Here’s a roundup of some culture and civic events in the borderland in the coming week.
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
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
Bob Snead was one of El Paso’s best-known artists of the 1980s and ’90s. (Photo courtesy of Snead family)
Bob Snead Street Dedication Ceremony
El Paso County will formally recognize Robert “Bob” Snead — a decorated combat aviator, Western artist, actor and historian of the Buffalo Soldiers — with a public street dedication ceremony honoring his decades-long impact on the community.
‘New Year, New Trees’ Community Planting
El Paso County Parks and Recreation is launching its 2026 “New Year, New Trees” initiative with community planting events aimed at expanding shade and green space across the county. Volunteers are being invited to help plant trees at sites throughout the county, starting with Tornillo Trail in Coyote Park, part of a broader push that aligns with similar efforts such as the city of El Paso’s 915 Tree Keepers program.
Coming Up
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
‘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
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
Mark Your Calendar
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: $75 early bird; $100 after Dec. 31 (tables available)
Information: blackhof.com
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, 2026
Where: Mexican American Cultural Center, 201 E. Franklin Ave.
Cost: Free
Information: utep.edu
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
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
RelatedEl Paso events: Locos Live, DA candidate forum, Winefest, more
DateOctober 16, 2024El Paso events: Meet El Paso Matters journalists, take in live opera, symphony performances
DateJanuary 22, 2025Earth Day celebrations, Full Moon Fiesta, El Paso Symphony Orchestra concert among El Paso events this week
DateApril 17, 2024
LISTEN: EL PASO MATTERS PODCAST