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 more to IRONMAN 70.3 Ruidoso than race day. Follow the adventures of five creators as they explored mountain trails, scenic views, Midtown shopping, local dining, pottery, glass art, and unforgettable experiences beyond the finish line. Let their discoveries inspire your own Ruidoso getaway.
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.
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.
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
Explore premium tequila during a special tasting at Rainmakers Resort & Club. Sample exceptional selections from Cascahuin, Wild Common, and Fortaleza while learning about the heritage behind these legendary distilleries. The tasting is $20 per person, with limited seating available. RSVP by calling (575) 336-8650, then stay for dinner from Gran Fiesta Patria’s Thai-inspired kitchen.
Fish Out of Water brings their “Can’t Stop, Won’t Stop Tour” to Downshift Brewing Company’s Riverside location in Ruidoso on Wednesday, July 29, 2026, from 6–9 PM. Enjoy an evening of live music, craft beer, and riverside atmosphere at one of Ruidoso’s favorite summer gathering spots.
Experience Full Moon Nights at White Sands National Park in 2026. Enjoy live music, ranger programs, and moonlit views of the gypsum dunes. Scheduled programs may require advance tickets; park entrance fees apply. Extended park hours allow visitors to enjoy the full moon even on nights without a formal program.
Enjoy an evening of live Texas Country, Folk, and Americana music with Thomas Michael Riley at Downshift Brewing Company – Riverside in Ruidoso on July 30, 2026. Riley’s original songs blend heartfelt storytelling, humor, and high-energy performance alongside craft beer and a relaxed riverside atmosphere.
Celebrate National Cheesecake Day at Lost Hiker Brewing Company’s Thursday Night Trivia. Enjoy craft beer, fun questions, friendly competition, and bring your favorite sweets or treats for an evening of trivia beginning at 6:30 PM.
Create your own custom wine during Noisy Water Winery’s Winemaker for a Day experience in Alto. Learn professional blending techniques, craft, bottle and label your own wine, enjoy elevated light food pairings, tour the winery and barrel room, and compete in a fun blind tasting challenge. A unique evening for wine lovers of all experience levels.
Enjoy an evening of live music at Downshift Brewing Company – Riverside on July 31. Grammy-nominated guitarist Dave Millsap takes the stage at 5 p.m., followed by Las Cruces singer-songwriter Chris Baker at 7:30 p.m. Experience an entertaining mix of Americana, country, folk, and rock from two acclaimed performers.
FREE outdoor concert featuring Rachel Cole & Gus Miller at Wingfield Park during Ruidoso’s Cool Summer Nights Music Series.
Explore Fort Stanton after dark on a guided flashlight tour through rarely accessible historic spaces. Held July 31, August 28, September 25, and October 30, 2026, from 7:30–9:30 p.m. MT. Limited to 25 guests, ages 16+. Tickets are $25 and go on sale two weeks in advance at https://my.nmculture.org/events
Discover fresh produce, handmade crafts, artisan foods, baked goods, local wines, and more at the Midtown Market every Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Country Club Park in Midtown Ruidoso. Meet local growers, artists, bakers, and makers while enjoying one of Ruidoso’s favorite seasonal community markets, running through October 3.
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.