Smack dab in the heart of the Franklin Mountains is El Paso’s annual treasure, Cool Canyon Nights. Making its return for the 14th season, the iconic event takes place at McKelligon Canyon Ampitheater.
With the season kicking off in May, locals can catch live performances up until Aug. 1. Cool Canyon Nights happens every Thursday and is free and open to all ages. The Prospector attended Cool Canyon Nights when local musicians Ray Arreola and Jim Ward performed.
With the sun setting and clouds floating overhead, Arreola began his set on the patio at 6 p.m. when gates opened. At 7 p.m., Ward drew the crowd to the main stage and put on a stellar performance for the community.
Not only does live music magnify the Cool Canyon Nights experience, but there are also local vendors selling a variety of jewelry, and food trucks ready to feed the public.
El Paso native, Patricia Rangel, said that she attends Cool Canyon seasons annually and they feel that having these events open to the public makes a perfect summer outing.
“It brings the community together,” Rangel said. “I mean people like to have a good time and dance to good live music.”
Although El Paso local Isabel Keu lived in the Sun City for a long time, she shared that she had never been to any previous seasons before.
“This is my first time ever being here,” said Keu. “I don’t live in El Paso anymore; I’ve been in San Antonio for 25 years. I think the last time I came to McKelligon Canyon was when I was a kid so to be here now at this awesome free event, I’m really enjoying it and happy to experience this.”
El Paso local Norma Chavira said she has had very limited outings since the COVID-19 pandemic, yet Cool Canyon Nights has been a nice refresher to what it was like before the pandemic.
“I’ve been to previous seasons in the past but not in the most recent couple of years due to the pandemic, but I have started to come back out and start to enjoy things out in the real world,” Chavira said.
As the sun dwindled down and the stage lights became brighter during Ward’s performance, El Pasoans felt the warmth of the community, while relaxing on the cool summer night.
Upcoming Cool Canyon Nights Lineup
- July 11: Jezzika Y Los Prohibidos and Gabrielle Torres
- July 18: The Roulettes, Joshua Lucero & Midnight Vibe
- July 25: Celebration
- Aug. 1: Fungi Mungle and Sam Barlow
For more information about Cool Canyon Nights visit kisselpaso.com/cool-canyon-nights-2024/
Marco Hinojosa is the audience and engagement editor and may be reached at [email protected].
