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
Smokey Bear Stampede
Jul 2
Smokey Bear Stampede

Eight rodeos in four days! The nation’s largest open rodeo weekend includes four nightly rodeos, a two-day ranch rodeo, a youth ranch rodeo, a kid’s rough stock rodeo, a cook-off, kids’ events, and nightly dances. On July 4th, enjoy a full day of Independence celebration with a campfire Dutch oven competition, mutton bustin’, steer riding, evening rodeo, live music, and dance. You don’t want to miss this annual 4th of July celebration! smokeybearstampede.com

30th Annual Lincoln County Art Loop
Jul 4
30th Annual Lincoln County Art Loop

Throughout Lincoln County artists will open their studios, demonstrate their craft and discuss their creative process creating much more than simply a vibrant art market.

Star Spangled Celebration at Inn Of The Mountain Gods
Jul 4
Star Spangled Celebration at Inn Of The Mountain Gods

Celebrate July 4 at Inn of the Mountain Gods with live music, food vendors, and family fun from 12–9 PM. Kids can enjoy jumping balloons (2–7 PM) with a $10 wristband. Then at dusk, don’t miss New Mexico’s largest fireworks show lighting up the sky. Parking is first come, first served—arrive early for the best spot!

Run White & Blue – 5k Color Run or Walk at Moon Mountain Recreation Area
Jul 5
Run White & Blue – 5k Color Run or Walk at Moon Mountain Recreation Area

Celebrate Independence Day Weekend with the Run White & Blue 5K Color Run and Walk—part of the Run Ruidoso 2025 race series! Registration is $25; check-in starts at 7 AM. Bring a nonperishable item for the Lincoln County Food Bank. First 50 to sign in get a free T-shirt; first 70 finishers earn medals. All ages welcome.  Register online via the Activities & Programs tab. Color, community, and a cause—don’t miss it!

All American Tailgate and Drone Light Show
Jul 5
All American Tailgate and Drone Light Show

See 150 drones take flight in a patriotic-themed aerial drone show featuring a 300-foot-tall Statue of Liberty, fireworks, an eagle, and other iconic American images. Meet family and friends for a pre-show tailgate and enjoy FREE family-friendly activities and entertainment starting at 5:00 PM.

RAINBOW WEEKEND at Ruidoso Downs Race Track
Jul 12
RAINBOW WEEKEND at Ruidoso Downs Race Track

Experience Rainbow Weekend on July 12-13 at Ruidoso Downs Race Track, featuring over $2.3 million in purse money. The Rainbow QH Derby, Oaks, and Invitational Stakes showcase top three-year-olds on Saturday, while Sunday’s Futurity and Juvenile Stakes highlight elite two-year-olds. Don’t miss this high-stakes racing event, part of the 46-day summer season!

Ruidoso 50K, Marathon, Half Marathon, Pizza Hut 5K and 1K Kids Run
Jul 18
Ruidoso 50K, Marathon, Half Marathon, Pizza Hut 5K and 1K Kids Run

Join us for the 6th Annual Ruidoso Marathon Weekend! Featuring the Marathon, Half Marathon, Pizza Hut 5K Bun Run, Kids 1K Mini Bun Run, and the State-Forty-Seven Road 47K/50K—New Mexico’s only road 50K. Race through Ruidoso’s scenic, high-elevation terrain. Elevate your running with this challenging race event, the fourth of six Run Ruidoso 2025 series races. Register online today!

ZIA WEEKEND at Ruidoso Downs Race Track
Jul 19
ZIA WEEKEND at Ruidoso Downs Race Track

Experience the Zia Festival Weekend on July 19-20 at Ruidoso Downs Race Track, showcasing New Mexico-bred Quarter Horses with over $700,000 in purse money. Featured races include the Zia QH Derby, Futurity, Stakes, 870 Championship, and Juvenile Finals, with distances from 400 to 870 yards. Don’t miss this high-stakes racing event, part of the 46-day summer season!

54th Annual Ruidoso Art and Wine Festival
Jul 25
54th Annual Ruidoso Art and Wine Festival

Art lovers from around the southwest make an annual trip to Ruidoso for this juried fine arts show that features over 100 of the nation’s most talented artists, showcasing a broad spectrum of mediums, showcasing collectible art and jewelry.

Billy the Kid Pageant and Old Lincoln Days
Aug 1
Billy the Kid Pageant and Old Lincoln Days

The 2025 Billy the Kid Pageant brings history to life in Lincoln, NM, with performances on August 1st, 2nd, and 3rd. This folk play, first staged in 1940, reenacts key moments of the Lincoln County War, including Billy the Kid’s daring escape. Featuring local volunteer actors, many of whom are descendants of past participants, the event offers an authentic Old West experience. Tickets are available only at the gate.

Alto Artists Tour
Aug 1
Alto Artists Tour

This free, self-guided annual tour offers you the chance to explore behind the scenes of the Alto art community. The public is invited to visit private studios and homes throughout Alto to interact with local professional artists. Learn more at AltoArtists.org

Annual Brewdoso Craft Beer and Wine Festival at Wingfield Park
Aug 9
Annual Brewdoso Craft Beer and Wine Festival at Wingfield Park

Exciting News! The Ruidoso Midtown Association is bringing back Brewdoso on August 9 at Wingfield Park! Mark your calendars for craft brews, live music, and a fantastic time in the mountains! Mark Your Calendar: Ticket Sales Go Live May 1 at Brewdoso.com!

XTERRA Ruidoso: Ultimate Off-Road Adventure
Aug 15
XTERRA Ruidoso: Ultimate Off-Road Adventure

Experience the thrill of XTERRA Ruidoso from August 15-17, 2025! Set against the breathtaking Grindstone Lake, this event features full and sprint triathlons, a scenic 10K trail run, and a kids’ race—all designed for athletes and outdoor lovers alike. This event welcomes athletes, families, and outdoor enthusiasts to the lush trails of Grindstone Lake, promising adventure for all.

Ruidoso Grindstone Trails Runs (4M; 8.5M and 13.8M)
Aug 23
Ruidoso Grindstone Trails Runs (4M; 8.5M and 13.8M)

Join the Ruidoso Grindstone Trail Runs at Wingfield Park on August 23, 2025. Celebrate the 11th anniversary with a Half Marathon Heavy (13.8 miles), 8.5 miles, and 4 miles. Events start at 7:00 AM. Proceeds benefit All-Season Adaptive Sports. Top finishers qualify for the XTERRA Trail Run World Championship. Enjoy commemorative swag, cake, and a post-race party. Register now!

Fort Stanton LIVE
Aug 23
Fort Stanton LIVE

Experience history at Fort Stanton's annual event on August 23, featuring Civil War and Indian War re-enactors, demonstrations, live music, and vendors. Enjoy performances by Mescalero Apache dancers and Indian tacos and explore new exhibits in the Nurse's Quarters. Kids can enjoy themed activities, and a blood drive honors the nurses who served. Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for children. Free entry is available for qualifying groups. Buy Tickets >>

White Oaks Miner's Day
Aug 23
White Oaks Miner's Day

The town of White Oaks celebrates its Wild West past with a parade at 10 AM, a play at the schoolhouse, gold panning, a chuckwagon demonstration, food, and vendors. Music from noon to 4:00 pm at the No Scum Allowed Saloon, then again from 6:00- 11:00 pm.

ALL AMERICAN WEEKEND at Ruidoso Downs Race Track
Aug 31
ALL AMERICAN WEEKEND at Ruidoso Downs Race Track

Experience All American Quarter Horse Championship Weekend on August 31 & September 1 at Ruidoso Downs Race Track, featuring over $4.75 million in purses! The All American Futurity G1 ($3M), Derby G1 ($700K), Oaks G1 ($500K), and Gold Cup G1 ($250K) highlight two days of elite Quarter Horse racing. Don’t miss the grand finale of the 2025 racing season!

ALL AMERICAN FUTURITY QH Finals G1 at Ruidoso Downs Race Track
Sep 1
ALL AMERICAN FUTURITY QH Finals G1 at Ruidoso Downs Race Track

Witness Quarter Horse history at the All American Futurity QH Finals G1 on Monday, September 1, at Ruidoso Downs Race Track! Two-year-olds will sprint 440 yards for an estimated $3,000,000 purse in the richest race in the sport. As the grand finale of the 2025 season, this Labor Day showdown is the ultimate test of speed and greatness—don’t miss it!

Rainmakers Golf Tourney
Sep 4
Rainmakers Golf Tourney

Join the RAINMAKERS Golf Tournament on Thurs, Sept 4 at Rainmakers Golf Course in Alto, NM! $135 includes breakfast, lunch, cart & green fees. 7 AM registration, 8 AM shotgun start. Play for prizes while supporting Spencer Theater operations & programming. Sponsorships: $275 Hole, $1,000 Presenting. Beautiful course, great cause—sign up now!

Run to Ruidoso: Rusty Balls C10 Club Car and Truck Show
Sep 19
Run to Ruidoso: Rusty Balls C10 Club Car and Truck Show

Join the Rusty Balls C10 Club NM Car and Truck Show on September 19-20 at Ruidoso Downs Racetrack, featuring special guest Steve Darnell from Vegas Rat Rods. The weekend kicks off with a Friday night pre-party at Jack’s Backstage, followed by Saturday’s car show with multiple award categories. After the show, enjoy a free after-party at Rusty Balls Speed Shop with food, music, and giveaways! 

Ruidoso Oktoberfest - Downshift Brewing Company Riverside
Sep 27
Ruidoso Oktoberfest - Downshift Brewing Company Riverside

Raise a stein to Ruidoso Oktoberfest! Celebrate at Downshift Brewing Company—Riverside with beer, German food, and family fun. Enjoy live entertainment, including Fungi Mungle and Die Polka Schlingels. Enter contests for best dressed, stein hoisting, and the chicken dance. Tickets start at $10, and VIP passes include tokens, swag, and exclusive perks. This is a rain-or-shine event! BUY TICKETS »

Ruidoso AspenFest: Ruidoso's Favorite Fall Celebration.
Oct 4
Ruidoso AspenFest: Ruidoso's Favorite Fall Celebration.

Celebrate Autumn in Ruidoso at AspenFest. The weekend celebration is on Saturday, October 4, 2025, 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!

3rd Annual New Mexico 4x4 Rally at Ruidoso Convention Center
Oct 10
3rd Annual New Mexico 4x4 Rally at Ruidoso Convention Center

The 3rd Annual New Mexico 4x4 Rally at the Ruidoso Convention Center is a three-day celebration of off-road excitement and community spirit. Attendees can enjoy a vibrant vendor exhibit, car show, trail challenges, a cornhole tournament, and an overlanding campout. Open to all street-legal off-road vehicles, the family-friendly event promises fun for all ages.Don't miss out—buy tickets now! nm4x4rally.com/

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

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.

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 »

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