El Paso Matters – Plaza Classic Film Festival brings movie magic to Downtown El Paso

The Plaza Classic Film Festival returns to Downtown El Paso for its 19th annual run from Thursday, July 16, to Sunday, July 26, bringing more than 100 films, celebrity guests and live events to the historic Plaza Theatre and venues across the city. Hosted by the El Paso Community Foundation, the festival celebrates cinema across generations with silent classics, Hollywood favorites, family films, documentaries and local productions.

This year’s festival is headlined by two celebrated figures. Hollywood icon Ann-Margret will receive the Plaza Classic Award for Lifetime Achievement and appear before screenings of her breakout musical “Bye Bye Birdie” and the Oscar-nominated rock opera “Tommy.” Academy Award-nominated writer-director Gregory Nava will receive the Plaza Classic Award for Career Achievement while introducing “Selena” and “El Norte,” two landmark films that helped shape Latino representation in American cinema.

Beyond its celebrity appearances, the festival offers something for a variety of moviegoers. This year’s lineup includes classics such as “Mr. Smith Goes to Washington,” “All the President’s Men,” “Nashville,” “Taxi Driver,” “Close Encounters of the Third Kind” and “Titanic,” alongside family favorites including “The Great Muppet Caper,” “Pocahontas,” “Labyrinth,” “The Princess Bride” and “Fantasia.”

One of the festival’s signature traditions also returns as acclaimed organist Walt Strony accompanies silent film screenings on the Plaza Theatre’s restored Wyler Mighty Wurlitzer Pipe Organ. Combined with filmmaker discussions, lectures, outdoor screenings on Oregon Street and programs at the El Paso Museum of Art and Mexican American Cultural Center, the festival will transform Downtown El Paso into a celebration of film and storytelling for 11 days.

Ticket prices range from $5 to $20, with some films being free to attend.

This year’s festival also coincides with the 20th anniversary of the Plaza Theatre’s reopening. After a nearly $38 million restoration brought the historic movie palace back to life in March 2006 following more than two decades of closure, the theater has once again become the centerpiece of El Paso’s celebration of classic cinema.

Here’s a look at some of the festival’s highlights, followed by the complete schedule.

Featured showings

This year’s Plaza Classic Film Festival features Academy Award nominees, Hollywood icons and beloved blockbusters, with several screenings accompanied by celebrity appearances and audience discussions.

“Bye Bye Birdie” (1963): Ann-Margret receives the Plaza Classic Award for Lifetime Achievement before a 7 p.m. Friday, July 17, screening of the musical comedy that launched her Hollywood career. A free lecture precedes the film at 6 p.m. in the Philanthropy Theatre.
“Tommy” (1975): Ann-Margret returns at 3:30 p.m. Saturday, July 18, in the Plaza Theatre for a screening of the rock opera that earned her an Academy Award nomination. She will participate in a pre-screening conversation with audiences.
“Selena” (1997): Writer-director Gregory Nava receives the Plaza Classic Award for Career Achievement before a 7 p.m. Friday, July 24, screening of his acclaimed biopic starring Jennifer Lopez. A free lecture begins at 6 p.m. in the Philanthropy Theatre.
“El Norte” (1983): Nava returns at 3 p.m. Saturday, July 25, in the Plaza Theatre for a pre-screening discussion of his landmark immigration drama, nominated for an Academy Award for best original screenplay.
“Titanic” (1997): James Cameron’s Oscar-winning epic returns to the Plaza Theatre at 7 p.m. Saturday, July 25. A free lecture exploring the film’s legacy precedes the screening at 6 p.m. in the Philanthropy Theatre.

Hollywood classics

Whether it’s political intrigue, sweeping romance or unforgettable music, this year’s festival celebrates films that continue to define American cinema.

“Mr. Smith Goes to Washington” (1939): Frank Capra’s enduring political drama starring James Stewart opens the festival’s classic lineup at 3 p.m. Thursday, July 16, in the Plaza Theatre.
“All the President’s Men” (1976): Dustin Hoffman and Robert Redford portray Washington Post reporters Carl Bernstein and Bob Woodward in the Oscar-winning account of the Watergate investigation. The film screens at 7 p.m. Sunday, July 19, in the Plaza Theatre.
“Nashville” (1975): Director Robert Altman’s sprawling ensemble masterpiece blends music and politics during a 3 p.m. Thursday, July 23, screening in the Plaza Theatre.
“Taxi Driver” (1976): Robert De Niro stars in Martin Scorsese’s psychological drama at 4 p.m. Wednesday, July 22, in the Plaza Theatre, celebrating the film’s 50th anniversary.
“Close Encounters of the Third Kind: Director’s Cut” (1980): Steven Spielberg’s science-fiction classic closes the festival at 7 p.m. Sunday, July 26, in the Plaza Theatre following a free lecture.

Movies for kids at Plaza Classic

The Plaza Classic Film Festival offers a variety of family-friendly favorites, from animated adventures to beloved musicals.

“The Great Muppet Caper” (1981): Kermit, Miss Piggy and the Muppets head to London at 1 p.m. Friday, July 17, in the Philanthropy Theatre.
“Pocahontas” (1995): Disney’s animated retelling of the Pocahontas story screens at 1 p.m. Saturday, July 18, in the Plaza Theatre.
“Labyrinth” (1986): David Bowie stars as the Goblin King in the fantasy adventure at 1 p.m. Wednesday, July 22, in the Philanthropy Theatre, celebrating the film’s 40th anniversary.
“The Princess Bride” (1987): Adventure, comedy and romance come together during the 7 p.m. Thursday, July 23, screening in the Plaza Theatre. A free lecture precedes the film at 6 p.m. in the Philanthropy Theatre.
“Fantasia” (1940): Walt Disney’s groundbreaking fusion of animation and classical music returns to the Plaza Theatre at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, July 25.

Free events

The Plaza Classic Film Festival offers a wide selection of free events, from museum screenings to outdoor favorites.

Outdoor screenings on Oregon Street

“Men in Black” (1997): 9 p.m. Friday, July 17
“The Rocky Horror Picture Show” (1975): 9 p.m. Saturday, July 18
“Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby” (2006): 9 p.m. Friday, July 24
“Grease” (1978): 9 p.m. Saturday, July 25

Museum, cultural center films

“Woodstock (Director’s Cut)” (1970): 1 p.m. Saturday, July 18, El Paso Museum of Art
“Gimme Shelter” (1970): 1 p.m. Sunday, July 19, El Paso Museum of Art
“American Pachuco: The Legend of Luis Valdez” (2026): 1 p.m. Sunday, July 19, El Paso Mexican American Cultural Center
“The Last Waltz” (1978): 1 p.m. Saturday, July 25, El Paso Museum of Art
“20 Feet from Stardom” (2013): 3:30 p.m. Saturday, July 25, El Paso Museum of Art
“Real Women Have Curves” (2002): 1 p.m. Saturday, July 25, El Paso Mexican American Cultural Center
“Summer of Soul” (2021): Noon, Sunday, July 26, El Paso Museum of Art
“Mi Familia/My Family” (1995): 1 p.m. Sunday, July 26, El Paso Mexican American Cultural Center

Plaza Classic full schedule

Thursday, July 16

1 p.m.: “Plaza Days: Looney Tunes Cartoons,” Philanthropy Theatre, free
1 p.m.: “The Circus” (1928), Philanthropy Theatre, $5
3 p.m.: “Mr. Smith Goes to Washington” (1939), Plaza Theatre, $6
3 p.m.: “Jailhouse Rock” (1957), Philanthropy Theatre, $5
7 p.m.: “American Graffiti” (1973), Plaza Theatre, $20

Friday, July 17

1 p.m.: “Bus Stop” (1956), Plaza Theatre, $6
1 p.m.: “The Great Muppet Caper” (1981), Philanthropy Theatre, $5
3:30 p.m.: “An American in Paris” (1951), Plaza Theatre, $6
3:30 p.m.: “Uncle Buck” (1989), Philanthropy Theatre, $5
6 p.m.: Lecture: “Bye Bye Birdie,” Philanthropy Theatre, free
7 p.m.: “Bye Bye Birdie” (1963), with Ann-Margret, Plaza Theatre, $20
7:30 p.m.: “O Brother, Where Art Thou?” (2000), Philanthropy Theatre, $6
7:30 p.m.: Concert: Julio Ortiz, Oregon Street, free
9 p.m.: “Men in Black” (1997), Oregon Street, free
10 p.m.: “Pink Floyd The Wall” (1982), Philanthropy Theatre, $6
10:30 p.m.: “Scream” (1996), Plaza Theatre, $8

Saturday, July 18

1 p.m.: “Pocahontas” (1995), Plaza Theatre, $6
1 p.m.: “The Girl Can’t Help It” (1956), Philanthropy Theatre, $5
1 p.m.: “Woodstock (Director’s Cut)” (1970), El Paso Museum of Art, free
3:30 p.m.: “Tommy” (1975), with Ann-Margret, Plaza Theatre, $10
3:30 p.m.: “The Devil’s Mistress/Birth of the Acid Western,” with Dr. Julia Smith, Philanthropy Theatre, $5
6 p.m.: Lecture: “Jurassic Park,” Philanthropy Theatre, free
7 p.m.: “Jurassic Park” (1993), Plaza Theatre, $8
7:30 p.m.: “Oranges” (work in progress), Philanthropy Theatre, free
7:30 p.m.: Concert: OogLaDaar, Oregon Street, free
8:30 p.m.: “UTEP/EPCC Student Film Showcase,” Philanthropy Theatre, $5
9 p.m.: “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” (1975), Oregon Street, free
10:30 p.m.: “Purple Rain” (1984), Plaza Theatre, $8
11 p.m.: “Blood, Sweat and Beers” (2023), with Robert Holguin, Philanthropy Theatre, $5

Sunday, July 19

1 p.m.: “The Hunt for Red October” (1990), Plaza Theatre, $6
1 p.m.: “Un Día con el Diablo/A Day with the Devil” (1945), Philanthropy Theatre, $5
1 p.m.: “American Pachuco: The Legend of Luis Valdez” (2026), El Paso Mexican American Cultural Center, free
1 p.m.: “Gimme Shelter” (1970), El Paso Museum of Art, free
3:30 p.m.: “The Time Machine” (1960), Philanthropy Theatre, $5
4 p.m.: “It” (1927), accompanied by Walt Strony, Plaza Theatre, $6
6 p.m.: Lecture: “All the President’s Men,” Philanthropy Theatre, free
7 p.m.: “All the President’s Men” (1976), Plaza Theatre, $8
7:30 p.m.: “Almost Famous” (2000), Philanthropy Theatre, $6

Monday, July 20

1 p.m.: “Wuthering Heights” (1939), Plaza Theatre, $6
1 p.m.: “Hans Christian Andersen’s Thumbelina” (1994), Philanthropy Theatre, $5
3 p.m.: “Sing” (2016), Philanthropy Theatre, $5
3:30 p.m.: “1776” (1972), Plaza Theatre, $6
5 p.m.: “A Dinner to Love,” Foundation Room, sold out
6 p.m.: Lecture: “Something’s Gotta Give,” Philanthropy Theatre, free
7 p.m.: “Something’s Gotta Give” (2003), Plaza Theatre, $8
7:30 p.m.: “The Blues Brothers” (1980), Philanthropy Theatre, $6

Tuesday, July 21

1 p.m.: “The Best of Everything” (1959), Plaza Theatre, $6
1 p.m.: “Hotel Transylvania” (2012), Philanthropy Theatre, $5
3 p.m.: “The Secret Life of Pets” (2016), Philanthropy Theatre, $5
4 p.m.: “The Poseidon Adventure” (1972), Plaza Theatre, $6
6 p.m.: Lecture: “What’s Love Got to Do With It,” Philanthropy Theatre, free
7 p.m.: “What’s Love Got to Do With It” (1993), Plaza Theatre, $8
7:30 p.m.: “The Day After Tomorrow” (2004), with Robert Holguin, Philanthropy Theatre, $6

Wednesday, July 22

1 p.m.: “Young Mr. Lincoln” (1939), Plaza Theatre, $6
1 p.m.: “Labyrinth” (1986), Philanthropy Theatre, $5
3:30 p.m.: “Moonrise Kingdom” (2012), Philanthropy Theatre, $5
4 p.m.: “Taxi Driver” (1976), Plaza Theatre, $6
6 p.m.: Lecture: “The Sixth Sense,” Philanthropy Theatre, free
7 p.m.: “The Sixth Sense” (1999), Plaza Theatre, $8
7:30 p.m.: “Smokey and the Bandit” (1977), Philanthropy Theatre, $6

Thursday, July 23

12:30 p.m.: “Plaza Days II: The General” (1926), accompanied by Walt Strony, Plaza Theatre, free
1 p.m.: “Madagascar” (2005), Philanthropy Theatre, $5
3 p.m.: “Nashville” (1975), Plaza Theatre, $6
3:30 p.m.: “Zootopia” (2016), Philanthropy Theatre, $5
6 p.m.: Lecture: “The Princess Bride,” Philanthropy Theatre, free
7 p.m.: “The Princess Bride” (1987), Plaza Theatre, $8
7:30 p.m.: “The Rose” (1979), Philanthropy Theatre, $6

Friday, July 24

1 p.m.: “Days of Heaven” (1978), Plaza Theatre, $6
1 p.m.: “The Flintstones” (1994), Philanthropy Theatre, $5
3:30 p.m.: “True Grit” (1969), Plaza Theatre, $6
3:30 p.m.: “Inside Out” (2015), Philanthropy Theatre, $5
6 p.m.: Lecture: “Selena,” Philanthropy Theatre, free
7 p.m.: “Selena” (1997), with director Gregory Nava, Plaza Theatre, $10
7:30 p.m.: “8 Mile” (2002), Philanthropy Theatre, $6
7:30 p.m.: Concert: Jenna Ivey, Oregon Street, free
9 p.m.: “Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby” (2006), Oregon Street, free
10 p.m.: “Sid & Nancy” (1986), Philanthropy Theatre, $6
10:30 p.m.: “Poltergeist” (1982), Plaza Theatre, $8

Saturday, July 25

11:30 a.m.: “Fantasia” (1940), Plaza Theatre, $6
1 p.m.: “Airplane!” (1980), Philanthropy Theatre, $5
1 p.m.: “The Last Waltz” (1978), El Paso Museum of Art, free
1 p.m.: “Real Women Have Curves” (2002), El Paso Mexican American Cultural Center, free
3 p.m.: “El Norte” (1983), with director Gregory Nava, Plaza Theatre, $10
3:30 p.m.: “The Salt of the Earth” (2014), Philanthropy Theatre, $5
3:30 p.m.: “20 Feet from Stardom” (2013), El Paso Museum of Art, free
6 p.m.: Lecture: “Titanic,” Philanthropy Theatre, free
7 p.m.: “Titanic” (1997), Plaza Theatre, $8
7:30 p.m.: “10th Femme Frontera Filmmaker Showcase,” Philanthropy Theatre, $5
7:30 p.m.: Concert: Chuco Soul, Oregon Street, free
9 p.m.: “Grease” (1978), Oregon Street, free
10 p.m.: “Hedwig and the Angry Inch” (2001), Philanthropy Theatre, $6

Sunday, July 26

11 a.m.: Filmmakers Brunch: Producer Allen Gilmer, Foundation Room, free
Noon: “Summer of Soul” (2021), El Paso Museum of Art, free
1 p.m.: “A Hard Day’s Night” (1964), Plaza Theatre, $6
1 p.m.: “Mi Familia/My Family” (1995), El Paso Mexican American Cultural Center, free
1 p.m.: “E Pluribus Texas Selections,” Philanthropy Theatre, $5
3:30 p.m.: “The Choice,” Philanthropy Theatre, $5
3:30 p.m.: “Local Flavor Showcase and Awards,” Plaza Theatre, $6
5:30 p.m.: “Local Flavor 2026 Reception,” Foundation Room, free
6 p.m.: Lecture: “Close Encounters of the Third Kind,” Philanthropy Theatre, free
7 p.m.: “Close Encounters of the Third Kind: Director’s Cut” (1980), Plaza Theatre, $8

The post Plaza Classic Film Festival brings movie magic to Downtown El Paso appeared first on El Paso Matters.

Read: Read More