El Paso Matters – Selena tribute, ‘Viva! El Paso’ lead week of Borderland events

Here’s a roundup of some culture and civic events in the Borderland in the coming week.

Que Creias: Selena Tribute 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.; Que Creias: Selena Tribute at 7 p.m. Thursday, June 25
Where: McKelligon Canyon Amphitheatre, McKelligon Canyon Road
Cost: Free
Information: Cool Canyon Nights Instagram

‘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

Parks After Sunset: ‘Minecraft’

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 approximately 8 p.m. Friday, June 26
Where: Sparks Park, 12899 Sparks Drive
Cost: Free
Information: epcounty.com

Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church Kermes

Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church will host its annual kermes celebration with three days of live entertainment, food, games and community festivities. The family-friendly event is a longstanding summer tradition in the Mission Valley area and will feature activities throughout the weekend.

When: 6 p.m. Friday, June 26, through Sunday, June 28
Where: Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, 673 Old Hueco Tanks Road
Cost: Free
Information: Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church Facebook

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

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

Coming Up

El Paso Museum of Art free curator tour

The El Paso Museum of Art will offer a free curator-led tour of its American Gallery, highlighting works connected to West Texas and U.S. history. The guided experience includes a look at a late 18th-century portrait of George Washington by portrait artist Gilbert Stuart and selections from the museum’s American Collection.

When: 11 a.m. Wednesday, July 1
Where: El Paso Museum of Art, 1 Arts Festival Plaza
Cost: Free
Information: epma.art

The Roulettes 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.; The Roulettes at 7 p.m. Thursday, July 2
Where: McKelligon Canyon Amphitheatre, McKelligon Canyon Road
Cost: Free
Information: Cool Canyon Nights Instagram

Veterans Night with the El Paso Chihuahuas

Veterans and baseball fans are invited to celebrate Veterans Night as the El Paso Chihuahuas take on the Sacramento River Cats at Southwest University Park. Special ticket packages include access to a pregame veterans parade, a team shop discount and a commemorative hat giveaway while supplies last. Postgame fireworks will close out the evening.

When: Gates open at 5:30 p.m.; first pitch at 6:35 p.m. Friday, July 3
Where: Southwest University Park, 1 Ballpark Plaza
Cost: Starting at $17.82
Information: gofevo.com

July 4 Celebration at the El Paso Convention Center

Part of a citywide celebration marking America’s 250th anniversary, this free Fourth of July event will close out eight days of festivities taking place across El Paso and Fort Bliss from June 27 through July 4. The celebration at the Convention Center will feature live performances by the 1st Armored Division Jazz Band and local artists, followed by a headlining performance from Randy Rogers Band and a projection light show finale.

When: 5-10 p.m. Saturday, July 4
Where: El Paso Convention Center, 1 Civic Center Plaza
Cost: Free
Information: visitelpaso.com

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

Mark Your Calendar

EPCC’s ‘Taming of the Shrew’

El Paso Community College Theatre will present William Shakespeare’s “Taming of the Shrew” with a Borderland-inspired adaptation set in the late 1800s and influenced by the history of El Paso, Ciudad Juárez and the Southwest. Admission is one non-perishable food item per person, with donations benefiting EPCC’s Tejano Mercado food pantry. Performances run July 10-19 and feature a cast largely made up of EPCC students.

When: 7 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays, July 10-19
Where: Forum Theatre, EPCC Transmountain Campus, 9570 Gateway North Blvd.
Cost: One non-perishable food item per person
Information: epcc.edu/Academics/Theater

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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