El Paso Matters – Third Thursdays, Party on the Plaza lead packed week of Borderland events

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

Third Thursdays in the Downtown Arts District

The Downtown Arts District will once again host its monthly Third Thursdays celebration, with museums, cultural institutions and community organizations offering extended hours, special programming and activities. The free event also features an artisan market, live music, food vendors and community booths throughout the district.

When: 5-9 p.m. Thursday, July 16
Where: Downtown Arts District, One Civic Center Plaza and participating locations throughout Downtown El Paso
Cost: Free
Information: epmcad.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

Plaza Classic Film Festival

The Plaza Classic Film Festival returns July 16-26 to Downtown El Paso with more than 100 films, celebrity appearances, lectures, concerts and free events at the Plaza Theatre and other venues. The 11-day festival will feature appearances by Ann-Margret and Gregory Nava, silent films accompanied on the Plaza Theatre’s restored pipe organ, family favorites, Hollywood classics, local productions and outdoor screenings. A full schedule and festival highlights are available in El Paso Matters’ Plaza Classic Film Festival guide.

When: “Mr. Smith Goes to Washington,” 3 p.m. Thursday, July 16; “American Graffiti,” 7 p.m. Thursday, July 16
Where: Plaza Theatre, 125 W. Mills Ave.
Cost: $6 for “Mr. Smith Goes to Washington”; $20 for “American Graffiti”
Information: plazaclassic.com

El Fresco: All Stars — Noche de Cumbias

Part of the city’s El Fresco Music Series, this free outdoor concert will bring the sounds of cumbia to Convention Center Plaza as part of the 2026 “El Fresco All Stars” lineup celebrating local performers. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and enjoy food vendors, drinks and artisan booths.

When: 6 p.m. Friday, July 17
Where: Convention Center Plaza, 1 Civic Center Plaza
Cost: Free
Information: elpasolive.com

Back-to-School Family Symposium

Emergence Health Network and its Child and Adolescent Clinic will host a free Back-to-School Family Symposium to help families prepare for the new school year with a focus on youth mental health and emotional well-being. The event includes school supplies while they last, community resources, hands-on activities, backpacks, parent giveaways and information on behavioral health services available in the community.

When: 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, July 18
Where: El Paso Starlight Event Center, 6650 Continental Drive, sixth floor
Cost: Free
Information: emergencehealthnetwork.org

The 55-acre Chamizal National Memorial in El Paso sits immediately against the U.S.–Mexico border, with its southern limit defined by the concrete-lined Rio Grande channel, directly across from Ciudad Juárez’s Parque Público Federal El Chamizal. (Courtesy National Parks Service/Chamizal National Memorial)

Remapping the Chamizal with Dr. Alana de Hinojosa

Keystone Heritage Park will host a presentation by historian Alana de Hinojosa exploring the history and lasting impact of the Chamizal Dispute, the decadeslong border conflict that reshaped El Paso and Ciudad Juárez. The program will examine how the shifting Rio Grande altered the international boundary and displaced local families.

When: 7 p.m. Friday, July 17
Where: Keystone Heritage Park, 4200 Doniphan Drive
Cost: Free for Keystone Heritage Park members; $5 for nonmembers
Information: keystoneheritagepark.com

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

The interior of the Magoffin Home, a state historic site in South-Central El Paso. The adobe homestead tells the stories of the Magoffins, a multicultural family that influenced the development of the Southwest borderlands. (Courtesy Texas Historical Commission)

Magoffin Home Hard Hat Tours

Visitors can go behind the scenes at the historic Magoffin Home during special hard hat tours showcasing the ongoing adobe restoration project. Space is limited, advance reservations are required, and participants must wear closed-toe shoes and long pants while hard hats are provided.

When: 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 15.
Where: Magoffin Home State Historic Site, 1120 Magoffin Ave.
Cost: $7 adults; $6 seniors; $4 students
Information: thc.texas.gov

I-10 Band 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.; I-10 Band at 7 p.m. Thursday, July 16
Where: McKelligon Canyon Amphitheatre, McKelligon Canyon Road
Cost: Free
Information: Cool Canyon Nights Instagram

Parks After Sunset: ‘Stitch Head’

El Paso County’s free “Parks After Sunset” series wraps up July 17 with an outdoor screening of “Stitch Head” at Ascarate Park. Families are encouraged to bring swimsuits, towels, blankets and lawn chairs to enjoy splash pad activities before the movie. The event also includes free pet microchipping 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, July 17
Where: Ascarate Park, 6900 Delta Drive
Cost: Free
Information: epcounty.com

EPCC’s ‘Taming of the Shrew’

El Paso Community College Theatre presents 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 through July 19 and feature a cast largely made up of EPCC students.

When: 7 p.m. Friday-Saturday July 17-18; 2 p.m. Sunday, July 19
Where: Forum Theatre, EPCC Transmountain Campus, 9570 Gateway North Blvd.
Cost: One non-perishable food item per person
Information: epcc.edu/Academics/Theater

‘Viva! El Paso’

The outdoor theatrical production “Viva! El Paso” continues at 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 through Aug. 2
Where: McKelligon Canyon Amphitheatre, McKelligon Canyon Road
Cost: $32.50
Information: ticketmaster.com

Coming Up

After Hours at La Nube: Country Lights

La Nube will transform into a country-themed, adults-only venue for an evening of live music, line dancing, karaoke and hands-on STEAM activities. The age 21-and-older event also features a mechanical bull, food and drinks, with an optional VIP experience that includes tequila tastings, exclusive performances and access to a private terrace.

When: 7-10 p.m. Friday, July 24
Where: La Nube, 201 W. Main Drive
Cost: $45 general admission; $40 members; $60 VIP
Information: la-nube.org

Movies at the Park: ‘Tangled’

The city of El Paso’s Movies at the Park series will continue July 24 with a free screening of Disney’s “Tangled.” The outdoor movie series, now in its second season, runs through Sept. 4 with family-friendly films at parks across the city. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, blankets and snacks.

When: 8 p.m. Friday, July 24
Where: Chuck Heinrich Memorial Park, 11055 Loma del Norte Drive
Cost: Free
Information: elpasotexas.gov

“Tirando Tiempo (Doing Time),” a 1992 piece by renowned El Paso artist Gaspar Enriquez, is among the pieces that will be showcased at the “America, The Beautiful: Selections from the Zoe Diaz Collection” exhibit at he El Paso Museum of Art from July 25, 2026, to Jan. 3, 2027. (Courtesy El Paso Museum of Art)

Museum of Art: ‘America, The Beautiful’ exhibit

The El Paso Museum of Art will open “America, The Beautiful: Selections from the Zoe Diaz Collection” on July 25, featuring works by Mexican American, Chicano and contemporary artists that explore national identity, democracy and life in the U.S.-Mexico borderlands. The exhibition, presented in conjunction with the nation’s 250th anniversary, includes pieces by El Paso artists Adriana Corral, Gaspar Enriquez and Luis A. Jiménez Jr., among others.

When: Opens Saturday, July 25; on view through Jan. 3, 2027
Where: Peter and Margaret de Wetter Gallery, El Paso Museum of Art, 1 Arts Festival Plaza
Cost: Free
Information: epma.art

San Elizario Historic District Guided Walking Tour

The San Elizario Historic District offers free guided walking tours on the fourth Sunday of each month, highlighting the community’s rich history and nationally recognized historic district. Participants will explore historic landmarks during the leisurely 90-minute tour and are encouraged to bring a camera.

When: Noon and 3 p.m. Sunday, July 26 (arrive 15 minutes early)
Where: Main Street Mercantile, 1501 Main St., San Elizario
Cost: Free
Information: sanelizariohistoricdistrict.com

Last Sunday Hike at Agave Loop

Join a park ranger for a guided hike through the western foothills of Franklin Mountains State Park during this monthly outdoor program. The moderate, 1.5-mile trek features scenic overlooks and a return across rocky terrain, with advance reservations required.

When: 7:30-9 a.m. Sunday, July 26
Where: Franklin Mountains State Park, West Cottonwood Spring Trailhead, 2900 Tom Mays Access Road
Cost: $5 for ages 13 and older; free for Texas State Park Pass holders and children 12 and younger
Information: 915-444-9121

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

Mark Your Calendar

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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