This weekend, Chalk the Block returns for its annual colorful, fun, family-friendly event in Downtown El Paso. The event started in 2008 with 12 participating artists as a one-day sidewalk chalk art competition and has since grown to a three-day festival with more than 200 artists coming together and drawing more than 45,000 people each year.

This year, La Nube joins other museums in offering free outdoor activities as part of the Chalk the Block Festival. However, if you want to visit the museum, make sure you get your tickets online, as they expect a big crowd for the festivities.

The Amigo Airsho will be another strong contender for fun this weekend on Fort Bliss, so be sure to check out those details.

Here's a closer look into this weekend's events.

Chalk the Block returns to Downtown Arts District

The vibrant Chalk the Block event returns to Downtown El Paso from Friday, Oct. 11, through Sunday, Oct. 13. Hours are 6 to 10 p.m. Friday, Oct. 11; 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 12; 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 13.

Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle.

The family-oriented festival includes a juried sidewalk chalk art competition, temporary art installations, a live music stage, local art and food vendors and free activities from the El Paso Museums of Art, History and Archaeology and the Mexican American Cultural Center.

Chalk the Block schedule

La Nube will also have cloud paint, creating art with puffy sidewalk paint, outside the children's science center on Main Street from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 12.

Amigo Airsho returns after 12-year hiatus

Take pets to Wag-O-Ween Pet Carnival

The City of El Paso Animal Services, in partnership with Friends of El Paso Animal Services, is excited to have the second annual Wag-O-Ween Pet Carnival from noon to 6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 12, at the Westside Adoption Center, 5625 Confetti Drive. There will be jumping balloons, carnival games, a photo booth, music, food trucks, local vendors, and more. There will also be a pet costume contest at 4 p.m. Guests will also have the opportunity to adopt cats and dogs through fee-waived adoptions as part of the Bissell Pets Empty the Shelters national adoption event.

Additionally, pet owners can take advantage of discounted vaccines from Far East Animal Care Center and 100 low-cost microchips provided by El Paso Animal Services’ Resource Rover team from 2 to 5 p.m. Information: www.ElPasoAnimalServices.org . Vendors can inquire by emailing .

TecH2O hosts School Break Water Discovery Series

TecH2O will offer fun, family-friendly October activities from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, Oct. 11, at 10751 Montana Ave. Activities will include pinecone creatures and flying bat crafts. Admission is free.

Jewel Box Series returns Sunday, Oct. 13

The passionate music and dance of flamenco takes center stage when El Paso’s Sangre Gitana opens the ninth El Paso Community Foundation Jewel Box Series at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 13, in the Philanthropy Theatre at the Plaza Theatre.

General admission tickets are $15 and are on sale at the Plaza Theatre Box Office (no service fees) and Ticketmaster (with service fees). The venue has a clear bag or small clutch policy and no longer accepts cash.

El Paso corn maze and pumpkin patch

The El Paso's Farm Land maze will be open from 1 to 6 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays throughout October at 1100 Nuevo Tanks Blvd. The weekends open will be Oct. 12-13, Oct. 19-20, and Oct. 26-27. The farmland offers a pumpkin patch, rides, food and games.

Los Alio Farm brings Pumpkin Patch to East Side

Los Alio Farm in La Union has created a Pumpkin Patch at their new business, Jumbo Park , 11180 Rojas Drive, for October. The inflatables park will have the pumpkin patch outside with a petting zoo, barrel train, pumpkin carving and sale, and corn maze from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily Oct. 1 through Nov. 3.

Pumpkin Patch to open at Shoppes at Solana

El Paso families are invited to visit the Pumpkin Patch every weekend in October on the second floor, next to the food court, at the Shoppes at Solana, 750 Sunland Park Drive. There will be pumpkin picking and carving, children's activities, character meet-and-greets and photo opportunities. Mall hours on weekends are 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturdays and noon to 6 p.m. Sundays.

La Union Maze

The La Union Maze, 1101 Highway 28, in Anthony, N.M., will celebrate its 25th anniversary this season. Hours will be 5 to 9 p.m. Fridays, 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturdays, and 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sundays. Teachers, first responders, active military and health care workers get a 50% discount on the opening weekend only.

Firework displays and a pumpkin smash are scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 2-3. Tickets range from $11.50 to $16.50 for general admission, depending on the day and excluding fees, and $5.50 to $8.50 for ages 2-5. Discounts are available for active military and seniors. It is a cashless venue, so be sure to take credit cards.

Mesilla Valley Maze

The 2024 season of the Mesilla Valley Maze will be open through Oct. 27 at 3855 W. Picacho Ave. in Las Cruces. The maze will be open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays — last admission at 6 p.m. General admission is $19, children under 12 are $16, and 2 and under are free — a $2 military discount with ID. Visit www.mesillavalleymaze.com .