Things To Do This Weekend in El Paso – Free Movies + Miner Football

Here’s what’s going on in and around El Paso this weekend, September 6 – September 8. Some events are free, some will cost you a few bucks:

FRIDAY:

Minerpalooza  - UTEP’s 23rd annual pep rally and back to school bash. The event features appearances by UTEP athletes, live entertainment by Radio La Chusma and El Paso Band, and family friendly activities. Due to campus transformation projects, the event will take place in the area of Sun Bowl Drive and Glory Road beginning at 6 p.m. Free Admission. Parking Info + More Info

Alfresco! Fridays – Live music by local bands outside in the Arts Festival Plaza located between the El Paso Museum of Art and the Plaza Theatre. This week, classic rockers Brown Betty. 6 p.m. No outside food or beverages, or pets allowed. More Info

Friday at the Fire – Live music by local bands set against the ambiance of the Freedom Crossing outdoor fireplace. 6- 11 p.m. This week, Mike Minjarez Band. DJ Darrin kicks the night off at 6 p.m.

Jazz at Sunset - El Paso Community College hosts the free outdoor jazz show with performances by Ruben Gutierrez and Case Closed, and the Candice Reyes Quintet. 6 to 10 p.m. at the Valle Verde Campus’Americana Language Village, 919 Hunter. Lawn chairs and blankets are allowed, alcohol is not. 831-2096

FRIDAY – SATURDAY:

Movies in the Canyon – Blockbuster movies shown on an inflatable screen in the picturesque McKelligon Canyon Amphitheater. Showtime 8:30 p.m. Free admission, concessions available (no food or beverages may be brought in). Friday’s movie is Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory and Saturday its Green Lantern. More Details

SATURDAY:

UTEP Football – The Sean Kugler era begins. The Miners open their 96th season of football versus long-time rival New Mexico Lobos. 6 p.m. at Sun Bowl Stadium. Ticket prices vary. More Info

Texas Bump and Shine Car Show & Music Festival - Lowrider Magazine sanctioned car show with over 700 cars on display. Featured acts include Debbie Deb, Lisette Melendez, and many more. 12 noon – 11 p.m. at the El Paso County Coliseum, 4100 East Paisano Drive. Tickets: $20; 12 and younger free. 231-6739

Movies under the Stars in the Park – Bring your lawn chairs, blankets, and picnic baskets and watch a movie on a 45 foot inflatable screen. Free pre-movie activities, including face painting, inflatable games, and music begin at 5:30. Movie begins at dusk. This week, “Here Comes the Boom” at Eastwood Park, 3001 Parkwood Drive. 240-3310

Dog Swim Day - City of El Paso Parks and Recreation Department hosts the 5th annual dog swim days Nations Tobin Aquatic Center. Social dogs are welcome to enjoy a day at the pool interacting with other friendly pets. The Animal Rescue League and Humane Society will have dogs available for adoption, and the Humane Society will offer micro-chipping for dogs at $15 per dog. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Nations Tobin Aquatic Center, 8831 Railroad. $2 per dog, owners get in free. 544-3556

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

Farmer’s Market at Ardovino’s Desert Crossing – The annual “producers only” market featuring 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. Coffee, house-made pastries and fresh-squeezed juices available; brunch served in the restaurant beginning at 8 a.m. (575) 589-0653, ext. 3

Mayapan Farmer’s Market – The Annual Mayapan Farmers’ Market continues at Cafe Mayapan. Fresh, local produce and menudo will be available. 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. at Café Mayapan, 2000 Texas Avenue.

SUNDAY:

Dog Swim Day - City of El Paso Parks and Recreation Department hosts the 5th annual dog swim days Nations Tobin Aquatic Center. Social dogs are welcome to enjoy a day at the pool interacting with other friendly pets. The Animal Rescue League and Humane Society will have dogs available for adoption, and the Humane Society will offer micro-chipping for dogs at $15 per dog. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Nations Tobin Aquatic Center, 8831 Railroad. $2 per dog, owners get in free. 544-3556

Music on the Patio at La Vina Winery – Bring your favorite wine, snack, or a picnic and enjoy an afternoon of free entertainment on the lawn from Live By Request. 12:30pm – 4:30 pm. 4201 S. NM Highway 28 in La Union, N.M. one mile north of Vinton Road on Highway 28. 575-882-7632