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
Christmas Eve Luminarias at Historic Lincoln
Dec 24
Historic Lincoln (Pageant Grounds)
Christmas Eve Luminarias at Historic Lincoln
Historic Lincoln (Pageant Grounds)

Celebrate Christmas Eve at the Lincoln Historic Site, where luminarias brighten the historic village with warm, flickering light. A peaceful, tradition-rich holiday experience in one of New Mexico’s most beautiful historic settings.

Historic Lincoln (Pageant Grounds)
New Year’s Eve Events in Ruidoso: Ring In 2026 With Parties, Dinners, and Live Music
Dec 31
New Year’s Eve Events in Ruidoso: Ring In 2026 With Parties, Dinners, and Live Music

Celebrate New Year’s Eve in Ruidoso with festive dinners, live music, dance parties, and family-friendly events across the village. From gourmet menus to late-night celebrations, there are plenty of ways to welcome 2026 in the mountains. Events are updated annually—call ahead to confirm details and make your NYE getaway unforgettable.

Yeti Fest at Ruidoso Winter Park
Feb 22
Ruidoso Winter Park
Yeti Fest at Ruidoso Winter Park
Ruidoso Winter Park

Celebrate 27 years of snow-play fun at Yeti Fest on Feb 22 at Ruidoso Winter Park. Wear a Yeti costume for a free tubing ticket and enjoy games, giveaways, specials, and entertainment for all ages alongside Eddie the Yeti.

Ruidoso Winter 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.

Ironman 70.3 Ruidoso
Jul 11
Ironman 70.3 Ruidoso

Ruidoso is proud to host IRONMAN 70.3 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

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

Wild West XTERRA comes to Ruidoso, NM, October 8–11, 2026, for the XTERRA World Championship and 30th anniversary celebration. Athletes will tackle high-altitude swimming, biking, and trail running around Grindstone Lake and Lincoln National Forest. Visitors can enjoy race-week events, mountain town hospitality, and Ruidoso’s unique Old West heritage.

 
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