Good morning, El Paso.

Tokidup Dispensary, a new cannabis store in Sunland Park, donated $1,000 to the local food bank Casa de Peregrinos at its grand opening and has already helped with extra food donations.

Owner Rick Zimmerman said the store will open a consumption lounge next year as a hub for volunteering—this includes dog adoptions and food drives.

Marathon Petroleum has awarded $75,000 as matching funds to nine local nonprofits for the upcoming El Paso Giving Day on October 16th—boosting community programs through support announced by the Paso del Norte Community Foundation.

This initiative aims to enhance the efforts of groups like Frontera Land Alliance and EPISD Education Foundation.

El Pollo Loco will open its El Paso location at 1441 Airway Blvd on Tuesday, Oct.

14—ending a long absence since the early 2000s. A grand opening celebration offering a free two-piece meal for app sign-ups is scheduled for Friday, Oct. 24 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Today, the 18th annual Chalk the Block Public Arts Festival transforms San Jacinto Plaza as artists from El Paso, Las Cruces and Juarez create vibrant chalk murals while installations by Belgian and Colorado artists appear in Cleveland Square.

The free event ends when the murals are removed by 6 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 12—visitors need to see the display this weekend.

Local tattoo shops near Fort Bliss have seen fewer clients during a 10-day government shutdown as military spending cuts lead to appointment cancellations—harming artists and staff.

Pumping Ink tattoos will host the Rockabilly Kustum Kulture Festival car show at Lincoln Park on November 8 to honor Veterans Day Weekend.

This academic school year, four educators from Spain arrived in El Paso through the Texas-Spain Visiting International Teacher Program and are teaching dual language classes at Tippin Elementary School.

They are sharing their culture with first and second graders as teachers Miguel Sansano and Sandra Ramirez adjust to American methods & explore local food.

On Monday, the El Paso County Commissioners Court approved a $4.2 million contract with Exigo Architecture to start the renovations at Ascarate Park following a 2024 voter bond approval.

The firm will lead community input and design work + expert reviews while upgrades such as a new entrance, walking trails, and lake restoration are set to finish design development by summer and complete by fall 2029.

El Paso County has chosen Exigo Architecture for a $4.2M design contract to improve Ascarate Park with new trails, shelters and lake upgrades—work slated to finish by fall, while UTEP College of Nursing received $1.1M to add smart manikins for better training.

Other local updates include resumed bus services in Socorro, upcoming EPISD public meetings on a new superintendent, and a free college application week starting Oct. 13.

Today, El Paso residents are encouraged to observe World Mental Health Day by checking in on loved ones and practicing self-care through activities like yoga or relaxation—volunteers and advocates are also urged to share their experiences and support local mental health resources.

El Paso's top pro boxing talent headlines a card at Southwest University Park today—seven professional bouts are set, including undefeated Jorge Tovar and rising star Ivy Enriquez; gates open at 5:30 p.m. with fights starting at 6:30 p.m.

The Savannah Bananas, known for dancing and trick plays, will bring their high-energy banana ball games to Southwest University Park in 2026.

Fans must join the ticket lottery on the official Fans First Tickets website by Nov. 1+ tickets start at $35.

El Paso Eastwood High School beat the number one team Franklin 49 to 26 at Franklin High School as quarterback Kingston Jeffries threw four touchdown passes, raising the Troopers' record to 6 to 1 overall & 3 to 0 in district while Franklin fell to 5 to 2.

The teams will play district games on Friday, Oct. 17.

Banana Ball, a fast-paced baseball and entertainment event organized by the Savannah Bananas, will be held at Southwest University Park in May 2026 with games on May 15 and 16 featuring the Texas Tailgaters and the Firefighters.

Fans must sign up for a ticket lottery on the official site before November 1 to have a chance to buy tickets starting at $35.

The El Paso Del Valle Conquistadors bounced back from their first loss with a 49-14 win over the Hanks Knights on Friday night at Excalibur Stadium, scoring touchdowns early and making three interceptions in the first half.

The win improved their record to 6-1 while Hanks fell to 3-3 and kept the Conquistadors in the District 1-5A title race.

Alan Saldana Stand-Up Comedy

6:00-7:30 p.m. — El Paso Comic Strip — Age 17+ — Experience the hilarious stand-up of Alan Saldaña, a rising star in the comedy scene.

Annual Golf Tournament by El Paso Architectural Foundation and AIA El Paso

12-4 p.m. — Topgolf El Paso — Sponsorship opportunities available — Raise funds for architecture scholarships while enjoying a day of golf.

Halloween Pub Crawl in El Paso

4:30-9:00 p.m. — Oak & Antler American Tavern — Tickets required — A spirited celebration filled with costumes, prizes, and social media fun awaits you.

Halloween Bash

4-10 p.m. — Havana Bar & Grill — Not specified — Celebrate Halloween with CMLL Mexican luchadores and local talent at this exciting event.

Tropa Magica and Sultanes Del Yonke Concert

7-8:30 p.m. — Lowbrow Palace — Ticket information available — Experience an electrifying night with Tropa Magica and Sultanes Del Yonke at Lowbrow Palace.

Perfume De Gardenia Concert

5:00 – 6:30 PM — Abraham Chavez Theatre — Last-minute tickets available — Experience a captivating concert by Perfume De Gardenia in El Paso.

Jurassic Park in Concert

6-7:30 p.m. — The Plaza Theatre — Tickets required — Experience the iconic film with a live orchestra performing John Williams’ legendary score.

Cinderella - Ballet

5:00 – 6:30 PM — The Plaza Theatre — Tickets available — Experience the enchanting ballet rendition of Cinderella's timeless story.