Here’s a roundup of some culture and civic events in the borderland in the coming week.
Poppies Fest Events
Poppies Fest
A multi-day festival celebrating Castner Range National Monument and the portion of the landscape open to the public, Poppies Fest brings together local artisans, vendors and performers while highlighting Native American voices, traditions and land stewardship.
Danza Azteca Tlaneztica performs at Native American Day during Poppies Fest at the El Paso Archaeology Museum. (Courtesy El Paso Archaeology Museum)
Organized by the El Paso Museum of Archaeology, the 2026 edition introduces a new festival-weekend format in March featuring hands-on activities, with participation from the Mexican American Cultural Center, El Paso Museum of Art, El Paso Museum of History and GECU.
When: Friday-Sunday, March 13-15; 5-9 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Sunday
Where: El Paso Museum of Archaeology, 4301 Woodrow Bean Transmountain Road
Cost: Free
Information: epmarch.org
Guided Hiking Tour
The El Paso Museum of Archaeology will host guided hikes across its desert grounds as part of Poppies Fest, offering visitors a chance to explore the landscape and learn about the area’s natural environment. Participants are encouraged to bring water and wear comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen and bug spray.
When: 5, 5:30, 6, 6:30 p.m. Thursday, March 12
Where: El Paso Museum of Archaeology, 4301 Woodrow Bean Transmountain Drive
Cost: Free
Information: epmarch.org
Weekend Performances
Poppies Fest will feature a weekend of cultural performances, dance and live music at the El Paso Museum of Archaeology as part of the annual spring celebration tied to the blooming of Mexican gold poppies in the Franklin Mountains. Performances will take place throughout the weekend, with Sangre Gitana closing Friday’s lineup and Mariachi Excelencia headlining Saturday’s performances.
When: Daily headline performances from Sangre Gitana, 7:30 p.m. Friday, March 13; Mariachi Excelencia, 6 p.m. Saturday, March 14; and Lucha League, noon Sunday, March 15
Where: El Paso Museum of Archaeology, 4301 Woodrow Bean Transmountain Drive
Cost: Free
Information and complete schedule: epmarch.org
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Coming Up
Third Thursdays in the Downtown Arts District
A monthly event featuring extended hours at cultural institutions across the Downtown Arts District, with special programming, an artisan market, live music, food and community organization booths. Participating sites include the El Paso Museum of Art, El Paso Museum of History and other downtown venues.
When: 5-9 p.m. Thursday, March 19
Where: Downtown Arts District, One Civic Center Plaza and surrounding locations
Cost: Free
Information: epmcad.org
Biribá Union features Mike Block (cello, vocals), Christylez Bacon (beatbox, guitar, rhymes) and Patricia Ligia (electric bass, vocals). (Courtesy Biribá Union)
El Paso Pro-Musica presents ‘The Biriba Union’
The El Paso Pro-Musica concert series will feature the Biriba Union, an ensemble led by cellist Mike Block of the Silk Road Project. The trio blends original compositions with influences from Brazilian and Latin American traditions, hip-hop and American roots music, with an emphasis on jazz improvisation. The group will also perform at the free Bach’s Lunch program at noon Friday, March 20, at the El Paso Museum of Art, 1 Arts Festival Plaza.
When: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, March 21
Where: UTEP Fox Fine Arts Recital Hall, 500 W. University Ave.
Cost: $25 adults; $20 seniors/military; $5 students
Information: elpasopromusica.org
Landscape Expo
El Paso Water will host its annual Landscape Expo, offering guidance on water-smart landscaping for homes in the desert environment. The free, family-friendly event will feature landscape experts sharing tips on irrigation, plant selection and sustainable garden design, along with interactive garden activities for children, soil testing information and “ask the expert” resource tables.
When: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, March 21
Where: Tech2O Center, 10751 Montana Ave.
Cost: Free
Information: tech2o.org
Mark Your Calendar
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.
Amanda Ekery
Featured speaker is Grammy-nominated instrumentalist, vocalist and composer Amanda Ekery, who grew up in El Paso.
El Paso Chihuahuas’ mascot Chico, left, with Ozzy of the El Paso Locomotive FC ahead of the teams’ 2026 season. (Courtesy El Paso Chihuahuas)
El Paso Locomotive Kids Day
El Paso Locomotive FC will host Las Vegas Lights FC at Southwest University Park for a Kids Day match. The event will include family-focused activities and an Ozzy blanket giveaway while supplies last.
When: 7 p.m. Saturday, April 4
Where: Southwest University Park, 1 Ballpark Plaza
Cost: $12-$45
Information: mlb.tickets.com
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El Paso Chihuahuas Opening Day
The El Paso Chihuahuas open their 2026 home season at Southwest University Park with a matchup against the Albuquerque Isotopes, the Triple-A affiliate of the Colorado Rockies. Fans attending the season opener can receive a rally towel at the gates and a magnet schedule giveaway after the game.
When: 6:35 p.m. Tuesday, April 7
Where: Southwest University Park, 1 Ballpark Plaza, Downtown El Paso
Cost: $19-$73
Information: milb.com
Community Planting at La Semilla
A community gathering to mark the planting season at La Semilla Community Farm, featuring a guided planting activity led by farm staff, along with performances, food and a collective blessing of the land. The event, part of the “Les Sembrantes (The Sowers)” exhibition organized by the Stanlee and Gerald Rubin Center for the Visual Arts, brings together farmers and food culture practitioners of all ages.
When: 8:30 a.m.-noon Saturday, April 11
Where: La Semilla Community Farm, 350 Our Wy Rd, Anthony, New Mexico
Cost: Free
Information:La Semilla Community Farm
Borderland BeerFest 2026
DeadBeach Brewery will host the return of Borderland BeerFest, a free-admission craft beer festival featuring breweries from Texas, New Mexico and California, along with food vendors, artisan booths and live entertainment. The all-ages event will offer beer tastings and full pours through a drink ticket system, with non-alcoholic options also available.
When: Noon-10 p.m. Saturday, April 11
Where: DeadBeach Brewery, 3200 Durazno Ave.
Cost: Free admission; drink tickets available for purchase
Information: deadbeach.com
Lea the Owl, the El Paso Public Library ambassador, at the 2024 Día de los Niños / Día de los Libros celebration. (Courtesy El Paso Public Library)
Dia de Los Niños / Dia de Los Libros
The city’s annual Día de los Niños / Día de los Libros celebration marks its 30th anniversary with a day of family-friendly activities promoting literacy and culture. The event begins with a neighborhood parade and continues with games, booths and community activities organized by the El Paso Public Library and Parks and Recreation Department.
When: 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, April 25
Where: Pavo Real Park and Recreation Center, 9301 Alameda Ave.
Cost: Free
Information: elpasolibrary.org
Taste of El Paso Festival
The second annual Taste of El Paso Festival will bring together local restaurants, food trucks and breweries for a daylong celebration of regional cuisine, craft beer and live music in Northeast El Paso. Organizers say the event will feature more than 20 food vendors, regional beers on draft and cultural activities throughout the day.
When: 2-10 p.m. Saturday, April 25
Where: NEEP Collective, 8144 Dyer St.
Cost: Admission from $15; all ages
Information: Taste of El Paso Instagram
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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: Sold out. Tickets available on secondary markets.
Post Malone and Jelly Roll at Sun Bowl
Chart-topping artists Post Malone and Jelly Roll will bring their Big Ass Stadium Tour Part 2 to El Paso, with Carter Faith joining the lineup. The stadium tour follows the success of the duo’s first joint run.
When: Wednesday, May 13
Where: Sun Bowl Stadium, 2701 Sun Bowl Drive
Cost: Prices start at $98
Information: Tickets on sale via Ticketmaster
Banana Ball Exhibition Games
Banana Ball — a fast-paced baseball format known for its entertainment-focused rules and fan interaction — will bring two exhibition games to El Paso as the Texas Tailgaters face the Firefighters at Southwest University Park.
When: Friday-Saturday, May 15-16
Where: Southwest University Park, 1 Ballpark Plaza
Cost: Prices start at $35
Information: bananaball.com
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