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 community organizations will stay open later as part of Third Thursdays, a monthly event designed to encourage visitors to explore the Downtown Arts District. Activities vary by location and may include special programming, an artisan market, local vendors, live music, food and community organization booths.
- When: 5-9 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 20
- Where: Downtown Arts District, centered around One Civic Center Plaza
- Cost: Free
- Information: epmcad.org
El Fresco: All Stars — Country Spotlight
The city of El Paso’s free El Fresco Music Series concludes its summer season with a “Country Spotlight” showcase featuring local performers at Convention Center Plaza. The final installment of the El Paso All Stars series invites attendees to enjoy an evening of live music celebrating country favorites.
- When: Doors open at 6 p.m. Friday, Aug. 21
- Where: Convention Center Plaza, 1 Civic Center Plaza
- Cost: Free
- Information: El Paso Live Instagram
Arts District Culture and Commerce Panel Discussion
Progress321 and the El Paso Museum of Art will host a panel discussion exploring the economic impact of the region’s arts and cultural institutions. The conversation will examine how museums, creative organizations and cultural programming contribute to community growth, with leaders from the El Paso Museum of Art, the El Paso Museum of History, the Museum and Cultural Affairs Department and La Nube participating.
- When: 5-7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 20
- Where: El Paso Museum of Art, 1 Arts Festival Plaza
- Cost: Free
- Information: progress321.org
25th Annual Aging to Perfection Expo
The Rio Grande Area Agency on Aging will bring together more than 80 exhibitors for its annual expo connecting older adults, caregivers and families with health and community resources. The event will feature free health screenings, presentations on scams, estate planning and mature driving, along with information about social and medical services and continuous entertainment.
- When: 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 19
- Where: El Paso Convention Center, 1 Civic Center Plaza
- Cost: Free
- Information: riocog.org
Movies at the Park: ‘How to Train Your Dragon’
The city of El Paso’s Movies at the Park series continues with a free outdoor screening of “How to Train Your Dragon.” The family-friendly movie series, now in its second season, is bringing films to parks across El Paso throughout the summer and will continue through Sept. 4. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, blankets and snacks.
- When: 8 p.m. Friday, Aug. 21
- Where: Washington Park, 200 Washington St.
- Cost: Free
- Information: elpasotexas.gov
‘El Otro Camino: An Intimate Portrait of César A. Martínez’
The Mexican American Cultural Center will open a new exhibition exploring the career of Texas Chicano artist César A. Martínez, whose work draws on his experiences along the U.S.-Mexico border and involvement in the Chicano civil rights movement. Guest curated by Diana Molina, the exhibition features works from Martínez’s “Batos y Rucas,” “Serape,” “Mestizo” and “South Texas” series and will remain on view through Jan. 24.
- When: Opening reception 5-7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 22; exhibition runs through Jan. 24, 2027
- Where: Mexican American Cultural Center, 201 W. Franklin Ave.
- Cost: Free
- Information: epmacc.org
Eric Santoscoy-McKillip: ‘composites-my eyes tear in the sun’
The El Paso Museum of Art will open a new exhibition featuring artist Eric Santoscoy-McKillip’s exploration of space, memory and place through a body of work rooted in the U.S.-Mexico region. The exhibition, “composites-my eyes tear in the sun,” blends abstraction, vernacular design traditions and celestial imagery to examine identity, history and connections between culture and landscape.
- When: Opens Saturday, Aug. 22; on view through Feb. 21, 2027
- Where: El Paso Museum of Art, 1 Arts Festival Plaza
- Cost: Free
- Information: 915-212-0300 or epma.art
‘El Tormento de Pablo’ in San Elizario
Los Portales Museum will present the free outdoor theatrical production “El Tormento de Pablo,” a retelling of the la llorona legend from the husband’s perspective that blends Mexican and Aztec traditions through music, dance and storytelling. The family-friendly evening also includes a mercadito, Aztec dance ceremony and a catrina parade, with attendees encouraged to wear traditional Mexican attire and bring lawn chairs or blankets.
- When: 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 22 (play begins at 7 p.m.)
- Where: Los Portales Museum, 1521 San Elizario Road, San Elizario
- Cost: Free
- Information: losportalesmuseum.org
Texas Western Gold Rush
UTEP will kick off the fall semester with its sixth annual Texas Western Gold Rush, an evening celebrating Miner pride with live music, student performances, giveaways and fireworks. The campus tradition welcomes new and returning students with entertainment and opportunities to connect before the academic year begins.
- When: 6-11 p.m. Monday, Aug. 24
- Where: Centennial Plaza, 500 W. University Ave.
- Cost: Free
- Information: utep.edu
Coffee on the Trail: Hueco Tanks 10,000
The El Paso Mission Trail Association’s Coffee on the Trail series will feature a presentation by Nicole Roque, community engagement specialist at Hueco Tanks State Park and Historic Site. Roque will discuss the site’s thousands of years of human history, its archaeological and cultural significance, and the pictographs and other evidence left by generations of people who have lived in and traveled through the region.
- When: 10 a.m.-noon Saturday, Aug. 22
- Where: El Paso Mission Valley Visitor Center, 9065 Alameda Ave.
- Cost: Free
- Information: elpasomissions.org
Coming Up
Home and Garden Show
The El Paso Home and Garden Show will bring home improvement professionals, remodeling ideas and product demonstrations to the El Paso Convention Center. Visitors can explore exhibits featuring home renovation, landscaping and design while gathering inspiration and advice for future projects.
- When: 2-6 p.m. Friday, Aug. 28, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 29, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 30 (free admission all weekend)
- Where: El Paso Convention Center, 1 Civic Center Plaza
- Cost: Free
- Information: showtechnology.com
UTEP volleyball vs. New Mexico State
The University of Texas at El Paso volleyball team opens its 2026 home volleyball schedule against rival New Mexico State after a 25-5 season that ended with an NCAA tournament appearance. The Miners finished No. 19 in the NCAA RPI rankings last season and posted an 11-1 Conference USA record. Fans are encouraged to wear white for the “White Out” matchup.
- When: 6 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 30
- Where: Memorial Gym, 101 W. Robinson Ave.
- Cost: Ticket information pending
- Information: utepminers.com
Let Freedom Sing: Corey Kent and Don Louis
Fort Bliss will host a free day of live music and family activities at Freedom Crossing Shopping Center as part of its Boots.Bands.Bliss. series. The event will feature performances by country artists Corey Kent and Don Louis, the 1st Armored Division Band and others, along with inflatables, vendors and a kids zone. Open to the public; visitors without installation access must obtain a Fort Bliss Community Access Pass.
- When: 1-10 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 5
- Where: Freedom Crossing Shopping Center, 1611 Haan Road, Fort Bliss
- Cost: Free
- Information: bliss.armymwr.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. Becky G will be the guest performer at both El Paso shows.
- When: 7 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 5 and Sunday, Sept. 6
- Where: Sun Bowl Stadium, 2701 Sun Bowl Drive
- Cost: Tickets start $144
- Information: shopkarolg.com
Mark Your Calendar
Fall 2026 Rubin Center Exhibitions Opening Reception
The Rubin Center for the Visual Arts will celebrate the opening of its fall exhibitions, “Costuras Territoriales” and “AMBOS,” which explore the U.S.-Mexico border region through textiles, material practices and the histories and lived experiences that shape the region. The reception will bring together artists and community members for an evening featuring music and appetizers.
- When: 5-7:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 10
- Where: Rubin Center for the Visual Arts, Seamon Hall, 720 Dawson Road
- Cost: Free
- Information: utep.edu
Encores and Overtures Gala 2026
El Paso Opera will host its annual Encores and Overtures Gala, an evening of fine dining, live performances and fundraising to support the organization’s artistic and educational programs. The event includes a cocktail hour with a silent auction, a three-course dinner, presentation of the Maestro Award and a casino-themed after-party with dancing.
- When: Friday, Sept. 11
- Where: The Elmont Event Center, 240 W. Castellano Drive
- Cost: Starting at $206
- Information: epopera.org
Kermes de los Vecinos
The Mexican American Cultural Center and El Paso Museum of History will celebrate Mexican Independence Day with a community kermés at Cleveland Square Park. The event will feature food, music, games, arts and crafts and other activities.
- When: Noon-6 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 12
- Where: Cleveland Square Park, 501 N. Santa Fe St.
- Cost: Free
- Information: epmacc.org
‘Mágico – The Magic of Mexico’
The El Paso Symphony Orchestra will open its 2026-27 Classical Series with “Mágico – The Magic of Mexico,” a multimedia concert celebrating Mexico’s landscapes, culture and traditions through orchestral music and photography. The program features works by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, José Pablo Moncayo, Arturo Márquez and Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov, accompanied by imagery from photographer and multimedia artist Nicholas Bardonnay.
- When: 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Sept. 18-19 (Opening Notes lecture at 6:30 p.m.)
- Where: Plaza Theatre, 125 Pioneer Plaza
- Cost: $17-$49
- Information: epso.org
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: $45 through Aug. 31
- Information: elpasomatters.org/run
¡Vivamos México! Official Grito Celebration
The Paso del Norte region will celebrate the 216th anniversary of Mexico’s independence with an evening of live entertainment, cultural performances and family activities. Presented by the Consulate General of Mexico in El Paso, Destination El Paso and the city of El Paso, the event will feature the official Grito de Independencia ceremony, lucha libre, mariachi music, food trucks, an artisan market and a kids zone.
- When: 5-11 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 12
- Where: El Paso Convention Center Plaza, 1 Civic Center Plaza
- Cost: Free
- Information: Visit El Paso Facebook
El Paso Greek Festival
The El Paso Greek Festival returns to St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church for a three-day celebration of Greek culture, food and traditions. The annual festival features Mediterranean favorites including gyros and baklava, along with music and activities for families.
- When: 5-10 p.m. Friday, Sept. 18; noon-10 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 19; noon-6 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 20
- Where: St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, 124 S. Festival Drive
- Cost: $5 adults; $3 active-duty military and veterans with valid military ID; free for children age 12 and younger
- Information: stnicholasep.com
Oktoberfest
Fort Bliss Morale, Welfare and Recreation will bring Oktoberfest to Biggs Park for two nights of German-inspired food, music and dancing. The adults-only event will feature live entertainment from Terry Cavanagh and the Alpine Express and the German Air Force Schuhplattlers, and admission is free for the first time this year. Open to the public; visitors without installation access must obtain a Fort Bliss Community Access Pass.
- When: 6 p.m.-midnight Friday-Saturday, Sept. 18-19
- Where: Biggs Park, 11388 Sgt. Major Blvd., Fort Bliss
- Cost: Free; ages 18 and older, must be 21 or older to drink
- Information: bliss.armymwr.com
Water Festival 2026
El Paso Water will host its annual Water Festival at the TecH2O Water Resources Learning Center, with music, dance, art, educational exhibits and hands-on activities highlighting the role of water in the desert community. Visitors can explore El Paso Water vehicles, learn about conservation and take part in interactive displays, while ages 14 and older can tour the Kay Bailey Hutchison Desalination Plant.
- When: 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 19
- Where: TecH2O Water Resources Learning Center, 10751 Montana Ave.
- Cost: Free
- Information: tech2o.org
Way Out West Festival featuring Cole Swindell
Way Out West Fest returns to Downtown El Paso with a full day of country music, food and regional competitions celebrating Borderplex culture. The festival features headliner Cole Swindell, along with the Chili Challenge, Quest for the Best Margarita Contest and other attractions highlighting the flavors and traditions of the region.
- When: 5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 26
- Where: El Paso Convention Center, 1 Civic Center Plaza
- Cost: Tickets start at $55.30
- Information: epwayoutwest.com
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
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: To be announced
- Information: El Paso Zoo Facebook
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
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
The post Third Thursdays brings arts Downtown, El Fresco closes summer season appeared first on El Paso Matters.
Read: Read More