Here’s a roundup of some culture and civic events in the borderland in the coming week.
‘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
A piece from the group exhibition dubbed “The Edge is a Center” at UTEP’s Stanlee and Gerald Rubin Center for the Visual Arts. (Courtesy Rubin Center)
‘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
“Early Citizens,” and illustration by renowned El Paso artist Tom Lea, is among the works featured in William W. Mills’ “Forty Years at El Paso, 1858-1898.” (Courtesy Tom Lea Institute)
‘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
Zoomba at the El Paso Zoo
A members-only dance fitness class held at the El Paso Zoo, offering participants a one-hour workout with a private view of the zebra exhibit. Children ages 5 and older are welcome, with activities provided during the class. Advance RSVP is required.
When: 10-11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 31
Where: El Paso Zoo, 4001 E. Paisano Drive
Cost: Free with zoo membership
Information: elpasozoo.org
Peak Challenge: North Franklin Peak
A strenuous, guided hike that takes participants from the West Cottonwood Springs trailhead along a steep, rocky ridgeline to North Franklin Peak, the highest point in Franklin Mountains State Park, offering 360-degree views of El Paso, New Mexico and Mexico. Organizers note the roughly 8-mile trek is physically demanding and requires adequate footwear and water.
When: 8:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 1
Where: West Cottonwood Springs Trailhead, Franklin Mountains State Park, 2900 Tom Mays Access Road
Cost: $5 (ages 13 and older); free for Texas State Park Pass holders and children 5–12
Information: 915-444-9100
Coffee at the Trail
A morning open house at the El Paso Mission Trail Association’s Mission Valley Visitor Center, offering visitors an opportunity to tour the center’s gallery and exhibits. The event also includes a silent auction and light refreshments.
When: 10 a.m.-noon Saturday, Jan. 31
Where: Mission Valley Visitor Center, 9065 Alameda Ave.
Cost: Free
Information: elpasomissions.org
The Wedding Expo
A regional wedding showcase bringing together vendors, entertainment and prize raffles, with activities scheduled throughout the afternoon. The event includes food, music and a bridal squad costume contest, with winners announced during the expo.
When: Noon-4 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 1
Where: Epic Railyard Event Center, 2201 E. Mills Ave.
Cost: Free
Information: theweddingexpo.org
Coming Up
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
2026 El Paso Black Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony and Gala
The El Paso Black Hall of Fame will host its second annual induction ceremony honoring 15 individuals and one organization for community impact, professional achievement and sustained contributions to the region. The event will also recognize legacy leaders posthumously, with El Paso’s first Black fire chief, Jonathan P. Killings, receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award.
When: 6-9:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 7, 2026 (doors open 5:30 p.m.)
Where: Starlight Event Center, 6650 Continental Drive
Cost: $100 (tables available)
Information: blackhof.com
A pair of black-necked stilts feed in a wetland cell at Rio Bosque Wetlands Park, May 13, 2024. (Corrie Boudreaux/El Paso Matters)
Rio Bosque Birding Tours
A guided birding walk through the wetlands at Rio Bosque, offering participants an opportunity to observe wildlife across varied habitats along marked, hard-surface trails. The site includes restroom access and dogs are permitted.
When: 8 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 14
Where: Rio Bosque Wetlands, 10716 Socorro Road; meet at the bridge crossing the Riverside Canal
Cost: Free
Information: 915-861-4361
EPCF Jewel Box Series: ‘Kid Turboni Brings the Rain’
The El Paso Community Foundation’s Jewel Box Series continues with “Kid Turboni Brings the Rain,” presented by Somos Performance Group. The production is part of the series’ ongoing effort to showcase locally produced theater and performance works in the intimate Philanthropy Theatre at the Plaza Theatre Performing Arts Centre.
When: 7 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 14, and 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 15
Where: Philanthropy Theatre, Plaza Theatre Performing Arts Centre, 125 W. Mills Ave.
Cost: $18-$19
Information: 915-231-1100 or epcf.org
Mark Your Calendar
‘Strangers in Our Own Land’ opening reception
The Stanleey and Gerald Rubin Center for the Visual Arts on the University of Texas at El Paso campus will host an opening reception for a solo exhibition by El Paso-based mixed-media artist Cynthia Gutierrez-Krapp. The exhibition presents new and recent work, including large-scale glass bead and handmade clay bead weavings that explore memory, place and cultural lineage, with a focus on the layered histories of the borderland.
When: 5-7:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 19
Where: Stanlee and Gerald Rubin Center for the Visual Arts, 720 Dawson Road
Cost: Free
Information: utep.edu
Discover E Engineers Week
El Paso Water will host a free, family-friendly event highlighting engineering through hands-on activities and interactive challenges aimed at children ages 5 and older. The event focuses on introducing participants to engineering concepts, including the role engineers play in water systems and infrastructure, with prizes, drawings and food vendors available.
When: 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 21
Where: TechH2O Center, 10751 Montana Ave.
Cost: Free
Information: tech2o.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 El Paso Mexican American Cultural Center.
When: 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 21
Where: Mexican American Cultural Center, 201 E. Franklin Ave.
Cost: Free
Information: utep.edu
Michelob Ultra El Paso Marathon
The annual Michelob Ultra El Paso Marathon returns to Downtown El Paso, drawing runners from throughout the region and beyond for a 26.2-mile race through the city. The event also includes a half marathon and a 5K run/walk, offering options for participants at different experience levels.
When: 7 a.m. Sunday, Feb. 22
Where: Downtown El Paso
Cost: $140 registration fee plus service fees; price increases after Feb. 20
Information: elpasomarathon.org
Change Makers 2026: Women in the Arts
The annual Women’s History Month celebration presented by Progress321 and El Paso Matters this year will honor women whose creative work or advocacy has shaped the arts across the El Paso borderland, including artists, musicians, writers, performers, filmmakers, designers and arts supporters. Nominations for Change Makers 2026 are open through Friday, Feb. 21.
When: Thursday, March 26
Where: Mexican American Cultural Center, 201 E. Franklin Ave.
Cost: To be announced
Information: El Paso Matters Events
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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: General ticket sales at livenation.com
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