El Paso’s Pages and Pints Festival Is the Adult Book Fair of Your Dreams

Remember the magic of the Scholastic Book Fair? That sacred week when your elementary school cafeteria transformed into a glittering literary wonderland filled with Goosebumps, posters of tigers with inspirational quotes, and spy pens that totally made you feel like a secret agent?

Well, good news. That nostalgic fever dream is back, just way more punk and with craft beer.

Pages and Pints Book Festival Set for June 28 at Old Sheepdog Brewery

El Paso Matters and Old Sheepdog Brewery are teaming up for Pages and Pints: Books and Brews Festival, happening Saturday, June 28 from 3 to 10 p.m. at Old Sheepdog Brewery (3900 Rosa Ave). The event is free, open to the public, and about to send every book-loving, vinyl-spinning, IPA-sipping millennial into full sensory overload.

It’s basically the Scholastic Book Fair if it grew up, got tattoos, and started reading about border culture and sonic insurgency instead of Animorphs.

Anchored by the El Paso Matters Book Club’s latest pick, Chuco Punk: Sonic Insurgency in El Paso by Tara López, this all-day festival celebrates literature, community, music, and the unrelenting spirit of the Borderplex. Expect more than 20 local authors and vendors, live music, a Q&A and signing with López, food trucks, art, limited-edition stickers, and yes, plenty of beer.

Live Music, Punk Panels, Craft Beer and Local Vendors

Author Tara López will headline the day with a Q&A and signing, followed by a punk-infused panel hosted by Richie Marrufo (Barbed Wire Open Mic). Panelists include DJ Lady Die and Jesse Youngblood, formerly of local punk band Faction X, ready to dive deep into the culture that shaped Chuco Punk.

Musical performances throughout the night will feature La Discordia, JJ Caballero y Los Sueños, and Sereniti, with DJ Lady Die spinning vinyl between sets like the literary punk queen she is.

On top of that, Old Sheepdog will be slinging over a dozen of their best beers on tap alongside non-alcoholic seltzers, food vendors, and exclusive merch from Dead Punk, so yes, you can absolutely buy a book, drink a beer, and get a sticker that says “Read or Riot.”

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Pages and Pints is a Pet-Friendly Book Fair for Adults

This isn’t just a literary event, it’s a party with purpose. “This event is about celebrating the power of local storytelling and the energy that defines our community,” said Gus Delgado, co-owner of Old Sheepdog Brewery. “We’re proud to host something that blends literature, music, and punk spirit in one space.”

It’s family- and pet-friendly too, so feel free to bring your kid, your dog, or your emotional support chihuahua. Whether you’re in it for the books, the bands, the beer, or all three, Pages and Pints is proof that reading doesn’t have to be quiet or sober.

For more info on the event or the El Paso Matters Book Club, visit elpasomatters.org/bookclub.