Can't-Miss Festivals & Events In Ruidoso

Whether you’re in the mood for beer and barbecue, live music, or the opportunity to discover new art and artists, these annual Ruidoso events are worth traveling for.

Pack your bags and add these upcoming Ruidoso festivals and events to your calendar.

Featured
Lincoln Forest Renaissance Faire at Wingfield Park
May 15
Wingfield Park
Lincoln Forest Renaissance Faire at Wingfield Park
Wingfield Park

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

Wingfield Park
Ruidoso Downs 2026 Racing Season Begins (HOSTED AT ALBUQUERQUE DOWNS)
May 22
The Downs At Albuquerque
Ruidoso Downs 2026 Racing Season Begins (HOSTED AT ALBUQUERQUE DOWNS)
The Downs At Albuquerque

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 Downs At Albuquerque
Opening Day Midtown Market (Seasonal, June to October)
Jun 13
Country Club Park (Midtown)
Opening Day Midtown Market (Seasonal, June to October)
Country Club Park (Midtown)

Discover fresh, local foods and handmade crafts at the Midtown Market, where artists, bakers, wineries, and more converge on Saturdays to provide locally made products in Midtown at Country Club Park, located at 100 Country Club Drive. June 13, 2026, to October 3, 2026. See you there!

Country Club Park (Midtown)
Annual Brewdoso Craft Beer and Wine Festival at Wingfield Park
Jun 20
Wingfield Park
Annual Brewdoso Craft Beer and Wine Festival at Wingfield Park
Wingfield Park

Brewdoso 2026 returns to Wingfield Park on June 20 for a full day of craft beer, live music, and mountain-town energy. Sample regional and national brews, enjoy food vendors and artisan booths, and settle in for an evening of concerts under the pines. A signature summer celebration in the heart of Ruidoso. Learn more at Brewdoso.com

Wingfield Park
31st Annual Lincoln County Art Loop
Jul 3
31st Annual Lincoln County Art Loop

Experience the art where it’s made. Throughout Lincoln County, painters, sculptors, and artisans open their studios for a self-guided tour that invites you to meet the makers, watch live demonstrations, and discover original works directly from local artists.

Fort Stanton LIVE
Jul 11
Fort Stanton State Historic Site
Fort Stanton LIVE
Fort Stanton State Historic Site

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.

Fort Stanton State Historic Site
IRONMAN® 70.3 Race Weekend in Ruidoso
Jul 11
IRONMAN® 70.3 Race Weekend in Ruidoso

Ruidoso is proud to host IRONMAN® 70.3 Ruidoso Race Weekend on July 11–12, 2026, a landmark event in our rise as a hub for elite endurance competitions. Joining the 2026 XTERRA World Championships, this triathlon will draw athletes from around the world. A full schedule and more details will be shared closer to the event. Learn More »

55th Annual Ruidoso Art and Wine Festival
Jul 24
Ruidoso Convention Center
55th Annual Ruidoso Art and Wine Festival
Ruidoso Convention Center

A cornerstone of Ruidoso’s cultural calendar, this juried fine art show draws over 100 acclaimed artists from across the country. Explore paintings, sculpture, pottery, jewelry, and more while enjoying regional wines, live music, and mountain hospitality. Don’t miss: The opportunity to meet featured artists and add a one-of-a-kind piece to your collection.

Ruidoso Convention Center
Alto Artists Tour
Aug 7
Alto Artists Tour

Step inside the studios and homes of Alto’s professional artists during this free, self-guided tour. From ceramics and glass to woodwork and textiles, each stop reveals the stories and spaces behind the art. Insider favorite: Many artists offer works not available anywhere else—so come ready to browse and be inspired. Learn more at AltoArtists.org

Ruidoso Grindstone Trails Runs (4M; 8.5M and 13.8M)
Aug 22
Wingfield Park
Ruidoso Grindstone Trails Runs (4M; 8.5M and 13.8M)
Wingfield Park

Join the 12th annual Ruidoso Grindstone Trail Runs on August 22, 2026, at Wingfield Park in downtown Ruidoso. Choose from a 13.8-mile Half Marathon Heavy, 8.5-mile, 4-mile, or Kids’ Dash. Enjoy scenic mountain trails, commemorative swag, free race photos, and a post-race party supporting All-Season Adaptive Sports.

Wingfield Park
Wild West XTERRA 2026 World Championship
Oct 8
Wild West XTERRA 2026 World Championship

Ruidoso hosts the XTERRA World Championship October 8–11, 2026, marking XTERRA’s 30th anniversary. Elite athletes compete across high-altitude swim, bike, and trail run courses set around Grindstone Lake, while visitors enjoy race-week excitement, cool October weather, and Ruidoso’s distinctive mountain-town charm.

Ruidoso Turkey Trot 5K
Nov 28
White Mountain Recreation Complex (The Links Trail)
Ruidoso Turkey Trot 5K
White Mountain Recreation Complex (The Links Trail)

Join the fun at Ruidoso’s 11th Annual Turkey Trot 5K Run/Walk on November 29, 2025! 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.

White Mountain Recreation Complex (The Links Trail)
 
Entertainment experiences, Things to do in Ruidoso, Events & FestivalsEllen BaroneAttractions & Activities, festivals & events, art festivals, Things to do in Ruidoso., Things to do with friends