![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Hodari-EP-Zoo-Lion.jpg\")
Hodari, the El Paso Zoo\u2019s African lion, \u2018smiles\u2019 for the camera. (Courtesy El Paso Zoo)<\/p>\nHere\u2019s a roundup of some culture and civic events in the borderland in the coming week.<\/p>\n
Big Game Prediction at El Paso Zoo<\/p>\n
Hodari, the El Paso Zoo\u2019s African lion, \u2018smiles\u2019 for the camera. (Courtesy El Paso Zoo)<\/p>\n
The El Paso Zoo will host a public animal enrichment event in which Hodari, an African lion, will \u201cpredict\u201d the Super Bowl LX winner by choosing between two helmet-shaped pi\u00f1atas representing the competing teams \u2013 the Seattle Seahawks and the New England Patriots. As part of the zoo\u2019s enrichment program, both pi\u00f1atas will be filled with identical treats and placed in the habitat by zookeepers. The event will also be streamed live on Facebook.<\/p>\n
When: 3:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 7<\/p>\n
Where: El Paso Zoo, 4001 E. Paisano Drive<\/p>\n
Cost: $8.95-$15.95<\/p>\n
Information: elpasozoo.org<\/a><\/p>\n Black History Month at the Downtown Visitor Center<\/p>\n A Black History Month speaker series continues at the Downtown Visitor Center with weekly Sunday programs highlighting local voices and community leadership. The Feb. 8 event will feature Michael EP Davis of the Eastside Central Coalition, with remarks focused on community history, civic engagement and local perspectives.<\/p>\n When: 2-4 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 8<\/p>\n Where: Visitor Information Center, 1 Civic Center Plaza<\/p>\n Cost: Free<\/p>\n READ MORE: Black History Month events honor El Paso\u2019s Black legacy<\/a><\/p>\n 3rd Annual Black History Tour<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n When: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 7<\/p>\n Where: Tour meets at McCall Neighborhood Center, 3231 Wyoming Ave.<\/p>\n Cost: Free<\/p>\n Information: mccallcenter.org<\/a><\/p>\n 2026 El Paso Black Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony and Gala<\/p>\n 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\u2019s first Black fire chief, Jonathan P. Killings, receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award.<\/p>\n When: 6-9:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 7, 2026 (doors open 5:30 p.m.)<\/p>\n Where: Starlight Event Center, 6650 Continental Drive<\/p>\n Cost: $100 (tables available)<\/p>\n Information: blackhof.com<\/a><\/p>\n Coming Up<\/p>\n El Paso Museum of Art Grand Reopening<\/p>\n The El Paso Museum of Art will reopen to the public following a temporary closure for building improvements that began Oct. 1, 2025. The reopening marks the start of a new exhibition cycle, with several major shows scheduled to debut later in 2026, including \u201cDesert Rinpa\u201d by Mitsumasa Overstreet, \u201cFrida Kahlo \u2013 Sus Fotos,\u201d \u201cSuzi Davidoff: Wander\u201d and projects presented by RAZI Projects.<\/p>\n When: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 14<\/p>\n Where: El Paso Museum of Art, 1 Arts Festival Plaza<\/p>\n Cost: Free<\/p>\n Information: epma.art<\/a><\/p>\n Rio Bosque Birding Tours<\/p>\n A guided birding walk through the wetlands at Rio Bosque Wetlands, offering participants an opportunity to observe wildlife across varied habitats along marked, hard-surface trails. The site includes restroom access and dogs are permitted.<\/p>\n When: 8 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 14<\/p>\n Where: Rio Bosque Wetlands, 10716 Socorro Road; meet at the bridge crossing the Riverside Canal<\/p>\n Cost: Free<\/p>\n Information: 915-861-4361<\/p>\n Kids\u2019 Conservation Ball<\/p>\n The El Paso Zoo will host its annual Kids\u2019 Conservation Ball, a family-focused event highlighting the zoo\u2019s conservation work through interactive activities, music and educational programming. Activities will take place at the Event Pavilion and throughout the Africa section, with opportunities for children to engage with zookeepers, visit informational booths and participate in arts and crafts.<\/p>\n When: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 14<\/p>\n Where: El Paso Zoo, 4001 E. Paisano Drive<\/p>\n Cost: $8.95-$15.95<\/p>\n Information: elpasozoo.org<\/a><\/p>\n EPCF Jewel Box Series: \u2018Kid Turboni Brings the Rain\u2019<\/p>\n The El Paso Community Foundation\u2019s Jewel Box Series continues with \u201cKid Turboni Brings the Rain,\u201d presented by Somos Performance Group. The production is part of the series\u2019 ongoing effort to showcase locally produced theater and performance works in the intimate Philanthropy Theatre at the Plaza Theatre Performing Arts Centre.<\/p>\n When: 7 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 14, and 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 15<\/p>\n Where: Philanthropy Theatre, Plaza Theatre Performing Arts Centre, 125 W. Mills Ave.<\/p>\n Cost: $18-$19<\/p>\n Information: 915-231-1100 or epcf.org<\/a><\/p>\n Mark Your Calendar<\/p>\n \u2018Strangers in Our Own Land\u2019 opening reception<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n When: 5-7:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 19<\/p>\n Where: Stanlee and Gerald Rubin Center for the Visual Arts, 720 Dawson Road<\/p>\n Cost: Free<\/p>\n Information: utep.edu<\/a><\/p>\n Discover E Engineers Week<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n When: 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 21<\/p>\n Where: TechH2O Center, 10751 Montana Ave.<\/p>\n Cost: Free<\/p>\n Information: tech2o.org<\/a><\/p>\n The Art and Flavor of Desert Foods at the MACC<\/p>\n A hands-on community workshop exploring the region\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n When: 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 21<\/p>\n Where: Mexican American Cultural Center, 201 E. Franklin Ave.<\/p>\n Cost: Free<\/p>\n Information: utep.edu<\/a><\/p>\n \u2018Stories We Need \u2014 Reading in a Time of Censorship\u2019<\/p>\n An exhibit at the El Paso Holocaust Museum and Study Center will highlight books that reflect diverse voices, histories and lived experiences, with a focus on acclaimed titles that have faced challenges or removal. The exhibit explores how reading fosters understanding and empathy by encouraging audiences to engage with perspectives shaped by fear, misunderstanding and resistance to censorship.<\/p>\n When: 1-5 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 21<\/p>\n Where: El Paso Holocaust Museum, 715 N. Oregon St.<\/p>\n Cost: Free<\/p>\n Information: elpasoholocaustmuseum.org<\/a><\/p>\n Michelob Ultra El Paso Marathon<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n When: 7 a.m. Sunday, Feb. 22<\/p>\n Where: Downtown El Paso<\/p>\n Cost: $140 registration fee plus service fees; price increases after Feb. 20<\/p>\n Information: elpasomarathon.org<\/a><\/p>\n Keystone Craft and Culture Market<\/p>\n A community market highlighting local artisans, plant vendors and food sellers, with family-friendly activities throughout the morning. The event brings together makers and small businesses offering handmade crafts, specialty foods and beverages at Keystone Heritage Park.<\/p>\n When: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 22<\/p>\n Where: Keystone Heritage Park, 4200 Doniphan Drive<\/p>\n Cost: Free<\/p>\n Information: keystoneheritagepark.com<\/a><\/p>\n Downtown Lunar New Year Celebration<\/p>\n A family-friendly celebration marking the start of the Lunar New Year and the arrival of spring, featuring hands-on activities, cultural performances and vendors from Asian-owned businesses offering food and cultural items. The 2026 celebration will take place across multiple sites in Downtown El Paso and will highlight traditions observed in countries including China, Korea and Vietnam. The 2026 Lunar New Year corresponds with the Year of the Horse.<\/p>\n When: Noon-5 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 28<\/p>\n Where: Downtown Arts District, including the El Paso Museum of History, Mexican American Cultural Center and Cleveland Square Park<\/p>\n Cost: Free<\/p>\n Information: elpasotexas.gov<\/a><\/p>\n Change Makers 2026: Women in the Arts<\/p>\n The annual Women\u2019s 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<\/a> are open through Friday, Feb. 21.<\/p>\n When: Thursday, March 26<\/p>\n Where: Mexican American Cultural Center, 201 E. Franklin Ave.<\/p>\n Cost: To be announced<\/p>\n Information: El Paso Matters Events\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n READ MORE: Global K-pop superstars BTS announce Sun Bowl Stadium concerts in El Paso for 2026 tour<\/a><\/p>\n BTS at Sun Bowl Stadium<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/EPFD-Chief-Kilings.jpg\")
El Paso Fire Chief Jonathan Killings<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Mitsu_2.jpg\")
\u201cDesert Rinpa\u201d by Mitsumasa Overstreet, an an ode to the desert southwest and the cultural influence of his Japanese ancestry, is among the exhibits slated to show at the El Paso Museum of Art in 2026. (Courtesy Mitsumasa Overstreet)<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/CB_RioBosque-0725.jpg\")
A pair of black-necked stilts feed in a wetland cell at Rio Bosque Wetlands Park, May 13, 2024. (Corrie Boudreaux\/El Paso Matters)<\/p>\n