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El Paso events: Earth Day, UTEP FloraFest, Comic Con [1]

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Date: 2025-04-09

Here’s a roundup of some culture and civic events in the borderland in the coming week.

Earth Day Boogie Bash & Glow for the Planet 3k Run/Walk

Celebrate Earth Day with an event featuring live entertainment, food trucks, local vendors, educational booths, raffles, free pet adoptions by El Paso Animal Services and a Glow for the Planet 3K Run/Walk from 5 to 9 p.m. Saturday, April 12, at Ralph T. Cloud Park (formerly Yucca Park), 7975 Willamette Ave. Opening ceremony begins at 5 p.m., followed by DJ music by Mazo Vibe. Lucha League wrestling matches begin at 6 p.m., and DJ Johnny Kage takes the stage at 7 p.m. The free run/walk begins at 7:30 p.m. Raffles every 45 minutes. The event is hosted by the city of El Paso, Environmental Services Department, Parks and Recreation Department and Live Active El Paso. Information: elpasotexas.gov/esd or 915-212-6000.

UTEP’s Centennial Museum and Chihuahuan Desert Gardens hosts the annual FloraFest, the one-day spring native plant sale that serves as fundraiser for the gardens. (Photo courtesy UTEP)

FloraFest at UTEP

FloraFest, El Paso’s signature native plant sale, returns from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, April 12, at the Chihuahuan Desert Gardens on the University of Texas at El Paso campus. The spring sale offers a wide variety of native and native-adapted plants — many in bloom and ideal for planting before summer heat sets in. Shoppers can seek gardening advice from local Master Gardeners and horticulturists while supporting the maintenance and operation of the gardens. Plants sold are often unavailable at local retailers and are well-suited for the region’s climate, helping conserve water and support pollinators. Information: utep.edu

The University of Texas at El Paso football team will host its annual spring game at 11 a.m. Saturday, April 12, at Sun Bowl Stadium. (Courtesy UTEP)

UTEP Football Spring Game

Fans of the University of Texas at El Paso football program can get a first look at the 2025 Miners under second-year head coach Scotty Walden during the team’s annual spring game at 11 a.m. Saturday, April 12, at Sun Bowl Stadium. The scrimmage marks the culmination of spring practices, which are otherwise closed to the public. More than 30 new players and five new coaches — including offensive and defensive coordinators Mark Cala and Bobby Daly — join 67 returners this season. A key storyline this spring is the competition at quarterback, with returning players and highly touted recruit Malachi Nelson battling for the starting role. Admission to the spring game is free.

El Paso Comic Con

El Paso Comic Con returns Friday-Sunday, April 11-13, to the El Paso Convention Center with a guest list that includes Vincent D’Onofrio, known for his roles in “Law & Order: Criminal Intent” and “Daredevil,” and WWE Hall of Famer Sgt. Slaughter. Actor Sean Gunn of “Guardians of the Galaxy” and “Gilmore Girls” is also set to appear, alongside voice actors and comic book artists. VIP passes, which include early entry, autograph line access and other perks, are $150 and available online only. General admission ranges from $25 to $80. Full event details and the Q&A panel schedule are available online. Information: elpasocomiccon.com

‘Neighborhoods and Shared Memories’ at El Paso Museum of History

The El Paso Museum of History, 510 N. Santa Fe St., will host an opening reception for its newest exhibit, “Neighborhoods and Shared Memories: Hacienda Heights to Ranchland,” from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, April 10. The exhibit explores the transformation of the Mission Valley area from rural farmland into a diverse residential community during the post-World War II housing boom. Highlighting the lived experiences of Black, Mexican and white families from 1950 to 1990, the exhibition reflects on the impact of desegregation, community institutions and local businesses in shaping the area’s identity. This installation is part of the museum’s ongoing series featuring historic El Paso neighborhoods. Information: epmuseumofhistory.org

The Main Library at 501 N. Oregon St. in Downtown is set to reopen this April after receiving nearly $6 million in renovations from the 2012 quality of life bond. (Cindy Ramirez / El Paso Matters)

El Paso Main Library to Reopen

The city’s Main Library will reopen to the public at 10 a.m. Thursday, April 10, after undergoing extensive renovations. The library, at 501 N. Oregon St., was renovated while the city built the Mexican American Cultural Center that opened March 22. The two share building space. The four-story library first opened in 1954 and received about $5.9 million in renovations from the 2012 quality of life bond. The improvements include enhanced spaces for print collections, reading nooks, private study rooms, a new glass-enclosed main entrance, expanded work areas, Friends of the Library Bookstore, quiet room, new furniture and café area. The new schedule is 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday and Saturday, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday and 1-6 p.m. Friday and Sunday.

Laura Turón’s sculpture titled “Unity” represents the vital role of water. The sculpture is installed in the center of roundabout at Country Club Road and Memory Drive. The piece is part of the city’s Public Art Program. (Corrie Boudreaux/El Paso Matters)

Public Art Program Master Plan Community Meetings

The city of El Paso’s Public Art Program is updating its Master Plan, and residents are invited to help shape the future of public art across the city. The Museums and Cultural Affairs Department will host a series of open-house meetings Wednesday and Thursday, April 9-10, at various locations to gather input and share details about the new plan, which will guide public art development over the next decade. Community feedback collected through these events and an online questionnaire will help inform strategic decisions about how public art enhances El Paso’s cultural and visual landscape.

Both meetings begin at 5:30 p.m. at the following locations:

Wednesday, April 9: Northgate Transfer Center at Metro 31, 9348 Diana Drive

Thursday, April 10: Sylvia A. Carreon Community Center, 709 Lomita Drive

Information: epmcad.org

Big El Paso Fair

The Big El Paso Fair continues to offer family-friendly fun through Sunday, April 13, at Ascarate Park, 6900 Delta Drive. The fair features amusement park rides, live entertainment and fair food. It is scheduled to be open from 5 to 11 p.m. Monday-Friday and from 1 p.m. to midnight Saturday-Sunday. Tickets can be purchased at the gate or online. They cost $30 for super saver wristbands, which offer unlimited access to rides, and $15 for general admission. Parking is free at Ascarate Park. Information and tickets: bigelpasofair.com

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[1] Url: https://elpasomatters.org/2025/04/09/things-to-do-el-paso-events-earth-day-utep-florafest-comic-con-northeaster-parade/

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