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El Paso events: UTEP opens soccer season, museum debuts military women exhibit [1]

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Date: 2025-08-13

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

UTEP Soccer Season Opener

Cheer on the University of Texas at El Paso soccer team as it kicks off the 2025 home schedule against Abilene Christian University at 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 14, at University Field. The matchup offers fans an early look at the squad’s prospects. Tickets start at $10 and can be purchased through the UTEP ticket office. University Field is located near the Student Recreation Center, 3450 Sun Bowl Drive, on the UTEP campus. Information and tickets: utepminers.com

‘Military Women of Paso del Norte’ exhibit

The El Paso Museum of History, 510 N. Santa Fe St., will host the opening ceremony of a new exhibit honoring the military service of women from the Paso del Norte region. “Military Women of Paso del Norte: Honoring the Women Who Served Our Nation” is presented in partnership with the Texas Veterans Commission’s Women Veterans Program and will debut with a public event from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, Aug. 16. The exhibit highlights the contributions and experiences of local women who have served in the U.S. military and will be on view through Oct. 19. Admission is free. Information: epmuseumofhistory.org

Hike-A-Thon Series

Outdoor enthusiasts can take on scenic terrain during the next installment of the 2025 Live Active El Paso Hike-A-Thon, set for 7:30 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 16, at Palisades Canyon Loop, 1787 E. Robinson Ave. The guided hike offers participants a chance to explore one of the city’s most picturesque trails while promoting physical activity, mental well-being and a connection to nature. Participants can register online to receive a Hiking Passport, with prizes awarded to those who complete at least four hikes in the series. Organizers recommend sturdy footwear, weather-appropriate clothing, sun protection and plenty of water. Information: elpasotexas.gov

Geocaching 101

Celebrate National Geocaching Day a little early with Geocaching 101 from 8 to 9 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 17, at Franklin Mountains State Park, 2900 Tom Mays Park Access Road. This introductory program will teach participants how to use GPS technology to join the global treasure-hunting game of geocaching. Attendees will follow coordinates and clues to discover hidden caches in the scenic landscape of the Tom Mays Unit. The event is $8 for adults, $3 for Texas State Park Pass holders, and $1 for children ages 5 to 12. Reservations are required by calling 915-444-9100. Participants should bring water, snacks and sturdy footwear.

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

‘Ecological Joy’ Discussion at UTEP

Scholar and storyteller Carlos Tarin will present a free public talk, “Ecological Joy: Communication, Resistance, and Possibility in a World on Fire,” at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 13, at the Centennial Museum and Chihuahuan Desert Gardens, 610 W. University Ave. The discussion will explore how joy can be a powerful, community-rooted force in the fight for environmental justice, drawing on lessons from the Chihuahuan Desert and El Paso’s cultural landscape. The museum’s parking lot is closed for renovations; attendees can request a temporary permit by emailing Education Curator Ana Maass at [email protected] or pick one up at the front desk. Admission is free.

Magoffin Home Restoration Lecture

Preservation Texas will host a lecture at 5:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 15, offering a rare glimpse into one of El Paso’s most significant preservation efforts — the restoration of the Magoffin Home. Danielle Brissette, site manager of the Magoffin Home State Historic Site, will detail the $4.1 million project to restore the 1875 adobe residence, which predates the arrival of the railroad and reflects more than a century of Southwestern history. Built and inhabited by three generations of the Magoffin family, the home stands as a testament to the region’s political, commercial, military and civic life. The lecture, held at the West Texas Heritage Center, 201 E. San Antonio, Suite A, will explore how the restoration will protect both the structure and the legacy it represents. Admission is $10, free for Preservation Texas members.

Coming Up

• El Paso Matters Book Club author event: Author and historian David Dorado Romo will join the El Paso Matters Book Club for an evening of conversation, music and storytelling at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 21, at the Mexican American Cultural Center, 201 W. Franklin Ave. Romo will discuss his latest book, “Borderlands and the Mexican American Story,” which reexamines U.S. history through overlooked Indigenous and Mexican American perspectives. The event will feature a Q&A session, a live performance by Los Liminals, and book sales and signings. Admission is free, but advance registration is encouraged. Information: elpasomatters.org

• Third Thursday in Downtown Arts District: The City of El Paso’s Museums and Cultural Affairs Department will host its next Third Thursday event Aug. 21 in the Downtown Arts District, offering extended evening hours and special programming at multiple locations. Visitors can browse local vendors and enjoy live music at the Market Under the Stars at Arts Festival Plaza, explore new exhibits at the El Paso Museum of Art and Museum of History, and take part in interactive activities such as cacao tastings, printmaking, and mold-making workshops. La Nube STEAM Discovery Center, the El Paso Mexican American Cultural Center, the Main Library, and the Visitor Information Center will also stay open late, giving attendees a chance to experience the district’s museums, arts spaces, and cultural attractions after hours.

• Movies at the Park — ‘Puss in Boots’: Families can enjoy a free outdoor screening of “Puss in Boots: The Last Wish” at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 22, at Blackie Chesher Park, 1100 N. Zaragoza Road. Part of El Paso Parks and Recreation’s Movies at the Park series, the showing offers an evening of family-friendly entertainment under the stars. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, blankets and snacks. Information: elpasotexas.gov

• El Paso Pro-Musica Summerfest: El Paso Pro-Musica, which has been bringing chamber music performances to the community since 1977, is bringing the Balourdet Quartet for its Summerfest concert at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 28, at the University of Texas at El Paso’s Fox Fine Arts Recital Hall. The quartet, which formed at Rice University in 2018, comprises Angela Bae and Justin DeFillips on violins, Benjamin Zannoni on viola and Russell Houston on cello. The quartet Tickets are $5 for students; $20 for seniors and military; and $25 for all other adults. Tickets and information: eppm.org.

• 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.

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• Balourdet Quartetto at UTEP: El Paso Pro Musica brings the Balourdet Quartetto for a performance at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 28, at the University of Texas at El Paso Fox Fine Arts Recital Hall. The ensemble is known for fresh takes on classical and contemporary works, and has been described by The Boston Musical Intelligencer as “absolute musical perfection.” The concert is part of the group’s engagement with UTEP students and the broader community. Information and tickets: elpasopromusica.org

Mark Your Calendar

• 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

• Movies at the Park — ‘Encanto’: The Movies at the Park series concludes Friday, Sept. 5, with a free outdoor screening of Disney’s “Encanto” at Cleveland Square Park, 510 N. Santa Fe St. The movie begins at 7:30 p.m., offering a chance for the community to gather for an evening of family-friendly fun. Attendees are welcome to bring lawn chairs, blankets and snacks for a comfortable night of movie watching. The series is presented by El Paso Parks and Recreation. Information: elpasotexas.gov

• ‘Canine Fiesta’ at Ascarate Pool: El Paso County Parks and Recreation will launch a new Dog Swim Season at Ascarate Pool, 6900 Delta Drive, giving pets and their owners a chance to cool off together. The series kicks off with the “Canine Fiesta” from noon to 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 6, featuring a cutest outfit contest and a dog paddle competition. Additional “Pup Swim” days will follow Sept. 10-27 from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Wednesdays and from 1 to 3:30 p.m. Saturdays. Registration is $2 per dog, with proof of current rabies, distemper and parvo vaccinations required. Owners swim free. Information: 915-273-3501 or epcountyparks.com

• ‘Baila El Paso’ begins: Live Active El Paso will launch its free “Baila El Paso!” dance series with a bachata, cumbia and salsa class at 10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 14, at the Wayne Thornton Community Center, 3134 Jefferson Ave. Offered in partnership with the El Paso Ballroom Dance Academy, the beginner-friendly session requires no previous experience or dance partner. Instructors will guide participants through the basics of the popular Latin dance styles, followed by 30 minutes of social dancing to live music. The program, part of the City of El Paso Parks and Recreation Department’s effort to promote active living, will continue at various recreation centers through November, culminating in a WinterFest finale in December. Information: elpasotexas.gov

• Kevin Smith at El Paso Film Festival: The El Paso Film Festival will kick off its eighth year with “An Evening with Kevin Smith” at 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 25, at the Plaza Theatre, 125 W Mills Ave. Known for cult classics such as “Clerks,” “Chasing Amy,” “Dogma” and “Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back,” Smith will take the stage for a live conversation featuring personal stories, audience Q&A and reflections on his decades in independent filmmaking. The festival, which runs Sept. 25-27 at various Downtown venues, will also screen 10 feature films and more than 60 short films, celebrating diverse voices and cross-cultural storytelling from the U.S.-Mexico border and beyond. Tickets and VIP passes are available at the Plaza Theatre box office and Ticketmaster. Information and tickets: elpasofilmfestival.org

• Way Out West Fest: Country music fans will fill Downtown El Paso on Saturday, Sept. 27, for the return of the Way Out West Fest, a celebration of western heritage and live country entertainment. Headlined by chart-topping artist Dustin Lynch, the festival will feature food vendors, family-friendly activities and performances by Travis Denning, Don Louis and Nashville-based trio Just Jayne. Gates open at 5 p.m. at the El Paso Convention Center plaza, 1 Civic Center Plaza. The event will offer a mix of national acts and local flavor, continuing its tradition of bringing together music lovers for a night of high-energy performances and cultural pride. Information:epwayoutwest.com

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[1] Url: https://elpasomatters.org/2025/08/13/el-paso-things-to-do-utep-soccer-hike-a-thon-geocaching/

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