Here’s a roundup of some culture and civic events in the Borderland in the coming week.
Las Artistas Art and Fine Crafts Show
The Las Artistas Art and Fine Crafts Show returns to the EPIC Railyard Event Center for a weekend showcasing original fine art and handcrafted works. The juried exhibition will feature established and emerging artists from the region and beyond, offering visitors opportunities to meet artists, explore their creations and purchase unique pieces.
- When: 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 14-15
- Where: EPIC Railyard Event Center, 2201 E. Mills Ave.
- Cost: $10
- Information: lasartistas.org
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
Herencias de Resistencia (Heritage of Resistance)
The Mexican American Cultural Center will host an opening reception for “Herencias de Resistencia (Heritage of Resistance),” an exhibition highlighting Chicana and Xicanx artists from the U.S.-Mexico border region and beyond. Featuring works by Bárbara Miñarro, Citlali Delgado, Gloria Osuna Pérez and other artists, the exhibition explores cultural identity, resistance, memory and visions of the future through personal and collective narratives. The exhibition will remain on view through Jan. 3, 2027.
- When: 3-5:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 14
- Where: Mexican American Cultural Center, Community Gallery, 201 W. Franklin Ave.
- Cost: Free
- Information: Mexican American Cultural Center Instagram
Friendsgiving Ride, Run and Celebration
The Friends of the Paso del Norte Trail will host their inaugural Friendsgiving event at Ascarate Park to raise awareness and funds for the expansion of El Paso’s planned 70-mile trail network. The celebration will feature a community bike ride and run, dinner, live music by Fungi Mungle and a live auction, with proceeds supporting the trail’s Zoo segment.
- When: 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 14; dinner, live music and auction begin at 5 p.m.
- Where: Ascarate Park, 6900 Delta Drive
- Cost: $75
- Information: pasodelnortetrail.org
Turkey Trot 5K and 1-Miler
Fort Bliss Morale Welfare and Recreation will host its annual Turkey Trot featuring a 5K run and 1-mile race at Stout Physical Fitness Center. Medals will be awarded to the first 150 finishers, and participants can enjoy a free soccer scrimmage between the Fort Bliss Vipers and the El Paso Locomotive FC under-20 team at 10 a.m. Registration is required by Nov. 9.
- When: 8-11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 14
- Where: Stout Physical Fitness Center, 2930 Cassidy Road, Fort Bliss
- Cost: $5 for 1-mile race, $10 for 5K or $30 for race package
- Information: bliss.armymwr.com
Mission Trail November Harvest Market
The Mission Trail Harvest Market returns to the San Elizario Historic District for its 17th season, featuring regional artisans selling pottery, jewelry, paintings, photography, home decor and seasonal crafts. The pet-friendly event will also offer food vendors, live entertainment and two Old West reenactments of the “Billy the Kid Breakout” at 1 and 3 p.m.
- When: Noon-6 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 15
- Where: San Elizario Historic District, 1501 Main St., San Elizario
- Cost: Free
- Information: sanelizariohistoricdistrict.com
Women Hike at Upper Sunset and Tom Mays Trails
Franklin Mountains State Park will host a guided, women-focused hike along the Upper Sunset and Tom Mays trails. The moderate, 3-mile round-trip hike features scenic views of the valley and opportunities to spot fossils along a limestone ridgeline. Participants should bring water, snacks and sturdy hiking shoes. Reservations are required.
- When: 8:30-11:30 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 15
- Where: Franklin Mountains State Park, 2900 Tom Mays Access Road; meet at the Southern Lower Sunset Trailhead
- Cost: $5 park entrance fee for ages 13 and older; free for children 12 and younger and Texas State Parks Pass holders
- Information: 915-444-9121
Veterans Day Events
Old Glory Memorial Veterans Day Parade and Ceremony
Flags Across America will host a Veterans Day observance at the Old Glory Memorial featuring a parade, a performance by the Fort Bliss Band, military vehicle displays, ROTC marching units and presentations by youth organizations. The community celebration will also include remarks from veterans honoring those who have served in the U.S. armed forces.
- When: 10 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 11; ceremony from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
- Where: Old Glory Memorial, 9550 Gateway Blvd. North (parking available at El Paso Community College)
- Cost: Free
- Information: oldglorymemorial.org
Walk with We Hike Veterans Day Parade
We Hike Adventure invites community members to join its group for the Northeast El Paso Veterans Day Parade, honoring military veterans with a walk to the Old Glory Memorial. Participants will gather at the Texas National Guard office before walking to the memorial for a Veterans Day ceremony. Organizers encourage walkers to bring water, wear sun protection and prepare for approximately two hours of walking and standing. Advance registration is requested.
- When: 9:15 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 11; meet by 9:30 a.m.
- Where: Texas National Guard office, 9100 Gateway Blvd. North; walk concludes at Old Glory Memorial
- Cost: Free
- Information: wehikeadventure.org
Coming Up
Nortejiendo: ‘Tejidos del Entorno’
The Rubin Center for the Visual Arts at UTEP will host a curator-led walkthrough of “Tejidos del Entorno,” a multimedia exhibition by Chihuahua-based collective Nortejiendo. The installation explores environmental conditions along the Río Chuvíscar through textile sculptures, photography, sound recordings and scientific research, examining the relationship between urban development, ecology and community activism.
- When: 12:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 17
- Where: Rubin Center for the Visual Arts, 500 W. University Ave.
- Cost: Free
- Information: utep.edu/rubin
SUTURA Binational Art Encounter
SUTURA will bring a five-day celebration of art and culture to El Paso and Ciudad Juárez, featuring exhibitions, performances, discussions, music, food and community-led activities. The inaugural binational event will highlight Latinx, Chicano, Mexican and borderland artists through programming at museums, galleries, cultural centers and public spaces on both sides of the border.
- When: Wednesday, Nov. 18, through Sunday, Nov. 22 (various times)
- Where: Multiple venues throughout El Paso and Ciudad Juárez, including the El Paso Museum of Art, UTEP and downtown arts districts
- Cost: Admission information to be announced
- Information: sutura-sutura.org
Third Thursdays in the Downtown Arts District
Downtown El Paso’s Arts District will come alive with extended hours, special programming and activities at participating museums and cultural institutions as part of the monthly Third Thursdays initiative. The free, all-ages event also features an artisan market with local vendors, live music, food and community organization booths, encouraging visitors to explore multiple downtown destinations in one evening.
- When: 5-9 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 19
- Where: Downtown Arts District, 1 Civic Center Plaza and surrounding locations
- Cost: Free
- Information: epmcad.org
El Paso Home Show
The El Paso Home Show will bring contractors, designers and remodeling experts together for a three-day event featuring home improvement products, live demonstrations and expert advice. Visitors can explore renovation ideas, take advantage of show-exclusive offers and participate in giveaways throughout the weekend.
- When: Noon-6 p.m. Friday, Nov. 20; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 21; 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 22
- Where: El Paso Convention Center, 1 Civic Center Plaza
- Cost: Free
- Information: eventbrite.com
Bikes and Brews
Fort Bliss Outdoor Recreation will host a guided bicycle ride featuring scenic views and fresh air, followed by a visit to a local brewery. The event is open to adults ages 21 and older, with transportation provided. Space is limited, and participants without military installation access must obtain a Fort Bliss community pass.
- When: 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 21
- Where: Soldier Activity Center, 20732 Constitution Drive, Fort Bliss
- Cost: $35 per person
- Information: bliss.armymwr.com
Peak Challenge to Ron Coleman Trail
Franklin Mountains State Park will host a challenging guided hike along the recently reopened Ron Coleman Trail, considered one of the park’s most difficult routes. The strenuous, approximately 4-mile trek includes steep rocky terrain, scrambling and chain-assisted climbs with panoramic mountain views. Participants should bring at least 1.5 liters of water, appropriate footwear and hiking gear. Reservations are required.
- When: 7 a.m.-noon Sunday, Nov. 22
- Where: Smugglers Pass parking area (Mammoth Trunk parking area), near the summit of Trans Mountain Road (Loop 375)
- Cost: $5 for ages 13 and older; free for children ages 5–12 and Texas State Parks Pass holders
- Information: 915-444-9121
Mark Your Calendar
50th Annual YMCA Turkey Trot
The YMCA of El Paso will celebrate the 50th anniversary of its Thanksgiving Day Turkey Trot, featuring a 5K run and 1-mile fun walk through central El Paso. The holiday tradition also offers a “Sleep or Swim” option for those who want to participate without racing. Registration is limited to 3,500 participants, with proceeds supporting YMCA programs and services.
- When: 7-8:30 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 26
- Where: Montana Avenue and Ange Street, 900 Montana Ave.
- Cost: $50 for the 5K and 1-mile walk through Nov. 20; $69 for late registration and $79 on race day, if available. Sleep or Swim registration is $40.
- Information: runsignup.com
Sun Bowl Thanksgiving Day Parade
The annual Glasheen, Valles and Inderman Injury Lawyers Sun Bowl Parade returns to Montana Avenue on Thanksgiving Day with the theme “Famous Sports and Movie Scenes.” One of the Southwest’s largest community events, the parade features more than 100 entries, including floats, marching bands, equestrian groups, military units and performers. Amigo Man will serve as grand marshal, with Estine Davis recognized posthumously as honorary grand marshal.
- When: 10 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 26
- Where: Montana Avenue, from Ochoa Street to Copia Street; review stands at 1600 Montana Ave.
- Cost: Free along the parade route; review stand ticket information to be announced
- Information: sunbowl.org
El Paso WinterFest 2026
Downtown El Paso will transform into a holiday wonderland as WinterFest returns with more than 1 million lights, a 55-foot Christmas tree, outdoor ice skating and festive attractions. The annual celebration will feature the Scherr Legate WinterFest Lights Parade, a Singing Tree display at Cleveland Square Park and a New Year’s Eve Star Drop at San Jacinto Plaza.
- When: Nov. 21-Jan. 3, 2027
- Where: San Jacinto Plaza, Cleveland Square Park and surrounding Downtown El Paso streets, near 1 Civic Center Plaza
- Cost: Free admission; some activities may require a fee
- Information: epwinterfest.com
Christmas on Broadway
The El Paso Symphony Orchestra will celebrate the holiday season with a festive concert featuring Broadway-inspired Christmas music. Conducted by Bohuslav Rattay, the performances will feature soprano Jasmine Forsberg and the UTEP Choral Union. A preconcert discussion with Nathan Black will offer insights into the evening’s program.
- When: 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Dec. 4-5; preconcert discussion at 6:30 p.m.
- Where: Plaza Theatre, 125 Pioneer Plaza
- Cost: $17-$49
- Information: epso.org
Adult Night at La Nube: Wizarding World
La Nube will transform into an enchanted world for an adults-only evening inspired by witches, wizards and magical adventures. The after-hours event will feature themed hands-on STEAM activities, interactive experiences, photo opportunities, music, beverages and food. Guests ages 18 and older are encouraged to dress in wizarding attire for the magical celebration.
- When: 6-9 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 19
- Where: La Nube STEAM Discovery Center, 201 W. Main Drive
- Cost: $40 for members; $45 general admission
- Information: la-nube.org
Wands and Wonder: Family Night at La Nube
La Nube will host a wizarding-themed family night featuring hands-on STEAM activities, interactive experiments and magical discoveries. Families can explore the museum after hours, participate in themed activities and enjoy photo opportunities inspired by the world of witches and wizards. Guests are encouraged to dress in their favorite wizarding attire for an evening of science, imagination and family fun.
- When: 6-9 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 20
- Where: La Nube STEAM Discovery Center, 201 W. Main Drive
- Cost: $25 general admission; $20 for members; $18 with WIC/SNAP identification
- Information: la-nube.org
Old El Paso Sun Bowl
The 93rd annual Sun Bowl will bring college football postseason action to El Paso, featuring a matchup between teams from the Atlantic Coast Conference and Pac-12 Legacy. One of the nation’s oldest bowl games, the Sun Bowl has showcased legendary coaches, future NFL stars and memorable upsets since its inaugural game in 1935. The New Year’s Eve tradition returns with Old El Paso as its new title sponsor.
- When: Noon Thursday, Dec. 31
- Where: Sun Bowl Stadium, 2701 Sun Bowl Drive
- Cost: $31-$117
- Information: sunbowl.org
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