Here’s a roundup of some culture and civic events in the Borderland in the coming week.
Third Thursdays in the Downtown Arts District
Downtown El Paso museums, cultural institutions and other organizations will stay open later for Third Thursdays, a monthly event encouraging visitors to explore the Downtown Arts District. Participating locations offer special programming and activities, while an artisan market features local vendors, live music, food and community organizations.
- When: 5-9 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 15
- Where: Downtown Arts District, 1 Civic Center Plaza and participating locations
- Cost: Free
- Information: epmcad.org
Party on the Plaza: DJ Night
Party on the Plaza will close out its 2026 season with DJ Night at San Jacinto Plaza. Presented by GECU Federal Credit Union, the free outdoor concert series brings live music and DJs to Downtown El Paso on the third Thursday of each month from May through October.
- When: 5-8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 15
- Where: San Jacinto Plaza, 114 W. Mills Ave.
- Cost: Free
- Information: epmcad.org
EPSO: Heaven on Earth
The El Paso Symphony Orchestra will present “Heaven on Earth,” featuring works by Richard Strauss and Gustav Mahler under the direction of conductor Bohuslav Rattay. Soprano Meechot Marrero will join the orchestra for Strauss’ “Four Lieder” and Mahler’s Symphony No. 4, with “Till Eulenspiegel’s Merry Pranks” also on the program.
- When: 7:30 p.m. Friday-Saturday, Oct. 16-17; preconcert talk at 6:30 p.m.
- Where: Plaza Theatre, 125 W. Mills Ave.
- Cost: $22.65-$62.80
- Information: epso.org
Brew at the Zoo
The El Paso Zoo will open after dark for its annual Brew at the Zoo, an age 21-and-older Halloween event featuring craft beer, food, live music and entertainment throughout the zoo. Costumes are encouraged, with VIP admission beginning an hour before the general event.
- When: 7-11 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 17; VIP entry at 6 p.m.
- Where: El Paso Zoo, 4001 E. Paisano Drive
- Cost: $60 early entry; $40 general admission; $15 designated driver tickets
- Information: El Paso Zoo
Días de los Doggies
The annual Días de los Doggies celebration returns as a monthlong, self-guided experience inviting visitors and their dogs to explore El Paso Museum of Archaeology trails while learning about the nine levels of Mictlán, the underworld in Aztec mythology. Participants can walk the trails during regular museum hours and collect a commemorative sticker at the front desk afterward. Dogs must remain leashed, and owners are asked to stay on designated trails and clean up after their pets.
- When: 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Tuesdays-Saturdays throughout October
- Where: El Paso Museum of Archaeology, 4301 Woodrow Bean Transmountain Drive
- Cost: Free
- Information: epmarch.org
El Paso Fire Fest
The El Paso Fire Department will host its fifth annual Fire Fest with an afternoon of demonstrations, competitions and family activities at Veterans Park. This year’s “Blast From the Past” event will feature a helicopter landing, firefighter bucket brigade and battalion competition, firefighter chili cook-off and Fire Department lotería. Visitors can also find live music and performances, children’s activities, mascots, food trucks, a farmers market and on-site vaccinations.
- When: Noon-6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 17
- Where: Veterans Park, 5301 Salem Drive
- Cost: Free
- Information: El Paso Fire Department Instagram
TeenTober Fest
El Paso Public Libraries will celebrate local teens with an evening of music, games and activities at the Judge Marquez Library. TeenTober Fest will also feature food trucks and resource booths, giving young people an opportunity to connect with local organizations and learn about programs and other opportunities related to their interests and talents.
- When: 5-9 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 17
- Where: Judge Marquez Library, 610 N. Yarbrough Drive
- Cost: Free
- Information: El Paso Public Libraries Facebook
32nd Annual Hueco Tanks Community Fair
Hueco Tanks State Park and Historic Site will celebrate the area’s natural and cultural heritage with its 32nd annual Community Fair. The family-friendly weekend will feature educational exhibits, hands-on activities, local food vendors, guided rock climbing, pictograph tours and hikes through the park.
- When: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, Oct. 17-18
- Where: Hueco Tanks State Park & Historic Site, 6900 Hueco Tanks Road No. 1
- Cost: Free
- Information: tpwd.texas.gov
Chihuahua in Word and Song
The Tom Lea Institute will present an evening of music and history featuring José Mario Sánchez Soledad, an opera singer, businessman and historian. Through songs and storytelling, the presentation will explore the culture, landscapes and shared history of El Paso and Ciudad Juárez, including the Chihuahuan Desert’s influence on artist Tom Lea. Light refreshments and conversation will follow. Registration is required.
- When: 6-7:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 15
- Where: Consulate General of Mexico, 910 E. San Antonio Ave.
- Cost: Free
- Information: tomlea.com or 915-533-0048.
Sunday Sunrise Hike — Wear Pink
We Hike will host a free guided sunrise hike through the Franklin Mountains foothills, offering participants a chance to explore scenic desert trails and mountain views. Hikers and runners of all experience levels are welcome and encouraged to wear pink socks, with free socks available to the first 50 participants. Attendees should bring water, sunscreen, snacks and sturdy hiking shoes for the rocky, uneven terrain.
- When: 6:35-8:30 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 18
- Where: Chuck Heinrich Park, 11055 Loma del Norte Drive
- Cost: Free
- Information: wehikeadventure.com
Coming Up
Día de los Muertos Desfile y Festival
The ninth annual Día de los Muertos Desfile y Festival will transform El Paso’s Downtown Arts District into a daylong celebration honoring loved ones and Mexican traditions. The free event features arts and cultural activities, community altars, local vendors, live performances and a parade showcasing about 60 floats, performers and community organizations.
- When: Festival from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; parade at 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 24
- Where: El Paso Downtown Arts District, Downtown El Paso
- Cost: Free
- Information: epmacc.org
Amigo Airsho
The Amigo Airsho returns to Biggs Army Airfield for two days of military and civilian aviation demonstrations, static aircraft displays and family activities. The 2026 lineup includes the U.S. Navy Blue Angels, U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor Demo Team, U.S. Army Golden Knights and aerobatic pilot Kirby Chambliss, along with a kids zone, STEAM exhibits, food vendors and performances by the 1st Armored Division Band.
- When: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, Oct. 24-25
- Where: Biggs Army Airfield, Fort Bliss
- Cost: Tickets start at $30
- Information: amigoairsho.com
UTEP Latin Music Festival: Student Recital
The University of Texas at El Paso will kick off its three-day Latin Music Festival with a free recital featuring piano and guitar students from its classical and commercial music programs. The performance will celebrate Latin American music, culture and heritage while showcasing the talents of emerging musicians.
- When: 7:30-9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 23
- Where: Fox Fine Arts Recital Hall, 500 W. University Ave.
- Cost: Free
- Information: utep.edu or 915-747-6625
El Paso Locomotive FC Fan Appreciation Night
El Paso Locomotive FC will close out its regular season against regional rival New Mexico United at Southwest University Park. The match will also feature Fan Appreciation Night, with special festivities and a fireworks show for supporters.
- When: 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 24
- Where: Southwest University Park, 1 Ballpark Plaza
- Cost: $15-$51
- Information: mlb.tickets.com
Spooky Fest at Camp Cohen Water Park
Camp Cohen Water Park will host a family-friendly Halloween celebration featuring trick-or-treating, raffles, games, live entertainment and local vendors. Families are encouraged to wear costumes and enjoy free festivities, with an optional Spookyfest Pass available for additional games, activities and perks.
- When: 2-6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 24
- Where: Camp Cohen Water Park, 9700 Gateway Blvd. North
- Cost: Free admission; Spookyfest Pass $10 in advance or $13.95 onsite
- Information: epwaterparks.com
Ghost Stories of San Elizario
Explore the haunted history of San Elizario during a guided evening stroll through the historic district. Following a 7 p.m. presentation of “La Llorona,” a storyteller will lead visitors to locations associated with reported ghost encounters, sharing firsthand accounts and local legends along the way.
- When: 8:30-11 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 24
- Where: Main Street Stage, 1501 Main St., San Elizario
- Cost: Free
- Information: sanelizariohistoricdistrict.com
Mark Your Calendar
Boo at the Zoo
Families can celebrate Halloween at the El Paso Zoo during Boo at the Zoo, featuring candy stations, Halloween-themed inflatables and opportunities for children to explore the zoo in costume. The annual event offers a family-friendly Halloween experience alongside animals from the zoo’s Africa, Asia and Las Americas exhibits.
- When: 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 31
- Where: El Paso Zoo, 4001 E. Paisano Drive
- Cost: $13.95 adults; $10.95 teens, seniors and active-duty military or spouses; $8.95 children ages 2-12; free for children age 23 months and younger
- Information: El Paso Zoo Facebook
Chihuahuan Desert Conference
The Fourth Chihuahuan Desert Conference will bring researchers, conservationists and other participants to the El Paso Zoo and Botanical Gardens for two days focused on the region’s wildlife, native plants, habitat preservation and restoration. The conference opens with an evening icebreaker Nov. 4, followed by presentations and sessions Nov. 5; registration also includes meals, refreshments and zoo admission on both days.
- When: Wednesday-Thursday, Nov. 4-5
- Where: El Paso Zoo and Botanical Gardens, 4001 E. Paisano Drive
- Cost: $125; registration closes Oct. 20
- Information: chihuahuandesertconference.com
Halloween Carnivals
El Paso Parks and Recreation will host free Halloween Carnivals at recreation and community centers across the city. The neighborhood celebrations will feature costume contests, games, candy, jumping balloons and music.
- When: 3-6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 31
- Where: El Paso recreation and community centers
- Cost: Free
Participating locations:
- Armijo Recreation Center, 700 E. Seventh Ave.
- Chamizal Community Center, 2119 Cypress Ave.
- Chihuahuita Community Center, 417 Charles Road
- Don Haskins Recreation Center, 7400 High Ridge Drive
- Galatzan Recreation Center, 650 Wallenberg Drive
- Gary Del Palacio Recreation Center, 3001 Parkwood St.
- Marty Robbins Recreation Center, 11620 Vista del Sol Drive
- Michelle T. Adjemian Recreation Center, 9031 Viscount Blvd.
- Mountain View Park/Rae Gilmore Recreation Center, 8501 Diana Drive
- Nolan Richardson Recreation Center, 4435 Maxwell Ave.
- Officer David Ortiz Recreation Center, 563 N. Carolina Drive
- Pat O’Rourke Recreation Center, 901 N. Virginia St.
- Pavo Real Recreation Center, 9301 Alameda Ave.
- San Juan Recreation Center, 701 N. Glenwood St.
- Seville Recreation Center, 6700 Sambrano Ave.
- Sylvia A. Carreon Community Center, 709 Lomita Drive
- The Beast Urban Park, 13501 Jason Crandall Drive
- Valle Bajo Community Center, 7380 Alameda Ave.
- Veterans Recreation Center, 5301 Salem Drive
- Wayne Thornton Community Center, 3134 Jefferson Ave.
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
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
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