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
Smokey Bear Stampede
Jul 2
Lincoln County Fairgrounds
Smokey Bear Stampede
Lincoln County Fairgrounds

Eight rodeos in four days! The nation’s largest open rodeo weekend includes four nightly rodeos, a two-day ranch rodeo, a youth ranch rodeo, a kid’s rough stock rodeo, a cook-off, kids’ events, and nightly dances. On July 4th, enjoy a full day of Independence celebration with a campfire Dutch oven competition, mutton bustin’, steer riding, evening rodeo, live music, and dance. You don’t want to miss this annual 4th of July celebration! smokeybearstampede.com

Lincoln County Fairgrounds
30th Annual Lincoln County Art Loop
Jul 4
30th Annual Lincoln County Art Loop

Throughout Lincoln County artists will open their studios, demonstrate their craft and discuss their creative process creating much more than simply a vibrant art market.

RAINBOW WEEKEND at Ruidoso Downs Race Track
Jul 12
Ruidoso Downs Race Track
RAINBOW WEEKEND at Ruidoso Downs Race Track
Ruidoso Downs Race Track

Experience Rainbow Weekend on July 12-13 at Ruidoso Downs Race Track, featuring over $2.3 million in purse money. The Rainbow QH Derby, Oaks, and Invitational Stakes showcase top three-year-olds on Saturday, while Sunday’s Futurity and Juvenile Stakes highlight elite two-year-olds. Don’t miss this high-stakes racing event, part of the 46-day summer season!

Ruidoso Downs Race Track
ZIA WEEKEND at Ruidoso Downs Race Track
Jul 19
Ruidoso Downs Race Track
ZIA WEEKEND at Ruidoso Downs Race Track
Ruidoso Downs Race Track

Experience the Zia Festival Weekend on July 19-20 at Ruidoso Downs Race Track, showcasing New Mexico-bred Quarter Horses with over $700,000 in purse money. Featured races include the Zia QH Derby, Futurity, Stakes, 870 Championship, and Juvenile Finals, with distances from 400 to 870 yards. Don’t miss this high-stakes racing event, part of the 46-day summer season!

Ruidoso Downs Race Track
54th Annual Ruidoso Art and Wine Festival
Jul 25
Ruidoso Convention Center
54th Annual Ruidoso Art and Wine Festival
Ruidoso Convention Center

Art lovers from around the southwest make an annual trip to Ruidoso for this juried fine arts show that features over 100 of the nation’s most talented artists, showcasing a broad spectrum of mediums, showcasing collectible art and jewelry.

Ruidoso Convention Center
Billy the Kid Pageant and Old Lincoln Days
Aug 1
Historic Lincoln
Billy the Kid Pageant and Old Lincoln Days
Historic Lincoln

The 2025 Billy the Kid Pageant brings history to life in Lincoln, NM, with performances on August 1st, 2nd, and 3rd. This folk play, first staged in 1940, reenacts key moments of the Lincoln County War, including Billy the Kid’s daring escape. Featuring local volunteer actors, many of whom are descendants of past participants, the event offers an authentic Old West experience. Tickets are available only at the gate.

Historic Lincoln
Alto Artists Tour
Aug 1
Alto Artists Tour

This free, self-guided annual tour offers you the chance to explore behind the scenes of the Alto art community. The public is invited to visit private studios and homes throughout Alto to interact with local professional artists. Learn more at AltoArtists.org

Annual Brewdoso Craft Beer and Wine Festival at Wingfield Park
Aug 9
Wingfield Park
Annual Brewdoso Craft Beer and Wine Festival at Wingfield Park
Wingfield Park

Exciting News! The Ruidoso Midtown Association is bringing back Brewdoso on August 9 at Wingfield Park! Mark your calendars for craft brews, live music, and a fantastic time in the mountains! Mark Your Calendar: Ticket Sales Go Live May 1 at Brewdoso.com!

Wingfield Park
XTERRA Ruidoso: Ultimate Off-Road Adventure
Aug 15
XTERRA Ruidoso: Ultimate Off-Road Adventure

Experience the thrill of XTERRA Ruidoso from August 15-17, 2025! Set against the breathtaking Grindstone Lake, this event features full and sprint triathlons, a scenic 10K trail run, and a kids’ race—all designed for athletes and outdoor lovers alike. This event welcomes athletes, families, and outdoor enthusiasts to the lush trails of Grindstone Lake, promising adventure for all.

Ruidoso Grindstone Trails Runs (4M; 8.5M and 13.8M)
Aug 23
Wingfield Park
Ruidoso Grindstone Trails Runs (4M; 8.5M and 13.8M)
Wingfield Park

Join the Ruidoso Grindstone Trail Runs at Wingfield Park on August 23, 2025. Celebrate the 11th anniversary with a Half Marathon Heavy (13.8 miles), 8.5 miles, and 4 miles. Events start at 7:00 AM. Proceeds benefit All-Season Adaptive Sports. Top finishers qualify for the XTERRA Trail Run World Championship. Enjoy commemorative swag, cake, and a post-race party. Register now!

Wingfield Park
Fort Stanton LIVE
Aug 23
Fort Stanton State Historic Site
Fort Stanton LIVE
Fort Stanton State Historic Site

Experience history at Fort Stanton's annual event on August 23, featuring Civil War and Indian War re-enactors, demonstrations, live music, and vendors. Enjoy performances by Mescalero Apache dancers and Indian tacos and explore new exhibits in the Nurse's Quarters. Kids can enjoy themed activities, and a blood drive honors the nurses who served. Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for children. Free entry is available for qualifying groups. Buy Tickets >>

Fort Stanton State Historic Site
ALL AMERICAN WEEKEND at Ruidoso Downs Race Track
Aug 31
Ruidoso Downs Race Track
ALL AMERICAN WEEKEND at Ruidoso Downs Race Track
Ruidoso Downs Race Track

Experience All American Quarter Horse Championship Weekend on August 31 & September 1 at Ruidoso Downs Race Track, featuring over $4.75 million in purses! The All American Futurity G1 ($3M), Derby G1 ($700K), Oaks G1 ($500K), and Gold Cup G1 ($250K) highlight two days of elite Quarter Horse racing. Don’t miss the grand finale of the 2025 racing season!

Ruidoso Downs Race Track
Run to Ruidoso: Rusty Balls C10 Club Car and Truck Show
Sep 19
Ruidoso Downs Race Track
Run to Ruidoso: Rusty Balls C10 Club Car and Truck Show
Ruidoso Downs Race Track

Join the Rusty Balls C10 Club NM Car and Truck Show on September 19-20 at Ruidoso Downs Racetrack, featuring special guest Steve Darnell from Vegas Rat Rods. The weekend kicks off with a Friday night pre-party at Jack’s Backstage, followed by Saturday’s car show with multiple award categories. After the show, enjoy a free after-party at Rusty Balls Speed Shop with food, music, and giveaways! 

Ruidoso Downs Race Track
Ruidoso Oktoberfest - Downshift Brewing Company Riverside
Sep 27
Downshift Brewing Company - Riverside
Ruidoso Oktoberfest - Downshift Brewing Company Riverside
Downshift Brewing Company - Riverside

Raise a stein to Ruidoso Oktoberfest! Celebrate at Downshift Brewing Company—Riverside with beer, German food, and family fun. Enjoy live entertainment, including Fungi Mungle and Die Polka Schlingels. Enter contests for best dressed, stein hoisting, and the chicken dance. Tickets start at $10, and VIP passes include tokens, swag, and exclusive perks. This is a rain-or-shine event! BUY TICKETS »

Downshift Brewing Company - Riverside
3rd Annual New Mexico 4x4 Rally at Ruidoso Convention Center
Oct 10
Ruidoso Convention Center
3rd Annual New Mexico 4x4 Rally at Ruidoso Convention Center
Ruidoso Convention Center

The 3rd Annual New Mexico 4x4 Rally at the Ruidoso Convention Center is a three-day celebration of off-road excitement and community spirit. Attendees can enjoy a vibrant vendor exhibit, car show, trail challenges, a cornhole tournament, and an overlanding campout. Open to all street-legal off-road vehicles, the family-friendly event promises fun for all ages.Don't miss out—buy tickets now! nm4x4rally.com/

Ruidoso Convention Center
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
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.

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 »

 
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