Here’s a roundup of some culture and civic events in the borderland in the coming week.
New Year’s Eve Star Drop at San Jacinto Plaza
The city of El Paso and event producer In Blume will host the New Year’s Eve El Paso Star Drop on Wednesday, Dec. 31, at San Jacinto Plaza, offering a free, family-friendly celebration to close out the year.
The event runs from 8 p.m. to midnight and will feature a new 30-foot illuminated star, live music, DJs and a community countdown to 2026, powered by El Paso Electric. Performers include DJ G Cue, Lucha Lucha, International Sonora Skandalo and DJ Johnny Kage.
Information: El Paso WinterFest Instagram.
The New Year’s Eve Star Drop, a collaboration of the city of El Paso and In Blume, features a 30-foot Star Drop honoring the El Paso community. (Courtesy El Paso WinterFest)
Arizona State University and Duke University will meet in the annual Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl at noon Wednesday, Dec. 31, at Sun Bowl Stadium. (Courtesy Sun Bowl Association)
Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl
Arizona State University and Duke University will meet in the annual Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl at noon Wednesday, Dec. 31, at Sun Bowl Stadium, marking the 92nd edition of one of college football’s longest-running postseason traditions.
The Blue Devils (8-5) enter the game as champions of the Atlantic Coast Conference while the Sun Devils (8-4) finished sixth in the Big 12 Conference and are a year removed from a berth in the College Football Playoff.
The pre-game fan party kicks off at 8:30 a.m. just outside Sun Bowl Stadium and will feature food, drinks and family-friendly entertainment. Admission to the fan party is free and open to the public.
Information and tickets: sunbowl.org
WinterFest events
• The Rink: WinterFest’s ice skating rink welcomes skaters through Sunday, Jan. 4, outside the El Paso Convention Center, 1 Civic Center Plaza. The Rink at WinterFest, presented by GECU, is free to view and costs $12 for those who want to skate. Regular hours run evenings Monday through Friday and expand on weekends, with extended daytime hours during the December holiday period. Hours, FAQ and more: epwinterfest.com/the-rink
• Holiday Fiestas: Holiday Fiestas bring regional performers to the stage at San Jacinto Plaza each weekend, with shows presented by the city’s Parks and Recreation Department in front of the Lagartos sculpture. The series concludes this weekend with 915 LGNDZ and the Roulettes performing Friday, Jan. 2; Orgullo De Mi Tierra and Mariachi Alba de Mexico perform Saturday, Jan. 3, and Sound Stage 9 Rock Band and NightBird perform Sunday, Jan. 4. Information and schedule: epwinterfest.com
Coming Up
• Jewel Box Series: The El Paso Community Foundation’s Jewel Box Series will return to the Philanthropy Theatre from January through May 2026, presenting a slate of locally produced theater, music and performance works in an intimate venue at the Plaza Theatre Performing Arts Centre, 125 W. Mills Ave. The season includes productions by SOMOS Performance Group, Eden Performing Arts, Next Stage Theatre Co. and Kessto Kreatures, with performances scheduled on select weekends between Jan. 11 and May 17. The series is designed to showcase community talent in a 195-seat theater setting, with most performances beginning at 2:30 or 7 p.m. depending on the date. Information and tickets: elpasolive.com
Mark Your Calendar
• Days of Remembrance Bridal & Quince Expo: The 36th Annual Winter Days of Remembrance Bridal & Quince Expo is scheduled for 11 a.m. Sunday, Jan. 18, 2026, at the El Paso Convention Center, 1 Civic Center Plaza. The event is expected to draw brides, quinceañeras and families from throughout the region and will feature more than 75 local vendors, along with entertainment and prize giveaways. Tickets are now on sale online. Information: bridalquinceexpo.com
• Outdoor Cooking 101: Outdoor Cooking 101, a hands-on workshop focused on campfire cooking with a Dutch oven, is scheduled from 10 a.m. to noon Jan. 24, 2026, at Franklin Mountains State Park, 2900 Tom Mays Access Road. Participants will practice outdoor cooking techniques during the session, which meets at the park’s visitor center. Admission is $8 for individuals age 13 and older, $3 for Texas State Park Pass holders, and $1 for children ages 5-12. Space is limited, and registration must be completed by noon Jan. 17 by calling 915-444-9121. Attendees are encouraged to bring water and wear comfortable clothing. Information: tpwd.texas.gov
• EPSO’s ‘Majestic Rhythms’:The El Paso Symphony Orchestra will present “Majestic Rhythms” at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 23-24, 2026, at the Plaza Theatre, 125 W. Mills Ave., featuring conductor Bohuslav Rattay and violinist Matthew Vera. The program includes Alberto Ginastera’s “Four Dances from Estancia,” Édouard Lalo’s “Symphonie espagnole in D minor,” Op. 21, and Ferde Grofé’s “Grand Canyon Suite.” A pre-concert Opening Notes talk with Nathan Black is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. in the Philanthropy Theatre. Tickets range from $17 to $49, and the venue’s clear bag policy will be enforced. Information and tickets: epso.org
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