In El Paso there is always fun events going on year round  that when you are on your off time from studying you can participate and enjoy! Below is a list of a few events and attractions in El Paso, in the state of Texas, and in the United States in General:

Local Annual Events:

-Amigo Airshow (during Fall Semester):

The Amigo Airshow is ranked among the top 10 in the country with performances by the U.S Army Golden Knights, Canadian Forces Snowbirds, Jet Powered School Bus, and more; this is a fun event for all ages with entertainment and ground activities and performances by professional stunt pilots and more.

-Downtown Street Festival (during the Summer):

Non stop live entertainment on 3 stages including; a Rock stage by the El Paso art museum, a Latin stage in the Plaza, and a kids stage in the convention center. Enjoy local food and refreshments, there are rides and a display of beautifully restored classic cars from the Rio Grande Classic Car Club.

-KLAQ International Balloonfest (during the Summer):

For over 20 years the radio station KLAQ has sponsored this event that takes place during Memorial Day weekend outside wet’n'wild. Watch as 75 balloons take flight from pilots that travel from around the world to fly their balloons at this event. Locals have named this the event that kicks off the summer, after watching the balloons you can go and cool off at the city’s water park wet’n'wild. With many slides for various ages and adventure seekers. Then listen as rock bands take the stage and perform.

-Music Under The Stars (during the Summer and Fall) :

Located in the Chamizal National Memorial, this event takes place in the summer afternoons with one live band performance every Sunday for 12 weeks. With a different performer and music style every week your sure to have fun and relax in this wonderful park under the Texas night sky.

-El Paso Zoo (all year round!):

The El Paso Zoo houses over 250 animal species in a 35-acre landmass. The Zoo has live feeding shows as well as a newly developed 8-acre African Sahara Zone that creates an opportunity for the people to experience and rediscover their connection to nature. For more information on the facility and its animals visit the El Paso Zoo website.

-San Jacinto Plaza Christmas Tree Lighting (During winter):

An El Paso tradition since 1936, the lighting of the Christmas tree in San Jacinto Plaza is a popular event to go to. It takes place in December, come watch as a large Afghan pine is lit up with 5000 light bulbs and 500 ornaments. In addition, the other trees and light posts are decorated for this Christmas season.

For a longer list of events click here,

Other Things To Do:

El Paso has 2 malls with many stores and restaurants to do your shopping.

We also boast an Outlet mall in far west El Paso containing 90+ stores, free wi-fi and a foodcourt.

If your looking for some thrills, you are just a drive away from Western Playland, and to cool off from the hot desert sun there is also a water park within driving distance named wet’n'wild.

There are also many Museums, Libraries, Movie Theaters etc. for your entertainment.

There are also historical and more cultural things to do such as travel the mission trail and visit the San Elizario, Socorro, and Ysleta missions.

If you are more interested in getting out and exploring the more adventurous and out doors side of El Paso you may want to pay a visit to the Franklin Mountains State Park or other mountain ranges and desert landscapes for mountain biking, hiking trails, and tours.

To get out of El Paso for awhile but do not want to travel for you might want to pay a visit to our sister city Las Cruces, New Mexico.

Office of International Programs
203 Union East Bldg * (915) 747-5664 * oip@utep.edu * Hours: Monday-Tuesday 8-6 Wednesday-Friday 8-5