Here’s a roundup of some culture and civic events in the borderland in the coming week.
Party on the Plaza: Noche de Mariachi
Party on the Plaza, a free outdoor concert series presented by GECU Federal Credit Union, returns to Downtown El Paso with monthly performances scheduled on the third Thursday from May through October. The series features rotating music genres and outdoor performances at San Jacinto Plaza, with DJ sets opening each evening before the featured act takes the stage. June’s installment, “Noche de Mariachi,” will feature Mariachi Alegre.
- When: 5-8 p.m. Thursday, June 18 (DJ opener at 5 p.m.; headliner at 6:30 p.m.)
- Where: San Jacinto Plaza, 114 W. Mills Ave.
- Cost: Free
- Information: events.elpasotexas.gov
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
Mexico vs. South Korea Community Watch Party
The City of El Paso will host a free community watch party for the Mexico vs. South Korea World Cup group-play soccer match at Cleveland Square Park, inviting fans to bring lawn chairs or blankets and watch the game on the outdoor screen outside the Mexican American Cultural Center. The event will also include soccer card trading, giveaways, raffles and complimentary snacks while supplies last.
- When: 7 p.m. Thursday, June 18
- Where: Cleveland Square Park, 510 N. Santa Fe St.
- Cost: Free
- Information: El Paso Parks and Recreation Department Instagram
Parks After Sunset: ‘How to Train Your Dragon’
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.
- When: Splash activities at 5:30 p.m., pet microchipping at 6 p.m. and movie at approximately 8 p.m. Thursday, June 18
- Where: San Elizario Placita, 1521 San Elizario Road, San Elizario
- Cost: Free
- Information: epcounty.com
Sonora Skandalo at Cool Canyon Nights
WestStar’s Cool Canyon Nights concert series continues 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.; Sonora Skandalo at 7 p.m. Thursday, June 18
- Where: McKelligon Canyon Amphitheatre, McKelligon Canyon Road
- Cost: Free
- Information: coolcanyonnights.com
MORE EVENTS: Pride Month events return to El Paso with parades, markets, festivals
Pride Night at the Chihuahuas
The El Paso Chihuahuas will host a Pride Night celebration at Southwest University Park, featuring baseball, music, vendors and community activities centered on inclusion and unity. Attendees are encouraged to wear their colors and celebrate Pride Month at the ballpark as the Chihuahuas host the Reno Aces.
- When: 6:35 p.m. Thursday, June 18. Gates open 5:30 p.m.
- Where: Southwest University Park, 1 Ballpark Plaza
- Cost: $22-$42
- Information: El Paso Sun City Pride Instagram
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
Art in the Park — Leaf Painting
Franklin Mountains State Park will host a nature-themed arts activity inviting visitors to create leaf-inspired artwork at the Tom Mays visitor center. Organizers encourage participants to stop by for a morning combining creativity and the outdoors in the park’s interpretive area.
- When: 9-11 a.m. Sunday, June 21
- Where: Franklin Mountains State Park Visitor Center, 2900 Tom Mays Park Access Road
- Cost: Park admission required
- Information: 915-444-9121 or tpwd.texas.gov
Make Music Day at San Jacinto Plaza
Make Music El Paso will celebrate the summer solstice with a free community music event as part of the global Make Music Day initiative held annually in cities around the world. Organizers encourage musicians of all experience levels to participate and invite the public to enjoy live performances as the city joins a worldwide day dedicated to making and sharing music.
- When: 6 p.m. Sunday, June 21
- Where: San Jacinto Plaza, 114 W. Mills Ave.
- Cost: Free
- Information: elpaso.makemusicday.org
Coming Up
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
Summer Break Discovery Series
Tech2O will kick off summer break with a free family event featuring hands-on crafts, educational activities and interactive experiences designed for children and caregivers. Organizers encourage families to bring their curiosity and spend the morning exploring science and discovery together.
- When: 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Friday, June 26
- Where: Tech2O, 10751 Montana Ave.
- Cost: Free
- Information: tech2o.org
‘Viva! El Paso’
The outdoor theatrical production “Viva! El Paso” returns to McKelligon Canyon for its 2026 season, continuing a long-running summer tradition that traces more than 400 years of regional history through music, dance and performance. Created by Hector Serrano and now directed by Jaime Carrasco, the show features local performers and celebrates cultural influences from Spain, Mexico and the United States.
- When: 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, June 26-Aug. 2
- Where: McKelligon Canyon Amphitheatre, McKelligon Canyon Road
- Cost: $32.50
- Information: ticketmaster.com
Movies at the Park: ‘Black Panther’
The city of El Paso’s Movies at the Park series continues June 26 as part of its second season of free outdoor movie nights scheduled through September. Presented by the Parks and Recreation Department in partnership with Raising Cane’s, ZTEX and the El Paso Community Foundation, the series encourages families to bring lawn chairs, blankets and snacks for movie nights in parks across the city.
- When: 8 p.m. Friday, June 26
- Where: Walter E. Clarke Park, 1515 Bob Hope Drive
- Cost: Free
- Information: elpasotexas.gov
Life on a Leaf: Celebrating Host Plants for National Pollinator Week
The Chihuahuan Desert Gardens at the University of Texas at El Paso will celebrate National Pollinator Week with a family-friendly outdoor event exploring the relationship between butterflies and the native plants they rely on throughout their life cycle. This year’s theme, “Life on a Leaf: Celebrating Host Plants,” will feature guided observation, hands-on activities and conservation tips inspired by the swallowtail butterfly family, recognized as the 2026 Pollinator of the Year.
- When: 9 a.m.-noon Saturday, June 27
- Where: Chihuahuan Desert Gardens, 500 W. University Ave.
- Cost: Free
- Information: utep.edu
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
Con Orgullo, A MACC Pride Celebration
The Mexican American Cultural Center will host a two-day Pride celebration highlighting theatre, film and hands-on art activities centered on identity, culture and creative expression. Programming includes performances, screenings and community activities, with some events carrying age restrictions or registration requirements.
- When: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, June 27; 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday, June 28
- Where: Mexican American Cultural Center, 201 W. Franklin Ave.
- Cost: Free (registration required for select events)
- Information: epmacc.org
Mark Your Calendar
4th of July Festival and Firework Show
The third annual 4th of July Festival and Firework Show will return to the Rio Grande Valley Ranch with an evening of family activities, local vendors and live entertainment. The event will feature food trucks, games, horseback riding, a petting zoo and a fireworks display to close out the night, with organizers encouraging attendees to bring lawn chairs and plan to spend the evening at the ranch.
- When: 5-9 p.m. Saturday, July 4
- Where: Rio Grande Valley Ranch, 220 FM 259, Canutillo
- Cost: Free
- Information: 915-261-1500 or uppervalleymarket.com
Salsa Tasting Fest
San Elizario will celebrate local flavors and culinary traditions with the Salsa Tasting Fest, held in conjunction with the opening of the new exhibition, From Stone to Table: Molcajete and Metate. The free community event will feature live music by Rodriga Rockmore and invite attendees to sample a variety of salsas and vote for favorites in categories including Best Salsa and Spiciest Salsa.
- When: 4-8 p.m. Saturday, July 11
- Where: Los Portales Museum and Information Center, 1521 San Elizario Road, San Elizario
- Cost: Free
- Information: losportalesmuseum.org
Party on the Plaza: Country Night
Part of the city’s Party on the Plaza concert series, this free outdoor music series brings themed performances to Downtown El Paso on the third Thursday of each month from May through October. Each evening features a DJ set followed by a headlining performance at San Jacinto Plaza, with genres rotating throughout the season.
- When: 5-8 p.m. Thursday, July 16
- Where: San Jacinto Plaza, 114 W. Mills Ave.
- Cost: Free
- Information: events.elpasotexas.gov
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
Cypress Hill at Speaking Rock
Hip-hop group Cypress Hill will bring its “Once Upon a Time in the Summer” tour to Speaking Rock Entertainment Center for a free outdoor concert. The Los Angeles group, known for its blend of rap and Latin influences and albums including “Black Sunday,” will perform as part of an age 21-and-older event.
- When: Doors open at 6 p.m. Sunday, July 26
- Where: Speaking Rock Entertainment Center, 122 S. Old Pueblo Road
- Cost: Free
- Information: speakingrock.com
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
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