El Paso events: Border Folk Festival, Cowboy Boot Day bring music Downtown

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

Border Folk Festival 

The 10th annual El Paso Border Folk Festival Music Conference and Concert Series will showcase the sounds and traditions that define the border region, culminating in a concert at 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 3, at the Plaza Theatre, 125 W. Mills Ave. The evening will feature Mariachi Los Camperos and Tesoro. In addition to performances, the multi-day conference offers workshops and networking opportunities for students from school and community music programs, highlighting mariachi as well as other genres to promote music education, technique and appreciation. Information and tickets: epborderfest.com

Cowboy Boot Day

Cowboy Boot Day will bring a night of country flair from 6 to 10 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 4, to San Jacinto Plaza. The free event features food trucks, live music from Brian Mars, and a line dancing competition with prizes for style and crowd appeal. Attendees are encouraged to show up in western attire to enjoy live country music and a DJ. The family-friendly evening is open to all ages, and the event will also provide Spanish translation and wheelchair accessibility. Those interested in competing in the dance contest can register online, though spots are limited. Information: elpasotexas.gov

Buddy Walk at EPCC Valle Verde

The 15th annual El Paso Buddy Walk takes place Saturday, Oct. 4, at El Paso Community College’s Valle Verde Campus Americana Village, bringing together hundreds of participants to support the Down Syndrome Coalition for El Paso. The event raises awareness about Down syndrome while funding community projects and scholarships for students with disabilities. Activities begin at 9 a.m., with the walk starting at 10 a.m. Organizers expect about 600 walkers and “buddies,” along with performances from Kalibe Folklorico, appearances by EPCC’s mascot Tejano Jack and other special guests. Registration is $20 and includes a T-shirt. Information: epbuddywalk.org

National Summit Day at Franklin Peak

Celebrate National Summit Day with a challenging guided hike to the summit of North Franklin Peak, the highest point in El Paso, on Saturday, Oct. 4. The 8.5-mile trek, hosted at Franklin Mountains State Park, 2900 Tom Mays Park Access Road, is designed for experienced hikers and will take between four and six hours. Participants will meet at the Tom Mays Access gate or Mundy’s Gap Trailhead at 7:30 a.m. and should bring water, sun protection and snacks. Park entry is $5 or free with a Texas State Parks Pass. Advance reservations are required. Information: wehikeadventure.org

Border Grove Opening Day Celebration

Border Grove, a community farm and garden, will officially open its doors with a community celebration from 5 to 9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 3, at 7810 Craddock Ave. The free event will feature hands-on activities such as herb and produce picking, tree planting and seed giveaways for fall gardening. A 5K run hosted by Run For It begins at 6 p.m., alongside a free cycling class, live music by DJ Impreshn, and wellness experiences including cold plunge and compression therapy. Families can take part in pumpkin painting and birdhouse building, while local vendors provide farm-to-table food and snacks. Guests are also invited to explore Border Grove’s newly opened shipping container space during the evening’s festivities. Information: Border Grove Instagram

Coming Up

• Trivia on Tap with El Paso Matters: El Paso Matters will launch El Paso Giving Day with Trivia on Tap from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 9, at Old Sheepdog Brewery, 3900 Rosa Ave. The free community event invites teams to test their knowledge of El Paso history, culture, food and music while enjoying craft beer and food specials. Space is limited, so RSVPs are encouraged, though some walk-ups may be accommodated. Prizes will be awarded, and proceeds from the brewery’s featured beer will support El Paso Matters’ mission of providing local, independent journalism. Spectators are welcome. Information: elpasomatters.org

• Chalk the Block: Downtown El Paso will once again transform into an open-air gallery as Chalk the Block returns Oct. 11-12 for its 18th anniversary. What began in 2008 as a small sidewalk chalk art competition has become one of the region’s largest public arts festivals, drawing more than 45,000 visitors each year. The weekend celebration will showcase more than 100 local and touring artists, offering interactive installations, live performances, chalk competitions, and art and food vendors throughout the Downtown Arts District. Festivalgoers can also explore hands-on activities and exhibits at cultural institutions including the El Paso Museum of Art, El Paso Museum of History and the new Mexican American Cultural Center. Admission is free. Information: chalktheblock.com

• MountainStar Sports Group Amigo Airsho: Tickets are now on sale for the Amigo Airsho, which celebrates the spirit of aviation and offers a salute to the nation’s armed forces. The show will be held Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 18-19, at Biggs Army Airfield on Fort Bliss. Air performers this year include an F-16C Fighting Falcon Demo and the Patriots Jet Team. Ground entertainment includes motocross athletes from Dialed Action Sports, California Tom Cruise and Arizona Ice Man, plus the Fort Bliss band, kids zones, a STEAM exhibit and more. Attendees will be able to bring one sealed water bottle or an empty (non-glass) reusable bottle to refill at water stations throughout the event. Every attendee will also receive a complimentary water bottle at the entrance. General admission starts at $35, with free admission for kids age 12 and younger. Free parking. Information: Amigo Airsho

• EPSO’s ‘Space Odyssey’:The El Paso Symphony Orchestra will present “Space Odyssey” on Oct. 17-18 at the Plaza Theatre, 125 W. Mills Ave., with concerts beginning at 7:30 p.m. under the direction of conductor Bohuslav Rattay. The program features John Williams’ “Adventures on Earth” from “E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial,” Eric Whitacre’s “Deep Field: The Impossible Magnitude of our Universe” accompanied by film, and Richard Strauss’ “Also sprach Zarathustra, Op. 30.” The UTEP Concert Chorale will join the orchestra for the performances. Audiences are also invited to attend “Opening Notes” with Nathan Black at 6:30 p.m. in the Philanthropy Theatre for insights into the evening’s works. Tickets range from $17 to $49. Information: 

• Pumpkin Palooza: The Upper Valley Artist and Farmers Market will host a fall-themed Pumpkin Palooza Market from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 19, at Mesa Plaza, 7930 N. Mesa St. The event will feature pumpkin painting for all ages, seasonal foods and drinks from local vendors, autumn-inspired crafts and goods from area makers, and photo-friendly setups designed for festive fall snapshots. Organizers describe the market as a family-friendly event that goes beyond the traditional pumpkin patch, with free entry and a focus on local community talent and flavors. 

Mark Your Calendar

• El Paso Matters 9.15K: The El Paso Matters 9.15K will leave the starting line at 9:15 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 7, at San Jacinto Plaza in Downtown El Paso. More than just a race, the 9.15-kilometer course highlights community pride by honoring the region’s area code, with proceeds supporting El Paso Matters’ nonprofit journalism. Runners, walkers and supporters are invited to participate in this celebration of local stories and connection, with the event blending fitness, identity and civic engagement. Registration is now open. Information: elpasomatters.org

• Oculto Film Fest: The Oculto Film Fest returns to the borderland this fall with events on both sides of the Rio Grande — Oct. 24-25 at El Paso’s Plaza Theatre and Nov. 1-2 at  including a two-day celebration in Ciudad Juárez on Nov. 1-2 at the Paso del Norte Cultural Center in Ciudad Juárez. The festival will showcase a mix of horror and fantasy films from around the world, alongside short film blocks, master classes, panel discussions and industry talks. Highlights include international features such as “The Mouth of the Soul,” a gore musical comedy from Estonia, and a wide selection of short films from Mexico, Spain, Chile, Argentina and beyond. Information and schedule: ocultofilmfest.com

• Día de los Muertos Desfile and Festival: The Día de los Muertos Desfile and Festival invites the community to Downtown El Paso on Saturday, Nov. 1, for a daylong celebration of life and remembrance. The event, hosted by the Mexican American Cultural Center and the city’s Museums and Cultural Affairs Department, runs from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. at 201 W. Franklin Ave. Attendees will take in a mile-long parade featuring floats, folklórico dancers, musicians and community groups starting at 4 p.m. Free cultural programming will take place across the Downtown Arts District museums, alongside an artisan market and food truck plaza highlighting local vendors. The festival, rooted in Mesoamerican traditions and the observance of All Souls’ Day, offers families an opportunity to honor loved ones while experiencing one of El Paso’s largest public celebrations. Information: epmacc.org

• El Paso Winefest: The 12th Annual El Paso Winefest returns Nov. 1-2, bringing together wine, food and live entertainment for a weekend of culinary celebration. The grand tasting event Saturday, Nov. 1, will feature more than 500 wines alongside dishes from 25 local restaurants, with both general admission and VIP tickets available. On Sunday, Nov. 2, the gastronomic battle will showcase Michelin-star chefs mentoring culinary students in a timed competition judged by bloggers, the public and industry leaders. Proceeds from the Rotary Club of El Paso’s festival benefit the RotaCare free medical clinic in El Paso’s Lower Valley. Tickets range from $75 to $250, with weekend passes and group packages also available. Information: elpasowinefest.com