you've ever thought, "You know what my life is missing? Paint, sawdust, and the confidence to ruin…read morea perfectly good piece of pottery," then let me introduce you to your new happy place: Sun City Sawdust. This place is basically an adult playground disguised as a DIY studio. You walk in thinking you'll casually paint a mug... and suddenly you're emotionally invested in shading techniques like you're auditioning for The Great British Bake Off: Pottery Edition. The staff? Absolute legends. Not only are they insanely helpful, but they somehow manage to be encouraging even when your "artistic vision" looks like it lost a fight with a kindergarten class. They guide you, hype you up, and never once say, "Sir... that Lebanese Cedar tree looks like broccoli or a Christmas tree." True professionals. And the owners Pamela and Jennifer? Let's just say El Paso doesn't deserve them, but we're lucky they're here anyway. Some of the kindest, most welcoming humans you'll ever meet. The kind of people who make you feel like family... a very creative, slightly paint-covered family. Whether you're making pottery, working on a DIY project, or just there to pretend you're artsy for a few hours, this place delivers. You'll leave with something handmade, slightly questionable, and 100% yours--and somehow already planning your next visit. 10/10. Would absolutely go back to make another "masterpiece" that my family will politely display.

Destressed my week away with painting. The ladies who run this place are so nice and the place is…read morewelcoming. Best part is they laser cut letters to make a special sign

The theatre has been a staple for downtown El Paso since my childhood and is a venue for a wide…read morevariety of acts including Ali Wong earlier this year. Entry was no issue and it was pretty easy to get in. What was a bit chaotic were their food/drink bars as it was pretty unorganized. I think there could be some proper signage and additional staff. Venue is a little outdated but there's also a charm to it? I'm sure I'll be back if an act I love ends up performing here.

Whenever a big event gets shown, a few times it gets shown here at the theatre. I've seen Bill…read moreCosby, Steve Martin and Martin Short, and recently Kevin James here. It may not be state of the art but it gets the job done. Parking is directly below. It can get congested so make aure you plan enough time to arrive before the event. Give yourself at least 30 minutes to an hour. If there is a baseball game it can get really busy coming down Santa Fe Rd.

I stumbled upon this museum while camping at the state park and needed a day off from the heat…read more This museum is definitely on the quirky side with a wide range of art as previously mentioned - I'll elaborate more in below paragraphs. I can't help but laugh at the "underfunded" comments. This is a local, unique museum: not a MoMA or Dallas Museum of Art with deep pocketed patrons/esses. I don't know of a single small museum that is rolling in extra funds and endowments to afford multiple curators or purchasing well-known works. Help them out and leave a donation if you feel offended by it! I went on a Sunday and there were two artists in person at the museum that were talking to and interacting with guests about their work. They made it a point to talk to every single person in the museum. It was really great to hear about their process and what their works mean to them. The museum features many varieties of exhibits; pre-colonial, Asian, bronze casts, furniture, photography, a huge display of local artist's work, and a case of creepy, definitely not-haunted dolls in the basement. Everyone in your party will find an exhibit they like. I enjoyed a set of tapestries by a local artist and am attaching a picture. Overall, I would recommend visiting this museum! The multiple exhibits, pride in local history, and visiting local artists are high points to this place. The staff was extremely friendly and helpful - I don't mind that they kept out of the way and I had freedom to explore wherever I wanted. No entrance fee, clean bathrooms, and private parking lot are available. Minus one star for a couple of rooms feeling incomplete.

I was invited to join the celebration of the 10th year of The City Magazine - "10 years - 100…read moreissues - 1,000,000 in circulation!" As a transplant I have never heard of the magazine before, but it's wonderful to see people come out and support the legacy that they're building. I knew not one soul there besides the police officer on duty helping out, and I ended up talking to him the whole night. I guess I'm more of the "help" type than a guest. They had cute desserts and a wine bar, and everyone was dressed to the nines! I was dressed like a 3, I can't be bothered nowadays, being so hot to suffer in a tight dress or heels. I'll leave it to Miss Texas 2021 and the other gorgeous ladies in attendance. I'll just gorge myself with the deserts. It was held at the International Museum of Art which is a really beautiful space, albeit hot and cold at times. They have the magazine on display right now and the museum is run on donations. Come check it out and see the treasures they hold. When I was in Paris they used to have these small museums free everywhere and the locals loved going to them as a family outings, it's part of their culture to embrace art and social studies. We're lucky to have similar museums in El Paso. International Museum of Art (915) 543-6747 https://maps.app.goo.gl/UxMJiEujP5Dhif9j7

It is INSANE to me that this level of artistry is not blasted everywhere in El Paso and beyond. I…read moreasked for small local businesses to help me find gifts for the upcoming holidays and y'all didn't disappoint. I wanted to have a family picture with particular shades to fill my living room. With Covid and toddlers we just kept pushing it off until Mini Artbox showed me her work. This is not just a photograph, it's art, and it's SO AFFORDABLE. It's less than what a photo session cost including the printed pictures and frame. Just ask and be surprised at the cost. We ordered a huge canvas and she worked with me over 2 days. I sent her over 10+ pictures at different times and dates and we worked together to choose the right pose and size and she hand blends, stencils, and paints it to life. ‍ She's taking commissions right now, and I hesitate to share, but it's SUCH a wonderful gift even when social distancing. I predict she'll be quite busy. https://www.facebook.com/miniartboxep/videos/3423935964367407/

Such a great and fun environment! The instructor is kind and patient with first timers. We will…read moredefinitely be going again soon

Charming gardens wander the perimeter of the museum; plants are clearly labeled and the volunteers…read morewe met told us they strive for a natural garden, meaning they leave debris over winter to protect insects and their eggs. Even in February we spotted blooms. The museum houses rotating exhibits on the lower level and permanent exhibits upstairs. The student at the desk offered us a warm greeting and clear directions. Downstairs we learned about the gardens and native plants; and appreciated an exhibit about the stories of local immigrants and advocacy groups. Upstairs we learned some of the history of the area, appreciated various artifacts, and admired the collection of taxidermy birds. This is a university museum that does what it says it will, and with a free admission no one should complain. Parking was easy to spot and the attendant at the entrance gave us a three hour pass.

While visiting El Paso we went to UTEP because we love the architecture and found the museum. It is…read morea well thought out and carefully maintained exhibit of all things Texas. The duck exhibit was interesting as was the mineral part. Who knew so many minerals in Texas. We really enjoyed the visit and recommend it as a lesson and a way to cool off.

Fun time. It's a great way to get outside and see downtown. Great restaurants in the area.read more

What a treat! During a recent visit to El Paso we stumbled upon El Paso Winterfest Downtown. The…read moreSan Jacinto Plaza and streets surrounding are festively decorated for the season! Everything is just so beautifully decorated! You can't help but feel like a kid again walking through the park with all the decorations and holiday displays. If we lived locally, this is definitely where we'd come every year for Christmas pics! The night we went, there was live music near the fountain in the middle of the park, ice skating, food booths and even a free pictures with Santa photo stop. So much fun! Wish more cities had community holiday festivals like this! Everything was just beautiful and everyone seemed so happy and friendly! Truly a Christmas gift! Bonus points: don't forget to get a hot chocolate and a cup of elotes- they're delicious!

I often joke that El Paso is at best 5 years behind the times, and all jokes contain a kernel of…read moretruth, or in this case a metric ton of kernels, but in Fab Lab's case, they're the exception that proves the rule. I was really happy that Yelp gave us the opportunity to visit Fab Lab and learn about the cool stuff they do, thanks Tanya! Fab Lab offers access to cutting edge technology to the El Paso community, such as 3D printing, laser cutting, and a plethora of learning opportunities, and the most impressive part is that they do it on a non-profit basis! Equally impressive are the smart and talented people running the place, the kind of smarts that make me feel like I put on a superhero shirt, thick frame glasses, and decided to call myself a nerd because I watch The Big Bang Theory (which by the established intelligence hierarchy demotes most folks to Peter Griffin when he thinks he is a genius). Luckily because of their strong belief in the open-source model they are willing to share their knowledge in their on-going workshops! (my knowledge, on the other hand, must be licensed prior to being used, Capitalism!) I was seriously impressed by all the great stuff Fab Lab has going, I feel that they are an agent of progress in a place that desperately needs it. Who knows, maybe 3 years from now El Paso will only be 3 years behind the times. ©Albert K. 2015

El Paso needs more places like this one. This is not only a fun and educational place for kids, but…read morealso adults. They offer a variety of workshops. My only dissapointment during our last event was how packed it was. They only charge $2, to ensure participation, and there were over 30 kids in the room. Everyone skipping line or with no line whatsoever. Some kids participating over and over in the same station and not leaving any opportunity for other kids to participate. I think their events need to shrink down a little or some kind of participation rules need to be in place. Regardless, it is a great educational resource for the science loving kid.

Shrimp cocktail is my go to or camarones fiesta! I always have a great experience here.read more

Had a great time at Andale. They were able to acomodate for the wheelchair and all 8 of us. We had…read morereally good service, good food, and a great singer. I had chicken poblano and a margarita. The lady on stage was super versatile and had a great voice. Made our night memorable.