Things To Do This Weekend in El Paso – Plaza Classic Film Festival, Mexican Food Cook-Off & More

Here’s what’s going on in and around El Paso this weekend, August 2 – August 4. Some events are free, some will cost you a few bucks:

FRIDAY:

Movies on the Lawn – UTEP’s annual summer film series. This week’s featured movie is "Brave" . Bring your lawn chairs and blankets to Kidd Field, off of Glory Road next to the Sun Bowl. Free admission, free parking and portable restrooms provided. Movie starts at 8:30 p.m. More Details

Alfresco! Fridays – This week, Radio La Chusma. 6 p.m. Arts Festival Plaza located between the El Paso Museum of Art and the Plaza Theatre. 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.

FRIDAY – SATURDAY:

‘Viva El Paso!’ – The outdoor musical drama chronicles the 400 year history and cultural evolution of the El Paso region. Colorful costumes and musical production numbers set against the backdrop of the Franklin Mountains highlight the summer extravaganza. 8:30 p.m. in the McKelligon Canyon Amphitheatre. Tickets: $18- $24; discounts available. More Details

FRIDAY - SUNDAY:

Plaza Classic Film Festival – The “world’s largest classic film festival” featuring more than 80 movies from the golden age of cinema to contemporary classics. Plaza Theater. Admission prices and times vary. More Details

‘Discover the Dinosaurs’ - A hands-on exhibit with 60 animatronics and museum quality dinosaur replicas. Noon to 9 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday at the El Paso Convention Center. Exhibit only and exhibit plus admission available, prices vary. More Details

Diablos Baseball – This weekend’s promotions are fireworks after the game on Friday, Free Ticket Saturday on Saturday, and Quartermania / Bark in the Park on Sunday. 7 – 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 6 – 8 p.m. Sunday. More Details

SATURDAY:

Rock the Fort - Fort Bliss MWR’s summertime concert with P.O.D. and Flyleaf, food and drink vendors, the 5th annual Car and Bike Show and more. Biggs Park, Gates open at 4 p.m. free admission. More Details

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.

SATURDAY – SUNDAY:

Mexican Food Cook-off - The annual cook-off featuring area Mexican food restaurants competing to see who has El Paso’s best tacos, enchiladas and open dish. A folkloric dance competition is Saturday and the Battle of the Rock N’ Roll Mariachis is Sunday. Cleveland Square, 510 N. Santa Fe. Admission is $3, free for ages 2 and younger. More Details

SUNDAY:

Music under the Stars - Pack a picnic and take the family to the Chamizal National Memorial for an evening of music and dancing under the stars.7:30pm to 9:30pm. This week, Rosco Bandana. More Info

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

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, Dusty Low. More Info

Melodies at the Park - This annual series highlights a variety of local acts while showcasing some of the city’s parks. All shows start at 7 p.m. This week Locomotion will be performing at Grandview Park, 3200 Jefferson. 544-0753

Corner Tavern Summer Patio Live Music Series - Mostly local classic rock and jazz bands jamming on the patio from 6-9 p.m. This week, Grau. 543-6000