Here’s a roundup of some culture and civic events in the borderland in the coming week.
El Fresco: All Stars Music Series
The city of El Paso and El Paso Live will launch the 2026 El Fresco Music Series with its “El Paso All Stars” theme, a free outdoor concert series highlighting local talent with themed performances throughout the summer. The opening night will feature a “Disco Fever” theme at the Convention Center Plaza.
When: 6 p.m. Friday, May 8
Where: Convention Center Plaza, 1 Civic Center Plaza
Cost: Free
Information: elpasolive.com
‘Frontera que Late — Pasión por el Fútbol’ exhibition opening
The Consulate General of Mexico in El Paso, in partnership with FC Juárez, will debut an exhibition exploring the history and cultural impact of professional soccer in the border region. The display will feature jerseys, archival materials and photographs highlighting the evolution of the Bravos and Bravas and their role in shaping binational identity.
Cinco de Mayo at the MACC
The Mexican American Cultural Center will host a Cinco de Mayo event exploring the history of the holiday and the cultural traditions of Puebla, Mexico, where the Battle of Puebla took place. The program will include folklórico workshops for children, hands-on crafts, food and performances highlighting regional music and dance.
When: 2-6 p.m. Saturday, May 9
Where: Mexican American Cultural Center, 201 W. Franklin Ave.
Cost: Free
Information: epmacc.org
Flags Across America Patriotic Celebration and Car Show
Flags Across America will host a community celebration honoring veterans at the Old Glory Memorial, featuring a car show, live entertainment, wellness activities and raffles. The family-friendly event includes a veterans recognition program, line dancing and a Tai Chi demonstration throughout the afternoon and evening.
When: 11:30 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday, May 9
Where: Old Glory Memorial, 9550 Gateway North Blvd. (corner of U.S. Highway 54 and Diana Drive)
Cost: Free
Information: oldglorymemorial.org
5K Taco Trot
A 5K run at Fort Bliss will bring participants together for a spring fitness event hosted at the Joshua W. Soto Physical Fitness Center. The event includes a finisher medal for registered runners, with additional options to pre-order event shirts. Participation requires a valid military ID or Fort Bliss Community Access Pass.
When: 9-10 a.m. Saturday, May 9
Where: Joshua W. Soto Physical Fitness Center, 20751 Constitution Drive, Fort Bliss
Cost: $10; late registration and packet pickup, 4:30-6:30 p.m. Thursday-Friday, May 7-8, Soto PFC.
Information: bliss.armymwr.com
Be My Neighbor Day 2026
A free, family-focused event hosted by PBS El Paso and PNC Grow Up Great centered on kindness, community and positive relationships. The event will feature hands-on activities, opportunities to meet community helpers, free books and photo opportunities with characters from “Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood,” including Daniel Tiger and Katerina Kittycat. Attendees are encouraged to bring a small bag of diapers to donate to the El Paso Center for Children.
When: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, May 9
Where: ESC Region 19 Head Start, 11670 Chito Samaniego Drive
Cost: Free
Information: kcostv.org
Coming Up
Cool Canyon Nights
WestStar’s Cool Canyon Nights returns to McKelligon Canyon Amphitheatre for a summer concert series featuring local and regional acts across genres, from mariachi and tribute performances to rock and jazz. The weekly outdoor concerts offer a family-friendly setting with rotating openers and headliners throughout the season. Mariachi Los Arrieros will open the 2026 season May 14.
When: 6 p.m. Thursdays, May 14-July 30 (doors open at 5 p.m.)
Where: McKelligon Canyon Amphitheatre, McKelligon Canyon Road
Cost: Free. VIP seating starts at $30 and includes reserved seating, hors d’oeuvres and a beverage.
Information: Cool Canyon Nights Instagram
Armed Forces Day Parade
A community parade honoring U.S. service members will take place at Fort Bliss, followed by an afternoon of family-friendly activities, including military demonstrations, equipment displays and games.
When: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, May 16
Where: Bliss Smith Field, 220 Sheridan Road, Fort Bliss
Cost: Free
Information: 915-588-8247
RAZI Projects: Rachelle Thiewes and Suzi Davidoff
An evening at the El Paso Museum of Art will feature artists Rachelle Thiewes and Suzi Davidoff as part of the RAZI Projects series. The program includes a moderated artist talk led by Senior Curator Michael Reyes followed by a reception with refreshments and a pop-up presentation.
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: 6 p.m. Friday-Saturday, May 15-16
Where: Southwest University Park, 1 Ballpark Plaza
Cost: Games sold out.
Information: bananaball.com
Jewel Box Series: “An Anansi Experience”
The El Paso Community Foundation’s Jewel Box Series continues with “An Anansi Experience,” a production by Kessto Kreatures that highlights community-based performance in the intimate Philanthropy Theatre at the Plaza Theatre Performing Arts Centre.
When: 2:30 and 7 p.m. Sunday, May 17
Where: Philanthropy Theatre, Plaza Theatre Performing Arts Centre, 125 W. Mills Ave.
Cost: $18.20
Information: epcf.org/jewelboxseries
Third Thursdays in the Downtown Arts District
A monthly initiative invites residents and visitors to explore the Downtown Arts District with extended hours, special programming and activities across participating cultural institutions. The event often includes an artisan market, live music, food vendors and community organization booths.
When: 5-9 p.m. Thursday, May 21
Where: Downtown Arts District, including 1 Civic Center Plaza and surrounding locations
Cost: Free
Information: epmcad.org
Mark Your Calendar
MVPW 03: Han v. Holm 2 and Serrano v. Hanson
Most Valuable Promotions will bring an all-women’s championship boxing card to the El Paso County Coliseum, headlined by a rematch between El Paso native and World Boxing Association lightweight champion Stephanie Han against former UFC bantamweight champion Holly Holm. The event also features Amanda Serrano defending her unified featherweight titles, along with multiple additional title bouts on the card.
When: 3 p.m. Saturday, May 30
Where: El Paso County Coliseum, 4100 E. Paisano Drive
Cost: Starting at $45.35
Information: epcountycoliseum.com
Beauty and the Beast
Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast” will return to the stage as part of a new North American tour, bringing the classic musical to the Plaza Theatre as part of the Broadway in El Paso series. The production features music by Alan Menken, lyrics by Tim Rice and a book by Linda Woolverton, with performances scheduled across multiple dates.
When: June 10-14 (various showtimes)
Where: Plaza Theatre, 125 W. Mills Ave.
Cost: $49.75-$158.60
Information: broadwayinelpaso.com
Viva La Lucha 5K
The third annual Viva La Lucha 5K will bring a lucha libre–themed race to Sunland Park Racetrack & Casino, combining a community run with a festive atmosphere inspired by wrestling culture. The event is open to runners and walkers of all experience levels.
When: 7 a.m.-noon Saturday, June 13
Where: Sunland Park Racetrack & Casino, 1200 Futurity Drive
Cost: $15-$65
Information: eventbrite.com
El Fresco: All Stars — Latina Legends
Part of the city’s El Fresco Music Series, this outdoor concert will highlight local talent with a “Latina Legends” theme at Convention Center Plaza. The free, all-ages event is one of several performances scheduled throughout the summer.
When: 6 p.m. Friday, June 19
Where: Convention Center Plaza, 1 Civic Center Plaza
Cost: Free
Information: elpasolive.com
La Fe Father’s Day 5K Run and Walk
Centro de Salud Familiar La Fe will host its 29th annual Father’s Day 5K community run and walk through Segundo Barrio, with proceeds supporting the La Fe Culture and Technology Center’s cultural, educational and community programs. The 3.1-mile event is open to runners and walkers of all ages.
When: 7:30-10 a.m. Saturday, June 20
Where: La Fe Culture and Technology Center, 721 S. Ochoa St. (rear building)
Cost: $25 early registration; $30 late registration
Information: Centro de Salud Familar La Fe Instagram
Karol G: Tropicoqueta Tour
Colombian singer Karol G will bring her Tropicoqueta Tour to El Paso following her recent Coachella performance, with a stadium show scheduled at Sun Bowl Stadium. The stop is part of a global tour that includes major U.S. and international venues.
When: Sunday, Sept. 6
Where: Sun Bowl Stadium, 2701 Sun Bowl Drive
Cost: Presale begins April 27
Information: shopkarolg.com
El Paso Matters 9.15K
The El Paso Matters 9.15K will return this fall, bringing runners and walkers together for a community-focused race through Downtown El Paso. The event includes a 9.15K run and a 1-mile family walk, with proceeds supporting local journalism and a post-race celebration with awards.
When: 8 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 19 (line-up begins 7 a.m.)
Where: Cleveland Square Park, 510 N. Santa Fe St.
Cost: $40 through June 30
Information: elpasomatters.org/run
Related