After a long period of anticipation, the Mexican American Cultural Center (MACC) in Downtown El Paso will officially open its doors on Saturday, March 22, 2025, at 201 W. Franklin Ave. This vibrant center is set to become a hub of cultural activities, offering events that will include performances, art exhibits, and cooking classes focused on traditional Mexican cuisine.
In addition to the grand opening of the MACC, this weekend features a lineup of exciting events in El Paso. Theatre enthusiasts can look forward to Broadway's Chicago the Musical, with performances scheduled for 8 p.m. on March 21, and 2 and 8 p.m. on March 22, at the Plaza Theatre. Tickets for this iconic production are still available through resale outlets.
Another exciting act coming to El Paso is comedian Jo Koy, who will take the stage as part of his Just Being Koy Tour at 8 p.m. on March 22 at the Don Haskins Center. Prices for tickets range from $49 to $80, plus fees.
On the same day, the El Paso Roller Derby season kicks off with an action-packed doubleheader at the Nations Tobin Rec Center, located at 8831 Railroad Road. Fans can catch all the excitement starting at 5 p.m., with tickets priced at $10 for early bird purchases and $15 at the door. Discounts will be provided for military personnel, and children aged 10 and under can enter for free.
The opening ceremony of the MACC will commence with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 11 a.m. on March 22. Following the ceremony, there will be activities spanning the day from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., featuring entertaining presentations by local performers, such as dance troupes and musicians, all along Franklin Avenue. Food trucks and local vendors will be on site, along with a showcase of Lowrider cars, custom bikes, and a Lucha Libre wrestling demonstration, including an actual wrestling match at 4 p.m.!
For those drawn to community events, the 18th annual Poppies Fest continues on March 22 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. This fest includes educational programming, artisan vendors, food trucks, and folklórico performances, promoting cultural engagement and celebration.
Reflecting on the importance of these cultural and recreational events, El Paso aims to highlight community spirit and bring vibrancy back to the heart of the city through activities that connect people with their heritage and offer entertainment for all ages.
A week later, on March 29, the third annual Poppies Walk will take place, focusing on community wellness and engagement. The walk encourages residents to participate actively in local organizations.
This weekend's events embody the essence of the El Paso community—rich in culture, entertainment, and shared experiences. With the MACC opening its doors and numerous activities planned, it's a vibrant time for locals to engage with the arts and celebrate their heritage.
The Central Mountain High School Drama Club is also gearing up for their own production of Chicago: Teen Edition, taking the stage from April 4 to April 6, 2025. With showtimes varying, this edition has adapted the original story to be more suitable for younger viewers.
Director Ericka Conklin excitedly describes the adaptations, noting that the Merry Murderesses have been updated to reflect contemporary social media influences. “Fame continues to be really important—particularly to young people. This show displays the consequences of that,” she said, highlighting the social themes embedded within the performance.
The cast features young talents including Claire Bowman as Velma Kelly and Kathryn Farrall as Roxie Hart, who share their enthusiasm for portraying these iconic roles. “I’ve learned a lot from being in this club outside of acting. It’s really great to be a part of something special,” said Seth Geyer, who plays Billy Flynn in the show.
As the cast and crew prepare for opening night, they are eager to share their interpretations of the classic musical. Audiences can catch performances on April 4 at 7 p.m., April 5 with shows at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., and April 6 at 2 p.m.
Tickets can be purchased in advance through the Drama Club's online platform, providing an opportunity to see how young actors can bring new life to beloved characters in a culturally relevant context.
In closing, the combination of the MACC opening and school productions such as Chicago: Teen Edition exemplifies the rich cultural landscape of El Paso and showcases the talents and dedication of its community members.
