Here’s a roundup of some culture and civic events in the borderland in the coming week.
Parks After Sunset: ‘Zootopia’
El Paso County’s free “Parks After Sunset” series will bring movies, splash pad activities and pet services to county parks from June 5 through July 17. Families are encouraged to bring swimsuits, towels, blankets and lawn chairs for the summer events, which also include free pet microchipping offered on a first-come, first-served basis through the County Animal Welfare Department.
- When: Splash activities at 5:30 p.m., pet microchipping at 6 p.m. and movie at 8 p.m. Friday, June 5
- Where: Gallegos Park, 7361 Bosque Road, Canutillo
- Cost: Free
- Information: epcounty.com
Lucha League Cereal Party
Lucha League Wrestling will host a family-friendly night of lucha libre, games, music and live entertainment at the Anthony Event Venue. The Cereal Party event will include wrestling matches, a surprise guest appearance and free cereal combos for children while supplies last, with attendees also encouraged to bring toiletry donations for community outreach efforts.
- When: Doors open at 5 p.m.; show begins at 6 p.m. Saturday, June 6
- Where: Anthony Event Venue, 221 Poplar St., Anthony
- Cost: $10 admission
- Information: Lucha League Wrestling Instagram
Gear Up and Go: Beginner Hiking Workshop
Gear Up and Go 2026, presented through a partnership between We Hike and Visit El Paso, will offer a three-part hiking safety workshop series focused on outdoor preparedness and desert exploration in the Borderland. The beginner session will introduce participants to trail safety, hydration, gear selection and desert awareness through hands-on instruction, followed by a guided sunrise hike the next morning.
- When: 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Saturday, June 6; sunrise hike Sunday, June 7
- Where: El Paso Convention Center, Ocotillo Room, 1 Civic Center Plaza
- Cost: Free
- Information: visitelpaso.com/wehike
Windy City at Cool Canyon Nights
WestStar’s Cool Canyon Nights concert series resumes at the McKelligon Canyon Amphitheatre with free weekly performances throughout the summer featuring local and regional acts. The family-friendly series begins with patio entertainment before the evening’s headlining performance under the stars.
- When: Patio entertainment at 6 p.m.; Windy City at 7 p.m. Thursday, June 4
- Where: McKelligon Canyon Amphitheatre, McKelligon Canyon Road
- Cost: Free
- Information: Cool Canyon Nights Instagram
The Life and Artwork of Mago Gándara
The Mexican American Cultural Center will host a documentary screening and panel discussion exploring the life, work and legacy of border artist Mago Gándara. The program includes a screening of “CUI: El Sueño de Mago,” followed by a conversation featuring Gándara’s daughter, Celia Orona, artist Mario Parra and Dr. Eric Chavez reflecting on the artist’s influence on the arts and culture of the Borderland.
- When: Documentary screening, 1-1:30 p.m.; panel discussion, 2-3:30 p.m. Saturday, June 6
- Where: MACC Auditorium, Mexican American Cultural Center, 201 W. Franklin Ave.
- Cost: Free
- Information: epmacc.org
El Paso Zoo Sip and Paint Fundraiser
The El Paso Zoo will host a Sip and Paint fundraiser benefiting its Animal Medical Clinic, with proceeds supporting veterinary care and services for zoo animals. Organized in partnership with local sponsors, the evening will include wine, painting, live music and a vendor market.
- When: 6-10 p.m. Saturday, June 6
- Where: El Paso Zoo, 4001 E. Paisano Drive
- Cost: $65 per guest
- Information: El Paso Zoo Facebook
Museum of History 7th Annual Family Day: Pride
The El Paso Museum of History will host its seventh annual Family Day: Pride celebration featuring a pop-up exhibit, community resource fair, free activities and a market showcasing queer-owned businesses. This year’s event will also highlight the history of Noa Noa, a Juárez nightclub and bar that operated from the 1960s through the 2000s.
- When: 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, June 6
- Where: El Paso Museum of History, 510 N. Santa Fe St.
- Cost: Free
- Information: epmuseumofhistory.org
MORE EVENTS: Pride Month events return to El Paso with parades, markets, festivals
‘El Noa Noa: A Memory of Queer Spaces in Chihuahua, México’
The El Paso Museum of History will present a Pride Month pop-up photography exhibition exploring the history of El Noa Noa, a well-known gathering place in Ciudad Juárez that became a sanctuary for LGBTQ+ communities in the Borderland. The exhibition features photographs by Don Ward from the private collection of David Wilton and examines the cultural legacy tied to the venue and singer Juan Gabriel.
- When: June 6-Aug. 2 (museum hours vary by day)
- Where: El Paso Museum of History, 510 N. Santa Fe St.
- Cost: Free
- Information: epmuseumofhistory.org
Coming Up
‘Beauty and the Beast’
Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast” will return to the stage as part of a new North American tour, bringing the classic musical to the Plaza Theatre as part of the Broadway in El Paso series. The production features music by Alan Menken, lyrics by Tim Rice and a book by Linda Woolverton, with performances scheduled across multiple dates.
- When: June 10-14 (various showtimes)
- Where: Plaza Theatre, 125 W. Mills Ave.
- Cost: $49.75-$158.60
- Information: broadwayinelpaso.com
Viva La Lucha 5K
The third annual Viva La Lucha 5K will bring a lucha libre–themed race to Sunland Park Racetrack & Casino, combining a community run with a festive atmosphere inspired by wrestling culture. The event is open to runners and walkers of all experience levels.
- When: 7 a.m.-noon Saturday, June 13
- Where: Sunland Park Racetrack and Casino, 1200 Futurity Drive
- Cost: $15-$65
- Information: eventbrite.com
Down By Fore at Cool Canyon Nights
WestStar’s Cool Canyon Nights concert series continues at McKelligon Canyon Amphitheatre with free weekly performances throughout the summer featuring local and regional acts. The family-friendly series begins with patio entertainment before the evening’s headlining performance under the stars.
- When: Patio entertainment at 6 p.m.; Down By Fore at 7 p.m. Thursday, June 11
- Where: McKelligon Canyon Amphitheatre, McKelligon Canyon Road
- Cost: Free
- Information: Cool Canyon Nights Instagram
Movies at the Park: ‘GOAT’
The City of El Paso’s Movies at the Park series brings free outdoor movie screenings to parks across the city through Sept. 4. The next installment features “GOAT,” an animated sports comedy about a determined young goat pursuing his dream of competing in a professional animal sports league. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, blankets and snacks for the family-friendly movie night.
- When: 8 p.m. Friday, June 12
- Where: Argal Park, 10300 Socorro Road
- Cost: Free
- Information: elpasotexas.gov
Parks After Sunset: ‘The Bad Guys’
El Paso County’s free “Parks After Sunset” series will bring movies, splash pad activities and pet services to county parks through July 17. Families are encouraged to bring swimsuits, towels, blankets and lawn chairs for the summer events, which also include free pet microchipping offered on a first-come, first-served basis through the County Animal Welfare Department. The June 12 event will feature a screening of DreamWorks Animation’s “The Bad Guys.”
- When: Splash activities at 5:30 p.m., pet microchipping at 6 p.m. and movie at approximately 8 p.m. Friday, June 12
- Where: Ruben Estrella Park, 14590 Greg Drive
- Cost: Free
- Information: epcounty.com
Black History Tour
Visit El Paso and community partners will host a guided driving tour highlighting African American historical sites across El Paso. The experience explores Black history in the region from 1850 through 2022 and examines the contributions of Black El Pasoans through community service, business, education, religion, literature, music and politics. The tour begins and ends at the McCall Neighborhood Center.
- When: 9 a.m.-noon Friday, June 12 (doors open at 8:30 a.m.)
- Where: McCall Neighborhood Center, 3231 Wyoming Ave.
- Cost: Free
- Information: eventbrite.com
Mark Your Calendar
Third Thursday: Juneteenth Lecture and Discussion
The El Paso Museum of History’s Third Thursday series will mark Juneteenth with a lecture and discussion exploring the holiday’s broader historical context across the borderlands. Local scholar Jazmine Janay Cuevas will discuss how Africans in México, the United States and surrounding regions resisted enslavement and shaped the path toward emancipation and freedom.
- When: 6-7:30 p.m. Thursday, June 18
- Where: Mexican American Cultural Center auditorium, 201 W. Franklin Ave.
- Cost: Free
- Information: epmacc.org
Talking Texas Art: West Texas
As part of its 25th anniversary celebration, Glasstire is hosting a statewide series of panel discussions examining art and arts writing across Texas regions over the last 25 years. The West Texas edition in El Paso will feature artists and arts leaders discussing the region’s creative landscape and cultural evolution. Panelists include Buck Johnston, Rebecca Muñoz and Gaspar Enríquez, moderated by Jessica Fuentes of Glasstire.
- When: 6 p.m. Thursday, June 18
- Where: El Paso Museum of Art, 1 Arts Festival Plaza
- Cost: Free
- Information: glasstire.com
El Fresco: All Stars — Latina Legends
Part of the city’s El Fresco Music Series, this outdoor concert will highlight local talent with a “Latina Legends” theme at Convention Center Plaza. The free, all-ages event is one of several performances scheduled throughout the summer.
- When: 6 p.m. Friday, June 19
- Where: Convention Center Plaza, 1 Civic Center Plaza
- Cost: Free
- Information: elpasolive.com
La Fe Father’s Day 5K Run and Walk
Centro de Salud Familiar La Fe will host its 29th annual Father’s Day 5K community run and walk through Segundo Barrio, with proceeds supporting the La Fe Culture and Technology Center’s cultural, educational and community programs. The 3.1-mile event is open to runners and walkers of all ages.
- When: 7:30-10 a.m. Saturday, June 20
- Where: La Fe Culture and Technology Center, 721 S. Ochoa St. (rear building)
- Cost: $25 early registration; $30 late registration
- Information: Centro de Salud Familiar La Fe Instagram
Amistad 2nd Annual Salute to Women Veterans Appreciation Day
Amistad will host its second annual Salute to Women Veterans Appreciation Day to recognize and celebrate women who have served in the military. The event will include a brunch spread and remarks from guest speakers representing local veterans and behavioral health organizations. RSVP is requested at least one week in advance.
- When: 10-11 a.m. Tuesday, June 23
- Where: Amistad, 3210 Dyer St.
- Cost: Free
- Information: 915-298-0968 or jrobinson@projectamistad.org
Pop Goes the Fort
Fort Bliss will host Pop Goes the Fort at Biggs Park as part of America’s 250th celebration, featuring free live entertainment from the 1st Armored Division Band and additional performers to be announced. Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, blankets and picnic supplies for the family-friendly event.
- When: 4 p.m. Saturday, June 27
- Where: Biggs Park, 11388 Sergeant Major Blvd., Fort Bliss
- Cost: Free
- Information: bliss.armymwr.com
Insect Night
The El Paso Museum of Archaeology will host its annual Insect Night this summer, inviting visitors to explore nocturnal insects and desert wildlife through hands-on activities and guided experiences. The free event will include night hikes, moth observation and opportunities to learn about insects in an outdoor setting.
- When: 7-10 p.m. Saturday, July 18
- Where: El Paso Museum of Archaeology, 4301 Transmountain Drive
- Cost: Free
- Information: events.elpasotexas.gov
Karol G: Tropicoqueta Tour
Colombian singer Karol G will bring her Tropicoqueta Tour to El Paso following her recent Coachella performance, with a stadium show scheduled at Sun Bowl Stadium. The stop is part of a global tour that includes major U.S. and international venues.
- When: Sunday, Sept. 6
- Where: Sun Bowl Stadium, 2701 Sun Bowl Drive
- Cost: Tickets start $144
- Information: shopkarolg.com
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: $40 through June 30
- Information: elpasomatters.org/run
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
The post Parks After Sunset launches, Lucha League leads this week’s events appeared first on El Paso Matters.
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