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
There’s more to IRONMAN 70.3 Ruidoso than race day. Follow the adventures of five creators as they explored mountain trails, scenic views, Midtown shopping, local dining, pottery, glass art, and unforgettable experiences beyond the finish line. Let their discoveries inspire your own Ruidoso getaway.
There’s something about Ruidoso that keeps people coming back. Nestled in the Sacramento Mountains of southern New Mexico, Ruidoso offers cool mountain air, scenic lakes, outdoor adventure, locally owned shops, great dining, live music, and year-round experiences. Discover why generations of visitors have made Ruidoso their favorite mountain escape.
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.
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
The annual Ruidoso Antique Show comes to the Ruidoso Convention Center August 21–23. Hosted by Yesterday Antiques, this three-day event features antique dealers, vintage décor, collectibles, and unique treasures. Browse vendor booths, discover storied pieces, and enjoy a weekend of antique shopping in Ruidoso.
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!
Join the Sunday Hootenanny at Lost Hiker Brewing Company’s Midtown Taproom. Bring an instrument, sing along, share songs with fellow musicians, or simply relax and enjoy an afternoon of live music, community, and craft beer in Ruidoso.
Gather your fantasy football league at Downshift Brewing Company – Riverside on August 23 for an evening of drafting, friendly competition, and championship dreams. Bring your draft board, enjoy craft beer and good food, and get ready to make the picks that could define your season. Draft begins at 6 PM.
Enjoy a creative evening at Sip & Paint at the Barn at Enchanted Vine Barn on August 27 from 5:30–8 PM. This guided paint-and-sip event welcomes all skill levels and includes step-by-step instruction, wine, and a relaxing rustic barn atmosphere. Perfect for date night, girls’ night out, or a fun gathering with friends. Cost: $40
Enjoy a free outdoor concert by McKenzie Legg during the Ruidoso Public Library’s Summer Music Series. Bring your lawn chair or blanket and experience another evening of live music in Ruidoso. Weather permitting.
Show off your trivia skills at Lost Hiker Brewing Company’s Banana Lovers Day edition of Thursday Night Trivia. Enjoy craft beer, friendly competition, and a fun evening of questions beginning at 6:30 PM. Outside food and fruit are welcome.
Experience Full Moon Nights at White Sands National Park in 2026. Enjoy live music, ranger programs, and moonlit views of the gypsum dunes. Scheduled programs may require advance tickets; park entrance fees apply. Extended park hours allow visitors to enjoy the full moon even on nights without a formal program.
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!
Enjoy an evening of free live music at Downshift Brewing Company – Riverside on Friday, August 28. Grammy-nominated guitarist Dave Millsap performs at 4 PM, followed by Sweet Nadine at 7:30 PM with an energetic mix of classic rock, blues, country, and Spanish favorites. Great beer, great music, and no cover.
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.