What to do for Memorial Day weekend in El Paso, Las Cruces

Maria Cortes Gonzalez, El Paso Times
Updated ·4 min read

Memorial Day weekend is the unofficial kickoff to summer for many families.

Many people use the three-day weekend to plan short trips. The city's swimming pools and water parks are opening for the summer season. And some businesses get into the holiday break to offer fun celebrations.

In El Paso, people can gather to honor those who died in the nation's wars on Monday, May 29, at the Fort Bliss National Cemetery. There will be a ceremony at 9 a.m.

Concordia Cemetery, 3700 Yandell Drive, also will have a ceremony at 10 a.m. that day.

For those wanting to start their weekend with some fun activities, here are some ideas.

Movies at the Park in Horizon City

The Horizon City Police Department will be showing its summer series of free movies starting Friday, May 26, at Corky Corcoran Park, 13969 Veny Webb St. There will be music, games, prizes and food.

The first movie will be "DC League of Super-Pets." More movies will be added.

Aurellia's brewery celebrates 4th anniversary

Aurellia's Bottle Shop & Brewhouse, 1620 Resler Drive, will celebrate its fourth anniversary by throwing an office-themed birthday party from 11 a.m. to midnight Saturday, May 27.

As part of the celebration, the brewery will have two special limited release beers, a special menu and anniversary glassware, according to an Instagram post.

Aurellia's Bottle Shop & Brewhouse uses an innovative technology with electricity for its brewing.
Aurellia's Bottle Shop & Brewhouse uses an innovative technology with electricity for its brewing.

West Side farmers market

Shop and enjoy the Upper Valley Artist & Farmers Market from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, May 28, at Mesa Plaza, 6633 N. Mesa St., in front of Hobby Lobby West. There will be a variety of vendors and food, as well as live music by Locomotion.

Memorial Day weekend fireworks

Enjoy a game of baseball between the El Paso Chihuahuas and the Ace Saturday, May 27 and Sunday, May 28, at Southwest University Park. Afterward, there will be fireworks. Gates open at 5:30 p.m. Saturday, and 5 p.m. Sunday. Tickets, ranging from $18 to $86, excluding fees, are available online at https://bit.ly/3Op0K1o or at the stadium.

Wet 'N' Wild opens new ride, Tarantula Tailspin

Wet 'N' Wild Waterworld in Anthony, Texas, is getting a new attraction this summer, the Tarantula Tailspin.
Wet 'N' Wild Waterworld in Anthony, Texas, is getting a new attraction this summer, the Tarantula Tailspin.

Wet 'N' Wild Waterworld announced the opening of a new attraction, the Tarantula Tailspin, a double-rider adventure slide.

"Up to two riders at a time will be sent twisting and turning down high banking corners into dual 360-degree downward spirals," according to a park news release. The new ride also features unique aqua-lucent special effects for a fun visual for riders.

Wet 'N' Wild opened May 6 and will open every day starting Memorial Day weekend. Individual ticket prices will be available for the 2023 season. Admission prices are:

  • Weekdays: ages 4 and older:  $34.99 + tax

  • Weekends: ages 4 and older:  $39.99 + tax

  • Toddlers: ages 1-3: $9.99+ tax

  • Nonswimmers: $19.99 + tax

Learn more: When does Wet N' Wild open? Details on admission prices, new ride 'Tarantula Tailspin'

Ascarate Park pool opens

The Ascarate Park pool will open Saturday, May 27, for the summer. The pool will be open from noon to 5 p.m. from Tuesday through Sunday. It will be closed on Mondays except on Memorial Day. Admission will be $3 for adults and $2 for children 17 and younger and seniors 60 and older.

Enjoy city's water parks

Chapoteo, Oasis, Lost Kingdom and Camp Cohen Water Parks officially will open Saturday, May 27. The water parks will open daily from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. through the end of July.

From Aug. 1 through Labor Day weekend, the parks will be open Saturday and Sunday. El Paso residents are encouraged to purchase season passes for entrance to any of the water parks. This year, four tiers of passes are available. For more information, visit epwaterparks.com.

More: Skating rinks are out, but virtual reality games, trampoline, climbing walls are in

Veterans and active-duty military get discount at Kona Grill

Kona Grill will be offering the following as part of Memorial Day thank you to veterans and active-duty miliary:

  • 20% off for all Veterans, Active-Duty Military, Reserves, and Gold Star Families (available all weekend)

  • All-Day Happy Hour for Industry Workers - Hospitality, Retail & Medical (available on Monday, May 29)

  • Red, White, and Blue Margarita Flight - raspberry, white peach, and blueberry (dine-in only)

To view the full menu or make reservations, please visit konagrill.com.

New Mexico Wine Festival returns to Las Cruces

The New Mexico Wine Festival returns to Las Cruces May 27-29 with a big celebration of wine, food and fun.

The New Mexico Wine Festival returns to Las Cruces May 27-29 with a big celebration of wine, food and fun.
The New Mexico Wine Festival returns to Las Cruces May 27-29 with a big celebration of wine, food and fun.

The annual festival, showcasing the finest wines from 18 wineries, will be from noon to 6 p.m. in the outdoor grounds of the Southern New Mexico State Fairgrounds. Food trucks will be on site. Festival-tasting tickets are $30 through May 26 and $35 after. Discounted tickets are available for military and designated drivers.

Tickets are available at tickets.holdmyticket.com/tickets/406912

María Cortés González may be reached at 915-546-6150, mcortes@elpasotimes.com and @EPTMaria on Twitter.

This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: Memorial Day weekend activities in El Paso include Wet N Wild