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
Ruidoso Tattoo Expo at Ruidoso Convention Center
Jun 13
Ruidoso Tattoo Expo at Ruidoso Convention Center

Join Tattoo artists from all over the country for three days filled with tattoos, live performances, contests, and more. Get tattooed by amazing artists nationwide, browse vendor booths for unique items, and enjoy watching art in action. Learn more at ruidosotattooexpo.com

Father's Day Weekend at Ruidoso Downs Race Track
Jun 14
Father's Day Weekend at Ruidoso Downs Race Track

Spend some quality time with Dad and experience the thrill of race day together at Ruidoso Downs Race Track.

Mountain Top NMB QH Futurity Finals RG2 at Ruidoso Downs Race Track
Jun 15
Mountain Top NMB QH Futurity Finals RG2 at Ruidoso Downs Race Track

Don’t miss the Mountain Top NMB QH Futurity Finals RG2 on Sunday, June 15, at Ruidoso Downs Race Track! This Grade 2 futurity features two-year-old Quarter Horses sprinting 350 yards for an estimated $350,000 purse ($15,000 NMHBA). As part of the 46-day racing season (May 23–Sept 1), enjoy Friday-Sunday races and special holiday events. Experience top-tier Quarter Horse racing in Ruidoso!

Mountain Top NMB QH Juvenile Stakes Finals at Ruidoso Downs Race Track
Jun 15
Mountain Top NMB QH Juvenile Stakes Finals at Ruidoso Downs Race Track

Don’t miss the Mountain Top NMB QH Juvenile Stakes Finals on Sunday, June 15, at Ruidoso Downs Race Track! This thrilling race features two-year-old Quarter Horses sprinting 350 yards for a guaranteed $50,000 purse. As part of the 46-day racing season (May 23–Sept 1), enjoy Friday-Sunday races and special holiday events. Witness emerging Quarter Horse talent compete in Ruidoso!

2025 Youth Rec Summer Wilderness Camp - Week 1
Jun 16
2025 Youth Rec Summer Wilderness Camp - Week 1

Join Ruidoso Parks and Recreation for an exciting week of outdoor adventure for kids ages 7–12! Campers will fish, hike, practice survival and orienteering skills, play outdoor sports, visit the zoo and space museum, tour a fire station, and cool off at the pool. Hands-on fun and learning, limited to 20 campers. $65/week. For more details, call (575) 257-5030. Sign up at https://secure.rec1.com/NM/villiage-of-ruidoso-nm/catalog

Trivia Night at Noisy Water Winery’s The Cellar Uncorked
Jun 16
Trivia Night at Noisy Water Winery’s The Cellar Uncorked

Bring your A-game to a lively evening of fun, challenging, and quirky questions at The Cellar Uncorked! Each month, trivia buffs are invited to test their knowledge, with prizes awarded to the top three teams. It’s free to play and open to ages 21 and up. Don’t miss the chance to showcase your smarts and enjoy a great night out!

Lost in Verse: Poetry Jam at Lost Hiker Brewery
Jun 16
Lost in Verse: Poetry Jam at Lost Hiker Brewery

Raise a glass to creativity at Lost in Verse: Poetry Jam on Monday, June 16, 2025, from 6–8 PM at Lost Hiker Brewery in Ruidoso. Whether you’re reading original work, sharing a favorite poem, or just soaking up the vibe, all are welcome. No rhymes required—just good words, good company, and great local beer.

Tyler Jones feat. Grant Knoxlyn live at Downshift Brewing Company - Riverside
Jun 18
Tyler Jones feat. Grant Knoxlyn live at Downshift Brewing Company - Riverside

Singer-Songwriter Night returns June 18, 6–8 PM at Downshift Brewing Company Riverside with Ruidoso favorite Tyler Jones and Nashville guest Grant Knoxlyn. Expect a high-energy mix of mountain country, punk, blues, and Irish music in an unforgettable local-meets-Nashville performance.

Pepe Aguilar with Lupita Infante LIVE at Inn of the Mountain Gods
Jun 19
Pepe Aguilar with Lupita Infante LIVE at Inn of the Mountain Gods

Experience two legendary performances in one unforgettable night as Inn of the Mountain Gods presents Pepe Aguilar with Lupita Infante! Buy Tickets Today!

Ruidoso Library Summer Music Series: Julia Cozby
Jun 19
Ruidoso Library Summer Music Series: Julia Cozby

Don't miss Julia Cozby in our Summer Music Series. Experience an evening of soulful melodies that blend modern flair with classic vibes. This family-friendly concert is free. Bring your chairs and a picnic to enjoy a musical sunset. No tickets are required. Location: Stage behind the Ruidoso Library

 
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