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
Midtown Halloween Trick or Treat and Pumpkin Roll
Oct 29
Midtown Ruidoso
Midtown Halloween Trick or Treat and Pumpkin Roll
Midtown Ruidoso

Bring the kids to Midtown for safe Trick-or-Treating and fun Halloween events. There will be fun for the whole family with candy and a costume contest for children 17 and younger. Plus, pumpkin carving, pumpkin roll, coffin race, candy, and much more. See you there! Join the fun in Midtown Ruidoso for the annual Trick-or-Treat celebration from 3–6:30 PM along Sudderth Drive—closed to traffic for a safe, family-friendly Halloween experience.

Midtown Ruidoso
Ruidoso Christmas Jubilee at the Ruidoso Convention Center
Nov 14
Ruidoso Convention Center
Ruidoso Christmas Jubilee at the Ruidoso Convention Center
Ruidoso Convention Center

Embrace the season and join the Ruidoso Valley Greeters for a timeless and treasured tradition, the Christmas Jubilee, at the Ruidoso Convention Center. Admission is only $5.00 and active military members are free. Learn more at RuidosoChristmasJubilee.com

Ruidoso Convention Center
Thanksgiving Weekend in Ruidoso
Nov 27
Thanksgiving Weekend in Ruidoso

Thanksgiving in Ruidoso is ideal if you’re looking for the perfect mountain town getaway packed with the best of the outdoors, indoors, and everything in between.

Opening Weekend: Christmas at the Flying J Ranch (Seasonal, Select Dates Only)
Nov 28
Flying J Ranch
Opening Weekend: Christmas at the Flying J Ranch (Seasonal, Select Dates Only)
Flying J Ranch

Celebrate Christmas at the Flying J Ranch with special White Mountain Christmas winter performances from late November to the end of December 2025. BUY TICKETS!

Flying J Ranch
Opening Weekend at Ski Apache (Conditions Permitting)
Nov 29
Ski Apache
Opening Weekend at Ski Apache (Conditions Permitting)
Ski Apache

Ski Apache is open for skiing, weather permitting. Please check the SkiApache.comwebsite for hours and ticket information. Tickets & Passes >>

Ski Apache
Ruidoso Turkey Trot
Nov 29
White Mountain Recreation Complex (The Links Trail)
Ruidoso Turkey Trot
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)
Opening Weekend - Ice Skating at Wingfield Park (Seasonal, Select Dates)
Nov 29
Wingfield Park
Opening Weekend - Ice Skating at Wingfield Park (Seasonal, Select Dates)
Wingfield Park

The hugely popular pop-up outdoor skating rink is back at Wingfield Park for the 2025-2026 winter season! Opening day is November 29, 2025, with fun for the whole family. Don’t miss it!

Wingfield Park
Christmas In The Park
Dec 4
Wingfield Park
Christmas In The Park
Wingfield Park

Celebrate the magic of the season at Christmas in the Park! Festivities begin at 5:30 p.m. with music, ice skating, and holiday fun. Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive with Mayor Crawford for the tree lighting around 6 p.m., followed by sleigh rides, photos with Santa, and a chance for kids to receive a free toy from Ruidoso Parks & Recreation.

Wingfield Park
Ruidoso Festival of Lights Parade
Dec 6
Ruidoso Festival of Lights Parade

Ruidoso’s beloved Festival of Lights Parade brings friends and family together for an evening of twinkling lights and togetherness in the winter wonderland of Ruidoso.

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