El Paso is located in the Chihuahuan Desert of extreme western Texas, along the Rio Grande River. It adjoins both the state of New Mexico and the country of Mexico with the Franklin Mountains, the southern tip of the Rockies, slicing El Paso nearly in two.

With its classic Western geography, and because it shares an international border with Ciudad Juarez, Mexico's rich culture pervades everything in El Paso, from its art and architecture to its celebrations and cuisine. El Paso's area is 248 square miles, making it the fourth largest city in Texas, and 22nd in size in the United States. It is the nation's third fastest growing metropolitan areas. El Paso is midway between Los Angeles and Houston.

Shielded by mountains on three sides, the dual cities of El Paso in the US and Juárez, on the Mexican side, are rewarded with more than 200 days clear days of sunshine annually and a dry climate, making it possible to enjoy most outdoor activities year-round.

Visitors can sample some of the best Tex-Mex cuisine in the state of Texas and go bargain-shopping in Juárez, Mexico, just across the river. There are many historical and unique sites to be seen from the unusual Bhutanese-style architecture of the University of Texas at El Paso to the three Spanish colonial missions of Yselta, Socorro and San Elizario.

The Adventure Zone is one of El Paso's largest and finest family oriented arcade experiences. It features a game zone with virtual reality simulator games, a speed zone with go-karts, and a bumper zone for a water themed play. For roller coaster fans, Western Playland Amusement Park has rides for kids of all ages. Roller coasters, water slides, trains, rides, go-carts and more in a well maintained and exceptionally clean park. This is a great place to let the kids unwind after long stretches of time in the car! How about a day at the zoo? The El Paso Zoo is home to over 175 species of animals, including many endangered species, in 18 acres of natural habitat exhibits. The zoo focuses on animals of the Americas and Asia.

For just enjoying the scenery, be sure to take a ride along “Scenic Drive”. Visitors can see all of El Paso and Juarez, plus some of New Mexico. From downtown, take Stanton St. north, then go right on Rim Road. Another nice trip by car is “The Mission Trail”. Located just 15 minutes east of downtown El Paso, the Mission Trail is rich in history dating back 400 years. Visitors can see three active missions, plus numerous other historic sites. A variety of local shopping and dining establishments are also nearby.

Of national fame is the University of Texas El Paso. This renowned University is home to the annual Sun Bowl held on New Year’s Eve. The school opened in 1914 as the Texas School of Mining and Metalurgy. The buildings were designed to resemble those seen in the city of Lhasa in the Himalayas.

El Paso is in many ways represents the authentic Southwest, standing in contrast to the wealth and glitz of Santa Fe or Tucson. El Paso is unpolished, undiluted, and honest. El Paso and Ciudad Juárez each represent their country's largest border city. The local culture, a fusion of Mexican and American traditions, is unique in comparison to the way of life in eastern Texas.

Vacationers should be sure to allow enough time to see it all: exploring, just wandering downtown, enjoying a Tex-Mex meal, or whatever the particular interest. By spending time in El Paso, the visitor is bound to gain a better understanding of what a border town is all about.

Population:                  563,662

Elevation:                    3867 feet above sea level

Land Area:                   249.1 square miles

Location:                     El Paso is situated on the border of two nations, and lies in the desert 3,762 feet above sea level. The Franklin Mountains split El Paso down the middle, dividing the city into what El Pasoans refer to as the west & east sides. The Rio Grande River flows along El Paso's Southern boundary, separating Texas from Mexico.

Time Zone:                  Mountain Standard Time (when it’s noon in El Paso, it’s 1pm in Dallas and 2pm in New York City).  El Paso observes Daylight Saving Time from April - October

Weather:         

Climate:

Local Seasons:

As the home to the University of Texas, El Paso; any time school is in full session, visitors can expect a crowd.  The busiest time of year is over the New Year’s Holiday when the annual Sun Bowl takes place.  With  temperatures near 60 F during that time, it’s a perfect time to not only experience the annual football event but to enjoy the many outdoor activities available both in the city and throughout the area.  There is just a hint of snow during this time.

Spring brings sunny days and temperatures near 80 F.  With low humidity, who could ask for more?  Summers are hot, yet stay dry due to the low humidity. 

How to Get There:

By Air

El Paso International Airport

6701 Convair

El Paso, TX 79925

915-780-4749

El Paso International Airport is the gateway to West Texas, Southern New Mexico and Northern Mexico and provides airline passenger services, air cargo, and general aviation services. The airport is served by many of the nationally known airlines as well as certain local, regional and international carriers.

Ground Transportation:

Most of the major car rental companies as well as taxi, limousine, and shuttle bus service are available at the airport as well as at select locations throughout the city.  

By Car

There are several ways to get to El Paso by car:

From White Sands National Monument, NM: Travel Hwy 54 South to I-10 East.

From Juarez, Mexico: Travel Hwy 54 North to I-10 East.

Traveling from the West or the East: Travel I-10.

By Train

Amtrak

700 San Francisco St.
El Paso, TX 79901

800-USA-RAIL

Call for schedule and additional information

By Bus

Greyhound

200 W San Antonio Street
El Paso. TX 79901

915-542-1355

Call for schedule and additional information

How to Get Around:

For traveling around El Paso and between El Paso and Mexico, a rental car is recommended.

National Holidays:

New Year's Day: Jan. 1

Confederate Heroes’ Day:  January 19

Martin Luther King, Jr., Day: 3rd Mon. in Jan.

President's Day:  3rd Mon. in Feb.

Texas Independence Day:  March 2

San Jacinto Day:  April 21

Memorial Day: last Mon. in May

Emancipation Day:  June 19

Independence Day: July 4

Lyndon Baines Johnson Day:  August 27

Labor Day: 1st Mon. in Sept.

Thanksgiving Day:  4th Thurs. in Nov.

Christmas Eve and Christmas Day: Dec. 24 and 25

New Year's Eve: Dec. 31

Adventure Zone

251 W Redd Rd
El Paso, TX 79932
915-585-9663

Hours: Call for days and hours of operation

Admission Charged

Game Zone is one of El Paso's largest and finest arcade experiences. Game Zone offers cutting edge virtual reality, full motion simulator games, a western theme 8 player shooting gallery and some of the best redemption games and prizes in town. Speed Zone has over 800 feet of twists and turns spread out on over one acre, making it El Paso's premier go-kart destination. Bumper Zone is set in 100,000 gallons of water with a small tropical island. Food Zone delivers top quality food for everyone and take out orders are welcome.

El Paso Zoo

4001 E. Paisano
El Paso, TX 79905

915-544-1928

Hours: Open daily from 9:30am to late afternoon

Admission Charged

The zoo is home to over 175 species of animals, including many endangered species, in 18 acres of natural habitat exhibits. The zoo focuses on animals of the Americas and Asia. The zoo is located in central El Paso near the intersection of Highway 54 and Paisano.

McKelligon Canyon

915-564-9138

Hours: Open daily, call for additional information

Admission Free

Beautiful Canyon Park is located on the north side of El Paso and in the middle of the Franklin Mountains and is fabulous for hiking and picnicking. The amphitheater is home each summer to performances of Viva El Paso! and other events. Take McKelligon Canyon Road off Alabama St.

Scenic Drive

The best view of the city accessible by car. You can see all of El Paso and Juarez, plus some of New Mexico. From downtown, take Stanton St. north, then go right on Rim Rd.

Transmountain Road and Franklin Mountains State Park

State Park 1331 McKelligon C Rd
El Paso, TX 79930

915-566-6441

Hours: Open 8am – dusk daily

Admission Charged

This is the road that cuts through the mountains and connects northeast El Paso with Canutillo to the northwest of town. There are several places to stop and enjoy different views of the desert and towns below. Franklin Mountains Park lies at the bottom of the west side of the mountain. It's a great place for hiking and picnicking and to get an up-close view of the desert and mountains.

Western Playland Amusement Park

6900 Delta Dr, # 79905
El Paso, TX 79905
915-772-3914

Hours: Open weekends in the spring and fall and Wednesday through Sunday in the summer Admission Charged

Located in Ascarate Park in El Paso, Western Playland has rides for kids of all ages. Roller coasters, water slides, trains, rides, go-carts and more in a well maintained and exceptionally clean park. This is a great place to let the kids unwind after too much time in the car!

Wyler Aierial Tramway State Park

1700 McKinley

El Paso, TX 79930
915-566-6622

Hours: Call for additional information

Admission Charged

Seven thousand miles of Southwestern natural beauty and culture present an eagle-eye's view atop Ranger Peak in El Paso's Franklin Mountains. A four-minute climb treats visitors to a 946-foot vertical rise. Upon reaching the Wyler Observatory at 5,632 feet, sky-travelers spot the Hueco Mountains, New Mexico's White Sands and Mexico.

Historical and Cultural Sites:

Camino Real

101 S el Paso St
El Paso, TX 79901
915-534-3000

Hours: Call for additional information

Admission Free

Originally built in 1912 and listed on the National Historical Register. The 80-year old Tiffany glass dome, once part of the hotel's lobby, is now the showcase of the elegant Dome Bar. The hotel has hosted such guests as Pancho Villa, President Taft, and "Blackjack Pershing".

Magoffin Homestead

1120 Magoffin Ave
El Paso, TX 79901
915-533-5147

Hours: Open Wednesday – Sunday 9am – 4pm

An adobe-style hacienda built in 1875 by settler Joseph Magoffin. The home is built of adobe (sun-dried brick) with walls four feet thick. Some of the furnishings date back to the time of the original owner.

The Mission Trail

1 Civic Center Plaza
El Paso, TX 79901
915-534-0630
Hours: Call for additional information

Admission Charged

Located just 15 minutes east of downtown El Paso, the Mission Trail is rich in history dating back 400 years. Visitors can see three active missions, plus numerous other historic sites. Unique local shopping and dining are also nearby. Take I-10 east to the Zaragosa exit, turn south and follow the blue historical signs.

The University of Texas El Paso (UTEP)

500 W. University Ave.
El Paso, TX 79968

915-747-5000

Hours: Call for additional information

Admission Free to Visit

The school opened in 1914 as the Texas School of Mining and Metalurgy. The buildings were built to resemble those seen in the city of Lhasa in the Himalayas. The Sun Bowl Stadium on campus is home to the annual Sun Bowl.

Ysleta Mission

301 S. Schultz

El Paso, Texas 79907

Hours: Call for additional information

Admission Free

At the crossroads of Zaragosa Road and Alameda Street stands the Ysleta Mission is believed to be the oldest in Texas, founded in 1682. This mission is known to be the oldest continuously used church in the United States.

Museums:

Border Patrol Museum

4315 Transmountain Dr
El Paso, TX 79924
915-759-6060

Hours: Open Tuesday thru Sunday, 9am - 5pm

Admission Charged

Learn the history of the U.S. Border Patrol from the old west to the present. Static displays of aircraft and vehicles used by the patrol, surveillance equipment, confiscated items and more. This 10,000 square foot museum is a good stop along with the Wilderness Park Museum next door.

Centennial Museum

500 W University Ave

El Paso, Texas 79902

915-747-5565

Hours: Call for additional information

Admission Charged

The museum, on the campus of the University of Texas at El Paso, is a natural and cultural history museum focusing on the Southwest and Mexico. It fulfills its mission by exhibits, education programs, and research.

El Paso Museum of Art

1 Arts Festival Plaza
El Paso, TX 79901

915-532-1707

Hours: Closed on Christmas Day and New Year's Day. Regular Museum hours: Tues - Sat, 9am – 5pm, Sunday noon - 5pm. Galleries closed to public Mondays

Admission Charged

Located in downtown, the museum offers a celebrated permanent collection and a regular calendar of featured exhibits.

El Paso Museum of History

12901 Gateway Blvd W
El Paso, TX 79928

915-858-1928

Hours: Open Tue -Sun 9am - 4:30pm

Admission Charged

This museum displays the colorful history of Indians, conquistadors, vaqueros, cowboys and Cavalrymen who played a role in settling the Southwest.

El Paso Science Museum

12901 Gateway Blvd W
El Paso, TX 79928

915-542-2990

Hours: Tuesday – Saturday, 9am -5pm

Admission Charged

Over 80 hands-on science and technology exhibits located in a new building in the City Hall parking lot downtown.

Museum of Archeology at Wilderness Park Museum

4301 Transmountain Dr
El Paso, TX 79924

915- 755-4332

Hours: Open Tuesday – Sunday, 9am – 5pm

Admission Charged

Located on Transmountain Road near Highway 54 in Northeast El Paso, this museum tells of man's adaptation to the desert environment. There is a mile long nature trail and great views of the mountains and valleys.

Natural History Museum

9348 Dyer St.
El Paso, TX 79924
915-759-8585

Hours: Call for days and hours of operation

Admission Charged

The Natural History Museum of El Paso fills 30,000 sq. ft. with more than 300 exhibits spanning the wonders of the universe, from the progression of life on earth to the dawn of civilization to today's marvels. Paleomania features the great international fossil collection, Tutankhamun displays treasures from one of the most famous and richest tombs ever discovered, and Starscape illustrates the cosmos with spectacular photography.

NCO Museum

Biggs Army Air Field, Bldg 11331
El Paso, TX 79901
915-568-8646

Hours: 9am - 4pm, weekdays, and noon - 4pm Saturday and Sunday

Admission Free
Here's one place where the Non-Commissioned Officer gets due credit. Equipment and uniforms used by sergeants and other NCOs through the years are displayed.

Tiqua Cultural Center

305 Yaya Ln
El Paso, TX 79907
915-859-5287

Hour: Open from 8:30am - 5pm, Tuesday – Sunday

Admission Charged

The center features a Tigua tribe museum, including its relationship to the Tiwas of Northern New Mexico, and their arts and crafts.

U.S. Army Air Defense Museum

Bldg 5000th Fort Bliss
El Paso, TX 79916
915-568-5412

Hours: 9am - 4:30pm daily

Admission Charged

The museum includes an outdoor weapons park, with weaponry ranging from early anti-aircraft guns to the Hawk missile.

Nearby:

Plaza Monumental Bullring

Paseo Triunfo de la Republica #4630

Juarez, Mexico

915-585-8965

Hours: Call for additional information

Admission Charged

Live, traditional bullfights are held in the spring and summer at this bullring in Juarez. Three matadors fight two bulls each in this longstanding Spanish and Mexican sport. Matches last about two hours. On hot days spend the extra money for tickets on the shady side of the arena. Check the calendar of events in this issue for dates. Plaza Monumental is located at Paseo Triunfo de la Republica #4630, one block from the Rio Grande Mall.

New Mexico Farm & Ranch Heritage Museum

4100 Dripping Springs Rd.
Las Cruces, NM 88011

Located 45 miles north of El Paso
505-522-4100

Hours: 9am - 5pm, Wednesday – Sunday

Admission Charged

The museum has several exhibits on farming and ranching, plus Southwestern art exhibits. The museum offers an insect zoo and wildflower and native plant garden. Domestic animals on site include burros, churro sheep, Longhorn cattle and dairy cows. Milking demonstrations are at 11am and 3pm.

War Eagles Museum

8012 Airport Rd.
Santa Teresa, NM 88008
505-589-2000

Hours: Tuesday - Sunday 10am to 4pm

Admission Charged

Located at the Santa Teresa, New Mexico Airport, this unique museum is only 20 minutes from downtown El Paso. The warbirds of World War II and Korea, and other historic military aircraft, are displayed in a 54,000-square-foot building and the surrounding area. The collection includes the P-51 Mustang, P-38 Lightning, A26 Invader, and the German Fieseler-Storch. Among later era aircraft are the F-86 Sabre and MIG-15s.

Wet n Wild

8804 S Desert Blvd.

Anthony, TX 79821

Located approximately 25 miles north of El Paso

915-886-2222

Hours: Vary by season, call for additional information

Admission Charged

Have fun getting wet! A variety of rides and attractions for children and adults.

Events & Entertainment

January

Annual El Paso Chamber Music Festival

Held in early – mid January

Location: First Baptist Church on Montana

915-833-9400

Call for additional information

Presented by El Paso Pro-Musica. World-class chamber music with renowned soloists and chamber musicians.

Miss El Paso & Miss Teen El Paso

Held in early January

Location: Hanks High School Theatre

915-592-2254

Call for additional information

February

Southwestern International Livestock Show & Rodeo

Held in early – mid February

Location: El Paso County Coliseum and Fairgrounds

915-532-1401

Call for additional information

The annual show and rodeo is held at the El Paso County Coliseum and Fairgrounds.

Miss Black El Paso Southwest Scholarship Pageant

Held in early February

Location: Chamizal National Memorial Theatre

915-566-2407

Call for additional information

The Miss Black El Paso Southwest Scholarship pageant features young African American ladies exhibiting their poise, grace and erudition while vying for the coveted title of Miss Black El Paso.

Race for the Cure

Held in mid February

Location: Biggs Army Airfield

915-566-9745

Call for additional information

The annual Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation's 5K Race and 1 mile fun walk.

Siglo de Oro Drama Festival

Held in late February – early March

Location: Chamizal National Memorial Theatre

915-532-7273

Annual celebration of the dramatic arts from Spain's Golden Age with professional and collegiate performing groups from Mexico, Spain, South America and the United States in performances of classic works by Miguel Cervantes, Lope de Vega, Sor Juana Inez de la Cruz and Pedro Calderón de la Barca. All presentations in Spanish unless otherwise noted.

Extreme Tuner Car Show

Held in late February

Location: El Paso Convention Center

915-591-6100

Call for additional information

The annual show showcases imports and euro cars.

March

Siglo de Oro Drama Festival

Held in late February – early March

Location: Chamizal National Memorial Theatre

915-532-7273

Annual celebration of the dramatic arts from Spain's Golden Age with professional and collegiate performing groups from Mexico, Spain, South America and the United States in performances of classic works by Miguel Cervantes, Lope de Vega, Sor Juana Inez de la Cruz and Pedro Calderón de la Barca. All presentations in Spanish unless otherwise noted.

El Paso Sports Expo

Held in early March

Location: El Paso Convention Center

915-544-9550

Call for additional information

An interactive sports venue for parents and kids.

El Paso Times Spelling Bee

Held in early March

Location: Chamizal National Memorial Theatre

915-546-6255

Call for additional information

About 150 students from West Texas and Southern New Mexico compete in the El Paso Times Spelling Bee. The champion will represent the area at the National Spelling Bee in Washington, D.C.

Northeaster Parade

Held in late March

Location: Hercules and Diana

915-751-6964

Call for additional information

Annual parade starts at 10 am. at Hercules and Diana, and continues 1 1/2 miles along Diana to North Park Mall.

April

WinStar Derby

Held in early April

Location: Sunland Park Racetrack

505-874-5200

Call for additional information

The annual running of the $500,000 WinStar Derby and $250,000 WinStar Oaks.

World On A String Guitar Festival

Held in early – mid April

Location: Chamizal National Memorial Theater

915-541-4481

Call for additional information

The El Paso Arts & Culture Department presents renowned classical guitar artists from around the world.

Heritage Festival Week

Held in late April – early May

Location: Varies in El Paso

915-533-1555

Call for additional information

The celebration of El Paso's art, culture, history and natural beauty, featuring dozens of events. 

May

Heritage Festival Week

Held in late April – early May

Location: Varies in El Paso

915-533-1555

Call for additional information

The celebration of El Paso's art, culture, history and natural beauty, featuring dozens of events. 

Art in the Park

Held in late May

Location: Memorial Park

915-533-3311

Call for additional information

The City Parks & Recreation Department's semi-annual arts & crafts fair with continuous entertainment.

Armed Forces Day

Held in late May

Location: Noel Field, Fort Bliss

915-568-4505

Call for additional information

Military equipment displays, chili cook-off, live music, historical tours, health fair and more. 

KLAQ Balloon Festival

Held in late May

Location: Wet-N-Wild Waterworld

915-544-8864

More than 75 hot air balloons take flight during the annual festival. Event includes three full days of rides, vendors, balloon glows and live concerts.

June

Car Show

Held in early June

Location: El Paso County Coliseum

915-920-0997

Call for additional information

Big Daddy Car Show and Concert

Held in late June

Location: Sunland Park Racetrack

505-874-5200

Call for additional information

Chili Cook-off

Held in late June

Location: El Paso County Coliseum

915-534-4229

Call for additional information

Food booths and entertainment

July

Independence Day Parade

Held on July 3

Location: Thunderbird and Shadow Mountain

915-581-5179

Call for additional information

West Side parade starts at 9 am. July 3 at Thunderbird and Shadow Mountain; East Side parade starts at 9 am. July 4, at Hanks High School.

Downtown Street Festival

Held in early July

Location: Various Downtown Locations

915-544-8864

Call for additional information

The annual 4th of July celebration in downtown El Paso features four stages of live entertainment, more than 100 vendor booths, food and drink, a children's carnival, and July 4 fireworks.

Summer Music Games

Held in early July

Location: Sun Bowl Stadium

Call for additional information

The annual Drum Corps International "Drums Along the Border" event.  

El Paso Aqua Posse International Swim Meet

Held in early July

Location: Call for exact location

915-833-0212

Annual swim meet.

Ysleta Mission Festival

Held in early July

Location: Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church

915-859-0848

Call for additional information

The event includes food, drink, music, dance, arts & crafts and religious items booths, games.

Chamizal Independent Film Festival

Held late July – early August

Location: Chamizal National Memorial Theater, the El Paso Museum of Art, the UTEP Union Cinema and Juarez's Pronaf Theatres

915-585-0672

Call for additional information

Filmmakers from the United States and Mexico present feature, documentary and short independent films. The festival also includes lectures, competitions and other special events.

August

Fiesta de San Lorenzo

Held in early August

Location: San Lorenzo Catholic Church in Clint

915-851-2255

Call for additional information

The annual celebration includes plenty of live music, matachines dancers, food booths, and more.

Chamizal Independent Film Festival

Held late July – early August

Location: Chamizal National Memorial Theater, the El Paso Museum of Art, the UTEP Union Cinema and Juarez's Pronaf Theatres

915-585-0672

Call for additional information

Filmmakers from the United States and Mexico present feature, documentary and short independent films. The festival also includes lectures, competitions and other special events.

Bodybuilding Championships

Held in mid August

Location: Abraham Chavez Theatre

505-373-2998

Call for additional information

Sun City Border Regional Championships. 

Seafood and Music Festival

Held in mid August

Location: El Paso County Coliseum

915-534-4229

Showmanship and judging; food booths plus music.  

KLAQ "Taste of El Paso"

Held in mid August

Location: Western Playland

915-544-8864

Call for additional information

Some of ­ El Paso's best restaurants offer samples of their food during the annual event. Also features rides, vendors and live entertainment.

St. Nicholas Greek Festival

Held in late August

Location: Greek Orthodox Church of St. Nicholas

915-833-0882

Call for additional information

The annual celebration of Greek food, music and culture is Friday through Sunday,

September

Fiesta de las Flores

Held over Labor Day Weekend

Location: El Paso County Coliseum

915-542-3464

Call for additional information

The festival includes a variety of food and game booths, arts and crafts, car show and a Niñoville area for kids. Fiesta de las Flores Pageant is at 7:10 pm. Friday and Saturday, and Queen Crowning is at 8:10 pm. Sunday. Karaoke contest 6 to 7 pm. Friday and Saturday, finals at 6 pm. Monday. World Championship Huacha Tournament begins at noon Saturday at the Equestrian Center. A Celebrity Huacha Tournament is noon Sunday.

 

American Heart Walk

Held in early September

Location: Chamizal National Memorial Walk

915-833-1231

Call for additional information

The annual 5K family fun walk for the American Heart Association. Walk from the Chamizal through the El Paso Zoo and return. Includes entertainment, health fair, kid's tent, and exhibits.

Mexican Independence Day

Held in mid September

Location: Chamizal National Memorial

915-533-6311

Call for additional information

The celebration commemorates the call Padre Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla gave the night of the Sept. 15 that ignited Mexico's rebellion against Spain. The Mexican Consul General's office honors Mexico's independence with this ceremony filled with live music and ballet folklóricos dancing.

El Paso Chopin Music Festival

Held in mid September

Location: Chamizal National Memorial

915-584-1595

Call for additional information

El Paso County Fair and Junior Livestock Show

Held in mid September

Location: El Paso County Coliseum Fairgrounds

915-497-9518
Call for additional information

The annual Bucking on the Border bull riding competition and livestock show.

El Paso Interior Design & Remodeling Expo

Held in mid September

Location: El Paso Convention Center

361-882-2071

Call for additional information

Expo LTD presents the show 10 am to 7 pm. Friday, 10 am to 6 pm Saturday and Sunday.

Art in the Park

Held in late September

Location: Memorial Park

915-533-3311

Call for additional information

The City Parks & Recreation Department's semi-annual arts & crafts fair is Saturday and Sunday at Memorial Park.

Woman's Club Fall Festival

Held in late September

Location: The Clubhouse 1400 North Mesa

915-532-6131

Call for additional information

'Cars Under the Stars' Car Show

Held in late September

Location:  Cohen Stadium

915-755-7637

Call for additional information

More than 300 cars and motorcycles attend the annual event, sponsored by Rio Grande Wheels Car Club.

October

Celebration of Our Mountains

Held the entire month of October

Location: Varies throughout El Paso

915-542-1422

Call for additional information

The annual Celebration of Our Mountains is a month-long festival of events to encourage appreciation of the El Paso region's environment. More than 30 hikes, field trips, driving tours, nature walks, bicycle rides and other activities are offered to the public. Most events are free

El Paso Wine and Food Festival

Held in early October

Location: Varies

915-751-1181

Call for additional information

The epicurean fundraiser for the El Paso Tennis Development Foundation is held at various venues, including a Friday gala at Insights. 

Arts International

Held in early October

Location: International Museum of Art

915-534-7377

Call for additional information

One of the region's most prestigious juried arts competitions, presented by the El Paso Art Association is held at the International Museum of Art.  

Fall Bash

Held in early October

Location: Westside Community Church

915-584-0882

Call for additional information

The annual community cookout, sponsored by Westside Community Church, is held at Francisco Delgado Park, on Imperial Ridge behind Franklin High School. Free cookout, face painting, jumping Balloons and live music.

Oktoberfest

Held in early October

Location: Fort Bliss

915-568-8923

Call for additional information

The annual celebration that brings a taste of Bavaria, especially beer, to El Paso is held on Carter Road at Fort Bliss.

Chamizal Festival

Held in early – mid October

Location: Chamizal National Memorial Theater and Grounds

915-532-7273

Call for additional information

The Chamizal's annual tradition features three days of music, dance, children's programs and demonstrations of traditional folk crafts.

Hueco Tanks Interpretive Fair

Held in mid October

Location: Hueco Tanks State Historic Site

915-857-1133

Call for additional information

Traditional Native American song and dance, pictograph tours, campfire program, cowboy skills demonstrations, food and gifts for sale.

November

A Christmas Fair

Held in early November

Location: El Paso Convention Center

915-584-3511

Call for additional information

The Junior League of El Paso's annual holiday shopping event featuring more than 130 shops and specialty stores from around the country. 

ACTF West Texas Festival

Held in mid November

Location: Studio Theatre and Wise Family Theatre at UTEP

915-747-5118

Call for additional information

The UTEP Department of Theatre, Dance and Film host guest colleges performing a variety of plays as part of the national theater program,

YMCA Turkey Trot

Held in late November

Location: Central YMCA

915-533-3941

Call for additional information

The annual Thanksgiving Day 5K run and 3K fun walk benefiting YMCA youth and teen programs.  

Las Palmas Del Sol Sun Bowl Parade

Held on Thanksgiving Day

Location: Downtown El Paso

The annual parade begins at 10 am. Thanksgiving Day, downtown El Paso.

December

Season of Lights

Held in early December

Location: UTEP

915-747-8600

Call for additional information

Annual lighting of the UTEP holiday lights. The 150,000-plus lights stay lit each night through Jan. 1.

Senior All-Star Football Classic

Held in mid December

Location: UTEP’s Sun Bowl Stadium

915-478-6904

Call for additional information

Annual high school all-star football game.  

Luminarias/Posadas along the Mission Trail

Held in mid December

Location: Mission Trail Churches

915-534-0677

Call for additional information

About 15,000 luminarias  line Socorro Road. Spans Ysleta to San Elizario, with Las Posadas celebrations at the Mission Trail churches.

Vitalis Sun Bowl

Held on December 31

Location:  UTEP Sun Bowl

800-915-BOWL

Call for additional information

The annual football classic begins at noon on December 31, with teams from the Pac Ten and Big Ten Conferences.

Entertainment:

The University of Texas at El Paso Ballet

Fox Fine Arts Center

500 West University Avenue

El Paso, Texas 79968
915-747-5606

Call for performance schedule and additional information

The University of Texas at El Paso Ballet is in residence at UTEP. Guest artists

Adventure Zone

251 W Redd Rd
El Paso, TX 79932
915-585-9663

Hours: Call for days and hours of operation

Admission Charged

Game Zone is one of  El Paso's largest and finest arcade experiences. Game Zone offers cutting edge virtual reality, full motion simulator games, a western themed 8 player shooting gallery and some of the best redemption games and prizes in town. Speed Zone with over 800 feet of twists and turns spread out on over one acre, making it El Paso's premier go-kart destination. Bumper Zone is set in 100,000 gallons of water with a small tropical island. Food Zone delivers top quality food for everyone and take out orders are welcome.

El Paso Zoo

4001 E. Paisano
El Paso, TX 79905

915-544-1928

Hours: Open daily from 9:30am to late afternoon

Admission Charged

The zoo focuses on animals of the Americas and Asia and is home to over 175 species, including many endangered species, in 18 acres of natural habitat exhibits.  Located in central El Paso near the intersection of Highway 54 and Paisano.

Scenic Drive

The best view of the city accessible by car. You can see all of El Paso and Juarez, plus some of New Mexico. From downtown, take Stanton St. north, then go right on Rim Rd.

Western Playland Amusement Park

6900 Delta Dr, # 79905
El Paso, TX 79905
915-772-3914

Hours: Open weekends in the spring and fall and Wednesday through Sunday in the summer Admission Charged

Located in Ascarate Park in El Paso, Western Playland has rides for kids of all ages. Roller coasters, water slides, trains, rides, go-carts and more in a well maintained and exceptionally clean park. This is a great place to let the kids unwind after too much time in the car!

Wyler Aierial Tramway State Park

1700 McKinley

El Paso, TX 79930
915-566-6622

Hours: Call for additional information

Admission Charged

Seven thousand miles of Southwestern natural beauty and culture present an eagle-eye's view atop Ranger Peak in El Paso's Franklin Mountains. A four-minute climb treats visitors to a 946-foot vertical rise. Upon reaching the Wyler Observatory at 5,632 feet, sky-travelers spot the Hueco Mountains, New Mexico's White Sands and Mexico.

The Mission Trail

1 Civic Center Plaza
El Paso, TX 79901
915-534-0630
Hours: Call for additional information

Admission Charged

Located just 15 minutes east of downtown El Paso, the Mission Trail is rich in history dating back 400 years. Visitors can see three active missions, plus numerous other historic sites. Unique local shopping and dining are also nearby. Take I-10 east to the Zaragosa exit, turn south and follow the blue historical signs.

El Paso Museum of History

12901 Gateway Blvd W
El Paso, TX 79928

915-858-1928

Hours: Open Tue -Sun 9am - 4:30pm

Admission Charged

This museum displays the colorful history of Indians, conquistadors, vaqueros, cowboys and Cavalrymen who played a role in settling the Southwest.