![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/EPPM-Quartet.jpg\")
Arianna String Quartet<\/p>\nHere\u2019s a roundup of some culture and civic events in the Borderland in the coming week.<\/p>\n
Arianna String Quartet<\/p>\n
EPPM America 250 Premiere<\/p>\n
El Paso Pro-Musica will present \u201cVisions of Humanity and Unity,\u201d a commissioned America 250 project featuring works by five composers inspired by the Declaration of Independence. The world premiere will feature the Arianna String Quartet, Grammy-winning cellist and EPPM Artistic Director Zuill Bailey and pianist Dominic Dousa, with the program also commemorating Beethoven\u2019s 250th anniversary.<\/p>\n
When: 7:30-9:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 8<\/p>\n
Where: The University of Texas at El Paso, Fox Fine Arts Recital Hall, 500 W. University Ave.<\/p>\n
Cost: $25 adults; $20 seniors and military; $5 students<\/p>\n
Information: 915-747-8163<\/p>\n
Mission Trail Music Festival<\/p>\n
The inaugural Mission Trail Music Festival will celebrate the history, culture and communities of El Paso\u2019s Mission Valley with live music, dance and cultural performances, local vendors, interactive activities and family-friendly entertainment. The festival stretches along the historic nine-mile Mission Trail, with activities planned at several locations and opportunities to visit area restaurants, shops, galleries and historic sites.<\/p>\n
When: 1-10 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 10<\/p>\n
Where: Mission Trail Visitor Center, 9065 Alameda Ave.; Ysleta del Sur Pueblo Cultural Center, 305 Yaya Lane; Socorro Mission, 328 S. Nevarez Road; Licon Dairy, 11951 Glorietta Road; and San Elizario Placita, 1521 San Elizario Road<\/p>\n
Cost: Free<\/p>\n
Information: visitelpaso.com<\/a><\/p>\n Fall School Break Series<\/p>\n TecH2O will invite families to explore water conservation through hands-on activities, interactive education and other fall-themed discoveries during its free School Break Discovery Series. The event is designed for families and children to learn about water and conservation through activities outside the classroom.<\/p>\n When: 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Friday, Oct. 9<\/p>\n Where: TecH2O Water Resources Learning Center, 10751 Montana Ave.<\/p>\n Cost: Free<\/p>\n Information: tech2o.org<\/a><\/p>\n Jewel Box Series: \u2018La Vida In\u00fatil de Pito P\u00e9rez\u2019<\/p>\n The Jewel Box Series opens its 2026-27 season with \u201cLa Vida In\u00fatil de Pito P\u00e9rez\u201d at the Philanthropy Theatre. Created by the El Paso Community Foundation in partnership with El Paso Live, the series showcases local performing arts groups in the intimate theater inside the Plaza Theatre Performing Arts Centre.<\/p>\n When: 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 11<\/p>\n Where: Philanthropy Theatre, 125 W. Mills Ave.<\/p>\n Cost: $18-$19<\/p>\n Information: elpasolive.com<\/a><\/p>\n Coming Up<\/p>\n Third Thursdays in the Downtown Arts District<\/p>\n Downtown El Paso museums, cultural institutions and other organizations will stay open later for Third Thursdays, a monthly event encouraging visitors to explore the Downtown Arts District. Participating locations offer special programming and activities, while an artisan market features local vendors, live music, food and community organizations.<\/p>\n When: 5-9 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 15<\/p>\n Where: Downtown Arts District, 1 Civic Center Plaza and participating locations<\/p>\n Cost: Free<\/p>\n Information: epmcad.org<\/a><\/p>\n Party on the Plaza: DJ Night<\/p>\n Party on the Plaza will close out its 2026 season with DJ Night at San Jacinto Plaza. Presented by GECU Federal Credit Union, the free outdoor concert series brings live music and DJs to Downtown El Paso on the third Thursday of each month from May through October.<\/p>\n When: 5-8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 15<\/p>\n Where: San Jacinto Plaza, 114 W. Mills Ave.<\/p>\n Cost: Free<\/p>\n Information: epmcad.org<\/a><\/p>\n EPSO: Heaven on Earth<\/p>\n The El Paso Symphony Orchestra will present \u201cHeaven on Earth,\u201d featuring works by Richard Strauss and Gustav Mahler under the direction of conductor Bohuslav Rattay. Soprano Meechot Marrero will join the orchestra for Strauss\u2019 \u201cFour Lieder\u201d and Mahler\u2019s Symphony No. 4, with \u201cTill Eulenspiegel\u2019s Merry Pranks\u201d also on the program.<\/p>\n When: 7:30 p.m. Friday-Saturday, Oct. 16-17; preconcert talk at 6:30 p.m.<\/p>\n Where: Plaza Theatre, 125 W. Mills Ave.<\/p>\n Cost: $22.65-$62.80<\/p>\n Information: epso.org<\/a><\/p>\n Brew at the Zoo<\/p>\n The El Paso Zoo will open after dark for its annual Brew at the Zoo, an age 21-and-older Halloween event featuring craft beer, food, live music and entertainment throughout the zoo. Costumes are encouraged, with VIP admission beginning an hour before the general event.<\/p>\n When: 7-11 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 17; VIP entry at 6 p.m.<\/p>\n Where: El Paso Zoo, 4001 E. Paisano Drive<\/p>\n Cost: To be announced<\/p>\n Information: El Paso Zoo Facebook<\/a><\/p>\n El Paso Fire Fest<\/p>\n The El Paso Fire Department will host its fifth annual Fire Fest with an afternoon of demonstrations, competitions and family activities at Veterans Park. This year\u2019s \u201cBlast From the Past\u201d event will feature a helicopter landing, firefighter bucket brigade and battalion competition, firefighter chili cook-off and Fire Department loter\u00eda. Visitors can also find live music and performances, children\u2019s activities, mascots, food trucks, a farmers market and on-site vaccinations.<\/p>\n TeenTober Fest<\/p>\n El Paso Public Libraries will celebrate local teens with an evening of music, games and activities at the Judge Marquez Library. TeenTober Fest will also feature food trucks and resource booths, giving young people an opportunity to connect with local organizations and learn about programs and other opportunities related to their interests and talents.<\/p>\n 32nd Annual Hueco Tanks Community Fair<\/p>\n Hueco Tanks State Park and Historic Site will celebrate the area\u2019s natural and cultural heritage with its 32nd annual Community Fair. The family-friendly weekend will feature educational exhibits, hands-on activities, local food vendors, guided rock climbing, pictograph tours and hikes through the park.<\/p>\n When: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, Oct. 17-18<\/p>\n Where: Hueco Tanks State Park & Historic Site, 6900 Hueco Tanks Road No. 1<\/p>\n Cost: Free<\/p>\n Information: tpwd.texas.gov<\/a><\/p>\n Mark Your Calendar<\/p>\n D\u00eda de los Muertos Desfile y Festival<\/p>\n The ninth annual D\u00eda de los Muertos Desfile y Festival will transform El Paso\u2019s Downtown Arts District into a daylong celebration honoring loved ones and Mexican traditions. The free event features arts and cultural activities, community altars, local vendors, live performances and a parade showcasing about 60 floats, performers and community organizations.<\/p>\n When: Festival from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; parade at 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 24<\/p>\n Where: El Paso Downtown Arts District, Downtown El Paso<\/p>\n Cost: Free<\/p>\n Information: epmacc.org<\/a><\/p>\n Amigo Airsho<\/p>\n The Amigo Airsho returns to Biggs Army Airfield for two days of military and civilian aviation demonstrations, static aircraft displays and family activities. The 2026 lineup includes the U.S. Navy Blue Angels, U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor Demo Team, U.S. Army Golden Knights and aerobatic pilot Kirby Chambliss, along with a kids zone, STEAM exhibits, food vendors and performances by the 1st Armored Division Band.<\/p>\n When: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, Oct. 24-25<\/p>\n Where: Biggs Army Airfield, Fort Bliss<\/p>\n Cost: Tickets start at $30<\/p>\n Information: amigoairsho.com<\/a><\/p>\n Boo at the Zoo<\/p>\n Families can celebrate Halloween at the El Paso Zoo during Boo at the Zoo, featuring candy stations, Halloween-themed inflatables and opportunities for children to explore the zoo in costume. The annual event offers a family-friendly Halloween experience alongside animals from the zoo\u2019s Africa, Asia and Las Americas exhibits.<\/p>\n When: 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 31<\/p>\n Where: El Paso Zoo, 4001 E. Paisano Drive<\/p>\n Cost: $13.95 adults; $10.95 teens, seniors and active-duty military or spouses; $8.95 children ages 2-12; free for children age 23 months and younger<\/p>\n Information: El Paso Zoo Facebook<\/a><\/p>\n Chihuahuan Desert Conference<\/p>\n The Fourth Chihuahuan Desert Conference will bring researchers, conservationists and other participants to the El Paso Zoo and Botanical Gardens for two days focused on the region\u2019s wildlife, native plants, habitat preservation and restoration. The conference opens with an evening icebreaker Nov. 4, followed by presentations and sessions Nov. 5; registration also includes meals, refreshments and zoo admission on both days.<\/p>\n When: Wednesday-Thursday, Nov. 4-5<\/p>\n Where: El Paso Zoo and Botanical Gardens, 4001 E. Paisano Drive<\/p>\n Cost: $125; registration closes Oct. 20<\/p>\n