Events

The Plaza Classic Film Festival — which celebrates its 16th year July 20-30, 2023 — was started by the El Paso Community Foundation in 2008 as a special project to bring movies back to the historic Plaza Theatre. The Community Foundation purchased 35mm and then state-of-the-art 2K digital projection equipment (upgraded to 4K in 2018) for the atmospheric theater, which opened in 1930, closed in the early 80s, and was restored for $38 million in 2006 in a joint partnership between the City of El Paso and the Community Foundation.

The first Festival was called The Movies Return to the Plaza Theatre and was the brainchild of EPCF President/CEO Eric Pearson and movie enthusiast Charles Horak. It was a smash hit. More than 25,000 people turned out to watch more than 60 movies at the Plaza Theatre and adjacent Philanthropy Theatre.

Four Centuries. Four Cultures. One City. Enjoy El Paso’s own outdoor musical extravaganza, in the McKelligon Canyon Amphitheatre. This colorful musical spectacular celebrates the four major cultures that have influenced the City of the Sun. The Native American, the Spanish Conquistador, the Mexican and the Western American cultures and their histories come alive through drama, song and dance by a cast of over 50 performers. VIVA! EL PASO is an experience not to be missed! (runs July-August)

Destination El Paso and Endurance Sports Marketing is bringing the Nocturne Cycling Series to El Paso’s San Jacinto Plaza. The Nocturne Cycling event was established in 2007 in London and has grown to be an international global brand in cycling, attracting leading professional teams and past world tour riders to its’ race.

Eagle in the Sun Triathlon starts with a 400-meter swim in an Olympic-size indoor pool. The 20k bike course is an out-and-back on the historical Mission Trail, and the 5k run takes place on the Tigua Indian reservation! Individuals and relay teams are welcome for the event. The beginner-friendly course is flat and fast!

This is a True Texas Mountain Race on the Franklin Mountains. Most of the trails low are desert trail that is run able terrain with easy technical trail. The climb to the North Franklin Peak is a combination of straight climbing and switchbacks. The start/finish will be at the pavilion area circle inside of the Franklin Mountains State Park.

Conquer the largest urban State Park in North America! The Puzzler Mountain Bike Race challenges its riders with 6,200 feet of climb on single track technical terrain.

The City of El Paso celebrates Día de Los Muertos with performances, hands-on activities, special artists and farmers market, themed streetcar rides, and a parade in the Downtown Arts District.

The Día de Los Muertos event represents a collaboration between the City of El Paso’s Museums, Cultural Affairs Department, and Streetcar. The El Paso Museum of Art (EPMA), the El Paso Museum of History (EPMH), and the El Paso Museum of Archaeology (EPMArch) Visitors will enjoy a parade, local performers, and community floats.

With three distance options, Anthony Flying Horse Half Marathon, 10K & 5K is a fun and memorable event for runners of all levels. The race begins and ends in Anthony, Texas, the “Gateway to Texas,” crossing into New Mexico and taking runners through two states in one race!

Since the first Sun Bowl played on January 1, 1935, as a fundraising event for a local service club, the game has grown to be one of El Paso’s top national attractions. With its picturesque stadium nestled between two mountains it has become a piece of the Southwest and a lesson in history. Held a day prior to the game, the Fan Fiesta is a free, family friendly event that features a fireworks display, musical performances by local bands, university pep rallies and a battle of the bands.

This Boston qualifier begins on El Paso’s east side and travels thorough various parts of the city. Runners enjoy a beautiful sunrise over the Hueco Mountain as well as striking views of the colorful Chihuahuan Desert.

Attendees will be able to sample an array of Mezcal, Tequila, and Sotol selections, participate in a pottery workshop by Cantareras, shop from local vendors and spectate a Margarita Cocktail Competition sponsored by Cazadores + more!

The festival will feature a food pop-up by El Tiger Taqueria who is the brainchild of Chef Jorge Ortiz. Ortiz has worked in top kitchens in the Borderland and experienced working abroad at Pujol in Mexico City, Atelier Crenn in San Francisco and as Executive Chef at Chinooks in Seward Alaska. He also recently participated in the El Saber del Sabor festival in Oaxaca, Mexico where he worked alongside some of the Mexico’s greatest chefs.

El Paso Comic Con is a pop culture phenomenon that brings the best in entertainment to West Texas. With celebrity guest panels, autograph signings, photo ops, gaming competitions, cosplay, contests, special events, and KidCon, there is something for everyone. El Paso Comic Con gives fans up-close and personal interaction with their favorite actors, authors and stars.

Mighty Mujer Triathlon is an all-female “super sprint” that starts with a 300-yard swim in an indoor pool. The 15k bike course is followed by a 2-mile run in the Memorial Park area in Central El Paso. The “super sprint” course is perfect for beginners; the rolling hills will challenge seasoned athletes! Athletes must be 12 years old or older.

Sun City Craft Beer Festival is your one-day, one-stop shop for beer, music, games, and a ton more fun in Downtown El Paso. Located in the Southwest, we are proud to host the largest craft beer festival in the groovy city of El Paso!