by El Paso and the surrounding region are gearing up for a lively Labor Day weekend filled with food, music, culture, and community celebrations. From long-standing traditions like St. Anthony’s Bazaar to pet-friendly fun at Bark at the Park, wine festivals in Las Cruces, and the beloved Hatch Chile Festival, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Alongside these holiday highlights, the city will also host world-class chamber music and vibrant outdoor concerts, making it a weekend packed with entertainment for all ages.
Labor Day Weekend Highlights
Here’s a roundup of cultural and civic events happening in the Borderland during Labor Day weekend and the days leading up to it.
St. Anthony’s Bazaar
- When & Where: Saturday, Aug. 30 – Monday, Sept. 1, from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m., at St. Anthony’s Seminary, 4601 Hastings Drive.
- What to Expect:
- One of El Paso’s longest-running community traditions.
- Live music, raffles, games, and family activities.
- A wide variety of food and refreshments.
- Why It Matters: Proceeds benefit the Franciscan Seminary, home to about 35 residents. This is the seminary’s most important fundraiser of the year, drawing large crowds who come to enjoy entertainment while supporting its mission.
Bark at the Park
- When & Where: Sunday, Aug. 31, at 12:05 p.m., Southwest University Park, 1 Ballpark Plaza.
- Event Features:
- El Paso Chihuahuas vs. Tacoma Rainiers game.
- First “Bark at the Park” of the season, welcoming fans and their dogs.
- Kids Sunday: young fans can run the bases after the game.
- Special Labor Day celebration.
- Chico socks giveaway for kids (while supplies last).
Harvest Wine and Music Festival
- When & Where: Saturday, Aug. 30 – Monday, Sept. 1, from noon to 6 p.m. daily, at the Southern New Mexico Fairgrounds, 12125 Robert Larson Blvd., Las Cruces.
- Festival Attractions:
- Unlimited tastings from New Mexico’s top vineyards.
- Shopping from local artisans.
- Live performances by UnLyshed, Kat Crosby & the Rhythm Gators, Damian Wyldes, and others.
- Songwriter contest and VIP experiences, including exclusive tastings and private concerts.
Hatch Chile Festival
- When & Where: Friday, Aug. 29 – Sunday, Aug. 31, in Hatch, New Mexico (about 80 miles north of El Paso).
- Festival Highlights:
- Celebrating Hatch’s status as the “Chile Capital of the World.”
- Carnival rides, live music, and cooking competitions.
- Vendors selling roasted green chile, crafts, jewelry, and more.
- Free admission (shopping and food purchases extra).
Around El Paso
El Paso Pro-Musica Summerfest
- When & Where: Thursday, Aug. 28, at 7:30 p.m., Fox Fine Arts Recital Hall, University of Texas at El Paso.
- Featuring: The Balourdet Quartet, formed in 2018 at Rice University.
- Ensemble Members:
- Angela Bae (violin)
- Justin DeFillips (violin)
- Benjamin Zannoni (viola)
- Russell Houston (cello)
- Tickets: $5 (students), $20 (seniors and military), $25 (general admission).
El Fresco Music Series Finale
- When & Where: Friday, Aug. 29, at 7 p.m., El Paso Convention Center Plaza, Downtown El Paso.
- Event Details:
- Free outdoor Latin-themed concert.
- Local Latin bands and live performances.
- Food vendors, family activities, and giveaways.
- Part of the 2025 “Ritmo & Rodeo” theme blending country and Latin music.
- Tip: Bring lawn chairs and enjoy the evening under the El Paso sky.
Balourdet Quartetto at UTEP
- When & Where: Thursday, Aug. 28, at 7:30 p.m., Fox Fine Arts Recital Hall, UTEP.
- Performance Notes:
- Known for fresh interpretations of both classical and contemporary works.
- Praised by The Boston Musical Intelligencer as “absolute musical perfection.”
- Part of an educational engagement with UTEP students and the El Paso community.
Last Words
Whether you’re sampling local chile in Hatch, sipping wines in Las Cruces, enjoying chamber music at UTEP, or cheering on the Chihuahuas with your four-legged friend, the Borderland offers plenty of ways to celebrate Labor Day weekend. These events not only provide entertainment but also bring the community together, honoring traditions while creating new memories for families and friends across the region.
