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
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.
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.
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.
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.
Discover everything you need to know about Grindstone Lake, one of Ruidoso's most popular recreation areas located just minutes from downtown 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.
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
Celebrate St. Patrick’s week at Rainmakers Restaurant with special Irish-inspired dishes from Chef Mashon, available March 12–17. Menu highlights include corned beef and cabbage, Guinness stew with braised oxtail, Irish bangers and mash, and festive desserts. Don’t miss the Irish Whiskey Tasting on March 14 at 5:30 PM. RSVP recommended: 575-336-8650.
Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day weekend at Rio Grande Grill & Tap Room in Ruidoso with a classic corned beef and cabbage plate for $18.95. The hearty holiday special runs March 13–16 starting at 11 AM each day. Pair it with a cold Sierra Blanca Brewery beer and enjoy a festive meal with friends and family.
Catch J. Reece live at Jacks Patina Lounge in Ruidoso on March 13 from 10–11:30 PM. No cover. DJ SMØXA spins from 8 PM to 2 AM for a full night of hip-hop energy in Midtown. An up-close preview before Reece opens the Kings of the West show Saturday night.
Join Ruidoso Parks & Recreation for this family-friendly annual event benefiting the Lincoln County Food Bank. This event completes one lap around the Links Walking Trail and is the first of six races in the Run Ruidoso 2026 series. Registration is $25. Register Online Today! (Under the Activities & Programs tab)
Celebrate spring at the Wingfield Heritage House Museum on March 14, 2026, from 10 a.m. to noon. Lula’s Garden Family Day honors pioneer Lula Robinson Wingfield with free, hands-on activities including wildflower seed bombs, pressed flower bookmarks, and vintage paper pinwheels. All ages welcome.
Pucker up for Brine Time: Downshift Pickle Party! at Downshift Brewing Company – Riverside on March 14. Enjoy a triple beer release, pickle-inspired cocktails, and the return of the Big Dill pizza. Stick around for live music from Party Falcon at 6 PM and a full day of pickle-themed fun, great beer, and good vibes in Midtown Ruidoso.
Shop local at Yucca Blossom Trade Days, March 14–15 at the Ruidoso Convention Center. Enjoy a weekend market featuring a variety of vendors, handmade goods, boutique items, and unique finds. Friday 10AM–5PM, Saturday 11AM–4PM.
Three pioneers of West Coast rap come together in a historic concert. Xzibit burst onto the scene with hits like “What’s the Difference” and “Lolo,” cementing his place in rap culture through his time on the Up in Smoke Tour. Warren G spearheaded the G-Funk sound and made national headlines with the multi-platinum track “Regulate.” Too $hort has captivated audiences for decades with his unmistakable style and chart-topping songs like “The Ghetto” and “Blow the Whistle.” Don’t miss out on a night of hip-hop royalty at Inn of the Mountain Gods!
Tylor & the Train Robbers perform live at Jacks Patina Lounge in Ruidoso on Saturday, March 14 at 7 PM. Enjoy roots country and Americana with rock grit, pedal steel, and road-forged storytelling. No cover. Live music in Midtown Ruidoso.
Spend Sunday afternoon in Midtown Ruidoso at Lost Hiker Brewing Company’s Hootenanny. Bring an instrument and join the jam, sing along, or relax with a cold craft beer and enjoy live, informal folk and acoustic music from 4–6 PM on March 15.
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.