El Paso Weekend Events - Mexican Food Cook-off, Free Concerts + More

Here’s what’s going on in and around El Paso this weekend, September 9 to September 11, 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

Las Cruces Comic Con - Seth Gilliam and Casper Van Dien, best known for their roles in "The Walking Dead" and "Starship Trooper" respectively, are this year’s featured guests. The Breaking Bad RV and Jurassic Park Jeep will be on display. 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Las Cruces Convention Center, 680 E University, Las Cruces. Ticket prices vary. More Details

Pops Under The Stars - Las Cruces Symphony Orchestra performs pop music and patriotic songs under the stars. The evening will culminate in a grand finale of Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture and fireworks. Gates open at 5:30 p.m., concert starts at 7:30 p.m. at Grapevine Plaza, 3900 W. Picacho, Las Cruces. Ticket prices vary. More Details

Jazz at Sunset – The annual outdoor jazz show will feature live performances by Billy Townes, Frank Zona & Urban Edge, El Paso Jazz Collective and others. 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. at EPCC Valle Verde Campus’ Americana Language Village, 919 Hunter. FREE to see. More Details

Alfresco! Fridays – Fresh-air performances from local bands playing various genres of music. 6 p.m. on the Convention Center Plaza. Tonight, Brown Betty (Classic Rock). 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, Karaoke Night. 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. FREE.

Get Reel Film Series at UTEP – Past and present Hollywood blockbusters for as little as $2. Tonight’s movie is Captain America: Civil War. 6 p.m., UTEP Union Cinema, 500 W. University. More Details

Cheap Trick Tribute Band – Doors open 8:00 p.m. at Speaking Rock Entertainment Center, 122 S. Old Pueblo Rd. FREE 18 and older. 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 8:00 p.m. (or as dictated by sundown, weather permitting. Tonight, Nacho Libre. 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

Las Cruces Comic Con - Seth Gilliam and Casper Van Dien, best known for their roles in "The Walking Dead" and "Starship Trooper" respectively, are this year’s featured guests. The Breaking Bad RV and Jurassic Park Jeep will be on display. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Las Cruces Convention Center, 680 E University, Las Cruces. Ticket prices vary. More Details

Free Movie Saturday at the International Museum of Art – The Boy with Green Hair 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 2 p.m. to 9 p.m., 1249 Futurity Dr., Sunland Park, NM, across from Sunland Park Racetrack & Casino. Admission varies. More Details

8th Annual Dog Swim Day at Nations Tobin Aquatic Center – Splash around and frolic in the pool with other friendly water-loving dogs and their owners. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Nations Tobin Aquatic Center, 8831 Railroad Dr. in Northeast El Paso. Admission is $2 per dog (owners get in FREE). More Details

Border Beer and Wing Fling ‘16 – The event slogan pretty much says it all; “Bands, Babes, Buffalo Wings, and Beer”. 3 to 11 p.m. at the El Paso County Coliseum, 4100 E. Paisano. Admission is $10. More Details

Mexican Food Cook-off - This isn’t just a cook-off, it’s a fiesta! Over 20 Mexican food vendors, Folkloric dance performances, and the Battle of the Rock N Roll Mariachis. 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. at San Jacinto Plaza, Downtown. $3 or FREE with Metro PCS pass. More Details

KISS Tribute Band – Doors open 8:00 p.m. at Speaking Rock Entertainment Center, 122 S. Old Pueblo Rd. FREE 18 and older. 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 8:00 p.m. (or as dictated by sundown), weather permitting. Tonight, School of Rock. FREE. More Details

Concordia Cemetery Ghost Tour – Bring your camera and see if you can capture paranormal activity inside “El Paso’s City of the Dead” as you learn about the history, mystery, and lore of this historic landmark. 8:30 p.m. Admission: $15; 13 and older. More Details

Creedence Clearwater Revival Tribute Band – “Fortunate Son” rocks the racetrack with all your favorite CCR and John Fogerty songs. 9 p.m. at Franklin Lounge inside the Sunland Park Racetrack & Casino, 1200 Futurity Dr, Sunland Park, NM. FREE admission. 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

Las Cruces Comic Con - Seth Gilliam and Casper Van Dien, best known for their roles in "The Walking Dead" and "Starship Trooper" respectively, are this year’s featured guests. The Breaking Bad RV and Jurassic Park Jeep will be on display. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Las Cruces Convention Center, 680 E University, Las Cruces. Ticket prices vary. 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 2 p.m. to 7 p.m., 1249 Futurity Dr., Sunland Park, NM, across from Sunland Park Racetrack & Casino. Admission varies. More Details