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
Wingfield House Heritage Museum One-Year Anniversary Celebration
Oct 16
Wingfield House Heritage Museum One-Year Anniversary Celebration

Celebrate the Wingfield House Heritage Museum's one-year anniversary on Thu, Oct 16! Stop by the 2–4 PM Open House with giveaways, activities, and curator-led tours. Then enjoy Business After Hours, 5–7 PM, with light hors d’oeuvres from the Jockey Club, drinks from Downshift Brewing, and live music by the Doso Dirtbags.

Keep Ruidoso Beautiful: Join the Toss No Mas Cleanup
Oct 19
Keep Ruidoso Beautiful: Join the Toss No Mas Cleanup

Looking for a feel-good way to spend an afternoon in Ruidoso? Join the Toss No Mas Cleanup on Sunday, Oct. 19, 2025, 1–4 p.m. at Wingfield Park. Lend a hand, meet locals, and enjoy the fresh mountain air while helping keep the village beautiful. Volunteers get free food, prize giveaways, and all supplies provided—just bring your smile! Registration starts at 12:30 p.m.

Midtown Halloween Trick or Treat and Pumpkin Roll
Oct 29
Midtown Halloween Trick or Treat and Pumpkin Roll

Bring the kids to Midtown for safe Trick-or-Treating and fun Halloween events. There will be fun for the whole family with candy and a costume contest for children 17 and younger. Plus, pumpkin carving, pumpkin roll, coffin race, candy, and much more. See you there!

Rocky Horror Picture Show Live Production at Downshift Brewing Company Riverside
Oct 31
Rocky Horror Picture Show Live Production at Downshift Brewing Company Riverside

Step into the Time Warp with Oso Productions’ shadow cast of The Rocky Horror Picture Show! Watch the cult classic on the big screen as a live cast brings every outrageous moment to life. Your ticket guarantees a seat—and you can boost the fun with an optional prop bag packed with interactive goodies timed to the film’s most iconic scenes. Buy Tickets >>

11th Annual Dia de los Muertos at Historic Lincoln
Nov 1
11th Annual Dia de los Muertos at Historic Lincoln

Don't miss this lively annual community Day of the Dead celebration in Lincoln, NM. Come and join the fun with live music, dance, family activities, face painting, altar offerings, arts and crafts, and food and drink. This community event is free to the public.

A Christmas Affair at Ruidoso Convention Center
Nov 1
A Christmas Affair at Ruidoso Convention Center

Shop from a selection of artisan makers and small businesses at A Christmas Affair, November 1- 2, 2025, at the Ruidoso Convention Center. Discover unique, handcrafted gifts and décor from talented local artists. Enjoy delicious treats, live entertainment, and family-friendly fun—all in a magical holiday atmosphere! 

Ruidoso Christmas Jubilee at the Ruidoso Convention Center
Nov 14
Ruidoso Christmas Jubilee at the Ruidoso Convention Center

Embrace the season and join the Ruidoso Valley Greeters for a timeless and treasured tradition, the Christmas Jubilee, at the Ruidoso Convention Center. Admission is only $5.00 and active military members are free. Learn more at RuidosoChristmasJubilee.com

Opening Weekend at Ski Apache (Conditions Permitting)
Nov 29
Opening Weekend at Ski Apache (Conditions Permitting)

Ski Apache is open for skiing, weather permitting. Please check the SkiApache.comwebsite for hours and ticket information. Tickets & Passes >>

Ruidoso Turkey Trot
Nov 29
Ruidoso Turkey Trot

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.

Ruidoso Festival of Lights Parade
Dec 6
Ruidoso Festival of Lights Parade

Ruidoso’s beloved Festival of Lights Parade brings friends and family together for an evening of twinkling lights and togetherness in the winter wonderland of Ruidoso.

The Nutcracker at Spencer Theater
Dec 20
The Nutcracker at Spencer Theater

STARRING THE RUIDOSO ACADEMY OF BALLET AND DANCE. A cast of 70 outstanding dancers will transform Tchaikovsky's world-famous musical score into a brilliant visual dreamscape with spectacular sets & costumes that bring battling mice, toy soldiers & dazzling Snowflake Fairies to life! This opulent coming-of-age journey is a timeless Christmas gift for the entire family! Saturday, December 20 at 2 pm & 7 pm; Sunday, December, 21 at 2 pm. • $42 BUY TICKETS

The Nutcracker at Spencer Theater
Dec 20
The Nutcracker at Spencer Theater

STARRING THE RUIDOSO ACADEMY OF BALLET AND DANCE. A cast of 70 outstanding dancers will transform Tchaikovsky's world-famous musical score into a brilliant visual dreamscape with spectacular sets & costumes that bring battling mice, toy soldiers & dazzling Snowflake Fairies to life! This opulent coming-of-age journey is a timeless Christmas gift for the entire family! Saturday, December 20 at 2 pm & 7 pm; Sunday, December, 21 at 2 pm. • $42 BUY TICKETS

The Nutcracker at Spencer Theater
Dec 21
The Nutcracker at Spencer Theater

STARRING THE RUIDOSO ACADEMY OF BALLET AND DANCE. A cast of 70 outstanding dancers will transform Tchaikovsky's world-famous musical score into a brilliant visual dreamscape with spectacular sets & costumes that bring battling mice, toy soldiers & dazzling Snowflake Fairies to life! This opulent coming-of-age journey is a timeless Christmas gift for the entire family! Saturday, December 20 at 2 pm & 7 pm; Sunday, December, 21 at 2 pm. • $42 BUY TICKETS

Ironman 70.3 Ruidoso
Jul 11
Ironman 70.3 Ruidoso

Ruidoso is proud to host IRONMAN 70.3 on July 11–12, 2026, a landmark event in our rise as a hub for elite endurance competitions. Joining the 2026 XTERRA World Championships, this triathlon will draw athletes from around the world. A full schedule and more details will be shared closer to the event. Learn More »

Wild West XTERRA 2026 World Championship
Oct 8
Wild West XTERRA 2026 World Championship

Wild West XTERRA comes to Ruidoso, NM, October 8–11, 2026, for the XTERRA World Championship and 30th anniversary celebration. Athletes will tackle high-altitude swimming, biking, and trail running around Grindstone Lake and Lincoln National Forest. Visitors can enjoy race-week events, mountain town hospitality, and Ruidoso’s unique Old West heritage.

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