Party on the Plaza, Juneteenth events lead week
El Paso is hosting a series of free cultural and civic events starting June 18, including “Noche de Mariachi” at San Jacinto Plaza and a Juneteenth lecture at the Mexican American Cultural Center. According to city and county schedules, the lineup features outdoor concerts, sports watch parties, and regional art discussions through October.
What events are happening in El Paso this week?
Multiple free events are scheduled for Thursday, June 18. The city’s Party on the Plaza series features Mariachi Alegre at San Jacinto Plaza from 5-8 p.m., with a DJ opening at 5 p.m. and the headliner starting at 6:30 p.m., according to events.elpasotexas.gov.
The El Paso Museum of History will present a Juneteenth lecture and discussion led by scholar Jazmine Janay Cuevas from 6-7:30 p.m. at the Mexican American Cultural Center. According to epmacc.org, the session will examine how Africans in México and the U.S. resisted enslavement.
Simultaneously, Glasstire is hosting a “Talking Texas Art” panel at the El Paso Museum of Art at 6 p.m. Panelists Buck Johnston, Rebecca Muñoz, and Gaspar Enríquez will discuss the region’s creative landscape, moderated by Jessica Fuentes, per glasstire.com.
Other June 18 activities include a Mexico vs. South Korea World Cup watch party at Cleveland Square Park and a “Parks After Sunset” movie screening of “How to Train Your Dragon” at San Elizario Placita. The latter includes splash activities at 5:30 p.m. and pet microchipping at 6 p.m., according to epcounty.com.
Music fans can attend WestStar’s Cool Canyon Nights featuring Sonora Skandalo at 7 p.m. at the McKelligon Canyon Amphitheatre. Additionally, the El Paso Chihuahuas will host a Pride Night celebration at Southwest University Park at 6:35 p.m. as they face the Reno Aces, according to El Paso Sun City Pride.
What other summer activities are scheduled for late June?
The city’s El Fresco Music Series will host a “Latina Legends” concert at Convention Center Plaza on Friday, June 19, at 6 p.m., according to elpasolive.com. On Saturday, June 20, Centro de Salud Familiar La Fe will hold its 29th annual Father’s Day 5K run and walk in Segundo Barrio.
Sunday, June 21, features two events: leaf painting at the Franklin Mountains State Park visitor center from 9-11 a.m. and a Make Music Day celebration at San Jacinto Plaza at 6 p.m., according to elpaso.makemusicday.org.
Later in the month, Amistad will host its second annual Salute to Women Veterans Appreciation Day on Tuesday, June 23. Tech2O will offer a free family discovery event on Friday, June 26, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., according to tech2o.org.
The 2026 season of “Viva! El Paso” begins June 26 at the McKelligon Canyon Amphitheatre, with performances every Friday and Saturday through Aug. 2. That same Friday, the city’s Movies at the Park series will screen “Black Panther” at Walter E. Clarke Park at 8 p.m., per elpasotexas.gov.
Weekend events on June 27 and 28 include a National Pollinator Week event at the UTEP Chihuahuan Desert Gardens, a “Pop Goes the Fort” celebration at Biggs Park, and a two-day Pride celebration at the Mexican American Cultural Center, according to epmacc.org.
Which major concerts and festivals are coming to El Paso?
July events include the 4th of July Festival and Firework Show at Rio Grande Valley Ranch and the Salsa Tasting Fest in San Elizario on July 11, according to losportalesmuseum.org. A “Country Night” Party on the Plaza is scheduled for July 16 at San Jacinto Plaza.
The El Paso Museum of Archaeology will host its annual Insect Night on Saturday, July 18, from 7-10 p.m. On July 26, Cypress Hill will perform a free outdoor concert at Speaking Rock Entertainment Center for guests aged 21 and older, according to speakingrock.com.
Major stadium performances are scheduled for the fall. Colombian singer Karol G will perform at Sun Bowl Stadium on Sept. 6. R&B artists Usher and Chris Brown are scheduled for a co-headlining tour stop at the Sun Bowl on Oct. 3, according to Ticketmaster.
The El Paso Matters 9.15K run and walk will return on Saturday, Sept. 19, starting at 8 a.m. at Cleveland Square Park, according to elpasomatters.org/run.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do the Sun Bowl stadium concerts cost?
Tickets for Karol G start at $144, while tickets for Usher and Chris Brown range from $133 to $631, according to the provided event details.
Are the Party on the Plaza events free?
Yes, the Party on the Plaza concert series is free and presented by GECU Federal Credit Union, according to events.elpasotexas.gov.
Where can I find information on the “Viva! El Paso” show?
Tickets and information for the production at McKelligon Canyon Amphitheatre are available through ticketmaster.com.
Which of these borderland cultural events are you most likely to attend this summer?