Memorial Day weekend marks the unofficial start of summer, and many people will head outdoors over the next few days to enjoy warm weather and fun with friends and family.
In El Paso, the weather is perfect for hitting one of many of the city’s water parks, or getting together for baseball at Southwest University Park.
In Las Cruces, the New Mexico Wine Festival will offer some nice wines and a leisurely time from Saturday through Monday.
Here is a closer look at things to do for Memorial Day weekend 2026.
Freedom 250 Mobile Museum Experience
Flags Across America will offer a Memorial Day weekend commemoration at the Old Glory Memorial featuring the Freedom 250 Mobile Museum from Friday through Monday, May 22-25, at Old Glory Memorial, 9550 Gateway North Blvd. The wreath-laying ceremony will be at 8:30 a.m. Saturday, May 23.
The multi-day event includes interactive history exhibits, memorial ceremonies and a wreath-laying ceremony honoring military service members who made the ultimate sacrifice. Free. Information: 915-487-4300.
Western Playland offers military, veterans free rides
Active-duty military and veterans are invited to enjoy a day of free rides when they purchase an adult POP bracelet. The offer is valid for Monday, May 25. Show your military ID at the park entrance.
The park is also offering a deal on Friday, May 22, that benefits the community. Bring a canned food and enjoy the Adult Pay One Price Unlimited Ride Bracelet for a special price of $21.99 plus tax. The deal will also be available on May 29.
El Paso Chihuahuas to celebrate Memorial Day weekend with fireworks
The El Paso Chihuahuas are going big with fireworks at all Saturday games, including Saturday, May 23, along with fun themes, giveaways and jersey auctions. The Round Rock Express (Texas Rangers) come to town Tuesday through Sunday, May 19-24, leading right into Memorial Day weekend.
To get game tickets, go to mlb.tickets.com. Tickets start at $23.
Take a hike with We Hike
We Hike will lead a Memorial Day morning community hike at McKelligon Canyon, for walkers, runners and hikers of all experience levels. The family- and pet-friendly event encourages participants to move at their own pace along the canyon road, with distances ranging from one to five miles.
The hike will be from 7:15-10:30 a.m. Monday, May 25, at McKelligon Canyon Road, 1500 McKelligon Canyon Road. Free. Information: wehikeadventure.org
Elmont Swim Club extends hours for summer
The Elmont Swim Club, at 240 W Castellano Drive, Suite B, will open daily starting Memorial Day weekend. Hours: 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Saturday, May 23, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday, May 24 and Monday, May 25.
The club will also have DJ Hot Since 82 performing Saturday, May 23. Doors open at 8 p.m. General admission tickets start at $34.77.
General admission is $27.06. For more information: www.theelmont.com
Enjoy water parks Chapoteo, Lost Kingdom, Camp Cohen and Oasis
The city’s four water parks are now open: Chapoteo, 1225 Giles Road; Lost Kingdom, 6001 Hughey Drive; Camp Cohen, 9700 Gateway Blvd N., and Oasis, 13501 Jason Crandall Drive.
For park information and fees: https://epwpchapoteo.centeredgeonline.com/retail/items/g/waterparkadmissionThe city’s splashpads and Pavo Real outdoor aquatic center will open May 23, as part of Memorial Day weekend.
Wet N’ Wild open for 2026 swim season
Wet N’ Wild Waterworld is now open weekends from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. through Friday, May 22. Memorial Day weekend hours: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, Sunday and Monday, May 23-25. The park will be open during the week after the weekend.
Pricing at the gate is $44, including tax, for ages 4 and up, $49, including tax, for weekends and holidays and $10, including tax, for toddlers, ages 1 to 3. Babies under 1 year get in free.
Information: wetnwildwaterworld.com
Ascarate Aquatic Center will open Memorial Day weekend 2026
Ascarate Pool, at 6900 Delta Drive, will open for the summer on Sunday, May 24. The pool will be open weekends after that through June 14. Hours: 12-5 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays.
General pool admission will be $3 for adults, 18 and older. Veterans, military, first responders and county employees with ID get a discounted price of $2. Youths 17 and under and seniors 60 and older with ID also pay $2.
Jumbo Park will offer a three-day Memorial Day pass
Jumbo Park, 11180 Rojas Drive, will offer a limited three-day Memorial Day pass. The pass is for unlimited play on the inflatables and valid for three consecutive days during Memorial Day Weekend. The pass is for $34.99 plus tax.
Mia Asano at Speaking Rock Casino
Mia Asano is bringing her electrifying electric violin performance to Speaking Rock Casino Saturday, May 23. Free. Doors open at 6 p.m. Performance is at 9 p.m.
New Mexico Wine Festival
The New Mexico Wine Festival returns to the Southern New Mexico State Fairgrounds from Saturday through Monday, May 23-25. This Memorial Day weekend event allows attendees to sample and buy wines from more than 20 of the state’s top wineries. The festival offers a wide selection of varietals, from dry reds to sweet whites and sparkling wines, all produced by New Mexico growers.
The event includes a marketplace with more than 50 vendors, a variety of regional food trucks, and live music performances.
General admission tickets start at $34.19. Tickets can be purchased online.
María Cortés González may be reached at 915-546-6150; mcortes@elpasotimes.com; @eptmaria.bsky.social on Bluesky, and @eptmariacg on TikTok.
This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: Western Playland, waterparks, wine fest lead Memorial Day weekend fun
Reporting by Maria Cortes Gonzalez, El Paso Times / El Paso Times
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
