Here’s a roundup of some culture and civic events in the borderland in the coming week.
El Paso Science Festival
The El Paso Science Festival will return with two days of hands-on exhibits, live demonstrations and interactive experiences for all ages at the El Paso Convention Center. The event will feature more than 100 activities focused on science, technology and engineering, along with main stage presentations and a special focus on artificial intelligence. NASA astronaut José Hernández is scheduled to headline the festival’s grand finale Sunday afternoon, sharing his experience of space travel in an immersive presentation.
- When: 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, April 18-19
- Where: El Paso Convention Center, 1 Civic Center Plaza
- Cost: Free
- Information: elpasoscience.org
Third Thursdays in the Downtown Arts District
A monthly initiative bringing extended hours and programming to cultural institutions across Downtown El Paso, with participating sites offering special activities alongside an artisan market, live music, food and community booths. The event is designed to encourage residents and visitors to explore multiple locations in one evening.
- When: 5-9 p.m. Thursday, April 16
- Where: Downtown Arts District, including 1 Civic Center Plaza and surrounding venues
- Cost: Free
- Information: epmcad.org
Bhutanese Festival at UTEP
The University of Texas at El Paso will host a Bhutanese cultural festival as part of its annual Bhutan Days celebration, highlighting the university’s longstanding relationship with the Kingdom of Bhutan. The weeklong program also includes Lhakhang tours and a gallery exhibition showcasing Bhutanese art and history.
- When: 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Wednesday, April 15
- Where: Union breezeway, 500 W. University Ave.
- Cost: Free
- Information: utep.edu
Bat Walk
Franklin Mountains State Park will host its first Bat Walk of the year, featuring an educational introduction about bats followed by a short, easy hike to observe them at dusk. Reservations are required, and participation is limited.
- When: 6:30-8 p.m. Friday, April 17
- Where: Franklin Mountains State Park, entrance gate off Transmountain Road, 2900 Tom Mays Access Road
- Cost: $8 (ages 13 and older); $3 with Texas State Park Pass; $1 (ages 12 and younger)
- Information: Reservations required, 915-444-9121
Kickin’ Asphalt 5K and 1-Mile Fun Run/Walk
The El Paso Center for Children will host its annual Kickin’ Asphalt fundraiser at Ascarate Park, featuring a 5K and 1-mile run/walk alongside live music, food trucks and family-friendly activities. The race begins at 6 p.m., with the broader event open to participants and spectators.
- When: 5-9 p.m. Saturday, April 18
- Where: Ascarate Park, 6900 Delta Drive
- Cost: $30 adults; $25 military and under 18; $35 race day; free for non-racers
- Information: epccinc.org
‘Viva! El Paso’ Auditions
Auditions for the long-running outdoor musical “Viva! El Paso” will be held for actors, singers and dancers as the production prepares for its 2026 summer season. Participants will be asked to sing, dance and complete a cold reading, with performers required to be at least 16 years old. The production, now in its 49th year, tells the story of more than 400 years of regional history and will run June 19 through Aug. 1 at McKelligon Canyon Amphitheatre.
- When: Registration 9:30-9:45 a.m.; auditions begin Saturday, April 18
- Where: David Ortiz Center, 563 N. Carolina Drive
- Cost: Free
- Information: “Viva! El Paso” Instagram
Las Artistas Monthly Artist Series opening
Las Artistas will launch a new Monthly Artist Series in partnership with ONE San Jacinto Plaza and Franklin Mountain Property Services, creating a recurring space for gallery openings and rotating art displays in Downtown El Paso. The series begins with featured artist R. Glenn Davis, whose work will remain on view during regular business hours after the opening reception.
- When: 5:30-7:30 p.m. Thursday, April 16
- Where: Rumor Mill Lounge, 201 E. Main St.
- Cost: Free
- Information: lasartistas.org
Mes de la Poesía: Iliana Pichardo Urrutia Workshop
As part ofMes de la Poesía programming, the Mexican American Cultural Center will host a poetry workshop exploring Iliana Pichardo Urrutia’s All That Was Future, led by author and teacher Alessandra Narváez Varela. The event follows an open mic night scheduled from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, April 16, inviting community members to share their own poetry in a family-friendly setting.
- When: 1-3 p.m. Saturday, April 18
- Where: Mexican American Cultural Center, 201 W. Franklin Ave.
- Cost: Free; registration encouraged
- Information: epmacc.org
Coming Up
Dia de Los Niños / Dia de Los Libros
The city’s annual Día de los Niños / Día de los Libros celebration marks its 30th anniversary with a day of family-friendly activities promoting literacy and culture. The event begins with a neighborhood parade and continues with games, booths and community activities organized by the El Paso Public Library and Parks and Recreation Department.
- When: 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, April 25
- Where: Pavo Real Park and Recreation Center, 9301 Alameda Ave.
- Cost: Free
- Information: elpasolibrary.org
El Paso Autism Walk
The Autism Society of Texas and Autism Society of El Paso County will host a community walk and fun run at Ascarate Park to support programs for local families, autistic adults and their loved ones. The event includes a non-competitive 5K run, a 1-mile walk, a resource fair and family-friendly activities.
- When: 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Saturday, April 25
- Where: Ascarate Park, 6900 Delta Drive
- Cost: Registration required; $15, prices increase after April 24.
- Information: runsignup.com
El Paso Margarita Festival
An event for adults ages 21 and older features a margarita tasting competition, live DJ, food vendors and a beer garden at The Yard Patio Beer Garden. Attendees will sample drinks from local bars and restaurants and vote for their favorite, with proceeds benefiting children’s charities.
- When: Noon-6 p.m. Saturday, April 25
- Where: The Yard Patio Beer Garden, 14261 Montana Ave.
- Cost: Tickets start at $25.27
- Information: texasfests.com
Taste of El Paso Festival
The second annual Taste of El Paso Festival will bring together local restaurants, food trucks and breweries for a daylong celebration of regional cuisine, craft beer and live music in Northeast El Paso. Organizers say the event will feature more than 20 food vendors, regional beers on draft and cultural activities throughout the day.
- When: 2-10 p.m. Saturday, April 25
- Where: NEEP Collective, 8144 Dyer St.
- Cost: Admission from $15; all ages
- Information: Taste of El Paso Instagram
EPSO’s ‘Carmina!’
The El Paso Symphony Orchestra will present a two-night program featuring Mozart’s “Symphony No. 39” and Carl Orff’s “Carmina Burana,” with performances by soprano Meechot Marrero, tenor Brian Downen and baritone Ricardo Herrera, along with the University of Texas at El Paso’s Choral Union and Youth Opera of El Paso. A pre-concert “Opening Notes” talk with Nathan Black will be held before each performance.
- When: 7:30 p.m. Friday-Saturday, April 24-25
- Where: Plaza Theatre, 125 Pioneer Plaza
- Cost: $17–$49
- Information: epso.org
Las Artistas Spring Show
The fifth annual Las Artistas Spring Show will bring together a curated group of regional artists for a weekend showcasing original artwork at the International Museum of Art. The event offers visitors an opportunity to view and purchase works while engaging with the local arts community.
- When: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, April 25; 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday, April 26
- Where: International Museum of Art, 1211 Montana Ave.
- Cost: Free
- Information: lasartistas.org
Mes de la Poesía: Cartografía y Memoria
Poets Abigail Carl-Klassen and Iliana Pichardo Urrutia will present their books “Village Mechanics” and “All That Was Future” in a moderated conversation led by Alessandra Narváez Varela. The event will include a book sale and signing following the discussion.
- When: 3-4:30 p.m. Saturday, April 25
- Where: Mexican American Cultural Center, 201 W. Franklin Ave.
- Cost: Free
- Information: epmacc.org
Mark Your Calendar
El Paso Comic Con
The annual El Paso Comic Con returns with a three-day event celebrating comics, film, anime, gaming and pop culture at the El Paso Convention Center. The event will feature celebrity guest panels, autograph signings, photo opportunities, cosplay, contests and KidCon activities, offering opportunities for fans to interact with creators and performers.
- When: Friday-Sunday, May 1-3
- Where: El Paso Convention Center, 1 Civic Center Plaza
- Cost: Prices start at $37.21; child passes start at $8.01
- Information: elpasocomiccon.com
Amigo Man 5K Run and 1-Mile Walk
The Amigo Man race marks its 50th anniversary with a 5K run and 1-mile walk at McKelligon Canyon, followed by post-race activities including vendors, food trucks and a morning yoga session. Finisher medals will be awarded to the first 200 participants to cross the finish line.
- When: 7:30 a.m. (5K) and 7:40 a.m. (1-mile walk) Sunday, May 3
- Where: McKelligon Canyon Amphitheater, 1500 McKelligon Canyon Road
- Cost: $35
- Information: RunSignUp.com
Miche 5K
A new 5K event will make its El Paso debut at Ascarate Park, combining a community run with live music and a post-race celebration. The course will feature entertainment along the route, with a finisher’s medal and a michelada or nonalcoholic option available at the finish line, followed by live performances.
- When: 7 a.m. pre-race activities; 8 a.m. start Sunday, May 3
- Where: Ascarate Park, 6900 Delta Drive
- Cost: $56.66, discount for teams of 10 or more runners
- Information: miche5k.com
READ MORE: Global K-pop superstars BTS announce Sun Bowl Stadium concerts in El Paso for 2026 tour
BTS at Sun Bowl Stadium
Global K-pop superstars BTS will make their first appearance in El Paso as part of their 2026 world tour, performing two nights at Sun Bowl Stadium. The shows mark the group’s return to the stage following a multi-year hiatus while members completed mandatory military service in South Korea.
- When: Saturday-Sunday, May 2-3
- Where: Sun Bowl Stadium, 2701 Sun Bowl Drive
- Cost: Sold out. Tickets available on secondary markets.
Sol Summit Music and Cultura Festival
The inaugural Sol Summit Music and Cultura Festival will bring two days of live music and cultural programming to Downtown El Paso, featuring a bilingual, genre-spanning lineup of global, national and local artists. Headliners include The Flaming Lips and Bomba Estéreo, with additional performances by Ximena Sariñana, Adrian Quesada’s Trio Asesino and others, alongside daytime programming developed with local cultural institutions.
- When: Saturday-Sunday, May 2-3
- Where: San Jacinto Plaza, Downtown El Paso
- Cost: Prices start at $80.40; free for children 12 and younger with a ticketed adult
- Information: solsummitmusic.com
Cinco de Mayo at the MACC
The Mexican American Cultural Center will host a Cinco de Mayo event exploring the history of the holiday and the cultural traditions of Puebla, Mexico, where the Battle of Puebla took place. The program will include folklórico workshops for children, hands-on crafts, food and performances highlighting regional music and dance.
- When: 2-6 p.m. Saturday, May 9
- Where: Mexican American Cultural Center, 201 W. Franklin Ave.
- Cost: Free
- Information: epmacc.org
Post Malone and Jelly Roll at Sun Bowl
Chart-topping artists Post Malone and Jelly Roll will bring their Big Ass Stadium Tour Part 2 to El Paso, with Carter Faith joining the lineup. The stadium tour follows the success of the duo’s first joint run.
- When: Wednesday, May 13
- Where: Sun Bowl Stadium, 2701 Sun Bowl Drive
- Cost: Prices start at $98
- Information: Tickets on sale via Ticketmaster
Banana Ball Exhibition Games
Banana Ball — a fast-paced baseball format known for its entertainment-focused rules and fan interaction — will bring two exhibition games to El Paso as the Texas Tailgaters face the Firefighters at Southwest University Park.
- When: Friday-Saturday, May 15-16
- Where: Southwest University Park, 1 Ballpark Plaza
- Cost: Prices start at $35
- Information: bananaball.com
The post El Paso Science Festival returns; Third Thursdays activate Downtown Arts District appeared first on El Paso Matters.
Read: Read More