With so many entertainment attractions and events—from musical performances and cultural festivals to fun for the whole family—there's never a dull moment in Ruidoso.
Discover Top Ruidoso Attractions
Discover Ruidoso’s best spots to shop sustainably with our guide to 10 favorite secondhand stores. From vintage fashion and upcycled décor to curated furniture and flea market finds, these local gems make thrifting stylish, affordable, and eco-friendly. Support small businesses, give old treasures new life, and join Ruidoso’s growing zero-waste movement.
Ruidoso’s Midtown murals bring color and creativity to the village, with local artists transforming storefronts into vibrant works of art. Supported by the Ruidoso Midtown Association, the walkable mural route offers an easy way to explore the area, discover Instagram-worthy backdrops, and experience the mountain spirit that defines Ruidoso.
YesterLanes is Ruidoso’s newly renovated bowling center, offering classic lanes, an all-new arcade, casual dining at 575 Grill, and drinks at YesterPub. Formerly Ruidoso Bowling Center, it’s now the go-to spot for family fun, parties, and everyday entertainment—with a fresh look and a nostalgic twist. Same great lanes. Totally new vibe.
Escape to the mountains of Ruidoso for fresh air, star-filled skies, stunning views, and unforgettable wildlife encounters. This scenic alpine village offers the perfect year-round getaway for slow travel, relaxation, and outdoor adventure. Discover five powerful reasons to make Ruidoso your next soul-soothing vacation destination.
Looking for the perfect place to sip craft beer or local wine in Ruidoso? From laid-back brewpubs pouring New Mexico’s finest ales to cozy wine bars with curated selections, these top spots offer the perfect setting to unwind and enjoy a drink.
What's the weather like in Ruidoso? Check out the official Village of Ruidoso Tourism Webcams from strategic points overlooking Midtown and Grindstone Lake. View Ruidoso’s daily weather forecast and learn when is the best time to visit.
Even with rising travel costs, people are raring to go and eager to splurge on dining out, mementos, nicer accommodations, and longer stays. Chances are you’re feeling it too. We’ve got you covered. Here are six reasons to put Ruidoso in your 2023 summer travel plans.
Go tubing at Ruidoso Winter Park. There are lanes for racing your friends and a Magic Carpet conveyor belt for an uphill ride. Adrenaline junkies can descend individually, in tandem — or for the fastest and longest ride, in group clusters in a giant tube. After your chilly thrill, retreat to a warming VIP Igloo to cozy up in with a hot drink and a snack.
What to do on a Ruidoso ski vacation if you don’t ski or snowboard? Just off the ski slopes, there are galleries, restaurants, and easy access to multi-use trail systems.
Discover everything you need to know about Grindstone Lake, one of Ruidoso's most popular recreation areas located just minutes from downtown Ruidoso.
Nestled in Ruidoso’s downtown, Midtown is the village hub for dining, arts, and shopping. Stroll through Midtown and enjoy a great selection of restaurants, boutiques, galleries, wineries, brewpubs, and live music.
Looking for thrills and spills on your Ruidoso adventure? Let loose on one of these action-packed activities.
Ruidoso’s first off-road adventure specialist, Backcountry Attitudes, provides 4×4 off-roading adventures through scenic wilderness and mountain terrain for a unique backcountry adventure.
Climb Sierra Blanca, hike through alpine meadows, alongside the Rio Ruidoso, explore a forest on horseback? You decide! Thanks to over a million acres of National Forest and wilderness areas, virtually every corner of Ruidoso is waiting to be discovered. Hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding trails are plentiful.
To get a quick taste of the diverse landscapes that surround our mountain oasis, start with these day trips from Ruidoso.
Witness panoramic vistas from the top of Ski Apache. Look for wildlife and enjoy the cool temperatures of Sierra Blanca Peak. For extra fun, rent a mountain bike at Ski Apache, take it up the mountain on the gondola, and ride down.
Discover Upcoming Ruidoso Events and Entertainment
Support Toys for Tots at Winter Park on Dec 14. Bring a new, unwrapped $10 toy and receive a free tubing ticket ($38 value) or Screaming Eagle Mountain Coaster ticket ($25 value). Multiple toys earn multiple rides—give back and enjoy winter fun.
Experience a nostalgic holiday production with A 1940s Radio Christmas Carol at ENMU Ruidoso. Set in a 1943 radio studio, the show blends swing-era music, heartfelt carols, and backstage humor as the cast scrambles to keep their Christmas broadcast alive. Performances run on select dates Dec. 12–21. Tickets available online via Oso Productions.
Join Downshift Brewing Company Riverside for an evening of art and craft beer! Led by Bridge to Art, a local studio and gallery, each ticket includes a painting class with supplies and a complimentary drink. Tickets are limited, so secure yours quickly at Eventbrite >>
Join Monster House Dispensary & Lounge on December 16 for Friday After Next, a fast, funny holiday adventure as Craig and Day-Day chase down a thief who stole their rent. Movie starts at 7pm. Ages 21+ (18+ with medical card). IDs required.
Celebrate Christmas at the Flying J Ranch with special White Mountain Christmas winter performances from late November to the end of December 2025. BOOK NOW for select dates.
Enjoy an evening of acoustic Americana with Hunter Wainscott at Downshift Brewing – Riverside on Dec. 17. After more than 1,200 shows across the U.S., Hunter brings his raw, heartfelt blend of folk, rock, and country to Ruidoso for a one-night performance from 6–8 PM.
Celebrate Christmas at the Flying J Ranch with special White Mountain Christmas winter performances from late November to the end of December 2025. BOOK NOW for select dates.
Catch Tyler John Kraehling live at Downshift Brewing – Riverside on Dec. 18 from 6–8 PM. A modern troubadour, Tyler weaves observations from his travels into soulful, story-rich songs. Raw, thoughtful, and deeply resonant, his set offers an intimate evening of American singer-songwriter craft.
Celebrate Bake Cookies Day with Thirstday Night Trivia at Lost Hiker Brewing Company’s Midtown Taproom! Join the Trivia Cookie Exchange—bring homemade cookies to share and take home some sweet treats. Trivia starts at 6:30 p.m. Outside food and cookies welcome, and $10 growler fills make it even sweeter!
Join Downshift Brewing Company’s Hidden Tap on Dec. 18, 7–10 PM, for a 1950s-themed Open Mic Night with host Cody Jones. Dress retro, sing a classic, or just enjoy the vintage vibes. All genres welcome—extra cheers for ’50s hits. A fun, nostalgic night for performers and spectators alike.
From downhill excitement at Ski Apache and the tubing runs of Winter Park Recreational Area to horse-drawn sleigh rides through Upper Canyon, here are some of our most popular winter activities.