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 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.
Travel back to the Old West during Old Lincoln Days in Historic Lincoln. Experience gunfight reenactments, living history, Billy the Kid lectures, children’s activities, live music, food vendors, historic tours, and the legendary Last Escape of Billy the Kid Pageant. Celebrate one of New Mexico’s most authentic and enduring Western traditions in the heart of Lincoln County.
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.
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 why Lincoln was known as the “Most Dangerous Street in America” during this engaging Lincoln Lecture Series presentation at Lincoln Historic Site. Historian Brandon Dickson shares dramatic stories of the Lincoln County War, Billy the Kid, notorious outlaws, lawmen, and the violent events that shaped one of the most legendary streets in the Old West.
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.
Watch more than 50 runners and their burros race through Midtown during the 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.
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
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
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.
Step into a world of knights, music, and merriment at the Lincoln Forest Renaissance Faire, May 15–17, 2026, at Wingfield Park in Ruidoso. Enjoy live entertainment, a lively medieval marketplace, period-inspired food, and family-friendly activities. Costumes welcome—come for a few hours or stay the day and savor the magic of the Renaissance. Information and tickets at https://www.lincolnforestrenfair.com
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.
Celebrate Smokey Bear’s birthday and the 50th anniversary of Smokey Bear Historical Park at Smokey Bear Days in Capitan, NM. This free, two-day festival features fire prevention and conservation exhibits, a hometown parade, firefighter challenge, food vendors, games, and family-friendly fun. May 1–2, 10 AM–4 PM.
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.
Don't miss this lively annual community Day of the Dead celebration in Lincoln, NM. Join the fun with live music, dance, family activities, face painting, altar offerings, arts and crafts, and food and drink. This community event is free to the public.
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 »
Join Ranger Amy Hoffman at the Lincoln Historic Site on Oct. 4 for the October Lincoln Lecture, “How Did We Get Here? Endangered and Threatened Wildlife around Lincoln County.” This event is included with site admission ($7/adults). Free for children 16 and under, NM disabled veterans, NM foster families, Friends of Lincoln members, and MNMF members.
The town of White Oaks celebrates its Wild West past with a parade at 10 AM, a play at the schoolhouse, gold panning, a chuckwagon demonstration, food, and vendors. Music from noon to 4:00 pm at the No Scum Allowed Saloon, then again from 6:00- 11:00 pm.
On August 2, join Prince G. McKenzie at the Lincoln Historic Site for a fascinating lecture on the evolution of the Colt Frontier Six Shooter and the Winchester 73—two iconic firearms that shaped life in the American West. Held during Old Lincoln Days, this talk is included with $7 admission; free for kids 16 and under. Don’t miss this look at the guns that “won the West.” Buy Tickets »
Join historian Brandon Dickson on August 2 for The Most Dangerous Street in America, a thrilling Lincoln Lecture during Old Lincoln Days. Held in the historic San Juan Bautista Church, this talk dives into Lincoln’s violent past—Billy the Kid, the Five-Day Battle, and more. Included with $7 site admission; free for kids 16 and under. Don’t miss this gripping Wild West story! Buy Tickets »
Join archaeologist Lisa L. Sparks on August 1 for a fascinating Lincoln Lecture exploring 7,000 years of human history in Lincoln County. Discover how ancient cultures shaped the region’s lifeways through sites like Feather Cave and Lower Stanton Ruin. Lecture included with $7 admission; kids 16 and under free.
Join the Lincoln Lecture Series on August 1 during Old Lincoln Days for a fascinating talk by archaeologist Charles M. Haecker. Held in the historic San Juan Bautista Church, this free-with-admission lecture explores Mescalero Apache encampments near Fort Stanton and their peaceful relationship with the fort. 11 AM–12 PM at Lincoln Historic Site. $7 admission; kids 16 and under free.
Join Fort Stanton Historic Site for Living History Day on Saturday, July 12, from 10 AM – 2 PM. Enjoy a flag raising, guided cemetery tour with Ranger Javier, and a fire ecology talk by Smokey Bear Historical Park Manager Mary Lavin. Learn about local history and changing forest landscapes. Admission is $7 for adults; free for kids 16 and under and eligible groups.
Explore Fort Stanton Historic Site and Snowy River Cave NCA on Saturday, June 28, 2025, from 10:00 AM – Noon. Enjoy a scenic 2.5 to 3-mile hike with stunning mountain views and rich historical insights. Easy level, limited to 8 people (no dogs). Free, with a $7 museum fee. Register by June 25 at www.riograndesierraclub.org/calendar.
Celebrate the night sky at “Guardians of the Night” on June 14, 2025, from 8–10 PM at the New Mexico Museum of Space History. Enjoy telescope views, real-time astrophotography, and a special talk on dark sky preservation. Free and family-friendly. Held at the Observatory Complex; indoor backup at the Tombaugh Dome if needed.
Step into New Mexico’s rich past at Fort Stanton Historic Site’s Living History Day on June 14. Enjoy a guided cemetery walk with Ranger Javier, uncover stories of early residents and Lincoln County War veterans, and learn about the Fort Stanton–Snowy River Cave National Conservation Area with Conservation Manager Warren Kasper. 10 a.m.–2 p.m. | $7 adults | Free for eligible guests.
Join the Lincoln Lecture Series on Saturday, June 7, for a powerful talk by Starlyn Bigrope, sharing the Mescalero Apache perspective in “Ndé History: Our Story, Our Experiences.” Held inside the historic San Juan Bautista Church, this engaging event offers a deeper look into New Mexico’s past through Indigenous voices. Included with site admission; free for eligible visitors.
Celebrate Native American heritage at the free Ruidoso Mescalero Apache Honor Day Festival, Saturday, May 31, 10 AM–7 PM at Country Club Park in Midtown. Enjoy live music, cultural presentations, artisan booths, storytelling, and delicious Native cuisine. Highlights include Levi Platero, Lee Pike War Dance Group, and artists from across the Southwest!
Join the Lincoln Lecture Series on May 3, 2025, with resident Johnny Boswell as he explores life on “The Most Dangerous Street in America.” Held monthly at San Juan Bautista Church. Included with $7/adult admission; free for kids 16 & under, Native/Tribal affiliates, NM disabled vets, NM foster families & MNMF members.
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