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.

Celebrate Oktoberfest in Midtown Ruidoso with Downshift Brewing Company on September 26. Enjoy German food, craft beer, live music, stein hoisting, contests, family activities, and entertainment on multiple stages. Choose from General Admission, Designated Driver, or VIP tickets for a full day of festive fun. BUY TICKETS »

Step back into the ’90s at Inn of the Mountain Gods on September 26, 2026, for Dance, Dance Evolution. Enjoy a three-course themed dinner followed by a high-energy tribute show celebrating the iconic music of the decade. Doors and dinner begin at 6 PM, with the show at 7 PM. Tickets are $75 and include dinner and the show.

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.

See Midland live at Jacks Backstage in Ruidoso, New Mexico on September 26, 2026, for a high-energy outdoor country concert featuring chart-topping hits and an unforgettable mountain nightlife experience.

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.

Celebrate the Season 2 Finale of Well, Actually… at Lost Hiker Brewing Company. Presented by Oso Productions, this unique live speaker series features three engaging presentations on fascinating topics, along with craft beer, community, and plenty of opportunities to learn something new.

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.

Join author and longtime Zuñi art authority Dr. Harold Finkelstein at Ruidoso Public Library for a free presentation exploring the history, culture, and artistry behind Zuñi fetish carvings and his new book, Releasing the Spirit.

Settle in for a full night of live music at Downshift Brewing Company – Riverside. Dave Millsap performs at 4 PM, followed by Old Friends at 7:00 PM. Enjoy seasoned musicianship, roots-driven sounds, and a relaxed brewery setting perfect for a Friday night out.

Killer Keyz Dueling Pianos returns to the Patina Lounge at Jacks Backstage on October 2, 2026, for an interactive, audience-driven night of requests, sing-alongs, country, rock, throwbacks, and more. Doors open at 6 PM.

Explore the Carrizozo Lava Flow during a free guided hike with Warren Kasper of the Fort Stanton–Snowy River Cave National Conservation Area. Learn about local geology, plants, and wildlife while celebrating the 60th anniversary of Valley of Fires Recreation Area and America’s 250th anniversary.

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.

Celebrate fall at Ruidoso AspenFest on October 3, 2026, featuring the Midtown Parade at 10 AM with the theme “Harvesting Adventure,” followed by the Wingfield Park Festival from 11 AM–6 PM. Enjoy live music, New Mexico wine and craft beer, food vendors, and kids’ activities. Admission is $10, $25 with wine and beer tasting, and free for kids 12 and under.

Laugh along with Menopause The Musical at Spencer Theater on October 3, 2026. Four women meet at a lingerie sale and discover they have more in common than expected, turning hot flashes, mood swings, and life’s changes into a hilarious celebration of friendship and womanhood. This 90-minute musical comedy features parodies of favorite pop songs from the ’60s, ’70s, and ’80s.

Saddle up for the 18th Annual LCFA Benefit Ranch Rodeo at the Lincoln County Fairgrounds in Capitan on October 3. The free ranch rodeo begins at 5 PM with adult and youth events, followed by dinner, an auction and dancing to the Graham Brothers. Proceeds benefit local crisis victims through the Lincoln Cowboy Crisis Fund.

Experience Lincoln after dark on October 3 with live music by The Dynamic Duo featuring Spencer Gandy and Mark Garcia, food vendors, local merchants and Lincoln County War history. The evening also includes a courthouse screening of Billy the Kid Versus Dracula before the festival. Tickets are $20; kids under 12 are free.

Join First Tuesday Yoga with Niki at Noisy Water Winery in Midtown Ruidoso for an evening of movement, relaxation, and local wine. Your $15 ticket includes an all-levels yoga class led by Niki plus a complimentary beverage. Bring your mat, invite your friends, and unwind in a welcoming atmosphere. Club Members receive a 10% discount.

Cozy up for Taproom Bingo: Sweater Weather Edition at Lost Hiker Brewing Company in Midtown Ruidoso, featuring fall-themed bingo and handmade knitted prizes. Bingo starts at 6:30 PM.

Explore Moon Mountain Trail during this free guided XTERRA Community Hike on Wednesday, October 7. Led by local Happy Hiker guides, the approximately 5K hike offers visitors and residents an opportunity to experience Ruidoso’s mountain scenery, wildlife, and forest landscapes during XTERRA World Championship week.

Welcome athletes from around the world at Wingfield Park on October 8. The XTERRA Welcome Ceremony and Phil Hamilton Band concert are free and open to the public, with no ticket or purchase required. Join the community as Ruidoso kicks off four days of World Championship racing and celebration.

Watch the sun rise over the mountains during this free guided XTERRA Community Hike on Friday, October 9. Explore the Grindstone Mesa Loop with local Happy Hiker guides while discovering the scenery, wildlife, and outdoor beauty that make Ruidoso a premier mountain destination.

Explore butterflies, birds, watercolor and nature-inspired art at Watercolors & Winged Wonders, a free Family Day at the Wingfield Heritage House Museum on October 10.

Celebrate New Mexico chile season at Enchanted Vine with fresh-roasted chiles and a complimentary splash of red or green chile wine for guests 21+. No reservations required.

Celebrate spooky season at Noisy Water Winery’s Ruidoso Tasting Room with a Halloween-inspired charcuterie building class on October 15. Create your own festive board while enjoying a complimentary glass of wine.

SWITCHFOOT brings the Forever Now Tour to Jacks Backstage in Ruidoso on Friday, October 16, with special guest ANBERLIN. Experience an unforgettable night of alternative rock, massive singalongs, and live energy under the mountain sky at The Pit. Doors open at 5 PM. All ages welcome. Buy Tickets »

Join the Ruidoso Public Library Teen Book Club for a spooky-season discussion of Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs on October 17.

Singer-songwriter Richard Nihil brings I Am Hologram’s psychedelic folk and road-worn acoustic sound to Bonito Valley Brewing in Lincoln on October 17, 2026, from 3:00 to 6:00 PM.

Experience award-winning pianist Doug Montgomery at Spencer Theater on October 17, 2026. The Juilliard-trained New Mexico favorite brings dazzling musicianship and an engaging performance style to a wide-ranging repertoire spanning Rachmaninoff, Gershwin, Cole Porter, Billy Joel, the Beatles, and more.

Eli Young Band takes the stage at The Pit at Jacks Backstage on October 17 from 7–10 PM (doors at 6). With chart-topping hits and a high-energy crowd, this all-ages show delivers classic country favorites under Ruidoso’s cool fall sky. VIP and GA options available—plan your weekend and don’t miss it. Tickets »

Looking for a feel-good way to spend an afternoon in Ruidoso? Join the Toss No Mas Cleanup on Sunday, Oct. 18, 2026, 1–3 p.m. at Wingfield Park. Lend a hand, meet locals, and enjoy the fresh mountain air while helping keep the village beautiful. Volunteers get free food, prize giveaways, and all supplies provided—just bring your smile! Registration starts at 12:30 p.m.

Celebrate two years of Ruidoso history at the Wingfield Heritage House Museum on Thursday, October 22, 2026. Enjoy live music, food, and a first look at the new Carmon Phillips Exhibit during this free community celebration from 5:00–7:00 PM.

Join the Halloween fun at Fort Stanton Historic Site's Trick or Treat Trail on Saturday, October 24, from 4:30 pm to 6:30 pm. This free community event offers a spook-tacular evening with treats and entertainment for the whole family. Explore the parade grounds in costume, enjoy free goodies from vendors, and delight in surprises along the way. Don't miss this fun-filled, ghoulishly good time!

Spend an evening with award-winning chef, restaurateur and television personality Aarón Sánchez at Inn of the Mountain Gods on October 24, 2026. Known for MasterChef, MasterChef Junior and Chopped, Sánchez brings his culinary expertise and passion for Mexican and Latin cuisine to Mescalero. Event begins at 7 PM.

Light up the night for a good cause at Light It Up for LEAD, Saturday, October 24, at Jack’s Backstage in Ruidoso. Enjoy live music by Fell Runyan, an auction, and an all-ages evening supporting LEAD Therapeutic Riding and its equine-assisted programs. General admission is $30; VIP tickets are $75.

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.

Join The Hoppy Readers at Lost Hiker Brewing Company’s Midtown Taproom for a discussion of Hamnet by Maggie O’Farrell. Enjoy craft beer, thoughtful conversation, and a welcoming community of readers as you explore this acclaimed historical novel inspired by the life of Shakespeare’s family.

Bring the kids to Midtown for safe Trick-or-Treating and fun Halloween events. There will be fun for the whole family with candy and a costume contest for children 17 and younger. Plus, pumpkin carving, pumpkin roll, coffin race, candy, and much more. See you there! Join the fun in Midtown Ruidoso for the annual Trick-or-Treat celebration from 3–6:30 PM along Sudderth Drive—closed to traffic for a safe, family-friendly Halloween experience.

Arizona singer-songwriter I Am Hologram, the solo project of Richard Nihil, performs live at Downshift Brewing Company – Hidden Tap on October 28 from 6:00 to 9:00 PM. Blending acoustic songwriting with punk, indie, and alternative influences, Nihil delivers an intimate and engaging evening of original live music.

Get into the Halloween spirit at Dwight’s Flight Night at Noisy Water Winery’s Cellar Tasting Room in Midtown Ruidoso. Gather your team, recreate the ghostly Dwight’s Blend, swap scary stories and put your wine-blending skills to the test. The best blend wins a prize! Friday, October 30, from 6:00–8:00 PM.

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

Celebrate Día de los Muertos in historic Lincoln with live music, dance performances, historic presentations, ofrendas, face painting, food, drinks, and handcrafted vendors. Admission is free, and the festival offers a full day of family-friendly activities. Most vendors will be cash only due to limited cell service.

Celebrate Halloween at Enchanted Vine in Alto on October 31 from 11 AM–7 PM. Dress to impress—or distress—for a Halloween costume contest, enjoy live music, themed drink specials and sweet treats, and spend the day celebrating with plenty of Enchanted Vine spirit. Costumes encouraged!

Celebrate fall at Enchanted Vine’s Pumpkin Patch in Alto, featuring pumpkins, festive photo opportunities, seasonal drinks, and crisp mountain air throughout October.

Explore Fort Stanton Historic Site and the surrounding BLM National Conservation Area with the Rio Grande Chapter of the Sierra Club on November 1, 2026. This easy, three-mile outing combines local history, a visit to the historic site grounds, and a hike along the Fort Stanton North Trail. Registration is limited to 10 participants. Register by Oct. 29 at riograndesierraclub.org/calendar.

Bottomland is coming to Ruidoso! Catch the band live at the Patina Lounge at Jacks Backstage on Thursday, November 5, 2026. The 18+ show starts at 8:00 PM. Tickets are on sale now at https://tickets.holdmyticket.com/tickets/467105

Explore the volcanic landscape of Valley of Fires with the Rio Grande Chapter of the Sierra Club on November 7, 2026. This easy, nearly three-mile outing follows the Kipuka and Nature trails while exploring the geology, history, and wildlife of this remarkable landscape west of Carrizozo. Registration is limited to 10 participants. Please RSVP by November 5 at riograndesierraclub.org/calendar.

Travel back to one of popular music’s most transformative decades with The Sixties Show at Spencer Theater on November 22, 2026. This high-energy multimedia concert brings the sounds and spirit of the 1960s to life, spanning rock, pop, folk, psychedelia, the British Invasion, and the music that helped define a generation.

Join the fun at Ruidoso’s 11th Annual Turkey Trot 5K Run/Walk on November 28, 2026! The final race in the Ruidoso Run Series kicks off at 10 a.m. on the Links Trail. The first 50 runners receive a free T-shirt and the first 70 finishers earn a participation medal. In-person registration begins at 8:30 a.m. at the White Mountain Recreation Complex.

Celebrate the music and legacy of Juan Gabriel with Aarón Palacios at Inn of the Mountain Gods on November 28, 2026. This live tribute honors the beloved Mexican singer-songwriter and performer with an evening dedicated to his music. Doors open at 6 PM, with the show beginning at 7 PM.

Celebrate the magic of the season at Christmas in the Park! Festivities begin at 5:30 p.m. with music, ice skating, and holiday fun. Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive with Mayor Crawford for the tree lighting around 6 p.m., followed by sleigh rides, photos with Santa, and a chance for kids to receive a free toy from Ruidoso Parks & Recreation. Lights on display through January.

Ruidoso’s beloved Festival of Lights Parade brings friends and family together for an evening of twinkling lights and togetherness in the winter wonderland of Ruidoso.

Join The Hoppy Readers at Lost Hiker Brewing Company’s Midtown Taproom on December 8 for a relaxed book discussion featuring The Ferryman and His Wife by Frode Grytten.

Celebrate the season with A Christmas Carol at Spencer Theater on December 10, 2026. Charles Dickens’ timeless tale follows Ebenezer Scrooge on an unforgettable journey through Christmases past, present, and yet to come. Filled with memorable characters and a message of generosity, compassion, and second chances, this holiday classic brings the spirit of Christmas to the stage.

Celebrate the holidays with The Nutcracker at Spencer Theater, December 19–20, 2026. A cast of 70 dancers brings Tchaikovsky’s beloved score to life with spectacular sets and costumes, battling mice, toy soldiers, and dazzling Snowflake Fairies. This timeless Christmas tradition offers a magical experience for the whole family.

Celebrate the holidays with The Nutcracker at Spencer Theater, December 19–20, 2026. A cast of 70 dancers brings Tchaikovsky’s beloved score to life with spectacular sets and costumes, battling mice, toy soldiers, and dazzling Snowflake Fairies. This timeless Christmas tradition offers a magical experience for the whole family.

Celebrate the holidays with The Nutcracker at Spencer Theater, December 19–20, 2026. A cast of 70 dancers brings Tchaikovsky’s beloved score to life with spectacular sets and costumes, battling mice, toy soldiers, and dazzling Snowflake Fairies. This timeless Christmas tradition offers a magical experience for the whole family.

Start the new year with The Hoppy Readers at Lost Hiker Brewing Company on January 12 for a relaxed book discussion featuring Mad Mabel by Sally Hepworth.

See Emmy Award-winning actor Richard Thomas in Mark Twain Tonight! at Spencer Theater, January 27–28, 2027. Written and originally performed by Hal Holbrook, this celebrated one-man show brings Mark Twain’s unmistakable wit, humor, and observations about American life to the stage. Thomas is the first actor authorized to perform the show since Holbrook.

See Emmy Award-winning actor Richard Thomas in Mark Twain Tonight! at Spencer Theater, January 27–28, 2027. Written and originally performed by Hal Holbrook, this celebrated one-man show brings Mark Twain’s unmistakable wit, humor, and observations about American life to the stage. Thomas is the first actor authorized to perform the show since Holbrook.

Step into the shadows with Aquila Theatre’s Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde at Spencer Theater on February 25, 2027. Robert Louis Stevenson’s chilling classic explores one man’s attempt to separate good from evil and the dangerous force he unleashes. Aquila Theatre brings the story to life through physical storytelling, powerful performances, and imaginative staging.

Enjoy an afternoon of western swing with Bob Wills’ Texas Playboys at Spencer Theater on March 13, 2027. Carrying forward the musical tradition of legendary bandleader Bob Wills, this ensemble of accomplished Oklahoma and Texas musicians brings fiddle, steel guitar, piano, horns, bass, and drums together for a lively celebration of a distinctly American sound.

Celebrate the music of Barry Manilow with Daybreak at Spencer Theater on March 20, 2027. This live tribute brings Manilow’s memorable pop hits and romantic ballads to the stage, recreating the sound and spirit of his music for an evening filled with familiar favorites, soaring melodies, and plenty of nostalgia.

Escape to the islands with A1A, a tribute to the music and laid-back spirit of Jimmy Buffett, at Spencer Theater on April 10, 2027. With a full band and tropical stage atmosphere, A1A celebrates the songs and stories that inspired generations of Parrotheads with familiar favorites, beach-town escapism, and plenty of island spirit.

Celebrate the music of John Denver with Jim Curry’s Take Me Home at Spencer Theater on April 15, 2027. This live tribute honors Denver’s enduring catalog of mountain anthems, heartfelt ballads, and familiar favorites, capturing the warmth, optimism, and connection to nature that made his music beloved by generations.