When I first saw that Solitaired.com ranked El Paso as the #1 midsize city with the least variety of things to do, my first reaction was: The website about playing solitaire wants to talk about being boring?? My second was: Do Google Maps listings count backyard carne asadas? Because if not, we’ve got some talking to do.

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A plotted map and table showing the midsize U.S. cities with the least variety of things to do

Let’s set the stage here. According to this “data-driven” study, El Paso is apparently so void of entertainment options that locals and visitors alike would rather play solitaire. That’s right: the same game you played in the '90s when the internet was down.

But here’s the real kicker—these rankings seem to have missed the memo on what makes El Paso tick. They scrolled through Google Maps but skipped over the heart of the Sun City: the vibrant cultural events, community-driven art galleries, and the borderline-magical experience of an open mic night. Did Google categorize “attending a live opera” under “health and wellness”? Or maybe the Shannon Entropy measure just couldn’t handle the chaos of the KLAQ BBQ Festival, Chuco Soul Project concerts, or Barbed Wire Open Mic Nights.

Let’s Talk Culture

Calling El Paso boring because it doesn’t have the same type of attractions as other cities is like calling tamales bland because they’re not sushi. You’re just looking at the wrong menu. This city is alive with the kind of culture you can’t slap on a TripAdvisor list: local artisans showcasing handmade goods at the Downtown Art and Farmers Market, murals that make the city itself an art gallery, and performances ranging from mariachi to Mozart.

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The Arts Scene You’re Ignoring

Sure, El Paso doesn’t have Broadway, but we have something even better: authenticity. Visit an El Paso Opera production or catch a play at the El Paso Playhouse! You’ll see talent that doesn’t need an overpriced Manhattan loft to shine. And let’s not forget the many incredible museums, hosting everything from classical exhibitions to community-inspired projects.

El Paso’s Drinking Problem: The Uncomfortable Truth

Let’s get controversial. Is El Paso boring, or are El Pasoans just too set in their ways? The uncomfortable truth is that for many locals, if an event doesn’t involve alcohol, they’re simply not interested. Bars dominate the social scene, overflowing with patrons, while cultural events, live music, and community gatherings often struggle for attendees.

It’s not that there’s a lack of things to do in El Paso—there’s an abundance of creativity and talent here. The problem lies in a citywide fixation on drinking over discovery. Unless a major performer is headlining or the venue has a well-stocked bar, it can be hard to get people through the door.

This isn’t to knock bars—El Paso boasts some fantastic watering holes. But when “things to do in El Paso” becomes synonymous with “drink at yet another bar,” it’s no wonder outsiders miss the richness of our culture. Locals are too busy comparing cocktail prices and debating who makes the best michelada to notice the vibrant arts scene and unique community events happening all around them.

The result? A self-perpetuating cycle. Outsiders see El Paso as a city of bars, locals keep reinforcing that perception, and the broader cultural landscape remains overlooked. It’s time to break the cycle. There’s so much more to El Paso than a drink in hand—but you have to put down the glass to see it.

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The "Nightlife Variety" Question

So, Solitaired thinks El Paso lacks nightlife variety? They clearly haven’t wandered through the Union Plaza District or stumbled upon an Emo Night on Wednesdays at Love Buzz. El Paso’s nightlife isn’t about neon megaclubs. It’s about intimate venues, soulful performances, and a community that genuinely supports its artists.

In conclusion, El Paso isn’t boring—it’s misunderstood. It’s a city where you won’t just find something to do but something to connect with. And if you can’t see that, well, maybe stick to solitaire.

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Gallery Credit: Canva