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El Paso events: Watch classics at Plaza Film Fest, hear country hits at McKelligon Canyon [1]

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Date: 2025-07-16

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

Plaza Classic Film Festival

The Plaza Classic Film Festival returns this week to Downtown El Paso for its 18th year, bringing more than 100 film screenings to the historic Plaza Theatre and surrounding venues. The festival begins Thursday, July 17, and concludes Sunday, July 27. This year’s lineup includes classics such as “Alien,” “La Bamba,” “Cabaret,” “Saving Private Ryan” and “Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back” as well as the popular Local Flavor Showcase highlighting regional filmmakers. Special guests such as actress Veronica Cartwright and writer-director Luis Valdez will participate in select screenings. Tickets are on sale at the Plaza Theatre box office and through Ticketmaster. Information: plazaclassic.com

Cool Canyon Nights

Country western takes center stage at Cool Canyon Nights on Thursday, July 17, with Phil Hamilton and his band performing on the WestStar Main Stage at McKelligon Canyon Amphitheatre. Originally from Fort Worth and now based in Ruidoso, Hamilton is known for his blend of southern rock and country. The evening kicks off at 6 p.m. with El Paso’s own Damian Isacc Band performing on the EPCC Career and Technical Education Stage. The event is free and open to all ages, with food and drinks available for purchase.

‘Art of Propaganda’ opens at EPMA

The El Paso Museum of Art, 1 Arts Festival Plaza, will open its showcase of “The Art of Propaganda: War Posters from the Collection” on Thursday, July 17, in the Isha Rogers Sculpture Gallery. The exhibit features World War II-era posters drawn from a collection of nearly 600 donated to the museum in 1975. Created by prominent artists and filmmakers, the posters served as tools of persuasion, designed to bolster public support for the 1940s war effort. The display, which will be on exhibit through July 27, complements the Plaza Classic Film Festival’s “Hollywood Goes to War” film series, offering historical context to the cinematic portrayals of wartime America. Information: epma.art

‘Pasos Urbanos’ at Museum of History

The El Paso Museum of History will open “Pasos Urbanos III” on Thursday, July 17, a new exhibit showcasing photographic perspectives of street art and urban life along the El Paso-Ciudad Juárez border. Now in its third iteration, “Pasos Urbanos” features images submitted by artists living within 150 miles of Downtown El Paso, including Juárez. This year’s focus is on graffiti, street art and visual interventions — offering a glimpse into the creative expressions that shape the shared urban culture of both cities. The exhibition runs through July 19, 2026. Information: epmuseumofhistory.org

Gear Up & Go

Prepare for upcoming outdoor adventures during Gear Up & Go, a free, all-inclusive indoor safety experience hosted by We Hike and Visit El Paso from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday, July 19, at the El Paso Convention Center, 1 Civic Center Plaza. The event offers hands-on training for hiking, biking, walking and running across mountain, desert and urban terrain. Open to all skill levels, the event includes immersive safety lessons, motivational activities and giveaways, plus a free guided sunrise hike the following morning to put your new knowledge into practice. Registration is required. Information: wehikeadventure.org

Run for Freedom 5K and 1-Mile Race

Wrap up the summer and start the school year strong at the Run for Freedom on Saturday, July 19, at Smith-Bliss Field on Fort Bliss. Hosted by Youth Sports & Fitness, this family-friendly event features a 5K race at 8 a.m. and a 1-mile run at 8:05 a.m., with late registration and check-in beginning at 7 a.m. Admission is $5 for adults 18 and older, and free for participants 17 and under. All visitors ages 16 and older must obtain a free Community Access Pass to enter Fort Bliss — advance registration is recommended to avoid delays. For access requirements and to request a pass, visit bliss.armymwr.com.

Coming Up

• Insect Night at the Museum of Archaeology: Explore the world of bugs during Insect Night, which returns from 7 to 10 p.m. Saturday, July 26, to the El Paso Museum of Archaeology, 4301 Woodrow Bean Transmountain Drive. The evening event will feature hands-on activities, night hikes and a bug crawl showcasing the desert’s nocturnal critters. Families are invited to experience nature after dark on the museum grounds. Admission is free. Information: epmarch.org

• Luau at La Nube: La Nube STEAM Discovery Center, 201 W. Main Drive, is going tropical for its next adults-only event, After Hours @ La Nube: Tiki Luau Adult Night, from 7 to 10 p.m. Friday, July 25. Guests ages 21 and older are invited to dress in their favorite island-themed attire and enjoy tropical drinks, snacks, karaoke, limbo contests and hands-on STEAM experiences with a summer twist. Tickets start at $40 for La Nube members, with VIP options offering exclusive access to the Tiki Room Terrace and specialty drinks. Information and tickets: la-nube.org

• Reptilia at the El Paso Zoo: Slither into the fascinating world of reptiles at Reptilia: Celebration of Snakes, happening from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, July 26, at the El Paso Zoo, 4001 E. Paisano Drive. The family-friendly event features live snake displays from the zoo and private collectors, educational exhibits at the Kalahari Research Station and Discovery Classroom, and a special presentation by Wild Encounters at the Wildlife Amphitheater. Organizers aim to highlight the ecological importance of snakes. Regular zoo admission applies: $8.95 for children, $10.95 for teens and seniors, and $13.95 for adults. Information: elpasozoo.org

• Back to School Fiesta: El Paso ISD will host its third annual Back to School Fiesta from July 29 to 31, with evening celebrations planned at each of the district’s high schools. The events, scheduled from 6 to 7:30 p.m., aim to connect families, students and staff from each campus and its feeder schools. Attendees can expect school-specific activities and informational booths. High schools participating include Burges, El Paso, Irvin and Jefferson on July 29; Coronado and Franklin on July 30; and Andress, Austin, Bowie and Chapin on July 31. Information: episd.org

read more Back to school: What El Paso families need to know as the 2025-26 year begins The new school year is near. From start dates to bell schedules and updated rules, here’s what El Paso families should know before heading back to the classroom.

Mark Your Calendar

• Bridal, Quince and Sweet 16 Expo: Plan your big day during the 20th Annual Summer Days of Remembrance Bridal, Quince & Sweet 16 Expo, taking place from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 3, at the El Paso Convention Center, 1 Civic Center Plaza. Hosted by Elegant Penguin Enterprises, this long-running expo brings together dozens of vendors offering deals and guidance for weddings, quinceañeras and sweet 16 celebrations. Admission is $5 per person; children ages 12 and younger are free. Proceeds from the door benefit the Paso del Norte Center of Hope. The event is cashless.

• Empower Health Expo: The Empower Health Expo takes place from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 16, at the El Paso Convention Center, 1 Civic Center Plaza, offering a full day of wellness-centered activities. This free event, which requires online registration, aims to support the community’s physical, emotional and mental well-being through a mix of interactive offerings. Attendees can expect health screenings, free vaccines, live fitness demonstrations, and talks from health experts on the latest in care. The expo will also include donation drives for pantry and clothing items, as well as opportunities to donate blood and hair. A portion of vendor proceeds will benefit local nonprofits working to improve community health. Information and registration: empowerhealthexpo.com

read More Kermés season returns: Your 2025 guide to El Paso’s church festivals From gorditas to games, here’s your 2025 guide to kermés celebrations taking place at churches across El Paso this season.

• El Fresco Music Series finale: Celebrate the final night of the 2025 El Fresco Music Series with a Latin-themed evening at 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 29, at the El Paso Convention Center Plaza in Downtown El Paso. The free outdoor concert will feature live performances by local Latin bands, a variety of food vendors, family-friendly activities and giveaways — all part of this year’s “Ritmo & Rodeo” theme highlighting country and Latin music. Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and enjoy a night of music, dancing and community under the El Paso sky.

• El Paso Opera’s Encores & Overtures: El Paso Opera will launch its new season with Encores & Overtures 2025: A Night in Monte Carlo, a gala celebration blending glamour, philanthropy and live performance. The event takes place from 6 p.m. to midnight Friday, Sept. 5, at the Elmont Special Event Center, 240 W. Castellano Drive, Suite B. Guests can expect an evening of cocktails, a three-course dinner, opera highlights from baritone Levi Hernandez and El Paso Opera’s Artist Ambassadors, and the presentation of the Maestro Award to Kirk and Judy Robison. The night concludes with a casino-themed after-party and dancing. Tickets range from $206 to $10,300. Information and tickets: epopera.org

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