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
AspenCash Motorcycle Rally at Ruidoso Convention Center
May 16
Ruidoso Convention Center
AspenCash Motorcycle Rally at Ruidoso Convention Center
Ruidoso Convention Center

Beat the heat and find yourself riding the shaded pines of the Sacramento mountains for 4-days of riding, food and music. Learn more at MotorcycleRally.com

Ruidoso Convention Center
Lincoln Forest Renaissance Faire at Wingfield Park
May 17
Wingfield Park
Lincoln Forest Renaissance Faire at Wingfield Park
Wingfield Park

Immerse yourself in the magic of the medieval era right in the heart of Ruidoso, New Mexico. Featuring talented jesters, minstrels, and troubadours, a bustling marketplace with medieval wares, delicious Renaissance fare, and enchanting children's activities. Encounter mystical characters, fortune tellers, and more surprises throughout the day. Don your finest medieval attire and join event host Oso Productions for a day of history, fantasy, and fun at the Lincoln Forest Renaissance Faire. Tickets are available online or at the gate with special discounts for children and seniors.

Wingfield Park
Opening Weekend at Ruidoso Downs Race Track
May 24
Ruidoso Downs Race Track and Casino
Opening Weekend at Ruidoso Downs Race Track
Ruidoso Downs Race Track and Casino

Ruidoso Downs Race Track opens its summer meet on Memorial Day Weekend with the top two-and-three-year-old quarter horses in the world competing in the Ruidoso Futurity/Derby Trials and the $45K John Andreini Memorial Stakes. Book your tickets today!

Ruidoso Downs Race Track and Casino
Opening Weekend: Wibit Water Park at Grindstone Lake
May 25
Grindstone Lake
Opening Weekend: Wibit Water Park at Grindstone Lake
Grindstone Lake

Ruidoso’s unique attraction, the Wibit Water Park at Grindstone Lake, opens for the summer season on May 25, 2024. The floating, inflatable platform is perfect for family fun, birthday parties, and special events. Come out for the day or purchase a season pass with swimming, boating, fishing, disc golf, and more available at Grindstone Lake, in the heart of Ruidoso.

Grindstone Lake
29th Annual Lincoln County Art Loop
Jul 5
29th 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.

53rd Annual Ruidoso Art and Wine Festival
Jul 26
Ruidoso Convention Center
53rd 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 2
Historic Lincoln
Billy the Kid Pageant and Old Lincoln Days
Historic Lincoln

This annual folk pageant with re-enactors portraying Billy the Kid's last escape and the notorious Lincoln County War is a regional favorite with food vendors, live music, food, arts & crafts, and a parade. Don’t miss it!

Historic Lincoln
Alto Artists Tour
Aug 2
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.

Annual Brewdoso Craft Beer and Wine Festival at Wingfield Park
Aug 17
Wingfield Park
Annual Brewdoso Craft Beer and Wine Festival at Wingfield Park
Wingfield Park

The Ruidoso Midtown Association's signature Beer and Wine Festival is better than ever, with live entertainment and NM craft beer, wine, and live entertainment at Wingfield Park. Rain or shine, don’t miss it! Come support New Mexico beer, wine, food, live music, and fun during this one-day festival. Learn more >>

Wingfield Park
Ruidoso Grindstone Trails Runs (4M; 8.5M and 13.8M)
Aug 24
Wingfield Park
Ruidoso Grindstone Trails Runs (4M; 8.5M and 13.8M)
Wingfield Park

Enjoy the Ruidoso Grindstone Trails system with three different trail running distances: Half Marathon, 8.5 Miler, and 4 Miler. Start and finish at Wingfield Park in Midtown Ruidoso. Great scenery, fantastic volunteer support, legendary Ruidoso carved bears awards for top finishers. This is the fifth of six races in the Run Ruidoso 2024 series and a fundraiser for the Ski Apache Adaptive Sports nonprofit organization.

Wingfield Park
All American Futurity: The World's Richest Quarter Horse Race
Sep 2
Ruidoso Downs Race Track And Billy The Kid Casino
All American Futurity: The World's Richest Quarter Horse Race
Ruidoso Downs Race Track And Billy The Kid Casino

The All American Futurity at Ruidoso Downs has a purse of $3 million and is the richest race for a two-year-old of any breed in North America.

Ruidoso Downs Race Track And Billy The Kid Casino
Ruidoso Turkey Trot
Nov 30
White Mountain Recreation Complex (The Links Trail)
Ruidoso Turkey Trot
White Mountain Recreation Complex (The Links Trail)

Put on your running shoes for the 5K Ruidoso Turkey Trot, an annual fun Run-Walk on the Links Trail to support the Lincoln County Food Bank. This is the final race of the Run Ruidoso 2024 season. $30 registration fee via Civic Rec (under the Activities & Programs tab)

White Mountain Recreation Complex (The Links Trail)

Check out these past events to help you plan for next year!

Featured
Annual Bunny Run/Walk and Easter Egg Hunt at Cedar Creek
Mar 30
Annual Bunny Run/Walk and Easter Egg Hunt at Cedar Creek

Come out and join Ruidoso Parks and Recreation for their annual Bunny Walk/Run and Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday, March 30, 2024 at Cedar Creek, the second of six races in the Run Ruidoso 2024 series. This year the Easter Bunny will leave treats for the runners to collect in their race bags. The registration fee is $30. Register Online Today! (Under the Activities & Programs tab)

The Links 5K Run and Walk
Mar 16
The Links 5K Run and Walk

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 2024 series. Registration is $30. Register Online Today! (Under the Activities & Programs tab)

Annual Vines In The Pines Art and Wine Festival at the Ruidoso Convention Center
Feb 17
Annual Vines In The Pines Art and Wine Festival at the Ruidoso Convention Center

Calling all foodies and wine lovers: This is a great opportunity to sample New Mexico wines while enjoying local art, crafts, food, boutique vendors, and local brews for those who aren't wine drinkers. Fun for everyone. Buy Tickets >>

New Year's Eve in Ruidoso
Dec 31
New Year's Eve in Ruidoso

Ruidoso is the perfect place to ring in the New Year. Wine, dine and dance the night away with a New Year's Eve celebration. Check out our summary of Ruidoso New Year events with options for every budget.

Christmas Drone Show and Drive-In Movie at White Mountain Recreation Complex
Dec 9
Christmas Drone Show and Drive-In Movie at White Mountain Recreation Complex

Don’t miss the annual Ruidoso Parks & Recreation Christmas Drone Show and a Drive-In Movie at White Mountain Sports Complex on December 9, 2023. Come at 6:00 p.m. for a Drive-In showing of "Arthur Christmas,” followed by a spectacular holiday Drone light show at 8:15 p.m. This is a FREE public event. See you there!

Ruidoso Festival of Lights Parade
Dec 2
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. After Party to follow the Parade at Wingfield Park.

Christmas In The Park
Nov 30
Christmas In The Park

Kick off the Christmas season while viewing the beautiful Christmas lights put up by the Parks and Recreation Department at Wingfield Park on Thursday, November 30, 2023, at 6:00 PM. There will be pictures with Santa, cookies, Christmas carols, and much more.

Opening Weekend at Ski Apache (Conditions Permitting)
Nov 25
Opening Weekend at Ski Apache (Conditions Permitting)

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

Party On The Mountain at Ski Apache
Nov 25
Party On The Mountain at Ski Apache

Gear up for this free family event featuring food, entertainment, and raffles as Ski Apache kicks off the 2023-2024 ski season. Enjoy gondola rides, live music, and discounted rates on gear. Plus, a special one-day-only discounted rate for season passes. Learn more >>

Opening Weekend - Ice Skating at Wingfield Park (Seasonal, Select Dates)
Nov 24
Opening Weekend - Ice Skating at Wingfield Park (Seasonal, Select Dates)

The hugely popular pop-up outdoor skating rink is back at Wingfield Park for the 2023-2024 winter season! Opening day is November 24, 2023, with fun for the whole family. Don’t miss it!

Grindstone Stables Sleigh Rides Opening Weekend
Nov 23
Grindstone Stables Sleigh Rides Opening Weekend

During the winter holiday season, there are sleigh rides through the historic upper canyon with Grindstone Stables. No snow is required to enjoy a crisp winter evening and the holiday decorations of Ruidoso's oldest neighborhood. Call Grindstone Stables at 575-257-2241 to make reservations, or visit grindstonestables.com

Ruidoso Winter Park Tubing - Opening Day
Nov 23
Ruidoso Winter Park Tubing - Opening Day

Enjoy Ruidoso’s first-class tubing area, Ruidoso Winter Park, with twists, turns, bumps, jumps, and bobsled curves and tubing fun for the entire family. Winter season opening is scheduled for Thanksgiving day on November 23, 2023. Book your adventure now >>

Thanksgiving Weekend in Ruidoso
Nov 23
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.

Ruidoso Christmas Jubilee at the Ruidoso Convention Center
Nov 10
Ruidoso Christmas Jubilee at the 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

9th Annual Dia de Muertos Celebration in Historic Lincoln
Oct 28
9th Annual Dia de Muertos Celebration in Historic Lincoln

Don't miss this lively annual community Day of the Dead celebration in Lincoln, NM. Come and join the fun with live music, dance, family activities, face painting, altar offerings, arts and crafts, and food and drink. This community event is free to the public.

Midtown Halloween Trick or Treat and Pumpkin Roll
Oct 25
Midtown Halloween Trick or Treat and Pumpkin Roll

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!

Ruidoso AspenFest: Ruidoso's Favorite Fall Celebration.
Oct 7
Ruidoso AspenFest: Ruidoso's Favorite Fall Celebration.

Celebrate Autumn in Ruidoso at AspenFest. The weekend celebration is on Saturday, October 7, 2023, with a 10:00 AM parade through Midtown, immediately followed by fun, food, music, and drinks at Wingfield Park. Don't miss Ruidoso's favorite fall festival!

Ruidoso Kite Festival
Sep 23
Ruidoso Kite Festival

Build and fly your own kite, food & drinks, and kite demonstrations at the White Mountain Sports Complex on September 23-24 2023. Spend a weekend with family and friends. See the kites fly, see them swirl, and see them do acrobatics in the sky. A perfect way to kick off fall with outdoor fun in a park setting. FREE to attend! Fun for all ages.

Concerts In The Park
Sep 15
Concerts In The Park

Get ready to elevate your spirit with live outdoor performances by the Josh Abbott Band, Kyle Park, Slade Coulter, and Sarah Rowe, at this Ruidoso concert event at Wingfield Park from September 15-16, 2023. Don’t miss it! Tickets will be on sale on August 1, 2023, at RuidosoConcertsInThePark.com

Cruise to the Pines C10 Truck Show at Wingfield Park
Sep 9
Cruise to the Pines C10 Truck Show at Wingfield Park

Whether you're a die-hard truck enthusiast, a music lover, a foodie, or just someone seeking an unforgettable experience, the C10 TRUCK SHOW - CRUISE TO THE PINES has something for everyone. Don't miss out. Get ready to rev up your engines and roll into the most exciting truck event of the year! This is a free event.

End of Summer Bash at Inn of the Mountain Gods
Sep 3
End of Summer Bash at Inn of the Mountain Gods

Close out summer with a bang! Join the fun at Inn of the Mountain Gods Resort for the End of Summer Bash on Sunday, September 3, 2023. This free, family-friendly event features a live DJ, concessions, and more! Buy a $10 wristband for the kids to enjoy jumping balloons and other activities. The day concludes with a spectacular fireworks show over Lake Mescalero at dusk. Buy tickets >>

All American Labor Day Weekend at Ruidoso Downs Race Track
Sep 2
All American Labor Day Weekend at Ruidoso Downs Race Track

Enjoy the action LIVE for the running of the All American Futurity, All American Oaks, and All American Derby at Ruidoso Downs Race Track. Don't miss a minute of the action as 2-year-olds battle for a spot in the world's richest Quarter Horse race. Learn more at RaceRuidoso.com

New Mexico State Disc Golf Championships at Grindstone Lake
Aug 19
New Mexico State Disc Golf Championships at Grindstone Lake

Come out to watch the longest-running tournament in the state of New Mexico and one of the top-rated courses in the state at the 34th New Mexico State Disc Golf Championships, a PDGA Sanctioned B-tier event, at Grindstone Lake on August 19-20, 2023.

Ruidoso Hospice Foundation Annual Butterfly Release
Aug 12
Ruidoso Hospice Foundation Annual Butterfly Release

The Annual Butterfly Release is a fundraising event for Ruidoso Hospice Foundation featuring the release of 200 or more butterflies. Witness a magical event, commemorate the anniversary, death, or life of a precious friend or companion, and support your local hospice organization. 

Fort Stanton LIVE
Jul 8
Fort Stanton LIVE

This annual event brings costumed re-enactors from the Civil War and Indian Wars era to the Fort for demonstrations, presentations, and live music. Additionally, the event brings authors, historians, photographers, artists, and various historical vendors to the site to share their crafts and other handiwork. Local food vendors provide sustenance for your day at the Fort.

Star Spangled Celebration at Inn Of The Mountain Gods
Jul 4
Star Spangled Celebration at Inn Of The Mountain Gods

Enjoy the 4th of July Star Spangled Celebration at Inn of the Mountain Gods. Bring the whole family out for a day of live entertainment, concessions, and fun kids activities, including jumping balloons from 4 pm to 7 pm. Wristbands are available for purchase for $10. End the day with the biggest and longest fireworks show in New Mexico! Parking is limited and is available on a first-come basis.

All American Tailgate and Drone Light Show
Jul 1
All American Tailgate and Drone Light Show

See 150 drones take flight in a patriotic-themed aerial drone show featuring a 300-foot-tall Statue of Liberty, fireworks, an eagle, and other iconic American images. Meet family and friends for a pre-show tailgate and enjoy FREE family-friendly activities and entertainment starting at 5:00 PM.

Smokey Bear Stampede
Jul 1
Smokey Bear Stampede

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

Mescalero Apache Ceremonial Dances and Rodeo
Jul 1
Mescalero Apache Ceremonial Dances and Rodeo

Visitors will be offered a rare opportunity to witness the coming of age ceremony of Mescalero Apache maidens during this annual event. Ceremonial dances, rodeo, arts and crafts, and ceremonial parade are all part of the annual Mescalero Ceremonial and Rodeo held at the Mescalero Apache reservation over the July 4th holiday.

Annual Taste Of The Spencer Fundraising Party
Jun 17
Annual Taste Of The Spencer Fundraising Party

The ever-evolving artful “Taste of the Spencer” fundraiser returns this 2023 season as a celebratory walk down memory lane. At the heart of this casual yet tasteful celebration of performing arts, friendship, renewal, and fun is the Spencer Theater’s special project, “ASK." Plated Lobster Tail & Filet Mignon Dinner $135. BUY TICKETS

 
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