Ruidoso Festivals and Annual Events

Ruidoso hosts many exciting festivals and annual events. Everything from Party in the Pines to the Art Loop, AspenFest to the Festival of Lights!  We invite you to browse our diverse selection of year-round opportunities to experience art, music, and culture that makes Ruidoso such a great place to live and to visit. Find an archive of Ruidoso festivals and events HERE.

Featured
Old Lincoln Days and Last Escape of Billy the Kid Pageant
Aug 7
Old Lincoln Days and Last Escape of Billy the Kid Pageant

Travel back to the Old West during Old Lincoln Days in Historic Lincoln. Experience gunfight reenactments, living history, Billy the Kid lectures, children’s activities, live music, food vendors, historic tours, and the legendary Last Escape of Billy the Kid Pageant. Celebrate one of New Mexico’s most authentic and enduring Western traditions in the heart of Lincoln County.

Alto Art Tour
Aug 7
Alto Art Tour

Step inside the studios and homes of Alto’s professional artists during this free, self-guided tour. From ceramics and glass to woodwork and textiles, each stop reveals the stories and spaces behind the art. Insider favorite: Many artists offer works not available anywhere else—so come ready to browse and be inspired. Learn more at https://altoarttour.org

Ruidoso Hospice Foundation Annual Butterfly Release
Aug 15
Ruidoso Hospice Foundation Annual Butterfly Release

Join a special Monarch Butterfly Release on August 15 at White Mountain Meadows in Ruidoso. Pre-order a live butterfly and take part in a shared moment of renewal as they take flight at 11 AM. Arrive early to participate in this peaceful outdoor experience set in a scenic park setting.

Annual Taste Of The Spencer Fundraising Party
Aug 15
Annual Taste Of The Spencer Fundraising Party

Attend the 19th Annual Taste of the Spencer fundraiser on August 15, 2026, featuring fine wines, a plated filet and lobster dinner, and an evening supporting Spencer Theater.

Annual Ruidoso Antiques & Collectibles Show
Aug 21
Annual Ruidoso Antiques & Collectibles Show

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.

Ruidoso Grindstone Trails Runs (4M; 8.5M and 13.8M)
Aug 22
Ruidoso Grindstone Trails Runs (4M; 8.5M and 13.8M)

Join the 12th annual Ruidoso Grindstone Trail Runs on August 22, 2026, at Wingfield Park in downtown Ruidoso. Choose from a 13.8-mile Half Marathon Heavy, 8.5-mile, 4-mile, or Kids’ Dash. Enjoy scenic mountain trails, commemorative swag, free race photos, and a post-race party supporting All-Season Adaptive Sports.

Rainmakers Golf Tourney
Sep 8
Rainmakers Golf Tourney

Join the Rainmakers Golf Tourney on September 8, 2026, benefiting Spencer Theater operations and programming at the Robert Trent Jones Championship Course in Alto, New Mexico.

2nd Annual Ruidoso RunFest (formerly Ruidoso Marathon Weekend)
Sep 18
2nd Annual Ruidoso RunFest (formerly Ruidoso Marathon Weekend)

The 2nd Annual Ruidoso RunFest takes place September 18–19, 2026, bringing runners and visitors together for a festive weekend in downtown Ruidoso. Events include a Friday night 5K and Kids’ 1K, plus Saturday’s marathon, half marathon, and road 47K/50K, with live music, food trucks, and a beer garden at Wingfield Park. Registration + Details >>

Ruidoso Oktoberfest - Downshift Brewing Company Riverside
Sep 26
Ruidoso Oktoberfest - Downshift Brewing Company Riverside

Celebrate Oktoberfest in Midtown Ruidoso with Downshift Brewing Company on September 26. Enjoy German food, craft beer, live music, stein hoisting, contests, family activities, and entertainment on multiple stages. Choose from General Admission, Designated Driver, or VIP tickets for a full day of festive fun. BUY TICKETS »

2026 Ruidoso AspenFest: Ruidoso's Favorite Fall Celebration.
Oct 3
2026 Ruidoso AspenFest: Ruidoso's Favorite Fall Celebration.

Celebrate Autumn in Ruidoso at AspenFest. The weekend celebration is on Saturday, October 3, 2026, with a 10:00 AM parade through Midtown, immediately followed by fun, food, music, and drinks at Wingfield Park. Don't miss Ruidoso's favorite fall festival!

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.

12th Annual Día de los Muertos Festival at Historic Lincoln
Oct 31
12th Annual Día de los Muertos Festival at Historic Lincoln

Celebrate Día de los Muertos in historic Lincoln with live music, dance performances, historic presentations, ofrendas, face painting, food, drinks, and handcrafted vendors. Admission is free, and the festival offers a full day of family-friendly activities. Most vendors will be cash only due to limited cell service.

Ruidoso Turkey Trot 5K
Nov 28
Ruidoso Turkey Trot 5K

Join the fun at Ruidoso’s 11th Annual Turkey Trot 5K Run/Walk on November 29, 2025! The final race in the Ruidoso Run Series kicks off at 10 a.m. on the Links Trail. The first 50 runners receive a free T-shirt and the first 70 finishers earn a participation medal. In-person registration begins at 8:30 a.m. at the White Mountain Recreation Complex.

Events & Festivals, FAQ, Things to do in RuidosoKerry GladdenThings to do in Ruidoso.