Chihuahuan Desert Gardens Events

Welcome,

Although the Centennial Museum will be closed through late November, the Chihuahuan Desert Gardens will remain open daily from dawn to dusk. We invite visitors to explore the gardens, enjoy the beauty of native desert plants, and experience this peaceful outdoor space on the UTEP campus.

This month, we will also offer a selection of special programs and activities in the gardens. Please visit the links below to learn more about each event, including dates, times, and registration details. We hope you will join us and discover something new in the Chihuahuan Desert Gardens.

Bienvenidos,

Aunque el Museo Centennial permanecerá cerrado hasta finales de noviembre, los Jardines del Desierto de Chihuahua (Chihuahuan Desert Gardens) seguirán abiertos todos los días, desde el amanecer hasta el atardecer. Invitamos a los visitantes a explorar los jardines, disfrutar de la belleza de las plantas nativas del desierto y experimentar este tranquilo espacio al aire libre en el campus de la UTEP.

Este mes, también ofreceremos una selección de programas y actividades especiales en los jardines. Le invitamos a consultar los enlaces que aparecen a continuación para obtener más información sobre cada evento, incluyendo fechas, horarios y detalles de inscripción. Esperamos que nos acompañe y descubra algo nuevo en los Jardines del Desierto de Chihuahua.

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 WORKSHOP 

Living Red: Culture, Art, and Science of Cochineal:  Celebrating Host Plants for National Pollinator Week

Thursday, October 22nd, 2026, 12:00 pm-3:00 pm

Overview:

Celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month with a hands-on cochineal dye workshop at the Centennial Museum and Chihuahuan Desert Gardens. Led by Janette Terrazas, also known as Mustang Jane, the program explores the cultural history, science, and art of this natural red pigment. Participants will learn about cochineal’s Mesoamerican roots, its global impact, and its connection to prickly pear cactus. Guests will experiment with color and personalize a canvas tote bag using cochineal-based natural dye. Space is limited to 25 participants, and RSVP is strongly encouraged to reserve your spot.

 EVENT 

Halloween at the Centennial

Thursday, October 29th, 2026, 4:30 pm- 7:00 pm

Overview:

Join us for a special spooky preopening of the museum filled with Halloween fun! Come in costume and enjoy candy, tarot card readings, a slimy craft, screenings of classic spooky movies, a Halloween photo booth, mysterious objects from our collections, and more curious surprises throughout the museum. 

Costumes are encouraged, curiosity is required! 

Popcorn, candy, lots of fun 

 Event 

A Jaguar, a “Soulmate,” and the Sky: Exploring the Petroglyphs of Three Rivers, NM.

Saturday, October 31st, 2026, 2:00 pm-4:00 pm

Overview:

EPAS Speaker Series 
A Jaguar, a “Soulmate,” and the Sky: Exploring the Petroglyphs of Three Rivers, NM 
Join Joan E. Price, MFA, Research Associate at Jornada Research Institute, as she explores the intriguing petroglyphs of Three Rivers, New Mexico, and what they may reveal about ancestral connections to the night sky. Presented by the El Paso Archaeological Society.