Attractions & Entertainment
 

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

Featured
Wibit Water Park at Grindstone Lake (Seasonal, Summer only).
Wibit Water Park at Grindstone Lake (Seasonal, Summer only).

HEAD’S UP, SUMMER VISITORS! 2025 Wibit Water Park Opening Delayed Due to Low Water Levels: The Ruidoso Wibit Water Park at Grindstone Lake will not open as planned due to low water levels. Conditions will be re-evaluated mid-June to determine if the park can be set up later this summer. We appreciate your patience and will share updates as soon as they become available.

5 Powerful Reasons to Plan a Ruidoso Mountain Getaway Right Now
5 Powerful Reasons to Plan a Ruidoso Mountain Getaway Right Now

Escape to the mountains of Ruidoso for fresh air, star-filled skies, stunning views, and unforgettable wildlife encounters. This scenic alpine village offers the perfect year-round getaway for slow travel, relaxation, and outdoor adventure. Discover five powerful reasons to make Ruidoso your next soul-soothing vacation destination.


On Tap: The Best Brewpubs & Wine Bars in Ruidoso
On Tap: The Best Brewpubs & Wine Bars in Ruidoso

Looking for the perfect place to sip craft beer or local wine in Ruidoso? From laid-back brewpubs pouring New Mexico’s finest ales to cozy wine bars with curated selections, these top spots offer the perfect setting to unwind and enjoy a drink.

See what Ruidoso looks like in real-time
See what Ruidoso looks like in real-time

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.

Six reasons to put Ruidoso in your summer 2023 travel plans
Six reasons to put Ruidoso in your summer 2023 travel plans

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.

Eat. Drink. Play. Get your game on at the Ruidoso Bowling Center.
Eat. Drink. Play. Get your game on at the Ruidoso Bowling Center.

With 10 bowling lanes, 4 pool tables, dartboards, arcade games, a restaurant, and a lounge for parties and events, the Ruidoso Bowling Center is a fun, year-round, family-friendly entertainment destination where everybody gets to play.

Ruidoso Winter Park: A Winter Family Favorite
Ruidoso Winter Park: A Winter Family Favorite

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.

Ruidoso Winter Activities Beyond the Ski Slopes
Ruidoso Winter Activities Beyond the Ski Slopes

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. 

Grindstone Lake: All You Need To Know
Grindstone Lake: All You Need To Know

Discover everything you need to know about Grindstone Lake, one of Ruidoso's most popular recreation areas located just minutes from downtown Ruidoso.

Join the Zero Waste Trend: 10 favorite places to second-hand shop in Ruidoso.
Join the Zero Waste Trend: 10 favorite places to second-hand shop in Ruidoso.

Buying used goods is cooler than ever, and Ruidoso retailers are right on-trend. Discover all manner of recycled and repurposed goods at these Ruidoso vintage shops and pre-owned retailers.

An Insider’s Guide to Midtown Ruidoso
An Insider’s Guide to Midtown 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, galleries, wineries, brewpubs, and live music.

Top Winter Experiences in Ruidoso
Top Winter Experiences in Ruidoso

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.

Discover Ruidoso's Public Art Murals
Discover Ruidoso's Public Art Murals

Midtown is more colorful than ever. Grab a selfie in front of Ruidoso’s Instagrammable public murals brought to you by local artists and the Ruidoso Midtown Association.

Ruidoso for Adrenaline Junkies
Ruidoso for Adrenaline Junkies

Looking for thrills and spills on your Ruidoso adventure? Let loose on one of these action-packed activities.

Go off-road and explore with Backcountry Attitudes on an OHV adventure tour.
Go off-road and explore with Backcountry Attitudes on an OHV adventure tour.

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.

RUIDOSO TRAILS: Where To Hike, Bike, and Horseback Ride in Ruidoso
RUIDOSO TRAILS: Where To Hike, Bike, and Horseback Ride in Ruidoso

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.

Day Trips from Ruidoso: Discover nearby towns and attractions
Day Trips from Ruidoso: Discover nearby towns and attractions

To get a quick taste of the diverse landscapes that surround our mountain oasis, start with these day trips from Ruidoso.

Scenic Gondola Rides at Ski Apache
Scenic Gondola Rides at Ski Apache

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

Featured
Tyler Jones and Moksi live at Downshift Brewing Company - Riverside
Apr 30
Tyler Jones and Moksi live at Downshift Brewing Company - Riverside

Join Downshift Brewing Company for a night of live music featuring local Ruidoso musicians! Tyler Jones's high-energy mix of mountain country, punk, blues, and Irish music, combined with Moksi's blend of soul, folk, blues, and jazz, creates a unique musical experience!

Thirstday Night Trivia at Lost Hiker Brewing Company - Midtown Taproom
May 1
Thirstday Night Trivia at Lost Hiker Brewing Company - Midtown Taproom

No matter if you throw flowers around a pole or around your neck, come celebrate the start of May with Lost Hiker Trivia! Special May/Lei Day prizes. Trivia starts at 6:30 pm. Come early to grab a spot and join a team. Outside food is welcome. $10 growler fills.

Opening Reception ENMU-Ruidoso Student Art Show
May 2
Opening Reception ENMU-Ruidoso Student Art Show

Explore the creativity of emerging artists at the ENMU Student Art Show from May 2- 9, 2025, at 709 Mechem Dr, Ruidoso. Opening night is Friday, May 2, from 4:00–7:00 PM, featuring a variety of student artwork in diverse styles and mediums. Meet the artists and enjoy light refreshments. Free admission. Discover fresh talent and artistic inspiration in the heart of Ruidoso!

Jerry Hart & Flatland LIVE at Win Place and Show Bar
May 2
Jerry Hart & Flatland LIVE at Win Place and Show Bar

Win Place & Show Bar in Ruidoso, NM, welcomes Jerry Hart & Flatland for live music on May 2/3 from 7:30 PM to 12:30 AM. Enjoy an evening of great tunes and a lively atmosphere in the heart of town.

Park Day at Fort Stanton – Celebrating 170 Years
May 3
Park Day at Fort Stanton – Celebrating 170 Years

Fort Stanton Historic Site hosts Park Day on May 3, 9 a.m.–1 p.m., inviting volunteers to help clean and maintain trails across this historic site. In celebration of its 170th anniversary, the event honors Fort Stanton’s multifaceted past as a military post, hospital, and WWII internment center. Volunteers should bring water and wear sun-safe clothing and sturdy shoes. Learn More »

Smokey Bear Days: Celebrate Smokey's 81st Birthday!
May 3
Smokey Bear Days: Celebrate Smokey's 81st Birthday!

Join Smokey Bear as he celebrates his 81th 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!  

All-American Comeback BBQ with Pat Green LIVE at Ruidoso Downs Race Track
May 3
All-American Comeback BBQ with Pat Green LIVE at Ruidoso Downs Race Track

Join the All-American Comeback BBQ at Ruidoso Downs Race Track Event Center on May 3, 2025, for a full day of BBQ, bourbon, and live music! Featuring 30 KCBS BBQ teams competing for $25,000, performances by Brian Mars, Erick Willis, and Pat Green, bourbon tastings, shopping, and a Kentucky Derby viewing, this is a can’t-miss event! Tickets: $34.05 - $134.44. Pat Green live at 7 PM! BUY TICKETS »

Dia! Children's Day/Book Day at Ruidoso Convention Center
May 3
Dia! Children's Day/Book Day at Ruidoso Convention Center

Join the Ruidoso Public Library for its 4th annual Día celebration on Saturday, May 3, from 11 AM – 3 PM at the Ruidoso Convention Center! This free family event celebrates children, culture, and literacy with fun activities, entertainment, free books, and local resources. All are welcome to enjoy this joyful day of reading and community connection!

Lincoln Lecture Series: Living in Lincoln: Then and Now
May 3
Lincoln Lecture Series: Living in Lincoln: Then and Now

Join the Lincoln Lecture Series on May 3, 2025, with resident Johnny Boswell as he explores life on “The Most Dangerous Street in America.” Held monthly at San Juan Bautista Church. Included with $7/adult admission; free for kids 16 & under, Native/Tribal affiliates, NM disabled vets, NM foster families & MNMF members.

Kevin Gruen Live at Downshift Brewing Company – Hidden Tap
May 3
Kevin Gruen Live at Downshift Brewing Company – Hidden Tap

Catch singer-songwriter Kevin Gruen live at Downshift Brewing Company – Hidden Tap in Ruidoso on May 3, 2025, from 6–9 PM. Known for his one-man-band shows and genre-blending style of funk, soul, rock, blues, and country, Gruen delivers high-energy performances that captivate. Don’t miss this unforgettable night of music, craft beer, and good vibes!

 
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