El Paso Weekend Events - Festivals, Concerts + More

Here’s what’s going on in and around El Paso this weekend, August 26-August 27, 2016.

FRIDAY:

El Paso Zoo – 35 acres of fun and adventure featuring exotic animals from around the world and family attractions such as the African Star Train, the Hunt Family Desert Spring splash pad, and the Foster Tree House Playground. 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., 4001 E. Paisano, across from the County Coliseum. Admission varies. More Details

Sue Young Spray Park – Splash pad with amusement-park style water features and other amenities, including park benches and shaded picnic units. 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. at 9730 Diana Dr. FREE admission. (915) 544-3556

Wyler Ariel Tramway – Take in the beauty of our city and surroundings from 5,632 feet above sea level. Once on top there are several viewing areas, a gift shop, and Swiss-made gondolas that will take you on a soaring 4-minute ride above the canyon. 12 noon to 7 p.m. at Franklin Mountains State Park, 1700 McKinley. FREE entry. Tram Ride, $8 adults, $4 children 12 and under. More Details

St. Nicholas Greek Festival – The annual festival of Greek food and culture features a smorgasbord of Greek fare plus live Greek music and dances. Gates open 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the Greek Orthodox Church of St. Nicholas, 124 S. Festival. Admission is FREE. More Details

Minerpalooza 2016 - The family-friendly event is part pep rally, part street party with carnival booths, inflatable’s, musical entertainment, and special appearances by the UTEP cheerleaders and Paydirt Pete, and the UTEP football team. 6:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. in the parking lot of the Larry K. Durham Center at the corner of Glory Road and Sun Bowl Drive. Admission is FREE. More Details

Friday at The Fire – Live music by local bands set against the ambiance of the Freedom Crossing at Ft. Bliss outdoor fireplace. Tonight, Kikimora. 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. FREE.

Parks & Rec Pokémon Catch ‘em All Event – “Catch ‘em all” Pokémon party includes prizes, giveaways, and Pokémon team hats. 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. at Pueblo Viejo Park, 9300 Roseway St. FREE. More Details

Alfresco! Fridays – Fresh-air performances from local bands playing various genres of music. 6 p.m. on the Convention Center Plaza. Tonight, Billy Townes (Jazz). FREE. More Details

Slaughter - The '90s hard rock band brings the metal to the Rock. Lynch Mob and Vixen open. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. at Speaking Rock Entertainment Center, 122 S. Old Pueblo Rd. FREE 18 and older. More Details

The Beach Boys - The surf rock legends bring their flawless harmonies and ‘Good Vibrations’ to town. 8:00 p.m. at the Abraham Chavez Theatre. Ticket prices vary. More Details

Carlos Mencia – The comedian, actor returns to El Paso with new standup material. Show times are 8:00 p.m. and 10:15 p.m. at the Comic Strip, 1201 Airway. Ticket prices vary. More Details

El Paso Community College Performer’s Studio Summer Repertory presents ‘Guys and Dolls’ – Based on the legendary, multi-award-winning, musical comedy classic about rolling the dice and falling in love under the lights of Broadway. "Guys and Dolls" is considered by many to be the perfect musical comedy. Showtime is 8 p.m. at the Transmountain Campus Forum Theater, 9570 Gateway North. Tickets prices vary. More Details

El Paso Playhouse Presents ‘August: Osage County’ – El Paso’s longest running Community Theater presents the black comedy about a family brought together over the disappearance of their patriarch. Holed up in the large family estate, tensions heat up and boil over in the ruthless August heat. Showtime is 8 p.m. at the El Paso Playhouse, 2501 Montana. Ticket prices vary. More Details

Movies in the Canyon – Family friendly movies shown on a state-of-the-art screen set up on the stage of the McKelligon Canyon Amphitheatre. Approximately 8:30 p.m., weather permitting. Tonight, Star Wars: The Force Awakens. FREE. More Details

SATURDAY:

Farmer’s Market at Ardovino’s Desert Crossing – The “producers only” market features area farmers, backyard gardeners and artisans selling organic and pesticide-free vegetables, locally-made goat cheeses, natural free range chickens and eggs, native plants for home and yard, fresh-baked breads and salsas. 7:30 a.m. to 12 noon. FREE admission. More Details

El Paso Rose Garden – Stop and smell over 1,400 blooming roses at one of El Paso’s hidden gems. 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the El Paso Municipal Rose Garden, 1702 N. Copia St. FREE. More Details

Downtown Artist and Farmers Market – The market offers the chance to shop for original arts and crafts and regionally grown produce in an outdoor setting while enjoying entertainment featuring local artists, food vendors and free activities. 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Union Plaza District along Anthony Street. FREE admission and FREE parking. More Details

El Paso Zoo – 35 acres of fun and adventure featuring exotic animals from around the world and family attractions such as the African Star Train, the Hunt Family Desert Spring splash pad, and the Foster Tree House Playground. 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., 4001 E. Paisano, across from the County Coliseum. Admission varies. More Details

Wet-n-Wild Waterworld – El Paso’s 60-acre water park features more than 25 rides and attractions, and the largest wave pool in Texas. 8804 South Desert Boulevard, Anthony, Texas. Gates open 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.. Admission prices vary. More Details

Great American Rockabilly Riot - Custom cars, rat rods, and a rockabilly concert featuring Reverend Horton and others. 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. at Ascarate Park, 6900 Delta. $20 admission. More Details

City of El Paso Swimming Pools – The city’s outdoor and indoor aquatic facilities are open for recreational swimming. Hours vary by location. Admission is $1-$2. More Details

St. Nicholas Greek Festival – The annual festival of Greek food and culture features a smorgasbord of Greek fare plus live Greek music and dances. Gates open 12 noon to 10 p.m. at the Greek Orthodox Church of St. Nicholas, 124 S. Festival. Admission is FREE. More Details

El Paso Wine & Craft Beer Festival - More than 200 wines and over 50 craft beers will be available for tasting and purchase. Live music, food, and children's activities too. Noon to 11:00 p.m. at Vista Hills Country Club, 2210 Trawood. Tickets start at $25, good for both days. More Details

Free Movie Saturday at the International Museum of Art – Citizen Kane will be screened at 2 p.m. in the auditorium of the International Museum of Art, 1211 Montana Ave. Admission is FREE, concessions will be available. More Details

Western Playland Amusement Park – 30+ rides and games for all ages. Open 3 p.m. to 10 p.m., 1249 Futurity Dr., Sunland Park, NM, across from Sunland Park Racetrack & Casino. Admission varies. More Details

Parks & Rec Pokémon Catch ‘em All Event – “Catch ‘em all” Pokémon party includes prizes, giveaways, and Pokémon team hats. 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. at Veteran’s Park, 5301 Salem Dr. FREE. More Details

El Paso Punk Rock Flea Market Night Market - Artists, vendors, food, and live music. 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. at 5 Points Bistro, 3019 Montana Ave. FREE admission. More Details

Family Carnival & Movie Night at Southwest University Park - A free showing of Star Wars: The Force Awakens on the stadium big screen, and a free carnival with kids games, face painting and more. Gates open at 6 p.m. a Southwest University Park. FREE. More Details

Music on the Lawn at Fountains at Farah – Ribo Flavin, Brandon Bailey Johnson perform in the Fountains at Farah Pavilion beginning at 7 p.m., weather permitting. Blankets and lawn chairs encouraged, food and beverages will be available. Admission is FREE. More Details

Movies Under the Stars – Family-friendly movies in the park, under the stars, weather permitting. BYO blankets, chairs, and snacks. Tonight’s movie is Ant Man. 8:00 p.m. at Eastwood Park (Album Park), 3110 Parkway. FREE. More Details

Pat Benatar Tribute Band – Doors open 8:00 p.m. at Speaking Rock Entertainment Center, 122 S. Old Pueblo Rd. FREE 18 and older. More Details

Carlos Mencia – The comedian, actor returns to El Paso with new standup material. Show times are 8:00 p.m. and 10:15 p.m. at the Comic Strip, 1201 Airway. Ticket prices vary. More Details

Haunted Brothel Ghost Tour – Traverse Downtown El Paso’s darkest alleys and enter some of our city’s remaining brothels (maybe even capture paranormal activity). Meet at the Ghosts915 Paranormal Research Center, 108 E San Antonio Ave at 9:00 p.m. $15 per person. More Details

SUNDAY:

Wyler Ariel Tramway – Take in the beauty of our city and surroundings from 5,632 feet above sea level. Once on top there are several viewing areas, a gift shop, and Swiss-made gondolas that will take you on a soaring 4-minute ride above the canyon. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Franklin Mountains State Park, 1700 McKinley. FREE entry. Tram Ride, $8 adults, $4 children 12 and under. More Details

St. Nicholas Greek Festival – The annual festival of Greek food and culture features a smorgasbord of Greek fare plus live Greek music and dances. Gates open 12 noon to 9 p.m. at the Greek Orthodox Church of St. Nicholas, 124 S. Festival. Admission is FREE. More Details

La Viña Winery Sunday Market – Dog and kid-friendly farmer’s market featuring farm fresh local produce, and music on the patio. 12 noon to 4 p.m. at La Viña Winery, 4201 S. NM Highway 28 in La Union, N.M., one mile north of Vinton Road. More Details

Western Playland Amusement Park – 30+ rides and games for all ages. Open 3 p.m. to 9 p.m., 1249 Futurity Dr., Sunland Park, NM, across from Sunland Park Racetrack & Casino. Admission varies. More Details

El Paso Playhouse Presents ‘August: Osage County’ – El Paso’s longest running Community Theater presents the black comedy about a family brought together over the disappearance of their patriarch. Holed up in the large family estate, tensions heat up and boil over in the ruthless August heat. Showtime is 2 p.m. at the El Paso Playhouse, 2501 Montana. Ticket prices vary. More Details

El Paso Community College Performer’s Studio Summer Repertory presents ‘Guys and Dolls’ – Based on the legendary, multi-award-winning, musical comedy classic about rolling the dice and falling in love under the lights of Broadway. "Guys and Dolls" is considered by many to be the perfect musical comedy. Showtime is 2:30 p.m. at the Transmountain Campus Forum Theater, 9570 Gateway North. Tickets prices vary. More Details

City of El Paso Swimming Pools – The city’s outdoor and indoor aquatic facilities are open for recreational swimming. 2:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $1-$2. More Details

Sun City Roller Girls Present ‘Orange is the New Smack’ – This month’s all-female contact roller derby event features Las Catrinas vs The SeXecutioners. Doors open at 5 p.m., first bout starts at 6 p.m. Inside the El Paso County Coliseum Judging Arena, 4100 East Paisano Drive. Ticket prices vary. More Details

Juan Gabriel - Mexican superstar and Borderland legend Juan Gabriel brings his “MeXXico Es Todo” Tour to El Paso. 7:00 p.m. at UTEP's Don Haskins Center. Ticket prices vary. More Details