What to do in El Paso this weekend: markets, workshops, live music, comedy, tours, and charity events from May 15–17.
El Paso has the kind of weekend that makes it hard to choose just one plan, with live music, themed parties, family-friendly science and markets, and even an event aimed at human trafficking awareness all running from May 15 to 17.
On Friday night, the NOVA Gallery hosts “Movie Party w/ Coffee Party,” running from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. for free entry, pairing a relaxed viewing vibe with social energy. Just a bit later, Speaking Rock Casino offers live music from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m., also listed as free.
For people who love nostalgia, the “80’s vs 90’s Party” takes over 101 at 9 p.m., stretching from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. Meanwhile, Smolder and Brass welcomes “Jazz & Poetry Night” from 9 p.m. to midnight.
The city’s dance scene stays busy too. El Paso Ballroom Dance Academy has a “Glow & Flow: Salsa social” from 9 p.m. to 4 a.m., with a $15 cover and a clear dress direction: attendees must wear white.
If you’re in the mood for something more adventurous, the “Haunted Spirits Downtown Bar Crawl” begins at Mona Bar of Modern Art, 410 1/2 San Antonio St., from 9 p.m. to 11 p.m. Tickets are priced at $25.09.
Saturday brings daytime options alongside evening entertainment. The Upper Valley Market at The Substation runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., offering a mid-morning to afternoon window for browsing and local community shopping.
In the early afternoon, the NOVA Gallery hosts “Chicas del Barro,” a ceramics workshop scheduled from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. A little later, “A Night under the Stars – a Teen Science Cafe event” is set for Franklin Mountains State Park from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., with grades 6 through 12 admitted free.
Stand-up comedy also lands on Saturday. Wall Street Lounge features “Stand-up comedy: Iggy Samaniego” at 7:30 p.m., with ticket pricing listed as $15 to $25.
For music fans, El Paso Biergarten welcomes live performances by Excape starting at 8 p.m. Across town, El Paso Ballroom Dance Academy runs a “Dance Party: Cha cha cha lesson” from 8:15 p.m. to midnight, priced at $15 per person with BYOB.
As night deepens, the “Concordia Cemetery Ghosts & Legends Tour” offers a guided evening program from 9 p.m. to 11 p.m. Tickets are $25.09.
Sunday shifts toward a mix of awareness, community arts, and family entertainment. At Sunland Racetrack & Casino, the “Race Against Human Trafficking” begins at 8 a.m., signaling an early start for a cause-focused event.
Brunch enthusiasts can head to the El Paso Museum of Art for the “Frida Kahlo Brunch Experience” at 11 a.m., where tickets are priced at $45 and advanced registration is indicated.
Sunday afternoon includes more opportunities to relax and listen. Zin Valle Vineyards hosts “Live Music + Wine w/ Jezzika Sax” from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., and the event is marked free.
At Philanthropy Theatre, “EPCF: Jewel Box Series” is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. and again at 7:00 p.m. El Paso Youth Jazz Ensemble returns as well with its End of Season Concert at Star City Studios, set for Sunday.
Movie lovers can also find their way back to the NOVA Gallery for “Movie Party w/ Coffee Party” again on Sunday from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m., with free entry.
The weekend closes with live music and a ticketed show. Bye Bye Dear at 111 E. Robinson Ave. is listed for Sunday at 9 p.m., with tickets priced between $16.24 and $19.49.
Plenty of these events cluster around a few major themes: gallery programming and arts spaces like NOVA Gallery. late-night music and parties. and experiences that move beyond the traditional concert or screening.. The mix is part of what makes the weekend feel like a mini calendar of El Paso culture. from creative workshops and poetry to neighborhood-style gatherings.
For anyone deciding what fits best, consider your time window first. The earliest starts on Sunday are tied to cause and community momentum, while the Friday-to-Saturday lineup leans heavily into evening energy—live bands, themed parties, and dance nights that run well past midnight.
And while the attractions range from free events to ticketed tours and shows. the common thread is accessibility: several listings include free entry options. which can lower barriers for people trying something new.. With activities spanning markets. comedy. science programs for teens. and performance nights. the weekend reads like a chance to sample different corners of the city without having to commit to a single style of entertainment.
El Paso events May 15-17 weekend activities live music dance lessons comedy community events