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.
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.
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.
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.
Experience an unforgettable evening of live music at Downshift Brewing Company as Downshift Brewing Company Riverside presents a lineup featuring Ruidoso's own Tyler Jones followed by the nationally touring Urban Folk sensation, Ceekay Jones! Don't miss out on this extraordinary musical experience!
Delve into the intricacies of severe weather spotting alongside seasoned experts in collaboration with CoRAHS on May 2, 2024, from 5:30 to 8:00 p.m. at the Ruidoso Convention Center. This enriching opportunity is free of charge and open to all, with no registration required. Embrace the chance to deepen your understanding and appreciation of nature's awe-inspiring forces.
Experience the talents of local students through various mediums such as artwork, acting, film, and creative writing. Plus, enjoy a performance by the community choir. This free event offers food and promises an inspiring evening at ENMU-Ruidoso.
Join Smokey Bear as he celebrates his 80th birthday in his hometown of Capitan! It's free fun for all ages. The event includes food vendors, a challenge, a hometown parade, collectibles, fire prevention and conservation displays, games, music, activities, and more. To top it off, you can have your pict’ have your picture taken with Smokey. Don't miss this unforgettable celebration!
Experience the ultimate blend of charity and creativity at Tighty Whitey Charity Day! Local charities compete for the best themed booth while you enjoy live music and heartwarming Puppy Yoga sessions. Bring your friends and family for a day of laughter, music, and goodwill, all in support of charity.
Join Lincoln Historic Site for a new season of the Lincoln Lecture Series. This month's program features lecturer Starlyn Bigrope presenting "Ndé (Mescalero Apache) History: Our Story, Our Experiences." Explore fascinating topics from guest lecturers throughout the state. The lecture is included with a general admission ticket of $7/adult. Children 16 and younger are free. Purchase Tickets >>
Noisy Water Winery (The Cellar Uncorked) is hosting a Mother's Day Paint and Sip Event on May 10th, offering 2.5 hours of creativity, laughter, and bonding. Enjoy painting, sipping on select wines, and celebrating mothers. $40. Tickets include all materials and a complimentary glass of wine. Register Today >>
Celebrate the arrival of spring at The Attic Retail Center with a lively patio party. Enjoy delicious food, thrilling raffles, and entertaining games for kids and adults. Explore The Attic's new businesses and embrace the festive spirit. Don't miss this chance to welcome spring with friends and family!
“Tapestry: Tribute to Carole King” faithfully recreates the glorious sound of a Carole King concert, leaving you with memories of the great music she wrote and recorded. This fulsome live concert also features a backdrop of multi-media images of King’s inspirational journey. BUY TICKETS >>
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
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!
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.