El Paso Weekend Events - Western Playland Opens, Horse Racing Resumes

Here’s what’s going on in and around El Paso this weekend, February 26-28, 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

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

Live Horse Racing – The live horse racing season resumes at Sunland Park Racetrack & Casino. Post time is 1:30 p.m. FREE general admission and parking. More Details

T-Rex Planet – the dinosaur exhibit simulates what it would be like to experience the Jurassic, Triassic, and Cretaceous periods first hand. The main exhibit features over life size life-like animatronic dinosaurs. 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the El Paso County Coliseum. 4100 E Paisano Dr. Ticket prices vary. 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, American Stone. 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. FREE.

UTEP Get Reel Film Series – Hollywood Blockbuster movies for as little as $2. Tonight’s movie is “The Good Dinosaur.” 7 p.m. at the UTEP Union Cinema, 500 W. University. Admission is $2 – $3. More Details

‘The Vagina Monologues’ - Episodic play made up of a varying number of monologues read by a varying number of women. Doors open at 7 p.m., performance starts at 8 p.m. at Hyatt Place Hotel, 6030 Gateway East. Tickets are $10. More Details

El Paso Rhinos Hockey – El Paso’s Junior League ice hockey team hosts the Oklahoma City Blazers. 7:30 p.m. at the Sierra Providence Events Center, next to the Coliseum, 4100 E. Paisano. Ticket prices vary. More Details

El Paso Playhouse Presents ‘A Doll’s House’ – El Paso’s longest running Community Theater presents Henrik Ibsen’s classic three-act play in prose. Showtime is 8 p.m. at the El Paso Playhouse, 2501 Montana. Ticket prices vary. More Details

SATURDAY:

El Paso Parks and Rec Pet-A-Fair – 4th annual pet owners event featuring indoor and outdoor activities, plus vets, groomers, adoptions, immunizations, and vendors showcasing and selling their homemade goods. 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Don Haskins Recreation Center, 7400 High Ridge. FREE admission. 212-1731

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 (near The Garden Restaurant) along Anthony Street. FREE admission and FREE parking. More Details

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. 9:00 a.m. to 1 p.m. FREE admission. More Details

T-Rex Planet – the dinosaur exhibit simulates what it would be like to experience the Jurassic, Triassic, and Cretaceous periods first hand. The main exhibit features over life size life-like animatronic dinosaurs. 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. at the El Paso County Coliseum. 4100 E Paisano Dr. Ticket prices vary. More Details

Public Ice Skating – Glide around in the area’s largest public ice skating rink. Skating sessions times today: 12 noon to 3:00 p.m. at Sierra Providence Event Center, 4100 E Paisano, behind the El Paso County Coliseum. Cost: $8, $6 Military. Admission includes skate rental. More Details

Live Horse Racing – The live horse racing season resumes at Sunland Park Racetrack & Casino. Post time is 1:30 p.m. FREE general admission and parking. 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

Sunset Film Society Weekly Film Series – The Harrison Ford romantic classic “Sabrina” 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. 543-6747

UTEP Women’s Basketball – The Miners host Charlotte. Tip-off time is 2:05 p.m. at the Don Haskins Center. Ticket prices vary. More Details

Punk Rock Flea Market – Artists, vendors, food, and fun. 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. at 5 Points Bistro, 3019 Montana Ave. FREE admission. More Details

El Paso Symphony Orchestra presents King Michael - The multi-media spectacular features the El Paso Symphony Orchestra and three Michael Jackson performers from different stages of Michael’s career, backed by a full band, dancers, and more. 8 p.m. at the Plaza Theatre. Ticket prices vary. More Details

Judas Priest Tribute Band – “Hellbent” pays homage to the music of Judas Priest. 8:30 p.m. at Speaking Rock Entertainment Center, 122 S. Old Pueblo Rd. FREE 18 and older. More Details

Paso del Norte Paranormal Society Haunted Brothel Tour – Traverse Downtown El Paso’s darkest alleys and enter some of our city’s remaining brothels, where tour guides expose murder, corruption, adultery, and prostitution of the Old West (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

T-Rex Planet – The dinosaur exhibit simulates what it would be like to experience the Jurassic, Triassic, and Cretaceous periods first hand. The main exhibit features over life size life-like animatronic dinosaurs. 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the El Paso County Coliseum. 4100 E Paisano Dr. Ticket prices vary. More Details

Import Dub Autoshow and Concert - Car show, and concert by Angie B. Marie. Indoor/outdoor family activities including indoor Kart Racing. 12 noon to 6 p.m. at Zero to 60 Motor SpeedWay, 8600 Gateway East. Adult admission $8; kids 12 and under free when accompanied by parent. More Details

Live Horse Racing – The live horse racing season resumes at Sunland Park Racetrack & Casino. Post time is 1:30 p.m. FREE general admission and parking. More Details

El Paso Playhouse Presents ‘A Doll’s House’ – El Paso’s longest running Community Theater presents Henrik Ibsen’s classic three-act play in prose. Showtime 2 p.m. at the El Paso Playhouse, 2501 Montana. Ticket prices vary. More Details

El Paso Rhinos Hockey – El Paso’s Junior League ice hockey team hosts the Oklahoma City Blazers. 4:30 p.m. at the Sierra Providence Events Center, next to the Coliseum, 4100 E. Paisano. Ticket prices vary. More Details

‘The Vagina Monologues’ - Episodic play made up of a varying number of monologues read by a varying number of women. Doors open at 7 p.m., performance starts at 8 p.m. at Tricky Falls, 209 S. El Paso. Tickets are $10. More Details