Here’s a roundup of some culture and civic events in the borderland in the coming week.
Miffy visits La Nube
The children’s character Miffy will appear at La Nube STEAM Discovery Center as part of a special event marking the museum’s receipt of the 2025 Hands On! International Children in Museums Award. The visit includes scheduled meet-and-greet sessions and recurring photo opportunities throughout the afternoon and evening.
When: 2-7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 15
Where: La Nube STEAM Discovery Center, 201 W. Main Drive
Cost: Not listed
Information: la-nube.org
Zuill Bailey
Zuill Bailey and Friends
The opening week of the El Paso Pro-Musica Chamber Music Festival brings together Grammy winning cellist Zuill Bailey and guest performers including the Vega Quartet, violinists Helen Kim and Yinzi Kong, and pianist and festival director William Ransom for an evening of chamber music aimed at engaging new audiences.
When: 7:30-9 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 14
Where: UTEP Fox Fine Arts Recital Hall
Cost: $5-$25
Information: elpasopromusica.org
The El Paso Museum of History, 510 N. Santa Fe St. (Pablo Villa / El Paso Matters)
Third Thursdays in the Downtown Arts District
A monthly initiative bringing extended hours, special programming and coordinated activities to cultural institutions throughout the Downtown Arts District, where you can experience multiple venues in a single evening. Participating locations include the El Paso Museum of Art, El Paso Museum of History, El Paso Mexican American Cultural Center, El Paso Public Library Main Branch, La Nube STEAM Discovery Center, the Visit El Paso Visitors Information Center, El Paso Community Foundation and the Market EP.
When: 5-7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 15
Where: Locations across the Downtown Arts District
Cost: Free
Information: elpasotexas.gov
Bach’s Lunch at Museum of Art
A midday classical music program hosted by the El Paso Museum of Art at the Mexican American Cultural Center, offering the public an informal concert experience featuring El Paso Pro-Musica’s Zuill Bailey as part of the museum’s offsite programming.
When: Noon-1 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 15
Where: Mexican American Cultural Center, 201 W. Franklin Ave.
Cost: Free
Information: epma.art
The Judson F. Williams Convention Center, center, with the Abraham Chavez Theatre at bottom left, share a shaded plaza. The city recently bought the buildings adjacent to the convention center to expand its footprint. (Corrie Boudreaux/El Paso Matters)
Days of Remembrance Bridal & Quince Expo:
The 36th annual Winter Days of Remembrance Bridal & Quince Expo will bring together brides, quinceañeras and families from across the region for a showcase of more than 75 local vendors, along with entertainment and prize giveaways.
When: 11 a.m. Sunday, Jan. 18
Where: El Paso Convention Center, 1 Civic Center Plaza
Cost: Tickets available online
Information: bridalquinceexpo.com
Local muralist Cesar Inostroza is the fall artist-in-residence at the Chamizal National Memorial. (Courtesy Chamizal National Memorial)
Meet the Artist: Cesar Inostroza
Local muralist Cesar Inostroza, the fall artist-in-residence at the Chamizal National Memorial, will discuss his work and artistic approach during a public meet-and-greet event. Inostroza, an El Paso native raised in Segundo Barrio, is known for large-scale murals that blend 3D sculptural relief, glass mosaic and architectural design while exploring themes of identity, perseverance and community.
When: 11 a.m.-noon Saturday, Jan. 17
Where: Chamizal National Memorial Theater, 800 S. San Marcial St.
Cost: Free
Information: nps.gov
The Run Internacional — U.S.-Mexico 10K
The annual cross-border race, which is sold out for participants, invites spectators to line the course as runners travel through the shared downtowns of El Paso and Ciudad Juárez, passing historic landmarks on both sides of the border. The route includes Southwest University Park, San Jacinto Plaza, Segundo Barrio, the Stanton Street Bridge and several cultural and historical sites in Juárez before finishing atop the Paso del Norte International Bridge.
When: 8 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 17
Where: Starts at the El Paso Community Foundation, 333 N. Oregon St., Downtown El Paso
Cost: Free to watch; race registration sold out
Information: international10k.com
Coming Up
Tom Lea: ‘Brushstrokes from the Frontlines of WWII’
An opening reception for a new exhibition exploring the World War II artwork of El Paso-born artist Tom Lea, featuring 36 framed prints created while he served as LIFE magazine’s first accredited war artist-correspondent. The exhibit includes original sketchbooks and materials from Lea’s wartime service and examines his work across four major theaters of war.
When: 10 a.m.-noon Saturday, Jan. 24
Where: Centennial Museum and Chihuahuan Desert Gardens, 500 W. University Ave.
Cost: Free
Information: tomlea.com
Outdoor Cooking 101:
A hands-on workshop focused on campfire cooking with a Dutch oven, offering participants an opportunity to practice outdoor cooking techniques at Franklin Mountains State Park. Space is limited and advance registration is required.
When: 10 a.m.-noon Saturday, Jan. 24
Where: Franklin Mountains State Park, Visitor Center, 2900 Tom Mays Access Road
Cost: $8 (ages 13 and older); $3 with Texas State Park Pass; $1 (ages 5-12)
Information: tpwd.texas.gov
Philanthropy Theatre. (Courtesy El Paso Live)
EPSO’s ‘Majestic Rhythms’
The El Paso Symphony Orchestra presents a two-night program featuring conductor Bohuslav Rattay and violinist Matthew Vera, with works by Alberto Ginastera, Édouard Lalo and Ferde Grofé. A pre-concert “Opening Notes” talk with Nathan Black begins at 6:30 p.m. each evening in the Philanthropy Theatre.
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday-Saturday, Jan. 23-24
Where: Plaza Theatre, 125 W. Mills Ave.
Cost: $17-$49
Information: epso.org
Mark Your Calendar
‘The Edge is a Center’ at Rubin Center gallery
A group exhibition dubbed “The Edge is a Center” at the Stanlee and Gerald Rubin Center for the Visual Arts explores contemporary graphic design through the work of University of Texas at El Paso alumni whose practices span murals, packaging, branding and other forms. The exhibition examines how designers shaped by life along the U.S.-Mexico border navigate and redefine boundaries across cultures, disciplines and media.
When: Opening reception, 5-7:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 29. Exhibit closes April 11
Curator walkthrough: Noon-1 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 11, led by guest curator Ana Gabriela Becerra and senior curator Andres Payan Estrada
Where: Stanlee and Gerald Rubin Center for the Visual Arts, 720 Dawson Road
Cost: Free
Information: utep.edu
‘40 Years in El Paso’: Tom Lea Collection Exhibit
The Plaza Hotel Pioneer Park will unveil Tom Lea’s “W.W. Mills: 40 Years in El Paso” with an opening reception celebrating the hotel’s 95th anniversary. The exhibit features 22 illustrations by Tom Lea along with the original book, presented in partnership with the Tom Lea Institute. Wine and light refreshments will be served, with remarks scheduled for 5:30 p.m.
When: 5-7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 29
Where: Plaza Hotel Pioneer Park, 106 W. Mills Ave.
Cost: Free
Information: tomlea.com
El Paso Opera’s 2025 “Encores and Overtures” performance at the Elmont Special Event Center. (Courtesy El Paso Opera)
‘La Bohème’ with El Paso Opera
Giacomo Puccini’s opera will be presented in a reimagined production at St. Rogers Depot, with the venue transformed into a theatrical space for a limited engagement. The 2026 staging features five performances, including a Sunday matinee, with expanded seating options and tiered ticket pricing.
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 30, with additional performances through Feb. 7
Where: St. Rogers Depot, 420 N. Campbell St.
Cost: Varies
Information: epopera.org
3rd Annual Black History Tour
A daylong community tour highlighting the lives and legacies of prominent Black historical figures connected to El Paso, including Estine Davis, Henry O. Flipper and Dr. Lawrence Nixon. The event is organized by the McCall Neighborhood Center and the Eastside-Central Coalition.
When: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 7
Where: Tour meets at McCall Neighborhood Center, 3231 Wyoming Ave.
Cost: Free
Information: mccallcenter.org
The Art and Flavor of Desert Foods at the MACC
A hands-on community workshop exploring the region’s food traditions as part of the exhibition Les Sembrantes (The Sowers). Participants will learn about desert foodways through guided cooking activities led by local food practitioners, with opportunities to taste, learn and engage with the culinary heritage of the Chihuahuan Desert. The program is presented in collaboration with the Rubin Center for the Visual Arts and the Mexican American Cultural Center.
When: 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026
Where: Mexican American Cultural Center, 201 E. Franklin Ave.
Cost: Free
Information: utep.edu
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BTS at Sun Bowl Stadium
Global K-pop superstars BTS will make their first appearance in El Paso as part of their 2026 world tour, performing two nights at Sun Bowl Stadium. The shows mark the group’s return to the stage following a multi-year hiatus while members completed mandatory military service in South Korea.
When: Saturday-Sunday, May 2-3
Where: Sun Bowl Stadium, 2701 Sun Bowl Drive
Cost: Ticket prices to be announced
Information: Presale begins 3 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 22; general sale begins 3 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 24 at livenation.com
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