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 Days – 50th Anniversary Celebration
May 1
Smokey Bear Days – 50th Anniversary Celebration

Celebrate Smokey Bear’s birthday and the 50th anniversary of Smokey Bear Historical Park at Smokey Bear Days in Capitan, NM. This free, two-day festival features fire prevention and conservation exhibits, a hometown parade, firefighter challenge, food vendors, games, and family-friendly fun. May 1–2, 10 AM–4 PM.

Lincoln Forest Renaissance Faire at Wingfield Park
May 15
Lincoln Forest Renaissance Faire at Wingfield Park

Step into a world of knights, music, and merriment at the Lincoln Forest Renaissance Faire, May 15–17, 2026, at Wingfield Park in Ruidoso. Enjoy live entertainment, a lively medieval marketplace, period-inspired food, and family-friendly activities. Costumes welcome—come for a few hours or stay the day and savor the magic of the Renaissance. Information and tickets at https://www.lincolnforestrenfair.com

Ruidoso Downs 2026 Racing Season Begins (HOSTED AT ALBUQUERQUE DOWNS)
May 22
Ruidoso Downs 2026 Racing Season Begins (HOSTED AT ALBUQUERQUE DOWNS)

The historic Ruidoso Downs horse racing season begins May 22, 2026. For the 2026 season, races will take place at The Downs Racetrack & Casino in Albuquerque. Learn more about the season schedule and related events connected to Ruidoso Downs. Learn More >>

Memorial Day Weekend Opening: Wibit Water Park & Ruidoso Municipal Pool
May 23
Memorial Day Weekend Opening: Wibit Water Park & Ruidoso Municipal Pool

Kick off summer in Ruidoso over Memorial Day Weekend with the opening of the Wibit Water Park at Grindstone Lake and the Ruidoso Municipal Pool. Enjoy floating inflatable fun, classic pool swimming, and family-friendly recreation. Wibit opens 10 AM–6 PM; Pool opens 11 AM–4:30 PM. Fees apply.

8th Annual Great High Mountain Bed Race
May 30
8th Annual Great High Mountain Bed Race

Watch teams parade and race decorated beds through Midtown Ruidoso during the 8th Annual High Mountain Bed Race. The route runs from Center Street to Country Club Drive and back, followed by food, games, and festivities at Wingfield Park. Join the fun and stay for awards at noon.

Humane Society of Lincoln County Furr Ball 2026
Jun 5
Humane Society of Lincoln County Furr Ball 2026

The Annual FurrBall is a fundraising event for the Humane Society of Lincoln County featuring dinner, entertainment, and live and silent auctions. Enjoy a fun night out and support our homeless animals! Learn more at hslcnm.org/index.php/furrball/

2026 Rec Youth Summer Wilderness Camp – Week 1 (June 8 - 12)
Jun 8
2026 Rec Youth Summer Wilderness Camp – Week 1 (June 8 - 12)

Visiting Ruidoso this summer? Ruidoso Parks and Recreation’s Youth Summer Wilderness Camp invites kids ages 7–12 to explore hiking, fishing, wildlife, swimming, and more in the cool mountain air. Held June 8–12 and June 15–19, 2026. $65 per week. Space is limited to 25 campers. Registration opens March 1. For more details, call (575) 257-5030. Sign up at https://secure.rec1.com/NM/villiage-of-ruidoso-nm/catalog

Opening Day Midtown Market (Seasonal, June to October)
Jun 13
Opening Day Midtown Market (Seasonal, June to October)

Discover fresh, local foods and handmade crafts at the Midtown Market, where artists, bakers, wineries, and more converge on Saturdays to provide locally made products in Midtown at Country Club Park, located at 100 Country Club Drive. June 13, 2026, to October 3, 2026. See you there!

2026 Rec Youth Summer Wilderness Camp – Week 2 (June 15–19)
Jun 15
2026 Rec Youth Summer Wilderness Camp – Week 2 (June 15–19)

Visiting Ruidoso this summer? Ruidoso Parks and Recreation’s Youth Summer Wilderness Camp invites kids ages 7–12 to explore hiking, fishing, wildlife, swimming, and more in the cool mountain air. Held June 8–12 and June 15–19, 2026. $65 per week. Space is limited to 25 campers. Registration opens March 1. For more details, call (575) 257-5030. Sign up at https://secure.rec1.com/NM/villiage-of-ruidoso-nm/catalog

Annual Brewdoso Craft Beer and Wine Festival at Wingfield Park
Jun 20
Annual Brewdoso Craft Beer and Wine Festival at Wingfield Park

Brewdoso 2026 returns to Wingfield Park on June 20 for a full day of craft beer, live music, and mountain-town energy. Sample regional and national brews, enjoy food vendors and artisan booths, and settle in for an evening of concerts under the pines. A signature summer celebration in the heart of Ruidoso. Learn more at Brewdoso.com

31st Annual Lincoln County Art Loop
Jul 3
31st Annual Lincoln County Art Loop

Experience the art where it’s made. Throughout Lincoln County, painters, sculptors, and artisans open their studios for a self-guided tour that invites you to meet the makers, watch live demonstrations, and discover original works directly from local artists.

Run White & Blue – 5k Color Run or Walk at Wingfield Park
Jul 4
Run White & Blue – 5k Color Run or Walk at Wingfield Park

Celebrate the Fourth of July with the Run White & Blue 5K on Saturday, July 4, 2026 at 10 AM on The Links Trail in Ruidoso. Starting near the Dog Park and Tennis Courts, this all-ages race is part of the Run Ruidoso series. Runners and walkers are encouraged to bring nonperishable food donations to support the Lincoln County Food Bank. Register online via the Activities & Programs tab. Color, community, and a cause—don’t miss it!

Fort Stanton LIVE
Jul 11
Fort Stanton LIVE

Step back in time at Fort Stanton LIVE on July 11, 2026, from 9:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Enjoy Civil War and Indian Wars re-enactors, live demonstrations, Mescalero Apache dancers, local vendors, food, and family-friendly activities celebrating history and culture.

IRONMAN® 70.3 Race Weekend in Ruidoso
Jul 11
IRONMAN® 70.3 Race Weekend in Ruidoso

Ruidoso is proud to host IRONMAN® 70.3 Ruidoso Race Weekend 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 »

55th Annual Ruidoso Art and Wine Festival
Jul 24
55th Annual Ruidoso Art and Wine Festival

A cornerstone of Ruidoso’s cultural calendar, this juried fine art show draws over 100 acclaimed artists from across the country. Explore paintings, sculpture, pottery, jewelry, and more while enjoying regional wines, live music, and mountain hospitality. Don’t miss: The opportunity to meet featured artists and add a one-of-a-kind piece to your collection.

Alto Artists Tour
Aug 7
Alto Artists 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 AltoArtists.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.

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.

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 >>

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

Ruidoso hosts the XTERRA World Championship October 8–11, 2026, marking XTERRA’s 30th anniversary. Elite athletes compete across high-altitude swim, bike, and trail run courses set around Grindstone Lake, while visitors enjoy race-week excitement, cool October weather, and Ruidoso’s distinctive mountain-town charm.

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.