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
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.
Buying used goods is cooler than ever, and Ruidoso retailers are right on-trend. Discover all manner of recycled and repurposed goods at these Ruidoso vintage shops and pre-owned retailers.
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.
Midtown is more colorful than ever. Grab a selfie in front of Ruidoso’s Instagrammable public murals brought to you by local artists and the Ruidoso Midtown Association.
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
Experience the thrill of the National Championship Air Races, just a short drive from Ruidoso, at the Roswell International Air Center from September 10-14, 2025! Witness aircraft racing at over 500 mph, enjoy aerobatic shows, and explore interactive exhibits. Whether it is a day trip or a weekend getaway, don’t miss this unique high-speed adventure right next door! Visit https://airrace.org/ for tickets and details.
Celebrate recovery at the 2nd Annual Clear Minds, Clear Skies Sobriety Celebration Luau on Sept. 13, 4:30–7 PM at All-American Park, Ruidoso Downs. This free, family-friendly event features music by DJ One, finger foods, kids zone, free haircuts, inspiring guest speakers, and a best-dressed contest—wear your Hawaiian attire for a chance to win!
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. Cold weather? No problem! The music moves inside, so the fun never stops. Gather your friends and enjoy an afternoon of great tunes and good company!
Experience a giant in the American roots music landscape at Inn of the Mountain Gods! Doors: 6 pm | Show: 7 pm. Tickets from $35. BUY TICKETS
Don’t miss The Yarbrough Band live at Jacks Backstage on September 13! Doors open at 6:00 PM; the show starts at 8:00 PM. This high-energy country performance is part of a special Lincoln County Youth Agriculture Supporters event. Join the fun, support a great cause, and get your tickets at https://tickets.holdmyticket.com/tickets/448736?tc=hmt
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. Cold weather? No problem! The music moves inside, so the fun never stops. Gather your friends and enjoy an afternoon of great tunes and good company!
The Far West, an Alt-Country/Americana band from Los Angeles, performs live at Downshift Brewing Company – Riverside on September 16, 2025. Enjoy an evening of craft brews and soulful roots-inspired music from 6–9 PM in the heart of Ruidoso.
Tif & Mollie, a genre-bending female duo, perform live at Downshift Brewing Company – Riverside on September 17, 2025. With looping, cello, multi-instrument grooves, and dynamic originals alongside inventive covers, they create a lively, off-the-cuff show full of energy, laughter, and dance-worthy music from 6–8 PM in Ruidoso.
Rev up for the Golden Aspen Motorcycle Rally, September 18–21, 2025. One of the Southwest’s premier rallies, it features scenic rides through Lincoln County, a trade show, live music, demo rides, and a custom bike show. A four-day celebration of motorcycles, music, and mountain roads.
The beloved Wine Pairing Dinner returns September 18, 2025, from 6–8 PM at Noisy Water Winery in Ruidoso. Enjoy a five-course menu featuring dishes like red wine–braised short ribs and lemon panna cotta, each paired with a hand-selected wine. Seats are limited—reserve your spot now for an unforgettable evening of food, wine, and celebration. Reserve Your Seat
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.