Attractions & Entertainment
 

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

Featured
See what Ruidoso looks like in real-time
See what Ruidoso looks like in real-time

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.

Read more →
Why a Ruidoso Mountain Escape Should Be Your Next Vacation
Why a Ruidoso Mountain Escape Should Be Your Next Vacation

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.


Read more →
Top Free Things to Do in Ruidoso
Top Free Things to Do in Ruidoso

Discover the best free things to do in Ruidoso! From stargazing and wildlife watching to forest walks, playground adventures, and scenic photo ops, this mountain town offers unforgettable experiences that won’t cost a dime. Perfect for families, couples, and solo explorers looking to enjoy nature and fun on a budget.

Read more →
On Tap: Ruidoso Brewpubs, Wine Bars & Distilleries
On Tap: Ruidoso Brewpubs, Wine Bars & Distilleries

Looking for the perfect place to sip craft beer, local wine, or handcrafted spirits in Ruidoso? From laid-back brewpubs pouring New Mexico ales to welcoming wine bars and local distilleries serving creative cocktails, these top spots offer plenty of ways to unwind and raise a glass in Ruidoso.

Read more →
Explore Ruidoso’s Public Art Murals
Explore Ruidoso’s Public Art Murals

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.

Read more →
10 Favorite Places to Secondhand Shop in Ruidoso
10 Favorite Places to Secondhand Shop in 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.

Read more →
Now Open: The Crow at Marty’s Golf House — Indoor Golf & Social Lounge in Ruidoso
Now Open: The Crow at Marty’s Golf House — Indoor Golf & Social Lounge in Ruidoso

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.

Read more →
OHV & UTV Off-Road Adventures in Ruidoso with Backcountry Attitudes
OHV & UTV Off-Road Adventures in Ruidoso with Backcountry Attitudes

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.

Read more →
YesterLanes – Ruidoso’s Revamped Bowling & Entertainment Center
YesterLanes – Ruidoso’s Revamped Bowling & Entertainment Center

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.

Read more →
Ruidoso Winter Park: A Winter Family Favorite
Ruidoso Winter Park: A Winter Family Favorite

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.

Read more →
Six reasons to put Ruidoso in your summer 2023 travel plans
Six reasons to put Ruidoso in your summer 2023 travel plans

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.

Read more →
Ruidoso Winter Activities Beyond the Ski Slopes
Ruidoso Winter Activities Beyond the Ski Slopes

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. 

Read more →
An Insider’s Guide to Midtown Ruidoso
An Insider’s Guide to Midtown 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.

Read more →
Top Winter Experiences in Ruidoso
Top Winter Experiences in Ruidoso

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.

Read more →
Ruidoso for Adrenaline Junkies
Ruidoso for Adrenaline Junkies

Looking for thrills and spills on your Ruidoso adventure? Let loose on one of these action-packed activities.

Read more →
RUIDOSO TRAILS: Where To Hike, Bike, and Horseback Ride in Ruidoso
RUIDOSO TRAILS: Where To Hike, Bike, and Horseback Ride in Ruidoso

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.

Read more →
Day Trips from Ruidoso: Discover nearby towns and attractions
Day Trips from Ruidoso: Discover nearby towns and attractions

To get a quick taste of the diverse landscapes that surround our mountain oasis, start with these day trips from Ruidoso.

Read more →
Scenic Gondola Rides at Ski Apache
Scenic Gondola Rides at Ski Apache

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.

Read more →
Show More

Discover Upcoming Ruidoso Events and Entertainment

Featured
XTERRA Morning Yoga at Blue Lotus Day Spa & Yoga
Oct 7
XTERRA Morning Yoga at Blue Lotus Day Spa & Yoga

Start your day with free morning yoga at Blue Lotus Day Spa & Yoga during XTERRA World Championship week. Daily classes from October 7–10 welcome athletes, visitors, and local residents for a relaxing mountain wellness experience. Advance registration is required.

Read more →
XTERRA Evening Yoga at Downshift Riverside
Oct 7
XTERRA Evening Yoga at Downshift Riverside

Relax and recharge with free evening yoga at Downshift Riverside during XTERRA World Championship week. Evening classes October 7–9 welcome athletes, visitors, and local residents for a peaceful way to end the day. Advance registration is required.

Read more →
XTERRA Ruidoso Shop Hop
Oct 8
XTERRA Ruidoso Shop Hop

Registered XTERRA World Championship athletes can enjoy exclusive discounts at participating Ruidoso businesses during race week. Claim your digital Shop Hop Pass, then present it at participating businesses to receive special offers at local restaurants, breweries, wineries, boutiques, outdoor outfitters, galleries, wellness businesses, and specialty shops throughout Ruidoso.

Read more →
XTERRA Welcome Ceremony & Community Celebration at Wingfield Park
Oct 8
XTERRA Welcome Ceremony & Community Celebration at Wingfield Park

Welcome athletes from around the world at Wingfield Park on October 8. The XTERRA Welcome Ceremony and Phil Hamilton Band concert are free and open to the public, with no ticket or purchase required. Join the community as Ruidoso kicks off four days of World Championship racing and celebration.

Read more →
XTERRA World Championship 2026 in Ruidoso
Oct 8
XTERRA World Championship 2026 in Ruidoso

Ruidoso hosts the 2026 XTERRA World Championship, October 8–11, celebrating XTERRA’s 30th anniversary and its return to the United States. Watch world-class athletes swim Grindstone Lake, mountain bike rugged forest trails, and compete at nearly 7,000 feet—then explore Ruidoso’s dining, outdoor recreation, events, and welcoming mountain community.

Read more →
XTERRA Sunrise Community Hike – Grindstone Mesa Loop (6K)
Oct 9
XTERRA Sunrise Community Hike – Grindstone Mesa Loop (6K)

Watch the sun rise over the mountains during this free guided XTERRA Community Hike on Friday, October 9. Explore the Grindstone Mesa Loop with local Happy Hiker guides while discovering the scenery, wildlife, and outdoor beauty that make Ruidoso a premier mountain destination.

Read more →
Walk-In Movie Night at Jacks Backstage
Oct 9
Walk-In Movie Night at Jacks Backstage

Catch Teton Gravity Research’s Actually, It Is Rocket Science at JACKS Backstage on October 9, with a silent auction and raffle benefiting Ski Apache Mountain Rescue and Ski Patrol.

Read more →
Watercolors & Winged Wonders: An Art in Nature Family Day at Wingfield Heritage House Museum
Oct 10
Watercolors & Winged Wonders: An Art in Nature Family Day at Wingfield Heritage House Museum

Explore butterflies, birds, watercolor and nature-inspired art at Watercolors & Winged Wonders, a free Family Day at the Wingfield Heritage House Museum on October 10.

Read more →
Pumpkin Patch at Enchanted Vine
Oct 10
Pumpkin Patch at Enchanted Vine

Celebrate fall at Enchanted Vine’s Pumpkin Patch in Alto, featuring pumpkins, festive photo opportunities, seasonal drinks, and crisp mountain air throughout October.

Read more →
Karson City Rebels Live at Downshift Brewing Co. - Riverside
Oct 10
Karson City Rebels Live at Downshift Brewing Co. - Riverside

Brian and Gil of the Karson City Rebels bring their acoustic blend of rock, country, and blues to Downshift Brewing Company – Riverside on October 10.

Read more →
XTERRA World Championship Awards Ceremonies & After Party at Ruidoso Convention Center
Oct 10
XTERRA World Championship Awards Ceremonies & After Party at Ruidoso Convention Center

Celebrate the 2026 XTERRA World Championship with two evenings of awards and festivities at the Ruidoso Convention Center. Full-distance awards and the XTERRA After Party take place Saturday, October 10. Sunday’s Youth Awards and Closing Ceremony welcome the community; a dinner ticket is required and may be purchased at the XTERRA Expo.

Read more →
Patina After Dark with DJ SMØXA at Jacks Backstage
Oct 10
Patina After Dark with DJ SMØXA at Jacks Backstage

DJ SMØXA takes over Patina Lounge at JACKS Backstage for Patina After Dark, featuring an open-format DJ set from 9 PM to 2 AM on Saturday, October 10. No cover.

Read more →
Acoustic Jam Session with Old Friends: Billy the Kid at Bonito Valley Brewing Company
Oct 10
Acoustic Jam Session with Old Friends: Billy the Kid at Bonito Valley Brewing Company

Head to historic Lincoln for a Billy the Kid-themed acoustic jam session with old friends at Bonito Valley Brewing Company, featuring live music from 1:00 to 5:00 PM on Saturday, October 10.

Read more →
Chile Roast at Enchanted Vine
Oct 11
Chile Roast at Enchanted Vine

Celebrate New Mexico chile season at Enchanted Vine with fresh-roasted chiles and a complimentary splash of red or green chile wine for guests 21+. No reservations required.

Read more →
Spooky Charcuterie Building Class at Noisy Water Winery
Oct 15
Spooky Charcuterie Building Class at Noisy Water Winery

Celebrate spooky season at Noisy Water Winery’s Ruidoso Tasting Room with a Halloween-inspired charcuterie building class on October 15. Create your own festive board while enjoying a complimentary glass of wine.

Read more →
See All
 
Explore by experience, Things to do in RuidosoKerry Gladdenwhat to see & do, Attractions & Activities, Things to do in Ruidoso.