El Paso Weekend Events – Mexican Food Cook Off + More

Here’s what’s going on in and around El Paso this weekend, September 19 – September 21, 2014. Some events are free, some will cost you a few bucks:

FRIDAY:

La Union Corn Maze – The 14 acre cornfield maze features a farm animal corral, cow train, pedal cars and other family activities, plus tractor-pulled wagon rides to the pumpkin patch, concessions, and a mini-maze for the kids. Open 5 to 10 p.m. Highway 28 in La Union, N.M., next to Zin Valle Winery. Admission prices vary discounts and group rates available. More Details

The Kicker Monster Truck Show and Arenacross Summer Series – The nation’s top motorcycle race series featuring some of the nation’s top professional and amateur arenacross competitors, and a Monster Truck show with King Crunch, Trouble Maker, Nitro Hornet and Double Trouble. Gates open at 3 p.m. with heats beginning at 7:30 p.m. Cohen Stadium, 9700 Gateway North. Admission costs vary. More Details

Oktoberfest at Ft. Bliss - Bliss MWR keeps the tradition alive brings a taste of Bavaria back to El Paso at a new, bigger location. The event will spotlight German beer and food, and include entertainment by Schuhplattler dancers and traditional music by Terry Cavanagh and the Alpine Express. 6 p.m. - 12:30 a.m. at Biggs Park, 11388 Sergeant Major Blvd on East Fort Bliss. Admission is limited to first 2,500 only. $30 in advance (18+ only) and includes an authentic collectable beer stein, and full German meal. More Details

Friday at the Fire – Live music by local bands set against the ambiance of the Freedom Crossing at Ft. Bliss outdoor fireplace. 6 – 11 p.m. FREE. This week, American Stone (rock, country).

Alfresco! Fridays – Fresh-air performances from local bands playing various genres of music. 6 p.m. on the Convention Center Plaza. FREE. The series concludes today with the Latin sounds of Azucar . More Details

UTEP’s Get Reel Film Series – Get Reel (previously Cinema Novo) presents independent and educational films as well as blockbuster movies for as little as $1. Tonight’s movie is “22 Jump Street”. 7 p.m., UTEP Union Cinema, 500 W. University. Admission is $1 – $2. More Details

Movies in the Canyon – Family friendly, relatively current movies screened on the stage of the McKelligon Canyon Amphitheatre. Approximately 7:30 p.m., weather permitting. FREE. No outside food or beverages allowed. Popcorn, soft drinks and other snacks sold at the concession stand. Tonight, “Cars”. 915-534-0665

El Paso Symphony Orchestra Presents ‘First Impressions’ - Maestro Bohuslav Rattay and company open the 2014 season with guest pianist Natasha Paremski. 7:30 p.m. in the historic Plaza Theatre, Downtown El Paso. Ticket prices vary. More Details

El Paso Playhouse presents ‘The House of Bernarda Alba’ – El Paso’s longest running Community Theater presents the final play ever written by Spanish dramatist Federico García Lorca. The play, being staged in observance of Hispanic Heritage Month, explores themes of repression, passion, and conformity, and inspects the effects of men upon women. Showtime is 8 p.m. at the El Paso Playhouse, 2501 Montana. Ticket prices vary. 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 noon. (575) 589-0653, ext. 3

Mayapán Market – Locally and naturally grown produce, and Mexican fair-trade artworks are spotlighted. 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Café Mayapán, 2000 Texas. 217-1126

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 for the entire family. 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Union Plaza District (near The Garden Restaurant) along Anthony Street. Free parking. More Details

The Kicker Monster Truck Show and Arenacross Summer Series – The nation’s top motorcycle race series featuring some of the nation’s top professional and amateur arenacross competitors, and a Monster Truck show with King Crunch, Trouble Maker, Nitro Hornet and Double Trouble. Gates open at 9 a.m., amateur heat begins at 1 p.m. and Main Events begin at 7:30 p.m. Cohen Stadium, 9700 Gateway North. Admission costs vary. More Details

Art in the Park – The fall edition of the City Parks and Recreation Department’s semi-annual arts and crafts fair featuring crafted items and local art vendors selling and displaying their talents, food vendors, a children’s area, and continuous entertainment. 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Memorial Park’s Reserve area, 3100 Copper. FREE admission. 544-0753

Family Play Date at Freedom Crossing – The event begins with a showing of "Flushed Away" at the Grand Theatre at 10am. The first 228 guests get into the movie FREE. FREE family activities by the play area from 11am to 2pm. Freedom Crossing, 11611 Haan Road at Ft. Bliss. More Details

The Living Spirit Expo - the largest holistic event in the El Paso area highlights local professionals helping you achieve balance between mind, body and spirit and includes many exhibitors and guest speakers. 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. at the Camino Real Hotel, Downtown. Admission prices vary. More Details

La Union Corn Maze – The 14 acre cornfield maze features a farm animal corral, cow train, pedal cars and other family activities, plus tractor-pulled wagon rides to the pumpkin patch, concessions, and a mini-maze for the kids. Open 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Highway 28 in La Union, N.M., next to Zin Valle Winery. Admission prices vary discounts and group rates available. More Details

El Paso's Mexican Food Cook-off – This isn’t just a cook-off, it’s a fiesta! The event also features the Folklorico Dance Championships and the Battle of the Rock N Roll Mariachis. 2 to 11 p.m. on El Paso Street, Downtown. FREE admission 2 to 6 p.m. $3 after 6 p.m. or FREE with a Metro PCS Pass (while supplies last), available at all Metro PCS locations. More Details

Oktoberfest at Ft. Bliss - Bliss MWR keeps the tradition alive brings a taste of Bavaria back to El Paso at a new, bigger location. The event will spotlight German beer and food, and include entertainment by Schuhplattler dancers and traditional music by Terry Cavanagh and the Alpine Express. 6 p.m. - 12:30 a.m. at Biggs Park, 11388 Sergeant Major Blvd on East Fort Bliss. Admission is limited to first 2,500 only. $30 in advance (18+ only) and includes an authentic collectable beer stein, and full German meal. More Details

Movies in the Canyon – Family friendly, relatively current movies screened on the stage of the McKelligon Canyon Amphitheatre. Approximately 7:30 p.m., weather permitting. FREE. No outside food or beverages allowed. Popcorn, soft drinks and other snacks sold at the concession stand. Tonight, “Bolt”. 915-534-0665

Hollywood Nights at The Fountains at Farah – Watch a kid-friendly Hollywood blockbuster under the stars in the Promenade Amphitheater at The Fountains at Farah. 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m., weather permitting. FREE. Tonight, “Back to the Future”. Bring your lawn chairs or blankets, complimentary water bottles and popcorn will be served. More Details

El Paso Symphony Orchestra Presents ‘First Impressions’ - Maestro Bohuslav Rattay and company open the 2014 season with guest pianist Natasha Paremski. 7:30 p.m. in the historic Plaza Theatre, Downtown El Paso. Ticket prices vary. More Details

The Doubletree by Hilton presents Saturday Night Movies on the Terrace – You don’t have to be a guest in the hotel to enjoy the movie. Tonight, "Captain America: The Winter Soldier". 8:30 p.m., weather permitting, on the Sunset Terrace located on the 7th floor of Doubletree Hotel, 600 N. El Paso St. in downtown El Paso. FREE admission; cash bar and dinner menu available. 532-8733

El Paso Playhouse presents ‘The House of Bernarda Alba’ – El Paso’s longest running Community Theater presents the final play ever written by Spanish dramatist Federico García Lorca. The play, being performed in observance of Hispanic Heritage Month, explores themes of repression, passion, and conformity, and inspects the effects of men upon women. Showtime is 8 p.m. at the El Paso Playhouse, 2501 Montana. Ticket prices vary. More Details

SUNDAY

Art in the Park – The fall edition of the City Parks and Recreation Department’s semi-annual arts and crafts fair featuring crafted items and local art vendors selling and displaying their talents, food vendors, a children’s area, and continuous entertainment. 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Memorial Park’s Reserve area, 3100 Copper. FREE admission. 544-0753

The Living Spirit Expo - the largest holistic event in the El Paso area highlights local professionals helping you achieve balance between mind, body and spirit and includes many exhibitors and guest speakers. 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. at the Camino Real Hotel, Downtown. Admission prices vary. More Details

La Union Corn Maze – The 14 acre cornfield maze features a farm animal corral, cow train, pedal cars and other family activities, plus tractor-pulled wagon rides to the pumpkin patch, concessions, and a mini-maze for the kids. Open noon to 6 p.m. Highway 28 in La Union, N.M., next to Zin Valle Winery. Admission prices vary discounts and group rates available. More Details

Free Family Day at Oktoberfest – Bliss MWR keeps the tradition alive brings a taste of Bavaria back to El Paso at a new, bigger location. The event will spotlight German beer and food, and include entertainment by Schuhplattler dancers and traditional music by Terry Cavanagh and the Alpine Express. Noon - 5 p.m. at Biggs Park, 11388 Sergeant Major Blvd on East Fort Bliss. Admission is FREE and open to families and people all ages; no tickets required. More Details

Zin Valle Vineyards Free Music Sundays – Bring your family and friends, pack a picnic and enjoy the afternoon at Zin Valle Vineyards. Free wine tasting and music. 12 Noon to 5 p.m.This week, Dan Lambert and The Double Drum Trio. More Details

El Paso Playhouse presents ‘The House of Bernarda Alba’ – El Paso’s longest running Community Theater presents the final play ever written by Spanish dramatist Federico García Lorca. The play, being performed in observance of Hispanic Heritage Month, explores themes of repression, passion, and conformity, and inspects the effects of men upon women. Showtime is 2 p.m. at the El Paso Playhouse, 2501 Montana. Ticket prices vary. More Details