{"id":1970955,"date":"2025-08-20T19:39:34","date_gmt":"2025-08-20T19:39:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/?p=1970955"},"modified":"2025-08-20T19:39:34","modified_gmt":"2025-08-20T19:39:34","slug":"el-paso-events-gold-rush-kicks-off-utep-fall-book-club-hosts-author","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/el-paso-events-gold-rush-kicks-off-utep-fall-book-club-hosts-author\/","title":{"rendered":"El Paso events: Gold Rush kicks off UTEP fall, Book Club hosts author"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><\/p>\n<div>\n<aside>\n\t\t<\/aside>\n<p>Here\u2019s a roundup of some culture and civic events in the borderland in the coming week.<\/p>\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Texas Western Gold Rush<\/h4>\n<p>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\u2019 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\u2019s largest student events of the year and a chance to build community and Miner pride at the start of the semester. <strong>Information: <\/strong><a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.utep.edu\/student-affairs\/minerwelcome\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">utep.edu\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">El Paso Matters Book Club author event<\/h4>\n<p>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, \u201cBorderlands and the Mexican American Story,\u201d which reexamines U.S. history through overlooked Indigenous and Mexican American perspectives. The event will feature a Q&amp;A session, a live performance by Los Liminals, and book sales and signings. Admission is free, but advance registration is encouraged. <strong>Information:<\/strong> <a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/elpasomatters.org\/listings\/events\/things-to-do-david-dorado-romo-borderlands-book-event-el-paso-macc\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">elpasomatters.org<\/a><\/p>\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Third Thursday in Downtown Arts District<\/h4>\n<p>The city of El Paso\u2019s 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\u2019s museums, arts spaces, and cultural attractions after hours.<\/p>\n<aside class=\"scaip scaip-1    \">\n\t\t<\/aside>\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Movies at the Park \u2014 \u2018Puss in Boots\u2019<\/h4>\n<p>Families can enjoy a free outdoor screening of \u201cPuss in Boots: The Last Wish\u201d at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 22, at Blackie Chesher Park, 1100 N. Zaragoza Road. Part of El Paso Parks and Recreation\u2019s 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. <strong>Information: <\/strong><a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.elpasotexas.gov\/parks\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">elpasotexas.gov<\/a><\/p>\n<aside>\n\t\t<\/aside>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-white-color has-primary-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color wp-elements-c7995ce230f574b3b034df856717bea2\">Coming Up<\/h2>\n<p><strong>\u2022\u00a0Minerpalooza:<\/strong> 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\u2019s signature traditions. The free, family-friendly event draws thousands of students and community members with live performances, food vendors, games and attractions, including Pete\u2019s 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. <strong>Information: <\/strong><a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.utep.edu\/student-affairs\/minerpalooza\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">utep.edu<\/a><\/p>\n<p><strong>\u2022 El Paso Pro-Musica Summerfest: <\/strong>El Paso Pro-Musica, which has been bringing chamber music performances to the community since 1977, is bringing the <a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/balourdetquartet\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Balourdet Quartet<\/a> for its Summerfest concert at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 28, at the University of Texas at El Paso\u2019s 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. <strong>Tickets and information<\/strong>: <a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"http:\/\/eppm.org\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">eppm.org<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p><strong>\u2022 El Fresco Music Series finale: <\/strong>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 \u2014 all part of this year\u2019s \u201cRitmo &amp; Rodeo\u201d 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.<\/p>\n<p><strong>\u2022\u00a0Balourdet Quartetto at UTEP: <\/strong>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 \u201cabsolute musical perfection.\u201d The concert is part of the group\u2019s engagement with UTEP students and the broader community. <strong>Information and tickets:<\/strong> <a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.elpasopromusica.org\/shows\/balourdet-quartet\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">elpasopromusica.org<\/a><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-white-color has-primary-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color wp-elements-a68816afb9f7fc687bbcb05f00de6a05\">Mark Your Calendar<\/h2>\n<p><strong>\u2022\u00a0UTEP football season opener:<\/strong> 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\u2019s FCS Championship, will provide an early test for the Miners in head coach Scotty Walden\u2019s second season. The matchup marks UTEP\u2019s first of six home games this year, five of which are on Saturdays. Tickets are available at <a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"http:\/\/utepminers.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">UTEPMiners.com<\/a> or by calling 915-747-8837. <strong>Information:<\/strong> <a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/utepminers.com\/sports\/2020\/2\/11\/tickets.aspx\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">utepminers.com<\/a><\/p>\n<p><strong>\u2022 El Paso Opera\u2019s\u00a0Encores &amp; Overtures:<\/strong> El Paso Opera will launch its new season with Encores &amp; 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\u2019s 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. <strong>Information and tickets:<\/strong> <a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/epopera.app.neoncrm.com\/nx\/portal\/neonevents\/events?path=%2Fportal%2Fevents%2F21309\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">epopera.org<\/a><\/p>\n<p><strong>\u2022 Movies at the Park \u2014 \u2018Encanto\u2019: <\/strong>The Movies at the Park series concludes Friday, Sept. 5, with a free outdoor screening of Disney\u2019s \u201cEncanto\u201d 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. <strong>Information: <\/strong><a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.elpasotexas.gov\/parks\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">elpasotexas.gov<\/a><\/p>\n<aside class=\"scaip scaip-2    \">\n\t\t<\/aside>\n<p>\u2022 <strong>\u2018Canine Fiesta\u2019 at Ascarate Pool:<\/strong> 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 \u201cCanine Fiesta\u201d from noon to 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 6, featuring a cutest outfit contest and a dog paddle competition. Additional \u201cPup Swim\u201d 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. <strong>Information:<\/strong> 915-273-3501 or <a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"http:\/\/epcountyparks.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">epcountyparks.com<\/a><\/p>\n<p><strong>\u2022 \u2018Baila El Paso\u2019 begins: <\/strong>Live Active El Paso will launch its free \u201cBaila El Paso!\u201d 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\u2019s effort to promote active living, will continue at various recreation centers through November, culminating in a WinterFest finale in December. <strong>Information:<\/strong> <a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.elpasotexas.gov\/assets\/Press-Releases\/Parks\/2024\/09\/2024.09.10-NEWS-RELEASE_City-to-Offer-Free-Dancing-Classes.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">elpasotexas.gov<\/a><\/p>\n<p><strong>\u2022 Kevin Smith at El Paso Film Festival: <\/strong>The El Paso Film Festival will kick off its eighth year with \u201cAn Evening with Kevin Smith\u201d at 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 25, at the Plaza Theatre, 125 W Mills Ave. Known for cult classics such as \u201cClerks,\u201d \u201cChasing Amy,\u201d \u201cDogma\u201d and \u201cJay and Silent Bob Strike Back,\u201d Smith will take the stage for a live conversation featuring personal stories, audience Q&amp;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. <strong>Information and tickets:<\/strong> <a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"http:\/\/elpasofilmfestival.org\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">elpasofilmfestival.org<\/a><\/p>\n<p><strong>\u2022 Way Out West Fest: <\/strong>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. <strong>Information:<\/strong><a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/epwayoutwest.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">epwayoutwest.com<\/a><\/p>\n<section id=\"block-36\" class=\"below-content widget widget_block\">\n<nav class=\"jp-relatedposts-i2 wp-block-jetpack-related-posts\" data-layout=\"grid\" aria-label=\"Related\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Related<\/h3>\n<\/nav>\n<\/section>\n<section id=\"block-51\" class=\"below-content widget widget_block\">\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-wide\"\/>\n<\/section>\n<section id=\"block-52\" class=\"below-content widget widget_block\">\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">LISTEN: EL PASO MATTERS PODCAST<\/h4>\n<\/section>\n<section id=\"block-53\" class=\"below-content widget widget_block\"\/>\t<\/div>\n<p><script async src=\"\/\/www.instagram.com\/embed.js\"><\/script><\/p>\n<p><em> \u2018 The preceding article may include information circulated by third parties \u2019 <\/em><\/p>\n<p><em> \u2018 Some details of this article were extracted from the following source elpasomatters.org \u2019 <\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Here\u2019s 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. [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":1970956,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"jnews-multi-image_gallery":[],"jnews_single_post":[],"jnews_primary_category":[],"jnews_social_meta":[],"footnotes":""},"categories":[25179],"tags":[22221,22034],"class_list":["post-1970955","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-music","tag-culture","tag-events"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/El-Paso-events-Gold-Rush-kicks-off-UTEP-fall-Book.jpg","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1970955","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1970955"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1970955\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1970956"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1970955"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1970955"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1970955"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}