The iconic summer tradition, Viva El Paso! is back at McKelligon Canyon. This will be the 47th season of the show, which honors the passing of Hector Serrano, who first conceived, wrote, and directed Viva in 1978.
The musical show tells the story of 400 years of El Paso history through colorful and impressive dances from Spain, Mexico and the United States.
Viva features incredible local talent and is under the direction of Jaime Carrasco. The show’s book is written by Marty Martin and includes music from Jim Ward and Cody Ritchey.
The outdoor organization We Hike is also planning a three-part series on indoor, mountain and desert safety that starts this month. The first one will be Saturday, June 28.
Here is a closer look at these and other events over the next 10 days.
Viva El Paso! returns for 47th season
Viva El Paso! is having its performances at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturdays through Aug. 2 at the beautiful McKelligon Canyon Amphitheatre. Tickets are $20 for adults and $16 for groups, military, and children, excluding any fees. Tickets are available at the Plaza Box Office downtown, the Canyon Box Office prior to the show, and on Ticketmaster.com.
We Hike launches Gear up & Go outdoor series
We Hike, an outdoor experience organization, is starting a new series that celebrates the outdoors while teaching safety. The first class will be from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday, June 28, at the El Paso convention center. A sunrise hike will take place at 6 a.m. Sunday, June 29, on Scenic Drive. The events are free to the public. Registration is required. People who attend all three classes will get a surprise gift. The other classes will be Saturday, July 19 and Saturday, Aug. 23.
Celebrate Pages & Pints: Books and Brews Festival
El Paso Matters and Old Sheepdog Brewery are teaming up to present Pages & Pints: Books and Brews Festival, a daylong celebration of local literature, music and community, from 3 to 10 p.m. on Saturday, June 28, at Old Sheepdog Brewery, 3900 Rosa Ave. Admission is free and open to the public.
MACC hosts music show
El Paso musician Amanda Ekery will be promoting her fourth album, Árabe, with a free show Saturday, June 28, at the Mexican American Cultural Center, 201 W. Franklin Ave. The event will be from 1 to 3 p.m. The show is family friendly with a themed evil eye craft beforehand and a closing reception for the Es Hora museum exhibit following the performance.
Cool Canyon Nights continues at McKelligon Canyon
Cool Canyon Nights will feature performances at 6 p.m. every Thursday through July 31 at McKelligon Canyon, 1331 McKelligon Canyon Road. The evenings kick off with performances at 6 p.m. on the El Paso Community College Career and Technical Education Patio Stage, with the main act taking the stage at 7 p.m. on the West Star Main Stage inside the amphitheater.
Upcoming: Prime Rocks will rock the Main Stage on July 3, with Stoney Blue Fish from Las Cruces opening.
There is a clear bag policy, so leave purses and handbags in your vehicles. VIP tickets are available for $20-$30 plus fees, offering reserved seating, complimentary hors d’oeuvres, and a beverage. VIP tickets are limited and can be purchased online at kisselpaso.com. Please act quickly, as they sell out quickly.
Explore Fort Selden with ranger-guided tours
Explore Fort Selden Historic Site with ranger-guided tours on Wednesday mornings from June 4 through Aug. 27 at 1280 Fort Selden Road, Radium Springs, N.M. The tour is included as part of the general admission, which costs $5 per adult. Children 16 years and younger are admitted free of charge. NM residents over the age of 60 are free on Wednesdays. Times are 9 to 10 a.m.
Outlet Shoppes at El Paso brings Wind Down Wednesdays back
The Outlet Shoppes at El Paso is turning up the summer vibes with the return of Wind Down Wednesdays, a free, family-friendly music series hosted in partnership with EXA-FM 98.3 radio, taking place in June and July. The concerts will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesdays near the Center Court. Upcoming: Monday, July 2: Country Band.
The Splash Pad will be turned on during these Wine Down Wednesday concerts.
El Fresco Music Series returns July 11
The El Fresco Music Series has two nights left: Friday, July 11 and Friday, Aug. 29, at the convention center in Downtown El Paso.
This year’s free outdoor concert features popular artists from the genres of country music and Latin beats, as well as food vendors, giveaways, and activities.
Guests are encouraged to bring their dancing shoes and their own lawn chairs. Musical performances will be approximately from 7:15 to 10 p.m.
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: Viva El Paso! returns, We Hike offers outdoors series among things to do in El Paso
Reporting by Maria Cortes Gonzalez, El Paso Times / El Paso Times
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
