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
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.
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.
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.
Now open in Ruidoso, The Crow at Marty’s Golf House is an indoor golf and social lounge blending interactive simulators, casual dining, and a relaxed sports-lounge vibe. Enjoy handmade pizzas, New Mexico chile favorites, beer, wine, cocktails, and mocktails in a welcoming space designed for golfers and non-golfers alike.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
Enjoy a free screening of Ninotchka (1939) at ENMU–Ruidoso on April 9 at 5 PM. This classic romantic comedy features Greta Garbo and sharp political satire. Includes free snacks, drinks, and a post-film discussion. Donations welcomed.
Celebrate National Unicorn Day at Lost Hiker Brewing Co. with Thirstday Night Trivia on April 9. Test your knowledge, bring your team, and enjoy a fun, whimsical evening starting at 6:30 PM. Outside food is welcome. Join the fun in Midtown Ruidoso.
Catch Rosewater Blues live at The Patina for the Ruidoso Sound Collective Thursday Sessions on April 9 from 7–9 PM. This weekly series lets audiences vote on performers, helping shape the final lineup for the main event. Enjoy live blues, great atmosphere, and be part of the process.
Enjoy afternoon live music at Win Place & Show Bar in Ruidoso, where talented local and regional musicians set the vibe on the outdoor patio. Relax with a drink and soak in the fresh mountain air. Gather your friends and enjoy an afternoon of great tunes and good company!
Dave Millsap and Winston Cook perform live at Downshift Brewing Company – Riverside on April 10, 2026. Millsap takes the stage at 5 PM, followed by Winston Cook at 7:30 PM. Enjoy an evening of blues-infused rock, indie-folk energy, craft beer, and live music at 2704 Sudderth Drive in Ruidoso.
Whether you're a seasoned dancer or just looking for a fun night out, Win, Place and Show bar promises an unforgettable experience. So grab your cowboy boots and enjoy a night of country music and dancing. Please note that this event is exclusively for those aged 21 and older.
StateLine brings their signature blend of country and rock to Quarters in Midtown Ruidoso. Known for high-energy performances and musical versatility, this seasoned band delivers a crowd-pleasing mix that keeps the dance floor moving all night long.
DJ Hen Dawg makes his Patina Lounge debut on Friday, April 10 from 9 PM to 2 AM in Ruidoso, NM. Enjoy an open-format DJ set featuring hip hop, throwbacks, dance, country remixes, and more. No cover—just a high-energy night of music, drinks, and late-night vibes.
Explore the history and geology of Bonito Lake on a guided Sierra Club hike. This small-group tour visits the abandoned West Lake Campground, the dam and spillway, and the hidden Blue Hole spring while discussing the area’s geology, water systems, and the legacy of the Little Bear Fire.
Step back in time at Retro Game Day in Ruidoso. Enjoy classic games like giant checkers, marbles, jacks, and ring toss at the Wingfield Heritage House Museum. This free, family-friendly event offers a fun, screen-free way to connect, play, and experience a bit of nostalgia.
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.