Ruidoso AspenFest: Ruidoso's Favorite Fall Festival
PARADE • LIVE MUSIC • VENDORS • FOOD • BEER & WINE
Celebrate autumn in the mountains at Ruidoso AspenFest on Saturday, October 3, 2026. One of Ruidoso’s favorite annual traditions, AspenFest brings the community together for a fall day filled with a Midtown parade, live music, local flavor, and family-friendly fun.
The celebration begins with the annual AspenFest Parade through Midtown Ruidoso at 10:00 AM. This year’s theme, “Harvesting Adventure,” celebrates the outdoor spirit, mountain culture, and sense of adventure that make Ruidoso such a special place to experience fall.
After the parade, head to Wingfield Park for the AspenFest Festival from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM, with live music, New Mexico wine and craft beer, food vendors, and activities for kids.
2026 AspenFest Schedule
AspenFest Parade
10:00 AM
Midtown Ruidoso
AspenFest Festival
11:00 AM–6:00 PM
Wingfield Park, 300 Center Street
Live Music at Wingfield Park
Nova Rush
12:00–1:30 PM
Doso Dirtbags
2:00–3:30 PM
Mammoth Cults
4:00–5:30 PM
Festival Admission
General admission: $10
Admission with wine and beer tasting: $25
Children ages 12 and under: Free
Festival tickets are available at the gate.
Make a Fall Weekend of It
AspenFest arrives during one of the most colorful times of year in Ruidoso, when cooler mountain temperatures and changing aspens make early October especially inviting for exploring the area.
Pair the festival with a scenic drive, a walk through Midtown, an afternoon on the trails, or a trip into the surrounding mountains to enjoy the changing fall colors.
For the latest festival schedule, entertainment, and event details, visit the 2026 Ruidoso AspenFest event listing:
https://www.discoverruidoso.com/calendar-of-events/ruidoso-aspenfest
Getting Around on AspenFest Day
The AspenFest Parade begins at 10:00 AM in Midtown Ruidoso. Road closures along the parade route begin at 9:30 AM, with no traffic permitted along the route after 9:45 AM. Roads will reopen following the conclusion of the parade.
Visitors should plan for additional travel time and expect traffic delays in and around Midtown.
For current road closures, barricade locations, detours, and traffic information, view the Village of Ruidoso’s 2026 AspenFest Traffic Control Plan:
https://www.ruidoso-nm.gov/news-info/mg849we7l48yfae659mzs5exmabw9e