette,” an immersive portrayal of the iconic star-crossed lovers. Set against the backdrop of St. Rogers Depot, 420 N. Campbell St., the production features Benjamin Werley as Roméo and Helen Huang as Juliette. Performances run from Jan. 30 to Feb. 6, with shows on select evenings at 7:30 p.m. Tickets start at $45, with the performance sung in French and enhanced by English and Spanish supertitles. Information and tickets: epopera.org
Travel the World in Architecture Tour
Explore Downtown El Paso architecture on a free guided tour hosted by the Tom Lea Institute. This experience highlights diverse architectural styles, including the work of Henry C. Trost and the Spanish colonial revival designs of Mabel Weich, one of Texas’ first certified female architects. The tour begins at 10 a.m. Friday, Jan. 31, at the Aloft El Paso, 303 Texas Ave. Admission is free, but space is limited. Registration is required. Information: 915-533-0048 or tomlea.net
McKelligon Canyon Walk/Run/Hike
Celebrate National Play Outside Day with a walk, run or hike along McKelligon Canyon’s scenic trails beginning at 9 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 1. This free event is the second in the We Hike Adventure Series, featuring a 2 to 5-mile trek along the canyon road and trailhead. Enjoy breathtaking views while exploring a loop suitable for all skill levels. Participants are encouraged to bring water, sunscreen, a hat and snacks. Complete two of the three hikes in the series to earn special finisher memorabilia. Information: wehikeadventure.org
Love Your Self, Love Your Heart Walk
Celebrate American Heart Month with the Love Your Self, Love Your Heart Walk scheduled to begin at 9 a.m. Sunday, Feb. 2, at Scenic Drive. Hosted by Live Active El Paso and El Paso Parks and Recreation, the free, family-friendly event kicks off with a warm-up exercise at the Westside entrance of Scenic Drive. Participants can subsequently enjoy a 3-mile walk or run, wellness booths from local organizations, and free blood-pressure screenings provided by the Hospitals of Providence.
Cultivate: Local Food Systems and Sustainability Forum
The El Paso Community Foundation invites the community to the return of the Cultivate: Local Food Systems and Sustainability Forum at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 29, in the Foundation Room, 333 N. Oregon St. After a five-year hiatus, the forum returns with a lineup of engaging presentations on food systems and sustainability.
Learn more
Farm to table: Where to find locally grown food around El Paso
Small farms in El Paso and southern New Mexico offer fresh food via online delivery, at the farmers market or grocery store. Some producers prioritize sustainability through organic practices. Here’s where to find them.
Featured topics include food equity initiatives by Spoon Flower Grocery, composting practices from Dirt y Girls Compost, and urban water harvesting by High Desert Native Plants. The event also includes the screening of “Harvest Rain,” a short documentary by DSP Media. Attendees are encouraged to enjoy refreshments, network with presenters, and explore innovative ideas to rethink local food systems. Admission is free.
Coming Up
Swan Lake
Take in the timeless tale as performed by the Nylia Ballet Academy at the University of Texas at El Paso’s Magoffin Auditorium. Follow Prince Siegfried’s journey as he meets Odette, the Swan Queen, and vows to free her from a sorcerer’s curse that traps her in swan form by day. This classic ballet weaves together romance, betrayal, and the power of true love in a mesmerizing performance. Showtimes are at 7 p.m. Feb. 1-2. Doors open at 6 p.m. Tickets: ticketmaster.com
Castner Range 101
Explore the beauty of Castner Range, El Paso’s newest national monument, during the Castner Range 101 program from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 8, at the El Paso Museum of Archaeology, 4301 Woodrow Bean Transmountain Drive. Hosted by The Frontera Land Alliance and the El Paso Museum of Archaeology, the day features guided hikes at 10:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m., a watercolor activity from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., and a scavenger hunt throughout the event. No reservations needed.
From the archives
Biden declares Castner Range a national monument
The former Army training site is one of two new national monuments being established by President Joe Biden
Mark Your Calendar
Writing Workshop with Author Luis Jaramillo
Let your creativity flow during a free writing workshop with Luis Jaramillo, author of “The Witches of El Paso.” Hosted by the El Paso Matters Book Club and “Chrysalis,” the El Paso Community College literary and arts journal, this interactive session will guide writers of all levels in discovering voices, characters and stories through engaging exercises. The workshop takes place from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 28, at EPCC’s Rio Grande Campus, Building A, Room A119. Space is limited, so RSVP to secure your spot.
LEARN MORE: ‘Witches of El Paso’ by Luis Jaramillo explores characters’ supernatural gifts
El Paso Matters Book Club Meetup
Explore the spellbinding world of “The Witches of El Paso” with author Luis Jaramillo during the El Paso Matters Book Club meetup from 11 a.m. to noon Saturday, March 1, at Barnes & Noble, 8889 Gateway Blvd. West No. 120. This free event includes a moderated discussion about the novel, followed by a live Q&A with Jaramillo. Attendees are encouraged to join the El Paso Matters Book Club on the Fable app to connect with fellow readers before the event. Space is limited, so RSVP to secure your spot.
Change Makers
Celebrate Women’s History Month during Change Makers, a collaborative event presented by Progress321 and El Paso Matters from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 26, at the Hotel Paso del Norte, 10 Henry Trost Court. This year’s luncheon honors outstanding women in health from various fields.. Details about the keynote speaker and tickets will be announced soon, but nominations for honorees are now open here. Information: elpasomatters.org
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