21st Annual Chihuahuan Desert Fiesta.
Saturday, September 27, 2025 at the Zoo. Subscribe to our blog to stay informed. To learn more about how you can get involved contact Fiesta Chair Kristina Flores at FloresK@elpasotexas.gov
The 21st annual Chihuahuan Desert Fiesta is coming up at the El Paso Zoo on September 27th, from 10:30am to 3:00pm. Enjoy learning about our Chihuahuan Desert through the zoo exhibits and discovery tables featuring local organizations and educators.
Schedule of Events
10:30 am to 3pm – Education partner interactive booths in the Chihuahuan Desert Exhibit at the Zoo
Mini Talks in the Jaguar Training Amphitheater
(seating is limited arrive early)
11am How the Chihuahuan Desert Education Coalition is inspiring all people to take action towards a sustainable future of the Chihuahuan Desert, Rick LoBello
11:20 am Water in the Chihuahuan Desert, Alex Fashing
11:40 am What? No Butterflies? A short Discussion on Moths, Dr. Paul Hyder
1:00 pm Branches to Roots and Eco El Paso, Fernanda Lugo
1:20 pm Web Deck Wildlife Trading Cards, Lora Holt
1:40 pm Birds of Prey, Heather Rivera
2:00 pm Decline of Vinegaroons, John Scordato
Wildlife Amphitheater Programs
11 am – Compañia Cultural de Ballet Folklorico Performing Arts Group
12 pm – Tocando – The El Paso Symphony Orchestra’s Tocando Music Project is an in-school and after-school program that provides music learning and performing opportunities plus a special performance by Bowie High School Mariachis
1:30 pm – Wild Encounters – The Chihuahuan Desert
2:00 pm – Sun City Sound – El Paso’s Drumline
Education Partners
Watch for their booths in the Chihuahuan Desert Exhibit
-Chihuahuan Desert Education Coalition – We have organized this event every year since 2004
-Centennial Museum and Chihuahuan Desert Gardens
-Environmental Services Dept
-El Paso Cactus and Rock Club
-915Treekeepers & Chihuahuan Desert Climate Collaborative – Climate –Fellowship
-Tech2o
-Second Chance Wildlife Rescue
-El Paso Museum of Archaeology
-Desert Advocacy Media Network
-Sociedad Geocientífica del Desierto Chihuahuense
-Sociedad Científica Juvenil- Cd Juárez
-Texas Parks and Wildlife – Franklin Mountains State Park
-Asombro Institute for Science Education
-For greener learning
–Lesson Destinations
-The Frontera Land Alliance
-Chamizal
-Eco El Paso
-Texas A&M Forest Service
-Animal Rescue of Community College (ARCC)
-El Paso/Trans-Pecos Audubon Society
-Bioexperimenta
-La Rodadora Espacio Interactivo
Event History
The original event began in 2005 was sponsored by the Chihuahuan Desert Education Coalition (CDEC) and has been growing in popularity throughout the years. Not long after CDEC helped to sponsor and organize the first Poppies Fest playing a major role in gaining support for the establishment of Castner Range National Monument.
Visitors can expect animal encounter presentations, educational booths and entertainment at the zoo. Fiesta celebration events at the zoo will be included as part of the regular entrance fee. Fee information can be found at: http://www.elpasozoo.org
If you missed the 2020 Virtual Fiesta you can watch some of the presentations here. To see highlights from past fiestas here are some videos you can watch.
Harris Hawk Presentation
Trans Pecos Ratsnake Presentation
Fiesta Highlights from 2015
Fiesta Highlights from 2011
Chihuahuan Desert Education Coalition
PO Box 9121
El Paso, TX 79995-9121