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.
Discover Top Ruidoso Attractions
There’s something about Ruidoso that keeps people coming back. Nestled in the Sacramento Mountains of southern New Mexico, Ruidoso offers cool mountain air, scenic lakes, outdoor adventure, locally owned shops, great dining, live music, and year-round experiences. Discover why generations of visitors have made Ruidoso their favorite mountain escape.
Discover the best free things to do in Ruidoso! From stargazing and wildlife watching to forest walks, playground adventures, and scenic photo ops, this mountain town offers unforgettable experiences that won’t cost a dime. Perfect for families, couples, and solo explorers looking to enjoy nature and fun on a budget.
Looking for the perfect place to sip craft beer, local wine, or handcrafted spirits in Ruidoso? From laid-back brewpubs pouring New Mexico ales to welcoming wine bars and local distilleries serving creative cocktails, these top spots offer plenty of ways to unwind and raise a glass in Ruidoso.
Ruidoso’s Midtown murals bring color and creativity to the village, with local artists transforming storefronts into vibrant works of art. Supported by the Ruidoso Midtown Association, the walkable mural route offers an easy way to explore the area, discover Instagram-worthy backdrops, and experience the mountain spirit that defines Ruidoso.
Discover Ruidoso’s best spots to shop sustainably with our guide to 10 favorite secondhand stores. From vintage fashion and upcycled décor to curated furniture and flea market finds, these local gems make thrifting stylish, affordable, and eco-friendly. Support small businesses, give old treasures new life, and join Ruidoso’s growing zero-waste movement.
Now open in Ruidoso, The Crow at Marty’s Golf House is an indoor golf and social lounge blending interactive simulators, casual dining, and a relaxed sports-lounge vibe. Enjoy handmade pizzas, New Mexico chile favorites, beer, wine, cocktails, and mocktails in a welcoming space designed for golfers and non-golfers alike.
Ruidoso’s first off-road adventure specialist, Backcountry Attitudes, provides 4×4 off-roading adventures through scenic wilderness and mountain terrain for a unique backcountry adventure.
YesterLanes is Ruidoso’s newly renovated bowling center, offering classic lanes, an all-new arcade, casual dining at 575 Grill, and drinks at YesterPub. Formerly Ruidoso Bowling Center, it’s now the go-to spot for family fun, parties, and everyday entertainment—with a fresh look and a nostalgic twist. Same great lanes. Totally new vibe.
Go tubing at Ruidoso Winter Park. There are lanes for racing your friends and a Magic Carpet conveyor belt for an uphill ride. Adrenaline junkies can descend individually, in tandem — or for the fastest and longest ride, in group clusters in a giant tube. After your chilly thrill, retreat to a warming VIP Igloo to cozy up in with a hot drink and a snack.
What's the weather like in Ruidoso? Check out the official Village of Ruidoso Tourism Webcams from strategic points overlooking Midtown and Grindstone Lake. View Ruidoso’s daily weather forecast and learn when is the best time to visit.
Even with rising travel costs, people are raring to go and eager to splurge on dining out, mementos, nicer accommodations, and longer stays. Chances are you’re feeling it too. We’ve got you covered. Here are six reasons to put Ruidoso in your 2023 summer travel plans.
What to do on a Ruidoso ski vacation if you don’t ski or snowboard? Just off the ski slopes, there are galleries, restaurants, and easy access to multi-use trail systems.
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, galleries, wineries, brewpubs, and live music.
Looking for thrills and spills on your Ruidoso adventure? Let loose on one of these action-packed activities.
Climb Sierra Blanca, hike through alpine meadows, alongside the Rio Ruidoso, explore a forest on horseback? You decide! Thanks to over a million acres of National Forest and wilderness areas, virtually every corner of Ruidoso is waiting to be discovered. Hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding trails are plentiful.
To get a quick taste of the diverse landscapes that surround our mountain oasis, start with these day trips from Ruidoso.
Witness panoramic vistas from the top of Ski Apache. Look for wildlife and enjoy the cool temperatures of Sierra Blanca Peak. For extra fun, rent a mountain bike at Ski Apache, take it up the mountain on the gondola, and ride down.
Discover Upcoming Ruidoso Events and Entertainment
Build and fly your own kite, food & drinks, and kite demonstrations at the White Mountain Sports Complex. Spend the weekend with family and friends. See the kites fly, see them swirl, and see them do acrobatics in the sky. A perfect way to kick off fall with outdoor fun in a park setting. FREE to attend! Fun for all ages.
Spend your afternoon enjoying live music in Ruidoso at Win Place & Show Bar! Sit back on the outdoor patio, soak in the fresh mountain air, and sip your favorite drink while enjoying the music. Chilly weather? No worries! If temperatures drop, the music moves inside so you can stay warm and keep the good times going. Bring your friends, grab a drink, and make the most of your afternoon with great music and good company—see you at Win Place & Show!
See Chayce Beckham live at The Pit at Jacks Backstage on September 12 in Ruidoso, NM. Blending country, rock, and outlaw influences, Beckham delivers a high-energy open-air performance. Expect strong vocals, honest songs, and a crowd-ready night under the lights. Buy Tickets »
Enjoy afternoon live music at Win Place & Show Bar in Ruidoso, where talented local and regional musicians set the vibe on the outdoor patio. Relax with a drink and soak in the fresh mountain air. Gather your friends and enjoy an afternoon of great tunes and good company!
Join Trivia Night at The Cellar Uncorked every Monday from 5–6:30 PM. This free, 21+ event welcomes solo players or teams for a fun evening of trivia, laughs, and great wine. A perfect weekly tradition for locals and visitors alike.
Enjoy an evening of live music with the Silver Lining Serenaders at Downshift Brewing Company – Riverside. Bringing warm, soulful sounds, heartfelt vocals, and timeless melodies to the stage, the Silver Lining Serenaders set the tone for a laid-back evening in Ruidoso. Grab a drink, settle in, and enjoy live music along the Rio Ruidoso.
Laugh, drink beer, and learn cool stuff at Well, Actually… Season 2 Episode 7. Presented by Oso Productions, this engaging live speaker series features three short presentations on fascinating topics from passionate presenters at Lost Hiker Brewing Company’s Midtown Taproom.
Enjoy $10 wine tastings every Tuesday at Noisy Water Winery in Midtown Ruidoso, including tastings of Absolution and Immortal reserve wines at no additional charge.
Experience the thrill of the National Championship Air Races, just a short drive from Ruidoso, at the Roswell International Air Center from September 16-20, 2026! Witness aircraft racing at over 500 mph, enjoy aerobatic shows, and explore interactive exhibits. Whether it is a day trip or a weekend getaway, don’t miss this unique high-speed adventure right next door! Visit https://airrace.org/ for tickets and details.
Enjoy an evening of live music with Cat Mountain at Downshift Brewing Company – Riverside. Blending original country, rock, and Americana, Cat Mountain pairs heartfelt songwriting with a raw, energetic sound and a style all their own. Grab a drink, settle in, and enjoy live music along the Rio Ruidoso.
Enjoy a five-course Wine Pairing Dinner at Noisy Water Winery in Midtown Ruidoso, featuring dishes by Elizabeth Quintana paired with complementary wines. September 17 at 6:30 PM. Tickets are $100 per person. Tickets & reservations »
Celebrate Noisy Water Winery’s 2022 Montepulciano release September 18–20 with complimentary tastings, a special perk for wine club members, and release-weekend bottle and case discounts.
Rev up for the first-ever Casino Apache Iron Run Motorcycle Rally, September 18–20, 2026, in Mescalero. The three-day event features motorcycles, live music, vendors, food and drinks, biker games, bike and stunt shows, raffles, prizes, a Friday and Saturday Poker Run, and a Saturday night concert and party. Kids 15 and under are free.
Spend your afternoon enjoying live music in Ruidoso at Win Place & Show Bar! Sit back on the outdoor patio, soak in the fresh mountain air, and sip your favorite drink while enjoying the music. Bring your friends, grab a drink, and make the most of your afternoon with great music and good company—see you at Win Place & Show!
Catch Benny Bassett live at Downshift Brewing Co's Hidden Tap in Ruidoso on September 18 from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM. Enjoy an evening of "real life music" as this talented singer/songwriter, who has shared stages with major acts like Fitz & The Tantrums and Third Eye Blind, brings his storytelling and soulful tunes to the stage. Don't miss this intimate performance!
From downhill excitement at Ski Apache and the tubing runs of Winter Park Recreational Area to horse-drawn sleigh rides through Upper Canyon, here are some of our most popular winter activities.