These El Paso and New Mexico fall festivals are worth a visit. Here's when, where to go
El Pasoans have much to look forward to this fall besides cooler temperatures and their favorite warm drinks.
El Paso and New Mexico will be the stomping grounds for 10 different festivals, with activities for various tastes, from family activities to adult beverages.
Those wanting to do family things can enjoy the Chalk the Block, the Feast in the Middle East for some authentic foods and the Hueco Tanks Fair for some nature appreciation.
Those looking for something unique may enjoy the first HorrorFest in early October at the El Paso convention center.
Here is a look at the top 10 festivals for the El Paso area.
Feast in the Middle East
Enjoy the traditional eats, sights and sounds of the Feast in the Middle East Fest, beginning at 6 p.m. Oct. 21 with a dance and party. A Middle Eastern band will provide live music. Appetizers and a full bar will be available.
The all-day festival with authentic foods, pastries, bar, music and church tours will be Oct. 22 at St. George Antiochan Orthodox Church, 120 N. Festival Drive. $20 food tickets available at the church. $5 entry without feast ticket. Information: 915-584-9100.
El Paso Wine & Food Festival
The El Paso Wine & Food Festival and a new Bubbles Brunch will host various events Oct. 19-22 at One San Jacinto Plaza Lobby, 201 E. Main. The festival will start at 1 p.m. Saturday and 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday.
The festival starts on Thursday with a Reserve Tasting event exclusively for sponsors and media. The Trade Tasting event for restaurant and bar owners and chefs will occur Friday. This is a chance for them to taste and learn more about the wines they could pair with their own menus and meet the suppliers who represent the wineries.
The Grand Tasting on Saturday will feature 500 wines from around the world, plus food from 25 of El Paso's finest restaurants. And then on Sunday, the Bubbles Brunch will feature 12 teams from the Culinary Institute by Southwest University pairing delectable creations with sparkling and still wine, and beer. Cost for the Bubbles Brunch start at $95 plus fees.
Tickets, ranging from $95.00 - $1,250, are available at elpasowinefest.com
Hueco Tanks Fest
The 29th Annual Hueco Tanks Fest, celebrating 100 years of Texas State Parks, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 21-22 at HuecoTanks State Park and Historic Site, 6900 Hueco Tanks Road #1. It's free admission. Information: huecotanksp@tpwd.texas.gov or (915) 857-1135.
Guided tours, interactive exhibits, captivating performances and thrilling rock climbing await you against the stunning backdrop of Hueco Tanks. Information: https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/hueco-tanks.
Dia de los Muertos Festival
Live inside the historic Concordia Cemetery, the 2023 Concordia Día de Los Muertos Festival returns for another eventful day, starting at 2 p.m. Nov. 4. There will be various vendors and booths set up throughout the event area. Food trucks and a dining area inside the Buffalo Soldier Memorial lot. The entertainment stage will be near the meditation garden area. Attendee entrance will be via the Yandell St. gate, at 3700 Yandell St.
Ofrendas welcome in designated areas. A community ofrenda will be available for members of the public to bring photos and appropriate gifts, located just inside the main gate. Parking is not permitted inside the cemetery. On-site security present for public safety. Tickets are $10, available at eventbrite.com
More: When is Hispanic Heritage Month? Details to know about celebration in El Paso area
María Cortés González may be reached at 915-546-6150, mcortes@elpasotimes.com and @EPTMaria on Twitter.
This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: Celebrate autumn at these El Paso and New Mexico fall festivals
