The historic Ruidoso Downs horse racing season begins May 22, 2026. For the 2026 season, races will take place at The Downs Racetrack & Casino in Albuquerque. Learn more about the season schedule and related events connected to Ruidoso Downs. Learn More >>

The 3rd Annual John Ashcraft Memorial Family Trail Run takes place April 25, 2026, at Grindstone Lake. Choose a scenic 5K trail run or a 1 Mile family run starting from the Upper Parking Lot. Open to all ages and abilities. Learn More »

Enjoy a night of live music at Downshift Riverside in Ruidoso on April 24, 2026. Dave Milsap performs at 5 PM, followed by Slim Bawb & The Fabulous Stumgrinders at 7:30 PM. From roots guitar to swamp-inspired sounds, it’s an evening of great music and riverside vibes.

Celebrate the Road to the Kentucky Derby with live watch parties at Billy’s in Ruidoso Downs. Catch major prep races including the Tampa Bay Derby, Florida Derby, Santa Anita Derby, and Wood Memorial while enjoying the excitement of race day with fellow fans.

Kick off spring at the 2026 Easter Bunny Run on Saturday, April 4 at Cedar Creek Trails in Ruidoso. This annual 7:00 AM run/walk welcomes all ages and fitness levels. Registration is $25, with online sign-up preferred. In-person registration begins at 5:45 AM at the Campground Parking Lot. The first 50 participants may receive a free T-shirt, and the first 70 finishers earn a medal. Don’t miss out—register today!

Celebrate the Road to the Kentucky Derby with live watch parties at Billy’s in Ruidoso Downs. Catch major prep races including the Tampa Bay Derby, Florida Derby, Santa Anita Derby, and Wood Memorial while enjoying the excitement of race day with fellow fans.

Join Ruidoso Parks & Recreation for this family-friendly annual event benefiting the Lincoln County Food Bank. This event completes one lap around the Links Walking Trail and is the first of six races in the Run Ruidoso 2026 series. Registration is $25. Register Online Today! (Under the Activities & Programs tab)

Celebrate the Road to the Kentucky Derby with live watch parties at Billy’s in Ruidoso Downs. Catch major prep races including the Tampa Bay Derby, Florida Derby, Santa Anita Derby, and Wood Memorial while enjoying the excitement of race day with fellow fans.

Think you can predict the Big Game winner? Enter Billy’s Big Game Pick ’Em on Sunday, February 8 from 10AM–4:30PM. Correct picks score $25 in free play, awarded February 12. No entry fee required.

Support All Season Adaptive Sports at the 2nd Annual Sip & See Fundraiser at the Enchanted Vine in Alto. Enjoy heavy hors d’oeuvres, live music, dancing, and a small silent auction while helping children and adults with disabilities experience the joy of adaptive outdoor sports. 21+ only.

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.

Join the Pegasus World Cup Watch & Wager Party at Ruidoso Downs Race Track and Casino! Watch three Grade 1 Invitational races live from Gulfstream Park, enter the Pick Three Survivor Handicapping Contest for a chance to win a $100 wagering voucher, and enjoy breakfast and food specials. Racing action begins at 9 a.m.

Break out the small rods and reels for young anglers to test their skills at the 30th Youth Fishing Day held at Grindstone Lake on Saturday, June 14, 2025 from 8 am to 1 pm. as children line the shore to try their casting arms. Don't miss out on the chance to make memories that will last a lifetime! This event is free and open to children 12 and younger.

Catch the Jess Burner Stakes NMB QH on Sunday, June 1, at Ruidoso Downs Race Track! This prestigious race features four-year-old and up Quarter Horses sprinting 400 yards for an estimated $50,000 purse ($25,000 NMHBA + $25,000 Purse Account). As part of the 46-day racing season (May 23–Sept 1), enjoy Friday-Sunday races and special holiday events. Don’t miss this world-class Quarter Horse competition!

Experience New Mexico’s newest disc golf course at Alto Lake in this exciting Land of Enchantment State Championship Series tournament. A perfect chance to prepare for the PDGA Tim Selinske US Masters Championships, qualify for the State Championships, and compete in a stunning mountain setting. Join players from across the region and be part of New Mexico’s premier disc golf community!

Kick off your Sunday evening with the Super Game Viewing Party at Downshift Brewing Company - Riverside! On February 9, 2025, from 4:30 PM to 8:30 PM, enjoy the big game live on the big screen, surrounded by great food, refreshing drinks, and fellow fans. Whether you’re rooting for your team or just enjoying the halftime show, this is the ultimate game day celebration. Don’t miss out!

Kick off your Sunday evening with the Super Game Viewing Party at Downshift Brewing Company - Hidden Tap! On February 9, 2025, from 4:30 PM to 8:30 PM, enjoy the big game live on the big screen, surrounded by great food, refreshing drinks, and fellow fans. Whether you’re rooting for your team or just enjoying the halftime show, this is the ultimate game day celebration. Don’t miss out!

Support All Season Adaptive Sports (formerly Ski Apache Adaptive Sports) with an evening of food, fun & music from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. on November 16, 2023, at the Enchanted Vine by Noisy Water Winery. Helping people with special needs since 1976.

Lace-up your running shoes and join the Ruidoso Fire Department 9/11 5K Walk/Run Race! Registration begins at 7:30 a.m., with the race starting at 8 a.m. Prizes for 1st through 3rd place and tee shirts for the first 75 participants. This is a FREE event. Whether you're a seasoned runner or a casual walker, your presence is what makes this event truly special.

Ready for some nighttime disc golf? 😝🌕💫⛳️ Join Ruidoso Parks and Recreation in collaboration with Dynamic Discs of New Mexico for their annual glow-in-the-dark disc golf tournament at the Grindstone Lake disc golf course. There will be an adult 18-hole tournament (front nine twice) with kids pre-glow play at 5 pm. Register Online (Under the Activities & Programs tab). Call 575-257-5030 for more info.

You don't have to make the trip to Churchill Downs to experience the Kentucky Derby. Celebrate the legendary race in style at the Ruidoso Downs Racetrack Turf Club with a Derby Dash cash drawing and hat contest. Buy tickets online or call 575-378-4140 to reserve your table today!

Lace-up for the Ruidoso Academy of Ballet and Dance Tutu Trot, a benefit 5k Run/Walk on April 1, 2023, at the Links Trail at White Mountain Sports Complex. Get active in support of dance and arts education in Ruidoso. Learn more >>