El Paso events: Gold Rush kicks off UTEP fall, Book Club hosts author

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

Texas Western Gold Rush

The University of Texas at El Paso will welcome students to the 2025-26 academic year with the fifth annual Texas Western Gold Rush, a kickoff to the fall semester scheduled for 7 p.m. Monday, Aug. 25, at the campus’ Centennial Plaza. The evening celebration for new and returning Miners will feature live music, student performances, storytelling, giveaways and fireworks. Organizers describe it as one of the university’s largest student events of the year and a chance to build community and Miner pride at the start of the semester. Information: utep.edu 

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

Coming Up

• Minerpalooza: Minerpalooza returns to the University of Texas at El Paso campus at 5 p.m. Friday, Sept. 5, marking its 35th year as one of the university’s signature traditions. The free, family-friendly event draws thousands of students and community members with live performances, food vendors, games and attractions, including Pete’s Playground for younger attendees. A beer and wine garden will be available for guests age 21 and older, while activity booths and inflatables can be accessed with tickets sold on-site. The celebration launches the new academic year with music, entertainment and community spirit. Information: utep.edu

• 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.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.

• 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

• UTEP football season opener: The University of Texas at El Paso football team will play its 2025 home opener against the University of Tennessee at Martin at 7 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 6, at Sun Bowl Stadium. The Skyhawks, who reached the second round of last year’s FCS Championship, will provide an early test for the Miners in head coach Scotty Walden’s second season. The matchup marks UTEP’s first of six home games this year, five of which are on Saturdays. Tickets are available at UTEPMiners.com or by calling 915-747-8837. Information: utepminers.com

• 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 cCity 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