20 Popular Festivals In El Paso, Texas

festivals in el paso
Sebanti
Sebanti 
Updated
| 8 min read

El Paso sits at the junction where Texas ends and Mexico begins. It reaches out in ready welcome to visitors from all across the world and all walks of life. El Paso is threaded through by the rich heritage of Texas, Mexico, and El Paso, perfectly blended together. The place is blessed with bright sunshine all year round and the people are always celebrating with festivals. The people look forward to these annual festivals that are celebrated with much fanfare. From music to food to eclectic science exhibitions, there is something to suit every taste and make for enjoyable outings with family or friends. These events are spread out all year round so you can decide which to pick. Whether you are local, just passing through, or have come to the place for a short visit, come be a part of any of these popular festivals in El Paso, Texas and cherish memories for a lifetime.

1. El Paso Water Lantern Festival

Posted by Artistic Talents of El Paso on Friday, 13 April 2018

This festival is a celebration of life. It is a moment of fun, optimism, and happiness in which even complete strangers come together to float lanterns in the water and watch the water light up. Tasty food served from food trucks add to the fun. Melodious numbers wafting into the air enhance the ambiance. The lanterns are eco-friendly, manufactured from rice paper and wood. On purchasing a ticket, you will be provided with a lantern and a marker to decorate it. This peaceful experience of witnessing the mesmerizing sight of a thousand lanterns bearing and reflecting messages of love and joy is sure to be etched in your memory forever.

El Paso Water Lantern Festival

Address: Ascarate Park 6900 Delta Drive El Paso, TX 79905

Website: El Paso Water Lantern Festival

Takes place: Usually held in March

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2. El Paso Film Festival

It’s a wrap for the El Paso Film Festival 2019! Thank you to all the filmmakers, staff, sponsors, and attendees that made this possible. See ya’ll next year!

Posted by El Paso Film Festival on Monday, 28 October 2019

This festival is among the largest showcases of independently made Indie movies in the southwest of America, whether they are documentaries, narratives, or experimental films. It aims to enrich the El Paso film community through international exposure and critic. The competitive film festival not only promotes unique cinema but also boosts tourism to El Paso as well. Explore this festival if you want to see highly creative films that cannot be seen in mainstream cinemas elsewhere.

El Paso Film Festival

Address: 221 N. Kansas Ste. 1900, El Paso, TX, 79901

Website: El Paso Film Festival

Takes place: October

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3. El Paso Ice Cream Festival

We'd like to welcome back Kona Ice Southern El Paso to #icecreamfestep! Surf the flavorwave ‍ and enjoy them 'Sundae', June 30 at the El Paso Convention Center. Tix: icecreamfestep.com

Posted by The El Paso Ice Cream Festival on Thursday, 20 June 2019

This is your chance to indulge in delicious, multi-flavored ice-creams of almost any variety you can think of that will definitely leave you craving for more. Beat the summer heat with ice cream concoctions, churro splits, gelato, paletas and many other unique varieties of chilly treats at this exciting festival. Coupled with a host of family-friendly activities like face painting, live game zone, rides to suit revelers of every age, and live music to uplift the mood, the El Paso Ice Cream Festival is a vibrant event for the whole family to enjoy. This summer festival helps festival-goers escape the scorching El Paso summer heat in the most delectable way possible and remains one of El Paso’s most anticipated events. Be sure to take part in it for a memorable day of fun.

El Paso Ice Cream Festival

Address: 1 Civic Center Plaza , El Paso, TX, 79901

Website: El Paso Ice Cream Festival

Takes place: June/July

Price: 5 USD

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4. El Paso Lobster Festival

Posted by El Paso Lobster Festival on Tuesday, 12 March 2019

Want to bite into a perfectly cooked delectable lobster? Come to El Paso Lobster Festival and taste fresh Maine lobster prepared live on the “World’s Largest Cooker”. Learn how to cook up the perfect lobster dish with cooking demos, take part in fun games, or enjoy the carnival rides. Click an e-photo as a souvenir, sip on the signature drink “Screaming Lobster”, enjoy other tasty bites, and dance to the foot-tapping tunes of celebrated musicians. Offerings are endless and even kids will find loads of activities to take part in. Live entertainment like magic shows and freak shows are available to enjoy to the fullest.

El Paso Lobster Festival

Address: Ascarate Park, 6900 Delta Dr, El Paso, TX

Website: El Paso Lobster Festival

Takes place: April

Price: 13 USD

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5. Sun City Craft Beer Fest

Sun City Craft Beer Fest 2013
Source: Photo by user Visit El Paso used under CC BY 2.0

Taste over 170 varieties of craft beer and ciders and grab a perfect bite while grooving to live music at the exciting Sun City Craft Beer Fest. Held at the Convention Centre Plaza every year, it is one of the biggest beer events in the South. Beer connoisseurs can try out new styles and exotic flavors of this beverage at this celebration. Breweries can exchange skills with the other participants who come from other towns as well. You will have a truckload of fun, with awesome games to take part in, shopping to your heart’s content, and even opportunities to learn to make your own homemade beer. Attendees need to be at least 21 years old.

Sun City Craft Beer Fest

Address: El Paso Convention And Performing Art Center, El Paso, USA

Website: Sun City Craft Beer Fest

Takes place: Usually held in April

Price: 35 USD, 80 USD

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6. El Paso Space Festival

Posted by Sid The Astro Gnome on Thursday, 14 November 2019

Space adventure enthralls the young and the old alike. Attendees get to experience hands-on spacecraft demos while assembling their model rockets that are launched on the colossal model rocket launch day. There will be space talks, demos on vehicles and RC planes, raffles, and overall space education to captivate the audience. This week-long event is truly out-of-this-world.

El Paso Space Festival

Address: 6121 Stan Roberts Sr Avenue

Website: El Paso Space Festival

Takes place: September

Price: 5 USD

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7. Annual Poppies Festival

2015 Franklin Mountains Poppies Fest
Source: Photo by user Visit El Paso used under CC BY 2.0

Experience springtime goodness and flora while witnessing the annual bloom of Mexican poppies. In the borderland, the poppies bloom and cover the mountains in a carpet of yellow from January to April. Spend a relaxing day appreciating the wonders rife in the natural world. Enjoy live music, educational exhibits, wares displayed by art vendors, nature trails, as well as several exciting hands-on activities. Food trucks are present to satiate your hunger. You can carry home poppy seeds to grow your own visual delight and spread the bloom all through the land.

Annual Poppies Festival

Address: El Paso Museum of Archaeology, 4301 Transmountain Road, El Paso, Texas 79924

Website: Annual Poppies Festival

Takes place: March

Price: Free

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8. El Paso Downtown Street Festival [Last event in 2018]

Fireworks and Crowd (1)
Source: Photo by user Visit El Paso used under CC BY 2.0

Consistently every year, the Downtown Street Festival successfully gathers the South’s finest musical talents to perform at the city’s oldest street festival. Five different stages are constructed where a variety of artists give live performances. Apart from music, the festival also offers live art shows, exhibits like car shows, craft outlets by local vendors, and delicious local cuisine.

El Paso Downtown Street Festival

Address: Santa Fe St., El Paso, Texas 79901

Website: El Paso Downtown Street Festival

Takes place: October

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9. El Paso Border Folk Festival

Voted the cutest mariachi program, St. Patrick's Mariachi Campanitas!

Posted by El Paso Border Folk Festival on Friday, 4 October 2019

Want to experience the music that is unique to the culture in the Borderland? Come join this festival where the ambience is that of a folk carnival. Students who are a part of school or community music programs take part. Though the basis of the festival is mariachi music, there are varieties of music genres on display. The festival aims to improve the understanding of students about theories of music, gain expertise in technique, and comprehend the proficiency needed for stage performances. These, in turn, help the students to develop a deeper appreciation of the art of music.

El Paso Border Folk Festival

Address: 14400 Pebble Hills Blvd. El Paso, TX 79938

Website: El Paso Border Folk Festival

Takes place: October

Price: From 15 USD

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10. Neon Desert Music Festival

Neon Desert Music Festival 2014
Source: Photo by user Visit El Paso used under CC BY 2.0

Several thousand fans gather at downtown El Paso for this yearly celebration of indie rock, R&B, hip-hop, reggaetón, and electronic music. Both up-and-coming acts together with established and acclaimed acts find a place here at the festival. Food trucks offer delectable dishes to satiate your appetite. Neon colors and bold makeup dominate the fashion arena in this show of creativity.

Neon Desert Music Festival

Address: Downtown - El Paso 300 N. Kansas El Paso, TX

Website: Neon Desert Music Festival

Takes place: May

Price: 59.50 USD - 250 USD

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11. El Paso Sky Lantern Festival

Excited for Light the Night Sky Lantern Festival? Rent a minibus from Longhorn Charter Bus El Paso to shuttle your group...

Posted by Longhorn Charter Bus El Paso on Thursday, 27 June 2019

Ever wanted to write off your worries and literally wish upon a star? This event will help you unwind and bask in the euphoria of letting go. This is where you tell the universe what your wishes are and hope it gets fulfilled. By writing down those dreams or expressing that grief onto the lanterns and letting them go, you give wings to your hopes and get rid of your pains. Good food, retail vendors, several exciting games, and inspiring music sessions enhance the experience of this festival. You can attend for one day or opt to stay camping overnight. Do remember to bring something warm to wrap around you, and chairs or blankets on which you can sit. You can also buy the merchandise on offer. You can purchase parking and camping passes online. Grab your tickets before they are all sold out because this festival is extremely popular among the locals.

El Paso Sky Lantern Festival

Takes place: July

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12. El Paso Corn Festival

September 3rd - 7th: Tuesday - Metamora - Sue's Place -5-7:30p Thursday through Saturday- EL PASO CORNFEST!

Posted by PICO De GALLO on Tuesday, 3 September 2019

The El Paso Corn Festival is three days of fun, food, and festivities! In this theme-based carnival, vendors can decorate their tents as per the theme of the year. The festivities feature a parade, entertainment in the form of live bands, game shows, contests, and the Wilson Family Shows Carnival. Appetizing meals are served for breakfast, supper and dinner on designated days. Your whole family can enjoy together at this festival that involves full audience participation. You will need arm-bands to take part in the gala, and you can purchase those online.

El Paso Corn Festival

Address: 551 East Redd Road, El Paso, Texas 79912

Website: El Paso Corn Festival

Takes place: September

Price: 20 USD, 25 USD, 30 USD

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13. El Paso Comic Con [Last event in 2018]

Posted by El Paso Comic Con (EPCON) on Sunday, 21 April 2019

This festival is a pop culture assembly that features the best in entertainment. With a retinue of celebrity guest panels, photo-ops, autograph signings, cosplays, gaming contests, competitions, KidCon, and other special events there is an activity for every age. El Paso Comic Con offers fans the opportunity to interact and interview, up-close, their favorite celebrity authors and actors.

El Paso Comic Con

Address: 1 Civic Center Plaza, El Paso, TX 79901

Website: El Paso Comic Con

Takes place: April

Price: From 20 USD

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14. Texas Showdown Festival

ARTISTS GET YOUR BOOTHS NOW SHOWDOWN FEST HITS EL PASO TEXAS ST.PATTYS WEEKEND MARCH 16-18 COUNTY COLISEUM - BRING YOU...

Posted by Showdown Festival on Thursday, 14 December 2017

The largest music and tattoo festival of the country is held every year to celebrate ink over a period of three days. Hundreds of exceedingly acclaimed tattoo artists from all over the world join this festival. Seminars on tattoo and tattoo competitions are held. The fest features dozens of music acts from the genres hard rock, punk, metal and hip hop. Awe-inspiring Freak Shows, mind-numbing Illusion Shows, insane stunt shows, and celebrity appearances are other entertainments on offer. The high-octane festival also hosts motorcycle rallies and music concerts.

Texas Showdown Festival

Address: El Paso County Coliseum, 4100 E Paisano Dr El Paso, Texas 79905

Website: Texas Showdown Festival

Takes place: March

Price: 40 USD, 100 USD

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15. Pridefest Street Festival

Starting TOMORROW, we come together and celebrate PrideFest! Join us throughout June for live entertainment, dancing and...

Posted by Visit El Paso on Wednesday, 29 May 2019

Proclaim love and show your appreciation of diversity, and connect with the LGBTQI+ at the annual Pridefest Street Festival at El Paso. Celebrate queer culture and express your support for the members of the LGBTQI+ community through this popular and lively festival. It features a colorful parade, live music, and entertainment galore.

Pridefest Street Festival

Address: Downtown El Paso, Texas

Website: Pridefest Street Festival

Takes place: Usually held in June

Price: 20 USD

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16. El Paso Balloonfest [Last event in 2019]

A paraglider swoops in for a closer look at the hot air balloons Sunday at the KLAQ Balloonfest at the Santa Teresa...

Posted by El Paso Times on Sunday, 27 May 2012

Commemorate the Memorial Day Weekend with this family-friendly experience extending over three days featuring several entertaining events like ranch activities, hot-air balloon rallies in a variety of shapes and sizes, soldier-salutes, and outdoor concerts. Organized by the KLAQ International Balloonfest, the festival has been providing amusement to the people for over three decades. The festival marks the advent of summer.

El Paso Balloonfest

Address: Bowen Ranch, El Paso, Texas

Website: El Paso Balloonfest

Takes place: Usually held in May

Price: 5 USD, 10 USD and 30 USD

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17. Halloween Farm Festival

Halloween
Source: Pixabay

Enjoy Halloween with your whole family as you get your creative juices flowing taking part in the costume contest and feel the excitement of childhood with the trunk or treat contest. Watch the little ones have the time of their lives with the jumping balloons and riding horses. There will be local vendors displaying their wares and food trucks to keep you filled up as you enjoy this fest with your loved ones.

Halloween Farm Festival

Address: 8653 Holmsley Trl, El Paso Texas 79907

Takes place: October

Price: Free

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18. Chalk the Block Arts Festival

Chalk the Block 2016
Source: Photo by user Visit El Paso used under CC BY 2.0

This is one of the largest and most exciting events in the West where about 45,000 people assemble yearly. It presents an ethereal experience through the magic of art. There are theatrical recitals, interactive art installations, live bands, live dance performances, competitions for producing art on the sidewalks with chalk, and numerous exhibitions to entertain the participants.

Chalk the Block Arts Festival

Address: 400 W San Antonio Ave, Ste A, El Paso, Texas 79901

Website: Chalk the Block Arts Festival

Takes place: October

Price: Free

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19. Sun City Bacon Festival [Event has passed]

Sabemos que te gusta el tocino, a nosotros también. Acompañanos al Sun City Bacon Festival en el paso :) Más info: http://frontrmag.com/evento/sun-city-bacon-festival/ #BaconLovers

Posted by Revista Frontr on Saturday, 18 April 2015

Are you a bacon-lover and looking for the best food event in town? Look no further than the Sun City Bacon Festival. BaconFest will feature restaurants, usually local, and food trucks that will serve a plethora of bacon-inspired food items, drinks, and sweets. It will have live entertainment all through the day, and you can sign up and win prizes at a series of competitions.

Sun City Bacon Festival

Address: Union Plaza Entertainment District- Downtown El Paso

Website: Sun City Bacon Festival

Takes place: April

Price: Free

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20. Sun City Music Festival [Event has passed]

SCMF 2014
Source: Photo by user Visit El Paso used under CC BY 2.0

This is a yearly electronic music festival held over the Labor Day weekend at Ascarate Park. The event is a platform for all genres of electronic music, from techno, trap, house bass, and many more. Witness a gathering of prominent international DJs and live acts from a number of nations side by side with local producers and radio personalities. Gorge on lip-smacking Mexican food like tortas, tacos, vaso, and elotes, the sensational aroma emanating from the offerings is sure to whet your appetite. The excited vibes of the people will cheer you up. Come see how El Paso parties and dance away the night with thumping beats that vibrate all around!.

Sun City Music Festival

Address: Ascarate Park, 6900 Delta Dr, El Paso, TX 79905

Website: Sun City Music Festival

Takes place: September

Price: From 209.95 USD

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Celebrate life with El Paso festivals

El Paso scores high among the best places to unwind and enjoy life. It is rich in culture, affordable, and safe. These popular festivals in El Paso, Texas are just a few reasons why you should spend your next holiday at this place.

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Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Sebanti, a dedicated writer and traveler, has extensively explored India and Europe, delving into both wild spaces and urban environments. Regularly contributing to online publications focused on...Read more

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