2021 El Paso Space Festival Back With Out Of This World Events
Space enthusiasts of all ages get ready for this year’s El Paso Space Festival, which includes plenty of fun and space exploration for the whole family.
Earlier this year, Richard Branson of Virgin Galactic became the first billionaire to launch into space, followed by Jeff Bezos, whose Blue Origin aerospace engineering team included UTEP graduates.
As both Blue Origin and Virgen Galactic, two of the most exciting homes for space exploration neighbor El Paso, the future of the private aerospace sector is making it possible for future generations across the nation and the Sun City to reach the stars.
Join the fun this year as the 3rd Annual El Paso Space Festival opens up a universe of adventure, and knowledge about current space exploration, hands-on activities, and culminating by building and launching a rocket on the last day of the festival.
Space Astronomy Extravaganza!
The week-long El Paso Space Festival opens with their main event, including interactive Experience Zones and a panel of regional space industries talking about the future of commercial space exploration and space careers in El Paso.
- When: Saturday, September 18th, 12 noon – 5 PM
- Where: Sunland Park Mall
- Admission: Free
White Sands Full Moon Night
Enjoy a night picnic at White Sands for a spectacular view of the full moon over the pristine white sand dunes.
- When: Tuesday, September 21st, 7 am – 10 pm
- Where: White Sands National Park
- Admission: Park Entrance Fees Apply
Nerd Night: Contact
Make it a movie night with the blockbuster cult classic movie Contact, starring Jodie Foster and Matthew McConaughey. Invited keynote speakers include Dr. Andrew Maynard, Associate Dean, College of Global Futures, Arizona State University, and the Very Large Array representatives in Socorro, New Mexico.
- When: Wednesday, September 22nd, 6:30 PM – 9:30 PM
- Where: Alamo Drafthouse, East El Paso
- Admission: $10
Star Party
Attendees are encouraged to bring camp chairs, telescopes, and non-alcoholic beverages along for an enchanting evening of stargazing and astronomy talks with Sun City Astronomers at Hueco Tanks State Park and Historic Site. Free hot chocolate will be available.
- When: Thursday, September 23nd, 7:00 PM – 9:30 PM
- Where: Hueco Tanks State Park and Historic Site
- Admission: Free
Hueco Tanks State Park and Historic Site
Build and launch your very own model rocket during the final event of the El Paso SpaceFestival. Admission includes a rocket, rocket decorations, and a launch window. This event will also offer hands-on rocketry activities, local rocket clubs displaying their BIG rockets, and a Space Festival T-shirt Nebula Tie Dye party.
- When: Saturday, September 25th, 8 am – 1:00 PM
- Where: El Paso Radio Controllers Airstrip (6121 Stan Roberts Sr Ave)
- Admission: $5
For more details and a full schedule of events, visit El Paso Space Festival at insightselpaso.org/el-paso-space-festival/.