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 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.
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.
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
Spend your afternoon enjoying live music in Ruidoso at Win Place & Show Bar! Sit back on the outdoor patio, soak in the fresh mountain air, and sip your favorite drink while enjoying the music. Bring your friends, grab a drink, and make the most of your afternoon with great music and good company—see you at Win Place & Show!
Catch Karson City Rebels live at Downshift Brewing Co. - Riverside on September 4, 2026 from 6–9 PM. This genre-bending band blends rock, country, and blues into a high-energy, distinctly original sound.
Enjoy an evening of live music and local wine at Noisy Water Winery’s Midtown Tasting Room. The Mammoth Cults bring their signature blend of blues, rockabilly, and psychedelic desert rock to Concerts on the Turf. Relax on the outdoor patio, sip award-winning New Mexico wines, and enjoy live music in the heart of Midtown Ruidoso..
Americana singer-songwriter Adam Gaffney performs live at Downshift Brewing Company’s Riverside location on September 4. Enjoy an evening of original music, classic covers, craft beer, and riverside atmosphere as this rising artist shares songs inspired by love, loss, and the American experience.
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.
Kick off Labor Day Weekend with 575 Band live at Quarters in Ruidoso, featuring country, classic rock, and dance-floor favorites from 8:00 PM to 1:00 AM.
Discover fresh produce, handmade crafts, artisan foods, baked goods, local wines, and more at the Midtown Market every Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Country Club Park in Midtown Ruidoso. Meet local growers, artists, bakers, and makers while enjoying one of Ruidoso’s favorite seasonal community markets, running through October 3.
Celebrate Labor Day weekend at the 2nd Annual Carrizozo Community Festival on September 5. Enjoy a vintage car parade, live music, arts and crafts vendors, food trucks, kids’ activities, local galleries, and a beer garden hosted by Bonito Valley Brewing Company. The festivities take place from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM at McDonald Park in Carrizozo. More info: carrizozoworks.org or 575-973-3239.
Spend your afternoon enjoying live music in Ruidoso at Win Place & Show Bar! Sit back on the outdoor patio, soak in the fresh mountain air, and sip your favorite drink while enjoying the music. Bring your friends, grab a drink, and make the most of your afternoon with great music and good company—see you at Win Place & Show!
Enjoy an evening of live music and local wine at Noisy Water Winery’s Midtown Tasting Room. Chris Baker brings his blend of country, Americana, and rock to Concerts on the Turf. Relax on the outdoor patio, sip award-winning New Mexico wines, and enjoy live music in the heart of Midtown Ruidoso.
Texas country favorite Rich O’Toole comes to JACKS Backstage for an intimate acoustic evening in Ruidoso on Saturday, September 5. Hear hits like Jaded, Marijuana and Jalapeños, and The Craziest Thing in the cozy Patina Lounge. Doors open at 6 p.m., with the show beginning at 7 p.m. Limited seating is available. Buy Tickets >>
Celebrate Labor Day Weekend with Brunch & Bubbles at The Cellar in Midtown Ruidoso on Sunday, September 6. Enjoy loaded brunch boards and a D.I.Y. mimosa bar from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Brunch boards and mimosa bar access are $15 each.
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!
Send summer off with a bang at Inn of the Mountain Gods on Sunday, September 6. Enjoy an afternoon and evening of family-friendly fun, food, a live DJ, and a spectacular fireworks finale over Lake Mescalero. The free End of Summer Bash runs from 3:00 to 9:00 PM.
Join the Sunday Hootenanny at Lost Hiker Brewing Company’s Midtown Taproom. Bring an instrument, sing along, share songs with fellow musicians, or simply enjoy a relaxed afternoon of live music, community, and craft beer 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.