Here’s a roundup of some culture and civic events in the Borderland in the coming week.
9/11 25th Annual Memorial Stair Climb
The University of Texas at El Paso Army ROTC Fighting Miner Battalion will commemorate the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks in New York City and Washington, D.C., with a memorial stair climb at Sun Bowl Stadium that will include participants from the El Paso Fire Department. Participants will climb 110 flights of stairs in honor of those who died in the attacks, with the morning beginning with participant check-in and a vigil before the climb. Hydration stations and ice immersion will be available for participants.
- When: 6-10 a.m. Friday, Sept. 11; vigil at 7 a.m. and stair climb at 7:45 a.m.
- Where: Sun Bowl Stadium, 2701 Sun Bowl Drive
- Cost: Free; optional donations accepted
- Information: UTEP Facebook
El Paso 9/11 Heroes Run
The El Paso 9/11 Heroes Run will commemorate the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks with events for runners, walkers and ruckers of all ages and fitness levels. The annual event honors those who died during the attacks as well as military service members and others who answered the call to serve in the years that followed.
- When: 8 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 12
- Where: Veterans Park, 5301 Salem Drive
- Cost: $26 for the Fallen Heroes Memorial Mile; $46 for the 5K run; $51 for the 5K ruck; free for volunteers
- Information: runsignup.com
¡Vivamos México! Official Grito Celebration
The Paso del Norte region will celebrate the 216th anniversary of Mexico’s independence with an evening of live entertainment, cultural performances and family activities. Presented by the Consulate General of Mexico in El Paso, Destination El Paso and the city of El Paso, the event will feature the official Grito de Independencia ceremony, lucha libre, mariachi music, food trucks, an artisan market and a kids zone.
- When: 5-11 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 12
- Where: El Paso Convention Center Plaza, 1 Civic Center Plaza
- Cost: Free
- Information: Visit El Paso Facebook
Kermes de los Vecinos
The Mexican American Cultural Center and El Paso Museum of History will celebrate Mexican Independence Day with a community kermés at Cleveland Square Park. The event will feature food, music, games, arts and crafts and other activities.
- When: Noon-6 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 12
- Where: Cleveland Square Park, 501 N. Santa Fe St.
- Cost: Free
- Information: epmacc.org
Veteran Mental Health Awareness Ruck Hikes
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department will host guided ruck hikes at Hueco Tanks State Park and Historic Site as part of an event promoting veteran mental health awareness. Participants can choose between the moderate 3-mile Boots on the Ground hike or a moderate half-mile Cave Kiva hike up North Mountain. Space is limited and reservations are required.
- When: 8:30 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 12
- Where: Hueco Tanks State Park and Historic Site, 6900 Hueco Tanks Road No. 1
- Cost: Free; reservations required
- Information: 915-857-1135
Fall 2026 Rubin Center Exhibitions Opening Reception
The Rubin Center for the Visual Arts will celebrate the opening of its fall exhibitions, “Costuras Territoriales” and “AMBOS,” which explore the U.S.-Mexico border region through textiles, material practices and the histories and lived experiences that shape the region. The reception will bring together artists and community members for an evening featuring music and appetizers.
- When: 5-7:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 10
- Where: Rubin Center for the Visual Arts, Seamon Hall, 720 Dawson Road
- Cost: Free
- Information: utep.edu
Encores and Overtures Gala 2026
El Paso Opera will host its annual Encores and Overtures Gala, an evening of fine dining, live performances and fundraising to support the organization’s artistic and educational programs. The event includes a cocktail hour with a silent auction, a three-course dinner, presentation of the Maestro Award and a casino-themed after-party with dancing.
- When: Friday, Sept. 11
- Where: The Elmont Event Center, 240 W. Castellano Drive
- Cost: Starting at $206
- Information: epopera.org
UTEP football home opener
The University of Texas at El Paso football team plays its first home game of the 2026 season against Texas Southern at Sun Bowl Stadium. The Heritage Night matchup, sponsored by GECU, will be the Miners’ second game of the season and will include a T-shirt giveaway.
- When: 7 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 12
- Where: Sun Bowl Stadium, 2701 Sun Bowl Drive
- Cost: Varies
- Information: utepminers.com/tickets
6th Annual Mija Market
Mija, Yes You Can will host its sixth annual Mija Market, a free, family-friendly event showcasing locally owned businesses and vendors. The market will feature food trucks, live music, raffles and children’s activities, with proceeds supporting the organization’s work to empower women and provide scholarships to local students.
- When: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 12
- Where: Cowtown Outdoor Events Center, 11451 Gateway Blvd. West
- Cost: Free
- Information: 915-667-6504 or Mija, Yes You Can Instagram
915 Tattoo Fiesta
The 915 Tattoo Fiesta will celebrate El Paso’s 915 Day with a tattoo flash crawl and block party in Downtown El Paso. Hosted by After Ten Tattoo, Sunset Tattoo Co. and Monolith Tattoo, the event will feature local tattoo artists, vendors, live music, DJs, live art, food, merchandise and a lowrider and Vicla show and shine.
- When: Noon-8 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 13
- Where: Downtown El Paso, 321 E. San Antonio Ave.
- Cost: Free
- Information: 915 Tattoo Fiesta Instagram
Coming Up
El Paso Matters 9.15K
The El Paso Matters 9.15K will return this fall, bringing runners and walkers together for a community-focused race through Downtown El Paso. The event includes a 9.15K run and a 1-mile family walk, with proceeds supporting local journalism and a post-race celebration with awards.
- When: 8 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 19 (line-up begins 7 a.m.)
- Where: Cleveland Square Park, 510 N. Santa Fe St.
- Cost: $50 through Sept. 18. No race-day registration.
- Information: elpasomatters.org/run
Third Thursdays in the Downtown Arts District
Downtown El Paso museums, cultural institutions and other organizations will offer extended hours and special programming as part of the monthly Third Thursdays initiative. Activities across the Downtown Arts District include an artisan market with local vendors, live music, food and community organizations, along with programming at participating museums and cultural attractions.
- When: 5-9 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 17
- Where: Downtown Arts District, 1 Civic Center Plaza and surrounding locations
- Cost: Free
- Information: epmcad.org
Party on the Plaza: Jazz Night
Party on the Plaza will continue its free outdoor concert series with Jazz Night at San Jacinto Plaza. Presented by GECU Federal Credit Union, the series brings live music to Downtown El Paso on the third Thursday of each month from May through October, with each event featuring a DJ opener followed by a headlining performance.
- When: 5-8 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 17; DJ at 5 p.m. and headliner at 6:30 p.m.
- Where: San Jacinto Plaza, 114 W. Mills Ave.
- Cost: Free
- Information: epmcad.org
“We The People” Constitution Day Band Concert
The 1st Armored Division Band and El Paso Winds will present a Constitution Day concert at Freedom Crossing in celebration of America’s 250th anniversary. Festivities begin with food trucks, bouncy houses, crafts and other family activities before the concert, which will feature American music and conclude with Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s “1812 Overture” accompanied by cannon fire from the 1st Armored Division Salute Battery. Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets.
- When: Activities begin at 4 p.m.; concert at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 17
- Where: Freedom Crossing Outdoor Amphitheater, 1619 Pleasanton Road, Fort Bliss
- Cost: Free
- Information: 915-568-7001; visitors without Fort Bliss access will need a visitor pass
‘Mágico – The Magic of Mexico’
The El Paso Symphony Orchestra will open its 2026-27 Classical Series with “Mágico – The Magic of Mexico,” a multimedia concert celebrating Mexico’s landscapes, culture and traditions through orchestral music and photography. The program features works by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, José Pablo Moncayo, Arturo Márquez and Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov, accompanied by imagery from photographer and multimedia artist Nicholas Bardonnay.
- When: 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Sept. 18-19 (Opening Notes lecture at 6:30 p.m.)
- Where: Plaza Theatre, 125 Pioneer Plaza
- Cost: $17-$49
- Information: epso.org
El Paso Greek Festival
The El Paso Greek Festival returns to St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church for a three-day celebration of Greek culture, food and traditions. The annual festival features Mediterranean favorites including gyros and baklava, along with music and activities for families.
- When: 5-10 p.m. Friday, Sept. 18; noon-10 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 19; noon-6 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 20
- Where: St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, 124 S. Festival Drive
- Cost: $5 adults; $3 active-duty military and veterans with valid military ID; free for children age 12 and younger
- Information: stnicholasep.com
Oktoberfest
Fort Bliss Morale, Welfare and Recreation will bring Oktoberfest to Biggs Park for two nights of German-inspired food, music and dancing. The adults-only event will feature live entertainment from Terry Cavanagh and the Alpine Express and the German Air Force Schuhplattlers, and admission is free for the first time this year. Open to the public; visitors without installation access must obtain a Fort Bliss Community Access Pass.
- When: 6 p.m.-midnight Friday-Saturday, Sept. 18-19
- Where: Biggs Park, 11388 Sgt. Major Blvd., Fort Bliss
- Cost: Free; ages 18 and older, must be 21 or older to drink
- Information: bliss.armymwr.com
Water Festival 2026
El Paso Water will host its annual Water Festival at the TecH2O Water Resources Learning Center, with music, dance, art, educational exhibits and hands-on activities highlighting the role of water in the desert community. Visitors can explore El Paso Water vehicles, learn about conservation and take part in interactive displays, while ages 14 and older can tour the Kay Bailey Hutchison Desalination Plant.
- When: 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 19
- Where: TecH2O Water Resources Learning Center, 10751 Montana Ave.
- Cost: Free
- Information: tech2o.org
Mark Your Calendar
Overnight Adventure at Ascarate Park
El Paso County Parks and Recreation invites families to spend a night under the stars at Ascarate Park, with nighttime fishing and a community campfire among the planned activities. Campers may arrive as early as 9 a.m. Saturday but must check in between 3 and 5 p.m., with the overnight event continuing until Sunday morning. Advance registration is required by Sept. 25.
- When: Saturday, Sept. 26, through 9 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 27; check-in 3-5 p.m. Saturday
- Where: Ascarate Park, 6900 Delta Drive
- Cost: $10 adults ages 18-59; $5 children, seniors and veterans; picnic shelters starting at $50
- Information: 915-273-3501
Way Out West Festival featuring Cole Swindell
Way Out West Fest returns to Downtown El Paso with a full day of country music, food and regional competitions celebrating Borderplex culture. The festival features headliner Cole Swindell, along with the Chili Challenge, Quest for the Best Margarita Contest and other attractions highlighting the flavors and traditions of the region.
- When: 5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 26
- Where: El Paso Convention Center, 1 Civic Center Plaza
- Cost: Tickets start at $55.30
- Information: epwayoutwest.com
Dig Into the Past
Celebrate archaeology with a family-friendly event offering hands-on activities that explore the region’s past. Visitors can learn about hunting during the Archaic period, participate in a museum scavenger hunt and uncover artifacts during a mock archaeological excavation.
- When: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 26
- Where: El Paso Museum of Archaeology, 4301 Transmountain Road
- Cost: Free
- Information: El Paso Museum of Archaeology Instagram
Usher and Chris Brown
R&B artists Usher and Chris Brown are scheduled to bring their co-headlining tour to El Paso later this year with a performance at Sun Bowl Stadium. Tickets are available through Ticketmaster.
- When: 8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 3
- Where: Sun Bowl Stadium, 2701 Sun Bowl Drive
- Cost: $133-$631
- Information: ticketmaster.com
Brew at the Zoo
The El Paso Zoo will open after dark for its annual Brew at the Zoo, an age 21-and-older Halloween event featuring craft beer, food, live music and entertainment throughout the zoo. Costumes are encouraged, with VIP admission beginning an hour before the general event.
- When: 7-11 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 17; VIP entry at 6 p.m.
- Where: El Paso Zoo, 4001 E. Paisano Drive
- Cost: To be announced
- Information: El Paso Zoo Facebook
Día de los Muertos Desfile y Festival
The ninth annual Día de los Muertos Desfile y Festival will transform El Paso’s Downtown Arts District into a daylong celebration honoring loved ones and Mexican traditions. The free event features arts and cultural activities, community altars, local vendors, live performances and a parade showcasing about 60 floats, performers and community organizations.
- When: Festival from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; parade at 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 24
- Where: El Paso Downtown Arts District, Downtown El Paso
- Cost: Free
- Information: epmacc.org
Amigo Airsho
The Amigo Airsho returns to Biggs Army Airfield for two days of military and civilian aviation demonstrations, static aircraft displays and family activities. The 2026 lineup includes the U.S. Navy Blue Angels, U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor Demo Team, U.S. Army Golden Knights and aerobatic pilot Kirby Chambliss, along with a kids zone, STEAM exhibits, food vendors and performances by the 1st Armored Division Band.
- When: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, Oct. 24-25
- Where: Biggs Army Airfield, Fort Bliss
- Cost: Tickets start at $30
- Information: amigoairsho.com
Boo at the Zoo
Families can celebrate Halloween at the El Paso Zoo during Boo at the Zoo, featuring candy stations, Halloween-themed inflatables and opportunities for children to explore the zoo in costume. The annual event offers a family-friendly Halloween experience alongside animals from the zoo’s Africa, Asia and Las Americas exhibits.
- When: 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 31
- Where: El Paso Zoo, 4001 E. Paisano Drive
- Cost: $13.95 adults; $10.95 teens, seniors and active-duty military or spouses; $8.95 children ages 2-12; free for children age 23 months and younger
- Information: El Paso Zoo Facebook
The post El Paso marks 25 years since 9/11 with stair climb, run appeared first on El Paso Matters.
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