Here\u2019s a roundup of some culture and civic events in the borderland in the coming week.<\/p>\n
El Paso Museum of Art Grand Reopening<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/1770819835_798_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
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 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. 15 event will feature Gabriella Reed of the NAACP El Paso branch, with remarks focused on community history, civic engagement and local perspectives.<\/p>\n When: 2-4 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 15<\/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 Maxxwrld: Soul and Music<\/p>\n The International Museum of Art and the El Paso Black Arts Association Inc. will present an afternoon of live music in celebration of Black History Month, featuring performances by Maxxwrld, Texas Hart and Lara Linette. The concert will take place in the EPBAA gallery, which is hosting its annual exhibition highlighting the work of African American artists in the El Paso region.<\/p>\n When: 3-5 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 15<\/p>\n Where: International Museum of Art, 1211 Montana Ave.<\/p>\n Cost: Free<\/p>\n Information: internationalmofart.org<\/a><\/p>\n El Paso Zoo Valentine\u2019s Day Celebration<\/p>\n The El Paso Zoo and Botanical Gardens will host a family-friendly Valentine\u2019s Day event centered on wildlife and conservation, featuring themed activities for children and families. The celebration includes a Kids\u2019 Valentine\u2019s Conservation Ball, craft stations, photo opportunities and opportunities to learn about the Zoo\u2019s conservation work through scheduled keeper talks.<\/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 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 UTEP vs. Oklahoma Softball<\/p>\n The University of Texas at El Paso softball team hosts the University of Oklahoma in a nonconference matchup at the Helen of Troy Softball Complex. The Sooners enter the game ranked No. 3 in the ESPN.com\/USA Softball Collegiate Top 25 Poll and have five players on the USA Softball Collegiate Player of the Year Top 50 Watch List.<\/p>\n When: Noon Sunday, Feb. 15<\/p>\n Where: Helen of Troy Softball Complex, 3480 Sun Bowl Drive<\/p>\n Cost: Sold out<\/p>\n Information: Streaming available on ESPN+<\/a><\/p>\n Coming Up<\/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 Mark Your Calendar<\/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 Losar: Creation of a Tibetan Buddhist Sand Mandala<\/p>\n The El Paso Museum of History will host a live sand mandala installation by Losang Samten, allowing visitors to observe the creation of a medicine Buddha sand mandala, a sacred Tibetan Buddhist art form traditionally associated with Losar, or Tibetan New Year. The multi-day installation will conclude with the unveiling of the completed mandala during the museum\u2019s Lunar New Year celebration.<\/p>\n When: Tuesday-Saturday, Feb. 24-28; viewing times 10 a.m.-noon and 2-4 p.m. daily<\/p>\n Where: El Paso Museum of History, 510 N. Santa Fe St.<\/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 Poppies Fest<\/p>\n 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. Organized by the El Paso Museum of Archaeology, the 2026 edition introduces a new festival-weekend format in March and will be preceded by a February partner pop-up at 9 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 21, featuring hands-on activities and information about the upcoming festival, with participation from the Mexican American Cultural Center, El Paso Museum of Art, El Paso Museum of History and GECU.<\/p>\n 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<\/p>\n Where: El Paso Museum of Archaeology, 4301 Woodrow Bean Transmountain Road<\/p>\n Cost: Free<\/p>\n Information: epmarch.org<\/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\/EP-Black-History-Month-2026.jpg\")
Black History Month celebrated in Letters to El Paso in San Jacinto Plaza Downtown. (Courtesy Visit El Paso)<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/20251202_135728.jpg\")
The El Paso International Museum of Art, 1211 Montana Ave., was designed by architect Henry C. Trost. The building was originally the 1910 residence of State Senator William Ward Turney and his wife Iva. (Cindy Ramirez \/ El Paso Matters) <\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/1770819837_586_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![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/UTEP-Softball-Feb-2026.jpg\")
UTEP softball team member at the Helen of Troy Softball Field, February 2026. (Courtesy UTEP Softball)<\/p>\n