Anime, battle of the bands, DJ Kare Bear among things to do this weekend in El Paso
This weekend, many El Paso families will celebrate el Dia de los Reyes Magos, or the Epiphany, with a rosca at home. Several bakeries, Walmart and Albertson’s stores carry the bejeweled breads to be enjoyed on Saturday, Jan. 6.
If you’re looking for other things to do around El Paso, the Lowbrow Palace will start the year with its battle of the band events. There is fun anime event at the El Paso County Coliseum featuring talented artist Blanca “Bloo” Estrada, who will do signings.
The new PetSmart is opening on Eastlake and will have free goodies for the first customers. And the Comic Strip continues with its comedy shows.
Here is a closer look at the weekend.
Battle of the Bands
As the City Sleeps, Aztec Cave and others will perform in the Battle of the Bands Friday, Jan. 5 at the Lowbrow Palace, 1006 Texas Ave. Tickets are $5 available online at lowbrowpalace.com. Door open at 8 p.m., music starts at 8:30 p.m. All ages show. Round Two will continue at 8:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 6.
Anime Addicts
El Paso artist Blanca Bloo Estrada, other anime and cosplay fans will be at the Anime Addicts event from 1 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 6 at the El Paso County Coliseum. Dress up for the cosplay contest for kids, teens and adults. There will be a Super Saiyan Scream contest, live music, food trucks and rosca while supplies last. Free admission. Bring used books for a toy and book drive.
Sunland Park Racetrack opens
The horseracing season will start Friday, Jan. 5, with two quality thoroughbred stake races on Friday at the racetrack, 1200 Futurity Drive, Sunland Park, N.M.
The 5 1/2-furlong New Mexico State Racing Commission Handicap and the six-furlong KLAQ Handicap are the races. The KLAQ Handicap features Good With People, who is owned by El Paso’s Kirk and Judy Robison and Competitive Idea, who has finished first or second in 19 of 31 races.
Post time is 12:25 p.m. Racing continues on Saturday and Sunday.
PetSmart on Eastlake to open Jan. 6
The PetSmart franchise is kicking off the new year by hosting a grand opening from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 6 at the new store at 13371-1 Eastlake Blvd.
Pet parents and their pets are invited to visit the grand opening and receive a free, pre-packaged goodie bag filled with items such as a $10 PetSmart gift card, pet bandana, pet toys and coupons, while supplies last.
In honor of the new store opening, through Jan. 13, members of PetSmart’s Treats loyalty program will earn five times the PetSmart Treats points for all in-store purchases on merchandise and services made at the El Paso store.
DJ Kare Bear
DJ Kare Bear will create a fun night with great music from 8 to 11 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 6 at Speaking Rock Entertainment Center. Free, 21 and over show.
Comic Strip
Start off the year with some laughs with comedian Rob Little with shows at 8 p.m. Friday, 7:30 and 10 p.m. Saturday and 7:30 p.m. Sunday at the Comic Strip, 1201 Airway Blvd.
Comedian Steve Hirst will open the shows. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. for the early shows and at 9:30 p.m. for the late show. Tickets are $15 and $25, excluding fees.