Here\u2019s a roundup of some culture and civic events in the Borderland in the coming week.<\/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: $60 early entry; $40 general admission; $15 designated driver tickets\u00a0<\/p>\n Information: El Paso Zoo<\/a><\/p>\n D\u00edas de los Doggies<\/p>\n The annual D\u00edas de los Doggies celebration returns as a monthlong, self-guided experience inviting visitors and their dogs to explore El Paso Museum of Archaeology trails while learning about the nine levels of Mictl\u00e1n, the underworld in Aztec mythology. Participants can walk the trails during regular museum hours and collect a commemorative sticker at the front desk afterward. Dogs must remain leashed, and owners are asked to stay on designated trails and clean up after their pets.<\/p>\n When: 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Tuesdays-Saturdays throughout October<\/p>\n Where: El Paso Museum of Archaeology, 4301 Woodrow Bean Transmountain Drive<\/p>\n Cost: Free<\/p>\n Information: epmarch.org<\/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 Chihuahua in Word and Song<\/p>\n The Tom Lea Institute will present an evening of music and history featuring Jos\u00e9 Mario S\u00e1nchez Soledad, an opera singer, businessman and historian. Through songs and storytelling, the presentation will explore the culture, landscapes and shared history of El Paso and Ciudad Ju\u00e1rez, including the Chihuahuan Desert\u2019s influence on artist Tom Lea. Light refreshments and conversation will follow. Registration is required.<\/p>\n When: 6-7:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 15<\/p>\n Where: Consulate General of Mexico, 910 E. San Antonio Ave.<\/p>\n Cost: Free<\/p>\n Information: tomlea.com<\/a> or 915-533-0048.<\/p>\n Sunday Sunrise Hike \u2014 Wear Pink<\/p>\n We Hike will host a free guided sunrise hike through the Franklin Mountains foothills, offering participants a chance to explore scenic desert trails and mountain views. Hikers and runners of all experience levels are welcome and encouraged to wear pink socks, with free socks available to the first 50 participants. Attendees should bring water, sunscreen, snacks and sturdy hiking shoes for the rocky, uneven terrain.<\/p>\n When: 6:35-8:30 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 18<\/p>\n Where: Chuck Heinrich Park, 11055 Loma del Norte Drive<\/p>\n Cost: Free<\/p>\n Information: wehikeadventure.com<\/a><\/p>\n Coming Up<\/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 UTEP Latin Music Festival: Student Recital<\/p>\n The University of Texas at El Paso will kick off its three-day Latin Music Festival with a free recital featuring piano and guitar students from its classical and commercial music programs. The performance will celebrate Latin American music, culture and heritage while showcasing the talents of emerging musicians.<\/p>\n When: 7:30-9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 23<\/p>\n Where: Fox Fine Arts Recital Hall, 500 W. University Ave.<\/p>\n Cost: Free<\/p>\n Information: utep.edu<\/a> or 915-747-6625<\/p>\n El Paso Locomotive FC Fan Appreciation Night<\/p>\n El Paso Locomotive FC will close out its regular season against regional rival New Mexico United at Southwest University Park. The match will also feature Fan Appreciation Night, with special festivities and a fireworks show for supporters.<\/p>\n When: 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 24<\/p>\n Where: Southwest University Park, 1 Ballpark Plaza<\/p>\n Cost: $15-$51<\/p>\n Information: mlb.tickets.com<\/a><\/p>\n Spooky Fest at Camp Cohen Water Park<\/p>\n Camp Cohen Water Park will host a family-friendly Halloween celebration featuring trick-or-treating, raffles, games, live entertainment and local vendors. Families are encouraged to wear costumes and enjoy free festivities, with an optional Spookyfest Pass available for additional games, activities and perks.<\/p>\n When: 2-6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 24<\/p>\n Where: Camp Cohen Water Park, 9700 Gateway Blvd. North<\/p>\n Cost: Free admission; Spookyfest Pass $10 in advance or $13.95 onsite<\/p>\n Information: epwaterparks.com<\/a><\/p>\n Ghost Stories of San Elizario<\/p>\n Explore the haunted history of San Elizario during a guided evening stroll through the historic district. Following a 7 p.m. presentation of \u201cLa Llorona,\u201d a storyteller will lead visitors to locations associated with reported ghost encounters, sharing firsthand accounts and local legends along the way.<\/p>\n Mark Your Calendar<\/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 Information: chihuahuandesertconference.com<\/a><\/p>\n Halloween Carnivals<\/p>\n El Paso Parks and Recreation will host free Halloween Carnivals at recreation and community centers across the city. The neighborhood celebrations will feature costume contests, games, candy, jumping balloons and music.<\/p>\n When: 3-6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 31<\/p>\n Where: El Paso recreation and community centers<\/p>\n Cost: Free<\/p>\n Participating locations:<\/p>\n Armijo Recreation Center, 700 E. Seventh Ave.<\/p>\n Chamizal Community Center, 2119 Cypress Ave.<\/p>\n Chihuahuita Community Center, 417 Charles Road<\/p>\n Don Haskins Recreation Center, 7400 High Ridge Drive<\/p>\n Galatzan Recreation Center, 650 Wallenberg Drive<\/p>\n Gary Del Palacio Recreation Center, 3001 Parkwood St.<\/p>\n Marty Robbins Recreation Center, 11620 Vista del Sol Drive<\/p>\n Michelle T. Adjemian Recreation Center, 9031 Viscount Blvd.<\/p>\n Mountain View Park\/Rae Gilmore Recreation Center, 8501 Diana Drive<\/p>\n Nolan Richardson Recreation Center, 4435 Maxwell Ave.<\/p>\n Officer David Ortiz Recreation Center, 563 N. Carolina Drive<\/p>\n Pat O\u2019Rourke Recreation Center, 901 N. Virginia St.<\/p>\n Pavo Real Recreation Center, 9301 Alameda Ave.<\/p>\n San Juan Recreation Center, 701 N. Glenwood St.<\/p>\n Seville Recreation Center, 6700 Sambrano Ave.<\/p>\n Sylvia A. Carreon Community Center, 709 Lomita Drive<\/p>\n The Beast Urban Park, 13501 Jason Crandall Drive<\/p>\n Valle Bajo Community Center, 7380 Alameda Ave.<\/p>\n Veterans Recreation Center, 5301 Salem Drive<\/p>\n Wayne Thornton Community Center, 3134 Jefferson Ave.<\/p>\n Flying Horse Half Marathon, 10K, 5K and Giddy Up Fun Run<\/p>\n The Flying Horse race will return to Sunland Park Racetrack and Casino with four distances for runners and walkers of varying experience levels. Proceeds will benefit United Way of El Paso County and participating local nonprofits, and registered participants will receive a finisher\u2019s medal and access to a post-race expo with refreshments and local vendors.<\/p>\n When: 7:30 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 14<\/p>\n Where: Sunland Park Racetrack and Casino, 1200 Futurity Drive, Sunland Park<\/p>\n Cost: $25-$105<\/p>\n