35 Things To Do This Weekend in El Paso

Here’s what’s going on in and around El Paso this weekend, July 17 – July 19, 2015. Some events are free, some will cost you a few bucks:

FRIDAY:

Wet-n-Wild Waterworld – El Paso’s 60-acre water park features more than 25 rides and attractions, and the largest wave pool in Texas. 8804 South Desert Boulevard, Anthony, Texas. Gates open 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.. Admission prices vary. More Details

Texas Showdown Festival – The Country’s largest Tattoo & Music Festival returns to El Paso with over 300 tattoo artists from around the globe, tattoo competitions, food and beer garden, and live music. Tonight’s headliner is Ice Cube. Gates open at 12 noon at the El Paso County Coliseum. Ticket prices vary. More Details

Alfresco! Fridays – Fresh-air performances from local bands playing various genres of music. 6 p.m. on the Convention Center Plaza. FREE. Tonight, Tejas Band (Spanish Variety). More Info

Friday at the Fire – Live music by local bands set against the ambiance of the Freedom Crossing at Ft. Bliss outdoor fireplace. 6 – 11 p.m. Tonight, Mainstreet (rock).

UTEP Dinner Theatre Presents ‘Pippin’ – UTEP Dinner Theatre closes the season with the musical about a young prince on his search for meaning and significance. 7 p.m., 2nd Floor UTEP’s Union Building West. Ticket prices vary. More Details

El Paso Playhouse presents ‘Steel Magnolias' – El Paso’s longest running Community Theater begins its 52nd season with the comedy–drama play about the bond among a group of Southern women in northwest Louisiana. Showtime is 8 p.m. at the El Paso Playhouse, 2501 Montana. Ticket prices vary. More Details

Viva! El Paso – The summer outdoor musical chronicles the 400 year history of El Paso through song and dance. 8:30 p.m. at McKelligon Canyon Amphitheatre. Ticket prices vary. More Details

SATURDAY:

Farmers Market at Ardovino’s Desert Crossing – The “producers only” market features area farmers, backyard gardeners and artisans selling organic and pesticide-free vegetables, locally-made goat cheeses, natural free range chickens and eggs, native plants for home and yard, fresh-baked breads and salsas. 7:30 a.m. to 12 noon. FREE admission. More Details

Downtown Artist and Farmers Market – The market offers the chance to shop for original arts and crafts and regionally grown produce in an outdoor setting while enjoying entertainment featuring local artists, food vendors and free activities for the entire family. 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Union Plaza District (near The Garden Restaurant) along Anthony Street. FREE admission and FREE parking. More Details

El Paso Zoo – 35 acres of fun and adventure featuring exotic animals from around the world and family attractions such as the African Star Train, the Hunt Family Desert Spring splash pad, and the Foster Tree House Playground. 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., 4001 E. Paisano, across from the County Coliseum. Admission varies. More Details

Wet-n-Wild Waterworld – El Paso’s 60-acre water park features more than 25 rides and attractions, and the largest wave pool in Texas. 8804 South Desert Boulevard, Anthony, Texas. Gates open 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.. Admission prices vary. More Details

Texas Showdown Festival – The Country’s largest Tattoo & Music Festival returns to El Paso with over 300 tattoo artists from around the globe, tattoo competitions, food and beer garden, and live music. Tonight’s headliner is Limp Bizkit. Gates open at 12 noon at the El Paso County Coliseum. Ticket prices vary. More Details

Western Playland Amusement Park – 30+ rides and games for all ages. Open 2 p.m. to 9 p.m., 1249 Futurity Dr., Sunland Park, NM, across from Sunland Park Racetrack & Casino. Admission varies. More Details

Music in the Park – Live entertainment from some of El Paso’s favorite local bands and musicians at Veterans Park, 5301 Salem Drive, in the North East. 7 p.m. FREE. Tonight, Villa Band (cumbia).

The Fountains at Farah Sunset Sounds – Local and regional band perform in The Promenade at the Fountains, weather permitting, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Blankets and lawn chair encouraged, food and beverages available. Tonight, First Army Division Jazz Band. More Details

UTEP Dinner Theatre Presents ‘Pippin’ – UTEP Dinner Theatre closes the season with the musical about a young prince on his search for meaning and significance. 7 p.m., 2nd Floor UTEP’s Union Building West. Ticket prices vary. More Details

Dancing in the City – The event offers attendees a free dance lesson beginning at 7 p.m. taught by professional dancers and a live music performance from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. In the Convention Center Plaza. Tonight, Son Monarcas (cumbia). 212-0110

El Paso Playhouse presents ‘Steel Magnolias' – El Paso’s longest running Community Theater begins its 52nd season with the comedy–drama play about the bond among a group of Southern women in northwest Louisiana. Showtime is 8 p.m. at the El Paso Playhouse, 2501 Montana. Ticket prices vary. More Details

Dancing With The Stars Live! - Hosted by All-Stars champion Melissa Rycroft, the 90-minute show features exciting and romantic performances from pro dancers Val Chmerkovskiy, Witney Carson, Peta Murgatroyd, and more. 8 p.m. at the Abraham Chavez Theatre. Ticket prices vary. More Details

District 5 Movies in the Park – Family-friendly movies screened in a city park, under the stars, weather permitting. Blankets and lawn chairs allowed, but alcohol is prohibited. BYO snacks. Tonight’s movie, “Princess and the Frog” 8:00 p.m. at Chester Jordan Park, 3500 Nolan Richardson. Admission is FREE. 212-0005

Viva! El Paso – The summer outdoor musical chronicles the 400 year history of El Paso through song and dance. 8:30 p.m. at McKelligon Canyon Amphitheatre. Ticket prices vary. More Details

Horizon City Movies in the Park – Relatively current movies shown on an inflatable screen, weather permitting. Blankets and lawn chairs allowed, but alcohol is prohibited. Tonight’s movie is “Paddington″. 8:30 p.m. at Corcoran Park, located just off Horizon Boulevard, across from Horizon Star Bakery. FREE admission. More Details

The Doubletree by Hilton presents Saturday Night Movies on the Terrace – You don’t have to be a guest in the hotel to enjoy the movie. Bring your chairs and blankets or whatever you need to be comfy, but outside food or drinks are not permitted. Tonight, “The Last Starfighter” 8:30 p.m., weather permitting, on the Sunset Terrace located on the 7th floor of Doubletree Hotel, 600 N. El Paso St. in downtown El Paso. Admission is FREE. 532-8733

District 3 Movies Under the Stars – Family-friendly movies in the park, under the stars, weather permitting. Blankets and lawn chairs allowed, but alcohol is prohibited. BYO snacks. Tonight’s movie, “Big Hero 6” 8:30 p.m. Stiles Park, 7325 Stiles Dr Admission is FREE. 541-4122

Nickleback Tribute Band – “Nickleband” pays homage to the music of Nickleback. Doors open 8:00 p.m. at Speaking Rock Entertainment Center, 122 S. Old Pueblo Rd. FREE 18 and older. More Details

SUNDAY:

El Paso Zoo – 35 acres of fun and adventure featuring exotic animals from around the world and family attractions such as the African Star Train, the Hunt Family Desert Spring splash pad, and the Foster Tree House Playground. 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., 4001 E. Paisano, across from the County Coliseum. Admission varies. More Details

Wet-n-Wild Waterworld – El Paso’s 60-acre water park features more than 25 rides and attractions, and the largest wave pool in Texas. 8804 South Desert Boulevard, Anthony, Texas. Gates open 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.. Admission prices vary. More Details

Texas Showdown Festival – The Country’s largest Tattoo & Music Festival returns to El Paso with over 300 tattoo artists from around the globe, tattoo competitions, food and beer garden, and live music. Tonight’s headliner is The Offspring. Gates open at 12 noon at the El Paso County Coliseum. Ticket prices vary. More Details

La Viña Farmers and Crafters Market – La Viña Winery hosts a dog and family-friendly farmer’s market featuring farm fresh, local produce. 12 noon to 4 p.m. at La Viña Winery, 4201 S. NM Highway 28 in La Union, N.M., one mile north of Vinton Road. More Details

Zin Valle Vineyards Free Music Sundays - Pack a picnic and enjoy the afternoon by the vineyards. FREE wine tasting and music. 12 Noon to 5 p.m. Today, James Springer. More Info

Music on the Patio at La Vina Winery - Bring your favorite wine, snack, or a picnic and enjoy an afternoon of FREE entertainment on the lawn. 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Today, Live by Request. 575-882-7632

Western Playland Amusement Park – 30+ rides and games for all ages. Open 2 p.m. to 7 p.m., 1249 Futurity Dr., Sunland Park, NM, across from Sunland Park Racetrack & Casino. Admission varies. More Details

El Paso Playhouse presents ‘Steel Magnolias' – El Paso’s longest running Community Theater begins its 52nd season with the comedy–drama play about the bond among a group of Southern women in northwest Louisiana. Showtime is 2 p.m. at the El Paso Playhouse, 2501 Montana. Ticket prices vary. More Details

UTEP Dinner Theatre Presents ‘Pippin’ – UTEP Dinner Theatre closes the season with the musical about a young prince on his search for meaning and significance. 2:30 p.m., 2nd Floor UTEP’s Union Building West. Ticket prices vary. More Details

Music Under the Stars – Pack a picnic and take the family to the Chamizal National Memorial for an evening of music and dancing under the stars. 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. FREE. Tonight, Dos Santos Anti-Beat Orquestra (Latin fusion). More Info