Horizon City Wine Fest, Ascarate Park movie night, Yuri, among things to do in El Paso

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  Published in Food and Wine on Thursday, September 11th 2025 at 14:30 GMT by El Paso Times

El Paso’s Weekend Pulse: Wine, Parks, Film, and a Dash of “Yuri” Culture

El Paso’s calendar this fall is packed, and the local Times has pulled out all the stops to highlight a trio of community‑focused events that promise to keep residents and visitors entertained. From a bustling wine festival in Horizon City to a relaxed movie night under the stars and an unexpected cultural showcase titled “Yuri,” there’s something for every taste – and all of it is happening right in the heart of the West Texas region.

Horizon City Wine Fest: A Sip‑and‑Stroll Through Local Viticulture

The centerpiece of the Times’ feature is the Horizon City Wine Fest, set to open on Saturday, September 15 and run through the early Sunday evening. Hosted at the sprawling Horizon City Community Center (1201 North Main Street, Horizon City), the festival is a celebration of the Southwest’s burgeoning wine scene. The event is a collaboration between the El Paso County Wine Growers Association and the local chamber of commerce, and it will feature tastings from five regional vineyards: Madera Hills, Red Rock Cellars, Pan‑Am Wines, Valley Vineyards, and Canyon Crest.

What to Expect
- Tasting Flights – Guests can sample 3–5 pours from each winery, complete with expert sommeliers explaining the flavor profiles.
- Live Music & Food Trucks – The festival will host three stages, with local bands ranging from folk to indie rock. The culinary side features a rotating roster of food trucks offering everything from Tex‑Mex tacos to gourmet sliders and vegan options.
- Winemaker Q&A – The highlight of the day will be an interactive session where attendees can chat with the winemakers about their craft, terroir, and the future of winemaking in the Southwest.
- Kid‑Friendly Corner – A small area will have grape‑themed crafts and a “mini‑winery” experience for the little ones.
- Admission – $20 for adults, $10 for seniors, and free for children under 12. (Discounts available with the Horizon City Wine Fest wristband, which includes a 10% discount on all purchases.)

A quick look at the festival’s website (linked in the original article) reveals a map of the venue, a list of participating wineries, and a ticket purchase portal that offers a “rain‑or‑shine” guarantee for guests who show up after 4 p.m.

Ascarate Park: Community Gatherings in the Backyard

While the wine fest is a celebration of local agriculture, Ascarate Park offers a more grounded, community‑oriented experience. Located at 500 East Main Street, El Paso, the park is the site of a series of family‑friendly activities that will run through the weekend.

Highlights of the Ascarate Park Schedule
- Farmers’ Market – Open from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Saturday, featuring fresh produce, artisanal cheeses, and handmade crafts.
- Outdoor Yoga – Early morning yoga sessions at 9 a.m. for all skill levels, guided by the local yoga studio, Peaceful Poses.
- Kids’ Arts & Crafts – After lunch, a community center volunteer will lead a “paint‑and‑play” session, allowing children to create their own masterpieces.
- Music Performance – A local folk group will perform from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. under the newly installed gazebo.
- Picnic & Board Games – The park will provide free board games for the public to use on a table beside the picnic area.

Tickets are not required for most of the park’s activities, although the farmers’ market vendors will accept a mix of cash, credit, and contactless payments. The Times links to the park’s official page, which offers a calendar of events, volunteer opportunities, and an online portal for vendors who want to set up a stall.

Movie Night Under the Stars: A Community Screening

A nod to El Paso’s love of cinema, the Times also spotlights a movie night scheduled for Sunday, September 16 at Luna Park (formerly known as the “El Paso Amusement Park”). The screening, hosted by the El Paso Film Society, will feature the latest blockbuster “Eclipse of the Heart”, a romantic‑drama that has already racked up 5‑star reviews from regional critics.

Screening Details
- Time – 8 p.m. sharp, with doors opening at 7:45 p.m.
- Venue – The historic Luna Park Main Theatre, a 400‑seat venue with a state‑of‑the‑art sound system.
- Ticket Price – $12 for adults, $8 for seniors, $5 for children under 12.
- Special Offer – The first 100 tickets include a complimentary popcorn bar snack.

The Times encourages viewers to bring their own blankets and lawn chairs for a more relaxed atmosphere, and a link to the film society’s page gives readers the option to pre‑purchase tickets and check the safety guidelines in place for a post‑pandemic cinema experience.

“Yuri”: A Cultural Showcase That’s Turning Heads

The final highlight in the Times’ rundown is a surprising addition to El Paso’s cultural calendar: “Yuri,” a showcase that blends modern Japanese pop culture with a local twist. “Yuri” is a two‑day pop‑culture event featuring anime screenings, manga exhibitions, and a cosplay competition. It will take place at the El Paso Convention Center on Friday and Saturday nights.

Event Highlights
- Anime Screenings – Fans can watch the latest releases from Studio Ghibli and Studio Toei, with English subtitles.
- Manga Booths – Local artists and vendors will display and sell original works, while a pop‑up shop will offer licensed merchandise.
- Cosplay Contest – Participants can showcase their favorite characters, with prizes awarded by a panel of local artists and industry insiders.
- Live Music – A band featuring J‑Rock influences will perform from 9 p.m. to 11 p.m.

Tickets are $15 per night, but a combo pass for both days is available at $25. The Times provides a link to the event’s official website, which lists the full program, the registration process, and a FAQs section detailing dress codes and photography policies.

Why It All Matters

El Paso’s events calendar for this week reflects the city’s growing emphasis on community, culture, and local entrepreneurship. The Horizon City Wine Fest celebrates the region’s vineyards and the dedication of its vintners. Ascarate Park’s family‑friendly programming offers a low‑barrier avenue for residents to connect, eat, and enjoy the outdoors. The movie night brings the community back to a classic pastime – watching film under a canopy of stars – while the “Yuri” showcase signals that El Paso is receptive to international influences and the cross‑cultural dialogue that fuels modern art.

With a mix of high‑energy festivals, serene park activities, cinematic nights, and niche cultural showcases, the city’s calendar this weekend ensures that there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re a wine connoisseur, a family looking for outdoor fun, a movie buff, or a pop‑culture aficionado, El Paso has a ticket to your enjoyment. Don’t miss the chance to experience this vibrant tapestry of local and global flavors – all right here in the Southwest.