Here’s a roundup of some culture and civic events in the Borderland in the coming week.
El Paso Matters 9.15K
The El Paso Matters 9.15K returns for its second year this weekend, 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. Vendor booths, live music, photo opportunities and more. Special performance by the Painted Velvets.
- 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
Downtown Discoveries: A Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt
The Tom Lea Institute will host a free scavenger hunt through Downtown El Paso, inviting participants to discover artist Tom Lea and his work at locations including the El Paso Museum of Art, El Paso Public Library and San Jacinto Plaza. Participants who complete the hunt can receive randomized, limited-quantity rewards from more than 20 participating Downtown businesses and organizations.
- When: 4-8 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 17
- Where: San Jacinto Plaza, 114 W. Mills Ave.
- Cost: Free; registration required
- Information: eventbrite.com
‘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
National Dance Day at San Jacinto Plaza
National Dance Day will bring an evening of music and dancing to San Jacinto Plaza, with salsa, line dancing and music from a DJ. The free community celebration is presented in partnership with Destination El Paso, the City of El Paso and El Paso Parks and Recreation, and no dance experience is required.
- When: 6-10 p.m. Friday, Sept. 18
- Where: San Jacinto Plaza, 114 W. Mills Ave.
- Cost: Free
- Information: City of El Paso Facebook
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
La Viña Harvest Wine Festival
La Viña Winery will celebrate the fall harvest with a two-day festival featuring more than 20 wines, live music, food trucks and arts and crafts vendors. General admission for adults includes a souvenir glass and five wine tastings or one full glass of wine, while an adults-only VIP option includes additional tastings, food and wine pairings, craft beer and other amenities.
- When: Noon-7 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, Sept. 19-20
- Where: La Viña Winery, 4201 S. Highway 28, Anthony, New Mexico
- Cost: $30 adults; $10 ages 12-20; free for children younger than 12; $100 VIP
- Information: lavinawinery.com
The Weight We Carry Opening Reception
Stress Relief Through Arts will host an opening reception for “The Weight We Carry,” its second annual exhibition featuring artwork by current and retired first responders and their immediate family members. On display from Sept. 12 to Oct. 4, the exhibit explores creativity as a means of stress relief, reflection and connection and includes a five-piece series by retired first responder and SRTA founder Joanna Overton.
- When: 2-4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 19
- Where: International Museum of Art, 1211 Montana Ave.
- Cost: Free
- Information: internationalmuseumofart.org
Move With MADD El Paso Community Walk
Mothers Against Drunk Driving will host its annual Move With MADD El Paso, a family-friendly 5K walk raising awareness and funds to prevent impaired driving. The event honors victims and survivors and includes an opening ceremony and a dove release following the walk.
- When: Registration at 8 a.m., ceremony at 9 a.m. and walk at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 19
- Where: Ralph T. Cloud Park, 7975 Williamette Ave.
- Cost: $25 adults; $20 children
- Information: give.madd.org
Keystone Craft and Culture Market
Keystone Heritage Park’s monthly Craft and Culture Market will celebrate the autumn equinox and Hispanic Heritage Month with local artisans, food and beverage vendors, plants and family activities. The event will feature live mariachi music and a ceremonial prayer led by Sangre Viva, with a Frida Kahlo-inspired paint-and-sip offered separately at 9 a.m. for $40 with reservations required.
- When: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 20
- Where: Keystone Heritage Park, 4200 Doniphan Drive
- Cost: $3 adults; $1 children age 12 and younger
- Information: Keystone Heritage Park Facebook
Coming Up
El Paso Film Festival
The El Paso Film Festival returns to Downtown El Paso with more than 80 independent films, screenings, panels and special events at venues throughout the Arts District. The three-day festival will also feature appearances by film industry guests including Academy Award-nominated editor Sandra Adair, actor Ellar Coltrane and filmmakers with ties to the El Paso-Ciudad Juárez region.
- When: Thursday-Saturday, Sept. 24-26
- Where: Various Downtown El Paso venues, including the Plaza Theatre and Philanthropy Theatre, 125 W. Mills Ave.; El Paso Museum of Art, 1 Arts Festival Plaza; Mexican American Cultural Center, 201 E. Franklin Ave.; and Downtown Visitor Information Center, 1 Civic Center Plaza
- Cost: Varies by screening and event; some programming is free
- Information: elpasofilmfestival.org
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
Last Sunday Hike at Upper Sunset Trail
Explore the Upper Sunset Trail in the Tom Mays Unit of Franklin Mountains State Park during this month’s Last Sunday Hike. The 1.5-mile, easy-to-moderate hike includes elevation changes, short steep sections and views from the ridgeline; participants should bring water, snacks and sturdy hiking shoes or boots.
- When: 8:30-10:30 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 27
- Where: Franklin Mountains State Park, Tom Mays Unit, 2900 Tom Mays Access Road
- Cost: $5 for ages 13 and older; free for children ages 12 and younger, and Texas State Parks Pass holders
- Information: Call 915-444-9100 to register
Mark Your Calendar
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
Rocking the Rez Pow Wow
The 15th annual Rocking the Rez Pow Wow will celebrate Native American culture and community with two days of traditional song, drumming and dance at Ysleta del Sur Pueblo. The weekend also will feature arts and crafts, food and other vendors, along with live entertainment.
- When: Saturday, Oct. 3, and Sunday, Oct. 4
- Where: Pakitu Community Park, 601 Tiwa Blvd.
- Cost: Free
- Information: Rocking the Rez Pow Wow Facebook
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
Flying Horse Half Marathon, 10K, 5K and Giddy Up Fun Run
The Flying Horse race will return to Sunland Park Racetrack and Casino with four distances for runners and walkers of varying experience levels. Proceeds will benefit United Way of El Paso County and participating local nonprofits, and registered participants will receive a finisher’s medal and access to a post-race expo with refreshments and local vendors.
- When: 7:30 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 14
- Where: Sunland Park Racetrack and Casino, 1200 Futurity Drive, Sunland Park
- Cost: $25-$105
- Information: flyinghorserace.com
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