Must-Visit Attractions in Ruidoso
Find out what's on in Ruidoso. Explore the non-stop lineup of events, concerts, and festivals in Ruidoso, New Mexico. This is not a comprehensive list of all the incredible Ruidoso experiences, but it’s a start.
Let’s go! We dare you to do them all!
Discover Top Ruidoso Attractions & Activities
Grindstone and Alto Lakes
Discover Ruidoso's favorite lakes! Bring a picnic, cast for fish, paddle a boat, cycle, horseback ride, or explore on foot via multi-use trails at Grindstone Lake and Alto Lake recreation areas.
Lincoln National Forest
The Village of Ruidoso is home to the Smokey Bear District of Lincoln National Forest and ranges in elevation from 5,400 to 11,580 feet. There are two wilderness areas with year-round outdoor recreation.
Pillow’s Funtrackers
At Funtrackers you'll find fun for all ages at this family-favorite Ruidoso amusement park offering 3 go-kart tracks, 18-hole mini-golf, bumper boats, a maze, and arcade games.
Ruidoso Downs Race Track and Casino
At Ruidoso Downs you can experience the thrill of the world’s fastest quarter horses racing every weekend during the summer. If you are visiting during the off-season, Billy the Kid Casino keeps you in the action.
Spencer Theater for the Performing Arts
Named one of the seven finest theaters in the world just after it opened in 1997, the landmark $22-million Spencer Theater For The Performing Arts is one of Ruidoso's finest cultural attractions.
Discover Ruidoso Lodging Collections
From budget adventures and couples getaways to family memories and a warm welcome for pets, use these handpicked accommodation collections curated by us to inspire your next Ruidoso vacation.
Midtown - Main Street Ruidoso
Nestled in Ruidoso’s downtown, Midtown is the village hub for dining, arts, and shopping. Stroll through Midtown and enjoy a great selection of restaurants, boutiques, wineries, brewpubs and cafes.
Flying J Ranch (Seasonal, Summer and Christmastime Only)
The Flying J Ranch Chuckwagon Supper and Western Show are one of Ruidoso's most popular summer activities, offering great food and excellent family entertainment.
Ruidoso Parks and Recreation Areas
Ruidoso parks, public places, natural areas, and recreational opportunities give life and beauty to our village for residents and visitors. Don’t miss a visit to Wingfield Park conveniently located in the heart of Midtown.
Experience the Thrill of the New Screaming Eagle Roller Coaster
Experience New Mexico's only Mountain Coaster, the Screaming Eagle! With 5100 feet of twists, a 360-degree helix, and speeds up to 25mph, it's a thrill-seeker's dream. Plus, stay safe with its state-of-the-art collision avoidance system.
Discover Top Ruidoso Experiences
The best Ruidoso family vacations begin with carefree moments that last a lifetime and inspire you to return again and again.
From coffeehouses and cheeseburgers, steaks and seafood, to pizza and all the barbecue you can eat, Ruidoso offers a taste of everything for everyone.
With so many entertainment attractions and events—from musical performances and cultural festivals to fun for the whole family—there's never a dull moment in Ruidoso.
Ruidoso offers history buffs a region rich in Native American cultures, famous forts and time-honored traditions along with legendary characters and cowboy folklore.
Immerse yourself in our laid-back village vibe and transform yourself into a new person during your vacation. Whether you book a spa treatment, join a yoga class, or just kick back and enjoy the view, Ruidoso is slow travel perfected.
Discover Upcoming Ruidoso Events and Festivals.
Beat the heat and find yourself riding the shaded pines of the Sacramento mountains for 4-days of riding, food and music. Learn more at MotorcycleRally.com
Join Downshift Brewing Co's Hidden Tap on June 16, 2024, from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM for an evening with Nick Brumley, Presley Haile, and Race Ricketts. Experience a night of soulful music and storytelling by these talented Central Texas singer-songwriters.
Immerse yourself in the magic of the medieval era right in the heart of Ruidoso, New Mexico. Featuring talented jesters, minstrels, and troubadours, a bustling marketplace with medieval wares, delicious Renaissance fare, and enchanting children's activities. Encounter mystical characters, fortune tellers, and more surprises throughout the day. Don your finest medieval attire and join event host Oso Productions for a day of history, fantasy, and fun at the Lincoln Forest Renaissance Faire. Tickets are available online or at the gate with special discounts for children and seniors.
Join the celebration of the 70th anniversary of this Hondo Valley tradition. Enjoy an evening filled with outstanding performances from preschool to 12th grade, featuring dancers in colorful costumes performing Spanish, Mexican, and New Mexican dances from 6:00 to 9:00 PM. Don't miss out on the enchilada dinner at the school from 4:00 PM to 5:30 PM.
Get ready to rock at Downshift Brewing Company—Riverside, where Doso Dirtbags Live at 7:00 PM. Their unique blend of mountain country, punk, blues, and Irish music guarantees an unforgettable experience.
Don't miss this chance to witness the ethereal beauty of White Sands National Park under the captivating glow of the moon during your Ruidoso vacation! Secure your tickets early and be part of an unforgettable nocturnal adventure.
Ruidoso Downs Race Track opens its summer meet on Memorial Day Weekend with the top two-and-three-year-old quarter horses in the world competing in the Ruidoso Futurity/Derby Trials and the $45K John Andreini Memorial Stakes. Book your tickets today!
"Under a Mountain Sky" is a FREE summer outdoor music series sponsored by the Village of Ruidoso. Join us at Wingfield Park on May 24 from 6-8 PM for live music by Hannah Owens. Bring your friends and family for a delightful evening. Don't miss out! Immerse yourself in music and community under the wide open skies of Ruidoso!
Join Downshift Brewing Company for an exhilarating live performance by Red Light Cameras! As seen on Bands of Enchantment (Season 2, Episode 2), Red Light Cameras is a dynamic rock band from Albuquerque, New Mexico, known for their infectious pop hooks and energetic stage presence. Mark your calendars and join Downshift Brewing Company for a memorable evening of live music and entertainment.
Ruidoso’s unique attraction, the Wibit Water Park at Grindstone Lake, opens for the summer season on May 25, 2024. The floating, inflatable platform is perfect for family fun, birthday parties, and special events. Come out for the day or purchase a season pass with swimming, boating, fishing, disc golf, and more available at Grindstone Lake, in the heart of Ruidoso.
Don't miss Calista's soulful tunes at Lost Hiker Brewery! Come out for a mesmerizing performance with delicious pizza from Pizza 4 Good. The music starts at 5:00 PM. Doors open at 2:00 PM. An evening of great music, food, and company awaits!
Experience the ultimate evening of tequila tastings, specialty margaritas, and delicious food alongside live entertainment by Stoney Larue! Tickets are on sale on April 4th at RaceRuidoso.com. Don't miss out on this unforgettable night! Learn more at RaceRuidoso.com
Two-step the night away with country legend Mark Chesnutt at Inn of the Mountain Gods on Saturday, May 25! Doors: 6 pm | Show: 8 pm. Tickets from $25. Don’t miss your chance to sing along to honky-tonk classics like “Too Cold at Home” and “Bubba Shot the Jukebox” live on stage. Get your tickets today!
Experience soulful blues and country music with Erica Hamilton and Hannah Owens at Downshift Brewing Company's Hidden Tap on May 25, 2024, from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM. Don't miss this captivating performance by two talented musicians.
He's back! A can't-miss experience, SPiVEY is like nothing you've heard before. Catch him at Downshift Brewing Company Riverside on Saturday, May 25, 2024, from 6:00 to 9:00 pm.
There’s plenty of adventure in the Ruidoso outdoors. Go hiking, biking and horseback riding, zip-lining, alpine skiing, and year-round golf and you have the ultimate outdoor destination.