Free things to do this summer around El Paso
Spring isn't over yet, but El Paso already is warm enough to start feeling those summer vibes.
Families might be looking forward to doing things together and maybe even looking for activities that might not break the bank. In fact, it's always good to know what can be done for free that is fun and open to the public.
If you're from El Paso, you probably have a favorite park to take the kids to play. You also can enjoy free admission to the city's museums, and the libraries usually plan fun activities for kids to do.
Here's a list of fun and free events and things to do this summer. Enjoy!
Cool Canyon Nights
The free concerts at McKelligon Canyon Amphitheatre have returned. Concerts are at 6 p.m., with an opening act on the EPCC Patio Stage and the main act at 7 p.m. in the amphitheater. Seating is limited, so be sure to arrive early and secure your spot.
Schedule: Began Thursday, May 18, with Kikimora; May 25, Rocketman Experience; June 1, Prime Rocks; June 8, Feline Fox; June 15, Ooh La La; June 22, Juan Gabriel and Selena Tribute; June 29, Sangre Gitana; July 6, Fire & Ice; July 13, Radio La Chusma; July 20, Windy City; and July 27, Fungi Mungle.
Movies at the Park in Horizon City
The Horizon City Police Department will be showing its summer series of free movies, starting May 26 at Corky Corcoran Park, 13969 Veny Webb St. They will have music, games, prizes and food.
The first movie will be "DC League of Superpets." More movies will be added.
City celebrates 150 years with Music at the Park
The City of El Paso is turning 150 years old this year, and various events are planned throughout the community to celebrate the milestone.
“As we commemorate the 150th anniversary of El Paso, we celebrate the wonderful community we have built that embodies resilience, diversity, and unity,” said Mayor Oscar Leeser in a press release. “As Mayor, I am honored to lead this extraordinary city and continue to build a legacy that will inspire generations to come.”
The city has created a website to mark the anniversary www.elpasotexas.gov/150. The website includes a brief timeline of the city’s history, a collection of videos, love notes to El Paso, and information about various anniversary events.
The city's Parks and Recreation Department and various city departments are hosting a Music at the Park series. The concerts will take place from 6 to 9:30 p.m. every other Friday at the following places. All the free outdoor music events will include live bands and performances, interactive activities, vendors, informational booths, giveaways, and food trucks.
June 23: Marty Robbins Park, 11600 Vista Del Sol Drive
July 7: Westside Community Park, 7400 High Ridge Drive
July 21: Armijo Park, 710 E. 7th Ave.
Aug. 4: Joey Barraza and Vino Park, 11270 McCombs St.
Aug. 18: Lomaland Park, 715 Lomita Drive
Sept. 1: Grandview Park, 3100 Jefferson Ave.
Sept. 15: Eastwood Park, 10259 Album Ave.
Sept. 29: The Beast Urban Park, 13501 Jason Crandall Drive
Mariachis at Speaking Rock Entertainment Center
Speaking Rock Entertainment Center has different mariachis performing on various nights, such as Tuesdays and Thursdays. Upcoming: Mariachi Alegre will perform from 7 to 10 p.m. Thursday, May 18; 21 and older.
El Paso Museum of Art, Museum of History
The El Paso Museum of History has a new exhibition, "Neighborhoods & Shared Memories: South Central," which will run through April 6, 2024, at 510 N. Santa Fe St. The exhibit is part of an ongoing series that features historic neighborhoods throughout El Paso. Hours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday. Information: www.epmuseumofhistory.org.
The El Paso Museum of Art has some permanent art collections, as well as some temporary exhibits. The Texas Tech Architecture Student Work Exhibition will be on display through May 27. Hours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday, closed Sunday-Tuesday.
Visit San Elizario and old county jail
San Elizario, a historic jewel in El Paso County's Lower Valley, was recognized as the Best Historic Small Town in America by USA TODAY's Readers' Choice Awards for 2023. And it does feel like you're in an earlier time period when you walk among the adobe buildings with their wooden posts and vigas.
You don't have to spend money to enjoy a stroll through the town: Pack a lunch and relax while sitting under the trees in the placita. And step into the Presidio Chapel of San Elizario for some interesting history about the area's veterans.
More: Renowned artist Gaspar Enríquez shows love of Chicano culture, Borderland in art, adobe
The old county jail is among the most interesting buildings in El Paso County. It is made from adobe and still is maintained when needed. It became a jail in 1850 when San Elizario was made the first county seat. Its claim to fame is that Billy the Kid broke into the jail to break out his buddy, Melquiades Segura.
You also can visit the other missions: the Ysleta Mission, the oldest of the El Paso mission churches and part of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish at 131 S. Zaragoza Road, and the Socorro Mission, established in 1680, at 328 S. Nevarez Road in Socorro.
Enjoy the view of the Franklin Mountains
Franklin Mountains State Park is one of most beautiful assets of living in El Paso. You can enjoy the view of the mountains by parking along the picnic tables along Trans Mountain Road. You can stop at the El Paso Museum of Archaeology, 4301 Trans Mountain Road, and the nearby National Border Patrol Museum, 4315 Trans Mountain Road. The archaeology museum has walking trails, which are easy to do with young kids.
Take a tour of Plaza Theatre
The Plaza Theatre is another jewel of El Paso which often has events and concerts. But it also holds weekly tours, which are open to the public at noon on Tuesdays. If you have a group of 15 or more, call to make arrangements for a private tour. Information: 915-534-0600.
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: Top free concerts, things to do summer 2023 in El Paso area
