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 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.

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

Build, create, experiment, and play at Building Ruidoso: A Mountain Maker Family Day on Saturday, August 29, at the Wingfield Heritage House Museum. This free family event features hands-on maker stations inspired by Ruidoso’s history, including water wheels, logging challenges, engineering projects, science experiments, and creative building activities for all ages.

See Fort Stanton Historic Site after dark on this guided Flashlight Tour. Explore historic buildings and off-limits areas by flashlight while discovering the fort’s fascinating history and legendary atmosphere. Space is limited to 25 participants. Ages 16 and older. Advance tickets are required.

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

Watch more than 50 runners and their burros race through Midtown during the first annual Sierra Blanca Pack Burro Race at Wingfield Park. Enjoy a uniquely Western tradition, browse dozens of vendors, and experience a fun-filled, family-friendly day in the heart of Ruidoso. Free admission.

Could Billy the Kid have been younger than history has long believed? Join Johnny Boswell for a Lincoln Lecture exploring groundbreaking research by retired ranger Scott Smith that reexamines Billy’s age during the Lincoln County War. Discover how new evidence is reshaping the story of one of the American West’s most legendary outlaws.

Explore the fascinating rivalry between cattle baron John Chisum and Billy the Kid during this Lincoln Lecture Series presentation with historian John LeMay. Discover the history behind the Lincoln County War, Chisum’s cattle empire, and the myths, media, and misinformation that helped shape one of the American West’s most enduring legends.

Discover the story behind Billy the Kid’s legendary 1881 escape during this special Lincoln Lecture Series presentation at the historic Lincoln Courthouse. Historian Lori Goodloe explores Billy’s life, the Lincoln County War, and the daring jailbreak that became one of the West’s most famous moments—all in the very courthouse where it happened.

Discover the history behind two of the Old West’s most iconic firearms during this Lincoln Lecture Series presentation by Prince G. McKenzie. Learn how the Colt Frontier Six Shooter and Winchester Model 1873 shaped life on the American frontier through their use by ranchers, lawmen, settlers, and outlaws during the Old West.

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

Experience a free Old West adventure at Boots & Brands: An Old West Family Day. Enjoy gold panning, cattle branding crafts, leatherworking, games, and hands-on frontier activities at the Wingfield Heritage House Museum in Ruidoso.

Step back in time at Fort Stanton LIVE on July 11, 2026, from 9:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Enjoy Civil War and Indian Wars re-enactors, live demonstrations, Mescalero Apache dancers, local vendors, food, and family-friendly activities celebrating history and culture.

Celebrate America’s 250th birthday at the Wingfield Heritage House Museum during Colonial America Family Fun Day in Ruidoso. Enjoy free hands-on crafts and activities including tin punching, basket making, stenciling, and painting a commemorative quilt square. Fun for families, children, and history lovers of all ages. 

Enjoy Fort Fun Day at Fort Stanton Historic Site on June 7, 2026, with ranger-guided tours, weaving and spinning demonstrations, flag ceremonies, and family-friendly activities throughout the day. Explore one of southern New Mexico’s historic landmarks during this special community event in Lincoln County.

Celebrate history, culture, and community at Fort Fun Day on May 3 at Fort Stanton Historic Site. Enjoy a flag ceremony, guided tour, and a special presentation by Mescalero/Chiricahua Apache artist Talrick Enjady. Free admission for NM residents on First Sunday.

Step back in time at Retro Game Day in Ruidoso. Enjoy classic games like giant checkers, marbles, jacks, and ring toss at the Wingfield Heritage House Museum. This free, family-friendly event offers a fun, screen-free way to connect, play, and experience a bit of nostalgia.

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.

Celebrate Valentine’s Day with a creative morning at the Wingfield House Heritage Museum. Enjoy hands-on crafts for all ages, including friendship tea blends, scented sachets, Valentine’s cards, pressed flower bookmarks, and photos with loved ones. A cozy, family-friendly event hosted by Friends of the Wingfield House Heritage Museum.

Update: Due to weather concerns, this event has been rescheduled and combined with the museum’s Valentine’s celebration.

Celebrate the Olympic spirit at Wingfield Heritage House Museum! Kids and families can enjoy crafts, games, tabletop curling, a snowball toss, and a Taste of Italy. Every participant receives a medal and complimentary hot chocolate. Saturday, January 24, 2026, 10am–12pm in Ruidoso.

Get into the spirit of the season at the Wingfield Heritage House Museum’s Homemade Holidays event on December 6, 2025, from 3–5:30 PM! Create handmade garlands and vintage holiday cards, learn the history of stockings by the fireplace, and sip hot cocoa before the parade—a festive afternoon of old-fashioned holiday cheer for the whole family.

Celebrate Fall Family Day at the Wingfield Heritage House Museum on November 8 from 10 AM–12 PM! Enjoy a Wildland Fire Obstacle Course, meet Smokey Bear, explore fun indoor activities, and earn a Junior Ranger badge. Plus, enjoy tea, see an antique fire truck, and make family memories together.

Join the fun at Family Game Day on October 25, 2025, from 2–5 PM at the Wingfield Heritage House Museum! Step back in time with vintage games, classic toys, and friendly competition. Discover how past generations played while making new memories the old-fashioned way—no screens required!

Celebrate the Wingfield House Heritage Museum's one-year anniversary on Thu, Oct 16! Stop by the 2–4 PM Open House with giveaways, activities, and curator-led tours. Then enjoy Business After Hours, 5–7 PM, with light hors d’oeuvres from the Jockey Club, drinks from Downshift Brewing, and live music by the Doso Dirtbags.

Step into the shadows of Historic Lincoln at Lincoln After Dark on Saturday, Oct. 11, 2025. From 5–9 PM, the ghosts of the Old West return with immersive performances, chilling tales, and spirits of the Lincoln County War. Experience history after dark in one of New Mexico’s most legendary towns. Buy Tickets »