Here’s a roundup of some culture and civic events in the borderland in the coming week.
2025 Pride Parade
El Paso’s 19th annual Pride Parade is scheduled for 10 a.m. Saturday, June 21. The procession will step off at the corner of Mills Avenue and North Ochoa Street, travel west on Mills, then north on Campbell Street before heading east on Montana Avenue and ending at Houston Park. A family-friendly picnic will follow the parade at Houston Park, featuring live music, food, nonalcoholic beverages and drag performances. Pop-up canopies are welcome, but staking them into the ground is not permitted. Those interested in vending must request approval in advance by emailing epscp.festi@gmail.com. Freelance vendors will not be allowed. Information: suncitypride.org
Pride at La Nube
La Nube will host its first-ever Pride celebration from 7 to 10 p.m. Wednesday, June 18, with a night of music, science and self-expression for adults ages 18 and older. The event includes after-hours access to all exhibits, a drag show, a live DJ, hands-on STEAM activities, snacks and a complimentary drink. Tickets are $40 for non-members and $35 for members. A portion of proceeds will benefit Sun City Pride. Information and tickets: la-nube.org
Pride Month at the Chihuahuas
Celebrate Pride Month with a night of baseball and community as the El Paso Chihuahuas host the Reno Aces at 6:35 p.m. Thursday, June 19, at Southwest University Park. The Chihuahuas will host Pride Night in partnership with Sun City Pride, highlighting messages of inclusion and unity in the borderland. Specially priced tickets can be purchased online or at The Tool Box, 506 N. Stanton St. Information and tickets: milb.com
Enjoy Jazz at Cool Canyon Nights
Cool Canyon Nights continues its summer concert series Thursday, June 19, at McKelligon Canyon Amphitheatre with a night dedicated to jazz. The evening opens at 6 p.m. with the Mark Fowler Group performing on the El Paso Community College Career, Technical and Education Stage. Jazz fusion band Kikimora takes the stage at 7 p.m., followed by acclaimed local artist Billy Townes performing on the WestStar Main Stage just after 8 p.m. The event is free and open to all ages, with seating available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Sun City Craft Beer Festival
The Sun City Craft Beer Festival returns from 5 to 10 p.m. Saturday, June 21, at the El Paso Convention Center. The event offers tastings, games, live music and more. Attendees can sample over 100 beers, visit vendor booths and experience the outdoor Beerlympics and Beer Bash. General admission includes 10 sample tickets and a commemorative glass, while VIP access grants early entry at 4 p.m., a complimentary meal and access to a private lounge. Designated driver tickets are also available. Information: suncitycraftbeerfest.com
Wild West Food Fest
DeadBeach Brewery, 3200 Durazno Ave., will host its inaugural Wild West Food Fest from noon to 11 p.m. Saturday, June 21. and surrounding streets. The event, free and open to all ages, will feature a wide array of Sun City food vendors offering small-plate tastings, alongside artisan booths, games, DJs and craft brews. Food and drinks must be purchased with Wild West Fest Bucks, available on-site or in advance. Attendees can vote for their favorite bite in a “Best Food in Show” competition, with prizes awarded to the top vendors. Information: deadbeach.com
El Paso Roller Derby
El Paso Roller Derby is rolling into Nations Tobin Recreation Center, 8831 Railroad Drive, on Friday, June 21, with a high-energy doubleheader featuring hometown teams and regional rivals. The TexPistols take on Medias Rotas from Mexico at 6 p.m., followed by the Pistol WhipHers battling Los Alamos, New Mexico, at 7:30 p.m. The family-friendly evening includes food trucks, a kids’ corner, halftime entertainment and the chance to meet skaters. Tickets are $10 in advance, $15 at the door, and free for kids ages 10 and younger. Proceeds will benefit the Borderland Rainbow Center. Information: elpasorollerderby.com
Viva! El Paso
Viva! El Paso returns this summer to McKelligon Canyon Amphitheatre, celebrating the region’s rich history through music, dance and storytelling. The colorful outdoor musical, which begins Saturday, June 21, highlights the four cultures that have shaped El Paso — Native American, Spanish, Mexican and Western American — brought to life by a cast of more than 50 performers. The long-running tradition offers a vibrant showcase of the city’s heritage against the scenic backdrop of the canyon. Performances run Fridays and Saturdays through August.
‘Escaramuza, The Poetics of Home’
The El Paso Museum of History, 510 N. Santa Fe St., will host an opening reception for its newest exhibition, “Escaramuza, The Poetics of Home,” at 5 p.m. Saturday, June 21. The traveling exhibit blends photography, poetry and oral histories to explore the tradition of escaramuza, the women’s event in Mexican rodeo that features choreographed horseback riding set to music. Artist Constance Jaeggi, poet Angelina Sáenz and Texas Poet Laureate Ire’ne Lara Silva collaborate to offer a nuanced portrait of the women who participate in this cultural artform. The El Paso presentation will include new additions that highlight the tradition’s ties to the border and local history. The exhibit will be on display in Gallery A on the museum’s first floor. Information: epmuseumofhistory.org
‘¡Es Hora!’ at the MACC
The El Paso Mexican American Cultural Center, 201 W. Franklin Ave., will host a panel discussion and reception from 3 to 5:30 p.m. Saturday, June 21, in conjunction with its inaugural exhibition, “¡Es Hora! It’s Time: Mexican American Art in El Paso 1960-Now.” The event features exhibiting artists Diana Molina, Gaspar Enriquez and Ricky Armendariz in conversation with Eduardo Diaz, former director of the Smithsonian Latino Center. After the discussion, attendees are invited to a reception and book signing for Molina’s “Icons & Symbols of the Borderland, Art from the US-Mexico Borderlands.” The event is free and open to the public. Information: epmacc.org
Coming Up
Pages & Pints: Celebrate El Paso’s punk roots and literary scene at Pages & Pints, a free, family-friendly event hosted by El Paso Matters Book Club and Old Sheepdog Brewery from 3 to 10 p.m. Saturday, June 28, at Old Sheepdog Brewery, 3900 Rosa Ave. Inspired by the book “Chuco Punk: Sonic Insurgency in El Paso” by Tara López, the event will feature a Q&A and book signing with the author, a market with local writers, vendors and live music. Guests can also enjoy food trucks, craft beer and a welcoming atmosphere for readers, music lovers and families. Pets are welcome. Information: elpasomatters.org/bookclub
Pop Goes the Fort: Fort Bliss will host its annual Pop Goes the Fort celebration Saturday, June 28, at Biggs Park, 11388 Sergeant Major Blvd., featuring live performances by Sugar Ray, Free Daps, and the 1st Armored Division Band. The free event kicks off at 4 p.m. and includes food trucks, glow merchandise, and a fireworks display. Attendees are welcome to bring coolers, picnic blankets and chairs, but outside alcohol, pets and glass containers are prohibited. Canopies will be allowed in a designated area until space runs out. A Community Access Pass is required for non-military visitors and is encouraged in advance to avoid long wait times on the day of the event.
Banned Histories Summer Camp: The El Paso Museum of History will host its Banned Histories Summer Camp from Monday, June 23, to Friday, June 27, offering students an interactive exploration of often-overlooked social movements. The camp will engage participants in hands-on activities focused on the Chicano, civil rights, gay liberation and disability rights movements. Students will explore the connections between these historical movements and contemporary issues, culminating in the creation of zines to share with the community. The camp runs from 8 a.m. to noon each day at the museum, located at 510 N. Santa Fe St. Application required. Information and application: epmuseumofhistory.org
Mark Your Calendar
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 now on sale at the Plaza Theatre box office and through Ticketmaster. Festival passes are available now at plazaclassic.com.
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